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Method and apparatus for optically determining note characteristics from key motion in a keyboard operated musical instrument

  • US 5,841,050 A
  • Filed: 06/10/1996
  • Issued: 11/24/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/27/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for determining motion characteristics of selected string striking means in a keyboard operated musical instrument having a plurality of string striking means, comprising:

  • (a) a plurality of sensor banks, each said sensor bank including a plurality of sensor boards, each said sensor board including a plurality of light emitters and corresponding light sensors, said light emitters and corresponding light sensors positioned adjacent said plurality of string striking means in said keyboard operated musical instrument, each said light sensor producing an output voltage responsive to intensity of sensed light reflected from a corresponding one of said plurality of string striking means in said keyboard operated musical instrument; and

    (b) control means for addressing said sensor banks, addressing said sensor boards, activating said light emitters and said light sensors in said addressed sensor boards, acquiring voltage output data from said light sensors in said addressed sensor boards, sequencing between addressing a sensor bank and a sensor board in said addressed sensor bank, and determining motion characteristics of said plurality of string striking means from said acquired output voltage data.

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