Vinyl disc player capable of automatically selecting music

Abstract

The utility model relates to a vinyl disc player capable of automatically selecting songs, which mainly comprises a magnetic induction module embedded in a singing arm, a firmware operation module, a power driving module for controlling the singing arm to horizontally move and vertically lift and an application program, and is characterized in that the magnetic induction module is used for monitoring the position of the singing arm on a vinyl disc; the firmware operation module is used for receiving an audio signal acquired by a stylus and judging a music-free area in the groove of the vinyl record through audio feature analysis and duration verification; therefore, the music starting point and the music ending point of the groove on the vinyl record are monitored by combining the magnetic induction technology with the firmware arithmetic logic, and the music gap and data of the vinyl record are automatically marked and managed through the application program, so that the intellectualization and the convenience of automatic music selection and playing of the vinyl record are realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of turntable technology, and in particular to a turntable with automatic control and song selection functions that can automatically select songs. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional vinyl record players typically cannot accurately locate specific tracks and cannot intelligently record or operate digitally.

[0003] Existing optically positioned turntables, such as the classic Sony PS-FL7 II model produced in the 1980s, use a mechanical and optical system for track selection. They primarily employ optical sensors or similar tracking technology, with photoelectric sensors located at the tonearm base to detect differences in reflectivity between grooves on the record surface. The tracks between two songs have gaps, which contain no audio signal. When the optical sensor detects a gap, its reflectivity differs from that of the grooves on the audio track, thus triggering the sensor signal. Therefore, traditional turntables determine the groove positions on the record by detecting the gaps between the record tracks using optical sensors. Then, a simple logic circuit calculates the number of gaps and drives the tonearm to move to the starting position of the target track. The actual operation is as follows:

[0004] 1. Set track number: The user enters the target track number using the number keys (0-9) on the turntable panel (e.g., press "3" for track 3).

[0005] 2. To activate automatic track selection, press the "Search" button. The tonearm will automatically lift and quickly move to the starting position at the outer edge of the record, then begin scanning. The turntable rotates at high speed (higher than normal playback speed), and the photoelectric sensor continuously detects track gaps. Each detected gap (track interval) decrements the counter by 1 until it reaches zero (the target track has been reached). Once the target track is reached, the tonearm automatically lowers and plays at normal speed.

[0006] Traditional turntable technology has many limitations and conditions. For example, there must be a noticeable physical gap between tracks (approximately 1-2 seconds of silence, with a selection error of about ±1 track). If the record is recorded continuously (such as classical music or live albums), the selection function may fail. Some non-standard recorded records (such as those from underground labels or DIY records) may not be detected correctly. Furthermore, photoelectric sensors are susceptible to interference from dust, scratches, or reflective labels, which may lead to misjudgments, especially on old or worn records. In addition, it has the following disadvantages:

[0007] 1. To achieve high-speed scanning, the turntable needs to accelerate briefly, which may increase the motor load and stylus wear.

[0008] 2. The success rate of song selection is greatly affected by the condition of the record, and its practicality is lower than expected.

[0009] 3. High-speed scanning may accelerate the wear and tear on the stylus and record (especially precious vinyl records should be used with caution).

[0010] 4. It has no memory function. For the same record and the same song, the above operation steps must be repeated every time the song is selected.

[0011] Therefore, the inventor of this case, drawing on years of rich design, development and practical manufacturing experience in the relevant industry, actively researched and developed a turntable that can automatically select tracks, in order to achieve better practical value. Utility Model Content

[0012] The main objective of this invention is to provide a turntable with automatic track selection, specifically a turntable based on magnetic induction technology and intelligent firmware computation that can determine and record the positions of grooves without music on a vinyl record, and combine this with motor control to achieve automatic tonearm positioning and track selection. Furthermore, operation and data management are handled through an app, enhancing the user experience.

[0013] The main purpose and function of this utility model of an automatic track-selecting turntable are achieved by the following specific technical means:

[0014] A turntable mainly comprises a turntable body with a platter that holds a vinyl record. The platter is driven to rotate by a power source, and a tonearm is mounted on one side of the platter body. The tonearm has a cartridge at its front end and a stylus on the cartridge. The stylus can move within the grooves of the vinyl record to acquire audio. The turntable primarily includes a magnetic induction module, a firmware computing module, a power drive module for controlling the horizontal movement and vertical lifting of the tonearm, and an application program embedded within the tonearm. The magnetic induction module monitors the position of the tonearm on the vinyl record, while the firmware computing module receives the audio signal acquired by the stylus and uses audio feature analysis and duration verification to determine the non-musical areas in the grooves of the vinyl record. Thus, by combining magnetic induction technology with firmware computing logic to monitor the start and end points of music in the grooves of the vinyl record, and by automatically marking and managing the gaps and data of the vinyl record tracks through the application program, intelligent and convenient automatic track selection and playback is achieved.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the turntable with automatic song selection of this utility model, the turntable further includes an APP program. The APP program is built on a mobile device and wirelessly connected to a remote control module. The remote control module is built on the turntable body and connected to the turntable control unit. The APP program on the mobile device receives user operation commands to remotely select songs.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the turntable with automatic song selection of this utility model, the magnetic induction module includes a magnetic arc-shaped seat mounted on the rotating shaft of the tonearm and having travel magnet units at both ends, and a magnetic force sensing unit mounted on the turntable body and corresponding to the magnetic arc-shaped seat. The magnetic force sensing unit is used to convert the magnetic force change generated when the magnetic arc-shaped seat moves into a voltage change, which is then interpreted by the firmware computing module.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the turntable with automatic song selection of this utility model, the magnetic sensing unit is a Hall sensor.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the turntable with automatic track selection of this utility model, the turntable further includes an analog-to-digital conversion unit. The analog-to-digital conversion unit receives and converts the audio signal acquired by the stylus, and then uses the firmware computing module to analyze the amplitude, spectrum and duration of the audio signal to determine the gaps between tracks without music.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the turntable with automatic track selection of this utility model, the turntable further includes a cartridge signal amplification unit, which receives and amplifies the audio signal acquired by the stylus, outputs a portion of it, and transmits the other portion to the analog-to-digital conversion unit for conversion.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the turntable with automatic track selection of this utility model, the turntable further includes a signal analysis unit, a signal reading unit, and a signal output unit. The signal output unit receives the amplified audio signal, adjusts the gain, converts it, and outputs a portion of it. The other portion is received by the signal reading unit, and the signal analysis unit analyzes the frequency domain energy through fast Fourier transform to distinguish the gaps in the grooves where there is no music.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the turntable with automatic song selection of this utility model, the power drive module includes a rotary motor unit for controlling the horizontal movement of the tonearm and a lifting motor unit for controlling the vertical lifting and lowering of the tonearm.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the turntable with automatic track selection of this utility model, the turntable has a first-time use learning process, and can record the position and automatically mark the track gaps through the application during playback. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the block of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a top view of the turntable of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the horizontal rotational displacement of the tonearm in the turntable of this utility model.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0029] 1. Turntable unit;

[0030] 2. Turntable; 21. Turntable power source;

[0031] 3. Tonearm; 31. Cartridge; 32. Stylus;

[0032] 4. Power drive module; 41. Rotary motor unit; 42. Lifting motor unit; 421. Lifting rod;

[0033] 5. Magnetic induction module; 51. Magnetic arc base; 511. Travel magnet unit; 512. Travel magnet unit; 52. Magnetic force sensing unit;

[0034] 6. Turntable control unit; 61. Firmware processing module; 62. Application program;

[0035] 7. Analog / Digital Conversion Unit; 71. Signal Output Unit; 72. Signal Readout Unit; 73. Signal Analysis Unit; 74. Phono Signal Amplification Unit;

[0036] 8. App program; 81. Mobile device;

[0037] 9. Remote control module;

[0038] A. Vinyl record; A1. Groove. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To provide a more complete and clear disclosure of the technical content, purpose, and effects achieved by this utility model, please refer to the accompanying drawings and reference numerals. A detailed description follows:

[0040] First, please refer to Figures 1 to 2As shown, this is a three-dimensional exploded view and structural diagram of the turntable with automatic song selection according to this utility model. The turntable mainly has a turntable body 1, on which a turntable 2 is provided to carry a vinyl record A. The turntable 2 is driven to rotate by a turntable power source 21, and a tonearm 3 is provided on one side of the turntable 2. The tonearm 3 is mounted on the turntable body 1, and its front end has a cartridge 31 and a stylus 32 is provided on the cartridge 31. The stylus 32 can move in the groove A1 of the vinyl record A to obtain audio.

[0041] The tonearm 3 is connected to a power drive module 4, which controls the horizontal movement and vertical lifting of the tonearm 3. A magnetic induction module 5 is embedded within the tonearm 3 to monitor its horizontal position on the vinyl record A. A turntable control unit 6 is located within the turntable body 1, connected to the platter power source 21 and the power drive module 4. A firmware computing module 61 is also built into the turntable control unit 6, which receives signals from the stylus. The audio signal acquired by 32 is analyzed by audio feature analysis in conjunction with the time change of the horizontal displacement of the stylus to determine the gaps between tracks without music in groove A1 of vinyl record A, so as to monitor the start and end points of music for each track on vinyl record A. The firmware computing module 61 is connected to an application program 62, which records and manages the gaps and data of each track on vinyl record A, and provides remote control of track selection to drive the turntable control unit 6 to control the tonearm 3 to descend to the groove of the track selection for playback, so as to realize the automatic track selection and playback of the turntable.

[0042] Please see Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this utility model mainly relies on magnetic induction technology and intelligent firmware calculation to determine the position of the groove without music in the vinyl record A, and combines this with motor control to realize the automatic positioning and song selection functions of the tonearm 3. Further explanation of the technical features of this utility model is as follows:

[0043] (I) Magnetic induction monitoring and tonearm positioning:

[0044] The main component is a magnetic induction module 5 embedded within the tonearm 3. This module includes a magnetic arc-shaped base 51 mounted on the pivot of the tonearm 3, with travel magnet units 511 and 512 at both ends, and a magnetic force sensing unit 52 mounted on the turntable body 1 and corresponding to the magnetic arc-shaped base 51. The magnetic force sensing unit 52 converts the magnetic force changes generated when the magnetic arc-shaped base 51 moves into voltage changes, which are then processed by the turntable control unit 6. Furthermore, the magnetic force sensing unit 52 employs a Hall sensor.

[0045] When the tonearm 3 is positioned and its position is calibrated, the magnetic induction signal monitored by the magnetic sensing unit 52 is converted into the physical coordinates of the stylus 32 by the firmware calculation module 61, and matched with the pre-stored vinyl record A specifications (such as diameter and speed) to establish a position-time correspondence model.

[0046] (II) Algorithm interpretation for firmware operation modules without music groove gaps:

[0047] Groove Feature Analysis: The audio signal acquired by the stylus 32 is converted by the analog-to-digital converter 7 (AD / AC), and then the following analysis is performed by the firmware processing module 61:

[0048] 1. Amplitude threshold detection: The amplitude of the music-free groove A1 is lower than the set threshold.

[0049] 2. Spectral Feature Identification: Frequency domain energy is analyzed using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to distinguish between musical segments and blank grooves. The signal analysis unit 73 is responsible for analyzing the signal from the signal reading unit 72 (which receives the stylus signal after gain adjustment by the signal output unit 71 and converts it into a usable form), determining whether the stylus 32 has passed through the blank gap between tracks or has entered the locked groove area of ​​the record, and outputting its analysis results to the turntable control unit 6.

[0050] 3. Duration verification: The duration of blank groove A1 must be greater than the default value (e.g., 2 seconds) to avoid misjudgment.

[0051] 4. Dynamic learning mechanism: Automatically adjusts the interpretation parameters according to the characteristics of different records (such as older records having higher noise).

[0052] (III) Multi-degree-of-freedom tonearm control mechanism:

[0053] The multi-degree-of-freedom rotation of the tonearm 3 is mainly achieved by the power drive module 4, which includes a rotary motor unit 41 for controlling the horizontal movement of the tonearm 3 and a lifting motor unit 42 for controlling the vertical lifting of the tonearm 3.

[0054] The rotary motor unit 41 controls the horizontal rotation and movement of the tonearm 3, achieving closed-loop control in conjunction with the magnetic induction feedback of the magnetic induction module 5. The magnetic sensing unit 52 (Hall sensor) is responsible for reading the position sensing signal of the tonearm 3, processing the noise, and outputting the position data to the turntable control unit 6. The lifting motor unit 42 drives a lifting rod 421 to automatically raise and lower the tonearm 3 at the start or end of playback to prevent the stylus 32 from scratching the record. The lifting motor unit 42 receives instructions from the turntable control unit 6 to lift the tonearm 3. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that the path planning algorithm calculates the optimal motion path (such as a minimum acceleration curve) based on the target track position to avoid mechanical vibration.

[0055] The following describes a method for automatically selecting tracks on a turntable. First, when playing each vinyl record A for the first time, the user needs to go through a learning process: the user simply needs to press the play button or control it from an APP program 8. This invention also includes an APP program 8, built on a mobile device 81. The APP program 8 is wirelessly connected to a remote control module 9, which is connected to the turntable control unit 6. The remote control module 9 receives user operation commands through the APP program 8 on the mobile device 81 to remotely control track selection. Therefore, the user can control the turntable from the turntable body 1 or the mobile device. When the APP program 8 in the device 81 presses the play button, the tonearm 3 moves to the position of the first track on the vinyl record A, and the stylus 32 starts rotating at the starting point of the first track. The algorithm of the firmware computing module 61 monitors the start and end points of each track on the vinyl record A, such as amplitude threshold detection, spectrum feature identification and time continuity verification, as mentioned above. The application program records the position and automatically marks the track gaps. At the same time, the turntable control unit 6 receives the judgment output of the signal analysis unit 73 and the output of the magnetic force sensing unit 52 (Hall sensor) to determine the starting position of each song on the vinyl record A.

[0056] (iv) APP integration and data management:

[0057] It primarily uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi communication modules to connect (control and database) with the APP program 8 on the mobile device 81, synchronizing the following functions:

[0058] 1. Track Marking Database: Stores the track timecode for each record (automatically learned or manually marked upon first playback). The APP program 8 in the mobile device 81 is responsible for creating and editing the database based on the received vinyl record A position data.

[0059] 2. Remote control for song selection: After selecting a song through the APP program 8, the tonearm 3 automatically moves to the position corresponding to the song, and then the turntable control unit 6 receives the output command from the remote control module 9 (i.e., receives the APP command) to operate each unit.

[0060] 3. Customizable playlists: Edit track order across albums, with the system automatically switching albums (requires a multi-disc design).

[0061] 4. Turntable Control Unit 6: As the control core of the entire device, it is responsible for the playback control of the entire turntable (i.e., controlling the power drive module 4 of tonearm 3 and the turntable power source 21). It receives user settings, signal analysis unit 73, and magnetic sensing unit 52 (Hall sensor) outputs. By interpreting the data from magnetic sensing unit 52 and analog / digital conversion unit 7, it calculates the position of tonearm 3, identifies the groove and non-groove areas, defines the song position, and issues commands to other units to achieve functions such as automatic song selection. Simultaneously, it is also responsible for starting, stopping, and controlling the rotation speed of the turntable 2. The turntable power source 21 drives the turntable 2 to operate at a constant speed, and provides the remote control module 9 with machine status and record song start position data.

[0062] 5. Cartridge 31: Responsible for converting the sound grooves on the surface of the vinyl record A into a weak voltage signal. After being amplified by the cartridge signal amplification unit 74, part of it is output to the external amplifier, and the other part is provided to the analog / digital conversion unit 7 for conversion into the turntable control unit 6 for interpretation.

[0063] The innovation of this invention lies in its composite groove reading mechanism that combines audio feature analysis and physical position calibration, effectively solving the problem of interference susceptibility in traditional optical monitoring. Furthermore, the integrated magnetic induction positioning and motor-driven closed-loop tonearm control system achieves sub-millimeter positioning accuracy, such as 3±0.5mm. Multiple records can be managed via an app, enabling cross-record playlist functionality.

[0064] The foregoing embodiments or drawings are not intended to limit the implementation of this utility model. Any appropriate changes or modifications made by those skilled in the art should be considered as not departing from the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A turntable with automatic track selection capability, the turntable mainly comprising a turntable body, a platter for carrying vinyl records mounted on the turntable body, the platter being driven to rotate by a turntable power source, and a tonearm mounted on one side of the platter, the tonearm being mounted on the turntable body, the front end of the tonearm having a cartridge and a stylus on the cartridge, the stylus being able to move within the grooves of the vinyl record to acquire audio, characterized in that: The tonearm is connected to a power drive module, which controls the horizontal movement and vertical lifting of the tonearm. A magnetic induction module is embedded within the tonearm to monitor its horizontal position on the vinyl record. A turntable control unit is located within the turntable unit, connected to the turntable power source and the power drive module. A firmware computing module is also embedded within the turntable control unit. This module receives audio signals from the stylus and, through audio feature analysis and the time variation of the stylus's horizontal displacement, determines the gaps between tracks in the grooves of the vinyl record where there is no music. This allows the monitoring of the start and end points of each track on the vinyl record. The firmware computing module is connected to an application program, which records and manages the gaps and data for each track on the vinyl record and provides remote track selection control, driving the turntable control unit to lower the tonearm to the selected groove for playback.

2. The turntable with automatic song selection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The turntable also includes an APP program, which is built on a mobile device. The APP program is wirelessly connected to a remote control module, which is built on the turntable body and connected to the turntable control unit. The APP program on the mobile device receives user operation commands to remotely select tracks.

3. The turntable with automatic track selection according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The magnetic induction module includes a magnetic arc-shaped base mounted on the shaft of the tonearm and having travel magnet units at both ends, and a magnetic force sensing unit mounted on the turntable body and corresponding to the magnetic arc-shaped base. The magnetic force sensing unit is used to convert the magnetic force change generated when the magnetic arc-shaped base moves into a voltage change, which is then interpreted by the firmware computing module.

4. The turntable with automatic song selection according to claim 3, characterized in that, The magnetic sensing unit is a Hall sensor.

5. The turntable with automatic track selection according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The turntable also includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), which receives and converts the audio signal acquired by the stylus, and then uses the firmware processing module to analyze the amplitude, spectrum, and duration of the audio signal to determine the gaps between tracks without music.

6. The turntable with automatic song selection according to claim 5, characterized in that, The turntable also includes a cartridge signal amplification unit, which receives and amplifies the audio signal acquired by the stylus, outputs a portion of it, and transmits the other portion to the analog-to-digital converter for conversion.

7. The turntable with automatic song selection according to claim 6, characterized in that, The turntable also includes a signal analysis unit, a signal reading unit, and a signal output unit. The signal output unit receives the amplified audio signal, adjusts the gain, converts it, and outputs a portion of it. The other portion is received by the signal reading unit and analyzed by the signal analysis unit through fast Fourier transform to distinguish the gaps in the grooves where there is no music.

8. The turntable with automatic track selection according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The power drive module includes a rotary motor unit for controlling the horizontal movement of the tonearm and a lifting motor unit for controlling the vertical lifting and lowering of the tonearm.

9. The turntable with automatic track selection according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The turntable has a first-time user learning process, and can record the position and automatically mark the track gaps during playback via the application.

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