Tuner provided inside guitar and exposed only to player, and system

Abstract

A tuning system is disclosed. The tuning system includes a tuner installed on an inner side of a sound-board of a body of a guitar and providing tuning information, and a pre-amplifier installed on the inner side of the sound-board, amplifying sound generated from the guitar, and transmitting amplified sound to an external device. The tuner may be connected to the pre-amplifier to receive electric power from the pre-amplifier.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tuner for tuning a guitar and a system including a tuner, and more particularly, relates to a tuner and a system which are installed to receive electric power from a pre-amplifier.[Background Art]

[0002] In a musical instrument such as a guitar, a tuner is an electronic device that provides information required for tuning, based on a frequency of sound actually generated by the musical instrument.

[0003] In the related art, in general, a tuner for tuning the guitar is temporarily fixed to a head of the guitar, or is integrally attached to one surface of a body of the guitar so that a display of the tuner is externally visible in the guitar. Consequently, in many cases, the tuner is unnecessarily externally exposed.

[0004] In addition, the tuner in the related art is an independently operated electronic device, and generally requires a separate battery dedicated to the tuner. Therefore, there is a problem in that the separate battery dedicated to the tuner is inevitably replaced or managed.[Disclosure][Technical Problem]

[0005] The present disclosure provides a tuner installed inside a guitar and receiving a power supply from a pre-amplifier to eliminate a need for a separate battery or a power supply system.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a tuner installed inside a guitar but having a display visible to a guitar player through a sound hole, the tuner providing tuning information without impairing an appearance of a guitar.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a tuner installed inside a guitar and receiving a power supply from a pre-amplifier to eliminate a need for a separate battery or a power supply system.

[0008] The present disclosure provides a system configured to include a single electric power supply system through a tuner, a pre-amplifier, and a battery unit which are installed inside a guitar, the system being superior in terms of electric power consumption without impairing an appearance.

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described objects, and other objects and advantages of the present disclosure which are not described herein may be understood by the following description, and will be more clearly understood by embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, it will be easily understood that the objects and the advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by means and combinations thereof which are described in the appended claims.[Technical Solution]

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a tuning system including a tuner installed on an inner side of a sound-board of a body of a guitar and providing tuning information, and a pre-amplifier installed on the inner side of the sound-board, amplifying sound generated from the guitar, and transmitting amplified sound to an external device. The tuner is connected to the pre-amplifier, and receives electric power from the pre-amplifier.

[0011] The tuner may include a sensor for detecting vibration of the sound-board, and a display that identifies a frequency of the sound according to the detected vibration and provides the tuning information.

[0012] In this case, the tuner may be installed in a downward direction of a sound hole formed in the sound-board of the body, based on a posture of the guitar horizontally placed for musical performance, and may be installed so that a certain percentage or more of the tuner is hidden not to be visible through the sound hole in a direction of a front surface of the guitar. The display may face an upward direction so that the display is visible to the guitar player when the guitar player looks at an inside of the sound hole in the downward direction from above, based on the posture of the guitar horizontally placed for musical performance.

[0013] Meanwhile, the pre-amplifier may acquire a first audio signal in accordance with a piezoelectric effect of a piezoelectric element included in a pickup sensor when a saddle formed on a front surface portion vibrates, based on the sound generated from the guitar, may acquire a second audio signal matching the sound generated from the guitar through a microphone, and may generate an amplified audio signal, based on the first audio signal and the second audio signal.

[0014] In this case, the tuner may include a display that provides tuning information, the pre-amplifier may transmit data on a frequency of the sound detected through the pickup sensor to the tuner, and the tuner may display the tuning information acquired based on the data through the display.

[0015] Meanwhile, the tuner may be turned on or off in accordance with a user operation performed on a button provided in the tuner, and while the tuner is turned on, at least one control signal may be transmitted to the pre-amplifier to deactivate an amplification function of the pre-amplifier.

[0016] In addition, the tuner may be automatically turned off when a certain period of time elapses after the tuner is turned on.

[0017] The pre-amplifier may receive supply of electric power from a battery attached to the guitar or from at least one external device.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a tuning system including a tuner installed on an inner side of a sound-board of a body of a guitar and providing tuning information, a pre-amplifier installed on the inner side of the sound-board, amplifying sound generated from the guitar, and transmits amplified sound to an external device, and a battery unit for supplying electric power to the pre-amplifier. The tuner is connected to the pre-amplifier to receive the electric power from the pre-amplifier.

[0019] The battery unit may include a power supply unit including a battery box in which at least one battery is replaced, and a connection portion for being connected to each of the pre-amplifier and the external device. An audio signal output through the pre-amplifier may be output to the external device through the connection portion.[Advantageous Effects]

[0020] A tuner and a system according to the present disclosure are installed adjacent to a sound hole on an inner side of a sound-board. In this manner, there is an advantageous effect as follows. Although an outward exposure of the tuner and a pre-amplifier is limited, tuning information is visible to a guitar player.

[0021] In addition, a tuner according to the present disclosure has an advantage as follows. Since electric power is received from a pre-amplifier, a separate battery is not required. In this way, management is convenient since electric power supply sources of electronic devices attached to a guitar are integrated.[Description of Drawings]

[0022] FIG. 1 is a diagram for describing a schematic structure of a guitar and a configuration of a system including a tuner and a pre-amplifier which are installed inside the guitar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for describing each configuration of the tuner and the pre-amplifier according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3a is a diagram for describing an appearance of the tuner and tuning information displayed through the tuner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3b is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the pre-amplifier according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4a is a diagram for describing each disposition and each connection relationship of the tuner and the pre-amplifier which are installed inside the guitar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4b is a diagram for describing a state of the tuner and the pre-amplifier which are formed to fit a shape of a sound hole and partially exposed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5a is a diagram illustrating a state where the pre-amplifier installed inside the guitar is viewed from below a front surface through the sound hole according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5b is a diagram illustrating a state where the tuner installed inside the guitar is viewed from above the front surface through the sound hole according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing a configuration of a system including the tuner, the pre-amplifier, and a battery unit which are installed inside the guitar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a block diagram for describing a configuration of each of the tuner, the pre-amplifier, and the battery unit according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the battery unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing each disposition and each connection relationship of the tuner, the pre-amplifier, and the battery unit which are installed inside the guitar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Mode for Disclosure]

[0023] Before the present disclosure is described in detail, a method for describing the present specification and the drawings will be described.

[0024] First, as terms used in the present specification and the appended claims, general terms are selected in view of functions in various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, these terms may vary depending on intentions of those skilled in the art, legal or technical interpretations, and introduction of new technologies. In addition, some terms are selected in any desired way by the applicant. These terms may be interpreted as defined in the present specification, and when there is no specific definition of the terms, the terms may be interpreted based on overall content of the present specification and common technical knowledge in the related art.

[0025] In addition, the same reference numbers or symbols described in each drawing attached to the present specification represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function. For convenience of description and understanding, the same reference numbers or symbols are used in describing mutually different embodiments. That is, even when components having the same reference numerals are all illustrated in multiple drawings, the multiple drawings do not mean one embodiment.

[0026] In addition, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" may be used in the present specification and the appended claims to distinguish between components. These ordinal numbers are used to distinguish between the same or similar components, and using these ordinal numbers should not limitedly interpret meanings of the terms. For example, components combined with these ordinal numbers should not be restricted in a use order or a disposition order by the ordinal numbers. When necessary, the respective ordinal numbers may be used interchangeably.

[0027] In the present specification, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the present application, terms such as "including" or "configured" are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the present specification. It should be understood that the terms do not exclude in advance a possibility of the presence or additions of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0028] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, terms such as "module", "unit", and "part" are terms used to refer to components that perform at least one function or operation. These components may be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of the hardware and the software. In addition, a plurality of "modules", "units", and "parts" may be integrated into at least one module or chip, and may be implemented as at least one processor, except for a case where each of the plurality of "modules", "units", and "parts" needs to be implemented as individually specific hardware.

[0029] In addition, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, when it is described that one portion is connected to another part, this description includes not only direct connection but also indirect connection through another medium. In addition, when it is described that a certain portion includes a certain component, this description means that the certain portion may further include another component, rather than excluding another component, unless otherwise specifically described.

[0030] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a diagram for describing a schematic structure of a guitar and a configuration of a system including a tuner and a pre-amplifier which are installed inside the guitar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, the guitar is generally divided into a body, a neck, and a head. Strings of the guitar, which start from the body and lead to the head after passing through the neck via a saddle, and sound resonates into the body through a sound hole formed in a sound-board of the body.

[0033] Referring to Fig. 1, a tuner 100 and a pre-amplifier 200 may be respectively installed inside the body of the guitar.

[0034] The tuner 100 is an electronic device that provides tuning information, based on a frequency of the sound generated in the guitar, and may be installed on an inner side of the sound-board of the body of the guitar.

[0035] The pre-amplifier 200 is an electronic device that amplifies the sound generated from the guitar and transmits amplified sound to an external device (for example, an amplifier, a speaker, a headphone, and a headset), and may also be installed on the inner side of the sound-board of the body of the guitar.

[0036] In the present disclosure, the tuner 100 is connected to the pre-amplifier 200, and may receive electric power from the pre-amplifier 200. Therefore, a battery may not be independently provided. Although the pre-amplifier 200 is not directly involved in tuning the guitar, the tuning system according to the present disclosure may be defined as including both the tuner 100 and the pre-amplifier 200 in that the pre-amplifier 200 is connected to the tuner 100 to supply the electric power to the tuner 100.

[0037] Specific configurations of the tuner 100 and the pre-amplifier 200 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings below.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for describing a configuration of each of the tuner and the pre-amplifier according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 2, the tuner 100 may include at least one of a sensor 110, a display 120, a control unit 130, and a user input unit 140.

[0040] The sensor 110 is a configuration for detecting the frequency of sound generated from the guitar. The sensor 110 may be implemented as a contact-type vibration sensor, a displacement sensor, and an acceleration sensor, but an example is not limited thereto.

[0041] As an example, the sensor 110 may identify the frequency of the sound by detecting the vibration of the sound-board by being installed close to the body of the guitar. For example, when an outer side of one surface of the tuner 100 is in contact with the inner side of the sound-board of the guitar, the sensor 110 may identify the frequency of the sound-board of the guitar by coming into contact with the inner side of the surface of the tuner 100. Alternatively, the sensor 110 may be formed to be in direct contact with the sound-board of the guitar. Meanwhile, the sensor 110 may not be included in a main body of the tuner 100, and may be installed outside the tuner 100 in a wired manner. For example, the sensor 110 may be attached to at least a portion of the sound-board of the guitar while being separated from the tuner 100.

[0042] In this case, only the vibration of the soundboard corresponding to the sound of the guitar itself is precisely measured, and noise such as surrounding sound is not reflected. Therefore, there is an advantage in that accuracy of tuning may be guaranteed.

[0043] The display 120 is configured to visually display information by identifying the frequency of the detected sound and providing tuning information. The tuning information may include information on a pitch matching the detected frequency, information on a difference between the detected frequency and at least one pitch.

[0044] The display 120 may be implemented as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a transparent OLED (TOLED), and a micro LED. However, an example is not limited thereto, and the example may include various forms of the display known in the related art. The display may be implemented as a form of a touch screen which can detect a touch operation of a user, and may also be implemented as a flexible display which can be folded or bent.

[0045] The control unit 130 is configured to control an overall configuration of the tuner 100. The control unit 130 may be implemented as at least one control circuit or integrated circuit, or may include at least one processor.

[0046] As an example, when the sensor 110 is implemented to detect the vibration of the sound-board by being installed close to the sound-board of the body of the guitar, the control unit 130 may identify the frequency of the sound, based on the frequency of the detected vibration, may generate the tuning information, and may control the display 120 to display the generated tuning information.

[0047] The user input unit 140 is configured to receive various instructions or information from a user. The user input unit may be implemented as at least one button, stick, touch pad, touch screen, and sensor.

[0048] Specifically, the user input portion 140 may include at least one button for turning on or off the tuner 100.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 2, the pre-amplifier 200 may include at least one of a microphone 210, a pickup sensor 220, an amplification control unit 230, a user input unit 240, and a display 250.

[0050] The microphone 210 is configured to receive an input of the sound from the guitar, and may include at least one circuit for converting the vibration of a sound wave into an electrical signal. The microphone 210 may be built into a main body of the pre-amplifier 200, or may be formed to protrude outward while being attached to the main body of the pre-amplifier 200. Alternatively, the microphone 210 may be formed separately from the main body of the pre-amplifier 200, and may be connected to the main body of the pre-amplifier 200 in a wired manner to transmit an audio signal.

[0051] The pickup sensor 220 is attached to the saddle or installed close to the saddle (for example, indirectly sensing the vibration with at least one other plate therebetween) to detect the sound of the guitar. Specifically, the pickup sensor 220 may include a piezoelectric sensor or a piezoelectric element. The vibration of the saddle which is generated by the vibration of strings of the guitar generates a piezoelectric effect inside the pickup sensor 220. As a result, an electric signal converted from the sound of the guitar may be generated.

[0052] When the pre-amplifier 200 is installed close to the sound hole, the pickup sensor 220 is installed to be in contact with the saddle, and is separated from the main body of the pre-amplifier 200. Therefore, the pickup sensor 220 and the pre-amplifier 200 may be connected in a wired manner. However, when the pre-amplifier 200 is installed close to the saddle, the pickup sensor 220 may be included in the main body of the pre-amplifier 200.

[0053] The amplification control unit 230 is configured to amplify the sound of the guitar to generate the audio signal. The amplification control unit 230 may include at least one electric circuit, integrated circuit, or processor for amplifying the audio signal.

[0054] Specifically, the amplification control unit 230 may acquire an amplified audio signal through at least one of the audio signal acquired through the microphone 210 and the frequency detected through the pickup sensor 220.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 2, the amplification control unit 230 may control a blend module 231, a clarity module 232, and a phase module 233. These modules correspond to modules of functional units including software and / or hardware.

[0056] The blend module 231 is configured to perform blending on a first audio signal acquired through the pickup sensor 220 and a second audio signal acquired through the microphone 210. Specifically, the blend module 231 may generate the amplified audio signal by mixing the first audio signal and the second audio signal in accordance with a ratio set according to a user input. In this case, the ratio may be set to 100% for only one side. For example, when the first audio signal is set to 100%, only the first audio signal acquired through the pickup sensor 220 is amplified.

[0057] As an example, the blend module 231 may generate the amplified audio signal, based on the first audio signal, and may perform blending by changing a blending ratio of the second audio signal according to the user input.

[0058] The clarity module 232 is a configuration for filtering the audio signals. For example, the clarity module 232 may perform filtering in accordance with various settings, such as emphasizing or weakening the audio signal of a specific frequency / register zone, according to the user input.

[0059] The phase module 233 is configured to change a phase of the audio signal. In this regard, when the audio signal amplified by the pre-amplifier 200 is output through at least one external device (for example, a speaker) and is input through the microphone 210 of the pre-amplifier 200, a phenomenon in which the phases of the sound of the guitar and the amplified sound overlap (for example, howling) may occur. The phase module 233 may fulfill a function of changing the phase of the audio signal to prevent this phenomenon.

[0060] The user input unit 240 is configured to acquire various user instructions related to the amplification of the audio signal. The user input unit may be implemented as at least one button, stick, touch pad, touch screen, and sensor.

[0061] Specifically, the user input unit 240 may acquire a user input for setting a blending ratio in relation to a function of the blend module 231, a user input for activating a function of the clarity module 232, a user input for activating a function of the phase module 233, and a user input for controlling a volume of the audio signal.

[0062] The display 250 is configured to visually provide various information related to an operation of the pre-amplifier 200. The display 250 may be implemented as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a transparent OLED (TOLED), and a micro LED. However, an example is not limited thereto, and may include various forms of the display known in the related art.

[0063] Specifically, a battery status of the pre-amplifier 200 or a battery status of the battery unit supplying the electric power to the pre-amplifier 200 may be displayed through the display 250. The battery status may include a charge level of the battery and a remaining time. Meanwhile, as means for indicating a remaining amount of the battery, the means may include only a small number of light-emitting elements instead of the display 250.

[0064] In addition, the display 250 may display information on setting values (for example, the blend ratio and the volume) of various functions (blend, clarity, phase) or whether the function is activated.

[0065] FIG. 3a is a diagram for describing an appearance of the tuner and the tuning information displayed through the tuner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 3a, the tuner 100 may include a button 140' for turning on or off an externally installed power supply, and the display 120. In a state where the power supply is turned on, the display 120 may display information on the pitch according to the frequency indicated by the sound of the guitar. Therefore, the frequency of the sound-board of the body of the guitar may be detected through the sensor 110 of the tuner 100.

[0067] As an example, referring to the reference numeral 310 in FIG. 3a, the tuner 100 may display a pitch (for example, A) most similar to the currently detected frequency through the display 120. However, when an actual frequency is lower than the pitch, an arrow may be additionally displayed on a left side of the pitch (for example, A) while a screen may be displayed in a white color. When the pitch exactly coincides with the actual frequency, the screen may be displayed in a green color. When the actual frequency is higher than the pitch, an arrow may be additionally displayed on a right side of the pitch (for example, A) while the screen is displayed in a white color.

[0068] Since the tuning information is provided through the display 120, a user (guitar player) may perform the tuning.

[0069] Meanwhile, FIG. 3b is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the pre-amplifier according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 3b, the pre-amplifier 200 may externally include a microphone 210, a rotary switch 241 for setting the blend ratio, a button 242 for activating / deactivating a clarity function, a button 243 for activating / deactivating a phase change function, a rotary switch 244 for setting a volume, and may also include the display 250 for displaying information related to charging of the battery.

[0071] The pre-amplifier 200 may receive the supply of the electric power from a battery attached to the guitar or from at least one external device. For example, the display 250 may be attached to the guitar, and may be connected to the pre-amplifier 200 in a wired manner. Accordingly, the display 250 may display information related to charging of the battery supplying the electric power. As a specific example, the display 250 may output light (for example, LED) to indicate that a charge level of the battery is smaller than a certain numerical value. Alternatively, the display 250 may display numerical information on the charge level of the battery in percentage. In this case, the battery supplies the electric power to the pre-amplifier 200, and the pre-amplifier 200 supplies the electric power to the tuner 100.

[0072] FIG. 4a is a diagram for describing each disposition and each connection relationship of the tuner and the pre-amplifier which are installed inside the guitar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4a illustrates a state where an inner surface of the sound-board corresponding to the inside of the body is viewed in a direction of a front surface from a rear surface.

[0073] Referring to Fig. 4a, the tuner 100 and the pre-amplifier 200 may be installed on the inner side of the sound-board of the body to respectively match a shape of the sound hole. As a result, when the sound hole is viewed from the front surface of the guitar, each of the tuner 100 and the pre-amplifier 200 may be in a state of being hidden by a certain percentage or more.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 4a, the pre-amplifier 200 may be connected to the tuner 100 in a wired manner through a cable 401, and may supply the electric power to the tuner 100.

[0075] In addition, the pre-amplifier 200 may be connected to the pickup sensor 220 through a cable 406, and may acquire the audio signal generated via the saddle.

[0076] Meanwhile, the pre-amplifier 200 may transmit data on the frequency of the sound detected by the pickup sensor to the tuner 100 through the cable 401. In this case, the tuner 100 may cause the display 120 to display the tuning information acquired based on the data (frequency) received from the pre-amplifier 200. In this case, the tuner 100 may provide the tuning information, based on a sensing result of the pre-amplifier 200 without providing or using the sensor 110 for independently detecting the frequency of the sound.

[0077] In this regard, in one embodiment, the tuner 100 may periodically deactivate the sensor 110, based on a comparison result between the first frequency detected through the sensor 110 and the second frequency detected through the pickup sensor 220 of the pre-amplifier 200.

[0078] Specifically, while the sound of the guitar is detected, the tuner 100 may compare the first frequency detected through the sensor 110 and the second frequency detected through the pickup sensor 220 for a first time period. During the first time period, the tuner 100 may provide the tuning information in accordance with the first frequency detected through the sensor 110.

[0079] Here, when comparison results are all consistent during the first time period, the tuner 100 may deactivate the sensor 110 for a second time period thereafter. In this case, during the second time period, the tuner 100 may provide the tuning information in accordance with the second frequency detected through the pickup sensor 220 of the pre-amplifier 200.

[0080] After the second time period elapses, the tuner 100 may compare the first frequency detected through the sensor 110 during the first time period with the second frequency detected through the pickup sensor 220 again. Similarly, when the comparison results are all consistent, the sensor 110 may be deactivated again for the second time period, and the tuning information may be provided in accordance with the second frequency detected through the pickup sensor 220.

[0081] In this way, accuracy may be ensured by periodically confirming whether the frequencies detected by the sensor 110 and the pickup sensor 220 are consistent, and when it is confirmed that the frequencies are consistent, the sensor 110 and the pickup sensor 220 are not all activated. Only the pickup sensor 220 is activated to provide the tuning information. Therefore, while a consumed amount of the electric power is reduced, the same advantageous effect may be provided in the tuning. In particular, in the embodiment of the present disclosure in which the tuner 100 receives the electric power from the pre-amplifier 200, it may be understood that the consumed amount of the jointly used electric power is reduced.

[0082] In addition, as means for significantly ensuring an advantageous effect of reducing the consumed amount of the electric power, the first time period may be relatively shorter than the second time period.

[0083] Meanwhile, when the comparison results are not partially consistent for the first time period, the tuner 100 may maintain an activated state of the sensor 110. In this case, even during the second time period after the first time period, the tuner 100 may still provide the tuning information in accordance with the first frequency detected through the sensor 110. In addition, the tuner 100 may cause the display 120 to output warning information notifying that the first frequency detected through the sensor 110 and the second frequency detected through the pickup sensor 220 are not consistent. In this case, the screen may be displayed in a red color, but example is not limited thereto. As a result, a user may take measures by recognizing a problem of a frequency sensing function of at least one of the tuner 100 and the pre-amplifier 200.

[0084] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 4a, the tuner 100 and the pre-amplifier 200 may have one surface formed as a curved surface to respectively match a circular border of the sound hole. Therefore, each degree of exposure of the tuner 100 and the pre-amplifier 200 through the sound hole may be limited when the guitar is viewed from the front surface.

[0085] In this regard, FIG. 4b is a diagram for describing a partially exposed state of the tuner and the pre-amplifier formed to match the shape of the sound hole according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] Referring to Fig. 4b, the tuner 100 and the pre-amplifier 200 have each exposed surface formed as a curved surface. This curved surface satisfactorily match the sound hole in terms of design. Moreover, the degree of exposure may be significantly limited when the guitar is viewed from the front surface.

[0087] FIG. 5a is a diagram illustrating a state where the pre-amplifier installed inside the guitar is viewed from below the front surface through the sound hole according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] Referring to Fig. 5a, the pre-amplifier 200 may be installed in an upward direction of the sound hole formed in the sound-board of the body, based on a posture of the guitar horizontally placed for musical performance. Here, a certain percentage or more of the pre-amplifier 200 is installed to be hidden not to be visible through the sound hole in a direction of the front surface of the guitar. However, when viewed from below the front surface as in Fig. 5a, various buttons (for example, 241, 242, 243, and 244) may be exposed.

[0089] FIG. 5b is a diagram for describing a state where the tuner installed inside the guitar is viewed from above the front surface through the sound hole according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] Referring to Fig. 5b, based on the posture of the guitar horizontally placed for musical performance, the tuner 100 may be installed in a downward direction of the sound hole formed in the sound-board of the body. Here, a certain percentage or more of the tuner 100 may be installed to be hidden not to be visible through the sound hole in the direction of the front surface of the guitar. However, when viewed from above the front surface as in Fig. 5b, the display 120 and buttons 140' may be exposed.

[0091] That is, when the guitar player holding the guitar looks looks at the inside of the sound hole (of the sound-board) in the downward direction from above, based on the posture of the guitar horizontally placed for musical performance, the display 120 of the tuner 100 may be formed to face the upward direction so that the display 120 is visible to the guitar player.

[0092] Meanwhile, in an embodiment, the power supply of the tuner 100 may turned on or off in accordance with a user operation of the button 140' provided in the tuner 100. In addition, while the power supply of the tuner 100 is turned on, the tuner 100 may transmit at least one control signal to the pre-amplifier 200 to deactivate the amplification function of the pre-amplifier 200. In this case, the control signal may be transmitted through the cable 401, or may be transmitted through another cable or wireless communication.

[0093] In this way, since the pre-amplifier 200 is deactivated during the operation of the tuner 100, a situation where the sound is amplified and output during a tuning process may be prevented.

[0094] In addition, in an embodiment, the tuner 100 may be designed so that the power supply is automatically turned off after a certain period of time elapses since the power supply of the tuner 100 is turned on. Specifically, the control unit 130 may automatically turn off the power supply when the vibration or the frequency is not detected through the sensor 110 for a certain period of time (for example, seven minutes).

[0095] In addition, in one embodiment, in a deactivated state of the pre-amplifier 200, when the power supply of the tuner 100 is turned off by the user operation of the button 140' or due to the lapse of a predetermined period of time, the tuner 100 may transmit at least one control signal to the pre-amplifier 200 to activate the amplification function of the pre-amplifier 200 again immediately before the power supply of the tuner 100 is turned off.

[0096] Meanwhile, the system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may additionally include a battery unit 300 in addition to the tuner 100 and the pre-amplifier 200.

[0097] In this regard, FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing a schematic structure of the guitar and a configuration of the system including the tuner, the pre-amplifier, and the battery unit which are installed inside the guitar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] Referring to Fig. 6, the tuner 100, the pre-amplifier 200, and the battery unit 300 may be respectively installed inside the body of the guitar.

[0099] The battery unit 300 is configured to supply the electric power to the pre-amplifier 200. The battery combined with the battery unit 300 may be replaced with another battery, or may be a rechargeable battery. When the battery is rechargeable, the battery in a combined state with the battery unit 300 may be charged in such a manner that at least one terminal of the battery unit 300 is connected to an external charging device in a wired manner. Alternatively, the battery in a separate state from the battery unit 300 may be charged by the external charging device.

[0100] The battery unit 300 may include at least one connection means (for example, a connection terminal and a cable) for transmitting the audio signal amplified by the pre-amplifier 200 to the external device.

[0101] The pre-amplifier 200 amplifies the sound of the guitar by using the electric power supplied through the battery unit 300, and may transmit some of the electric power to the tuner 100.

[0102] That is, in the present disclosure, the battery unit 300 may supply the electric power to the pre-amplifier 200, and the pre-amplifier 200 may supply the electric power to the tuner 100. In this case, the tuner 100 may not be independently provided with the battery.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 2, the battery unit 300 may include a power supply unit 310 and a connector 320.

[0104] The power supply unit 310 is configured to supply the electric power, may include at least one battery box in which the battery is combined / disassembled for replacement or recharging, and may include at least one terminal for connecting the battery.

[0105] The connector 320 is configured to transmit the audio signal amplified by the pre-amplifier 200 to at least one external device (for example, a speaker, an amplifier device, a headset, and a headphone). For example, the connector 320 may be connected to each of the pre-amplifier 200 and the external device through a cable, and may transmit the (amplified) audio signal. For this purpose, the connector 320 may include at least one connection terminal for respectively connecting a cable connected to the pre-amplifier 200 and a cable connected to the external device.

[0106] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the battery unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 8, the battery unit 300 may include a battery box 301, a battery cap 302, and a connection terminal 303.

[0108] The battery box 301 is configured to incorporate the battery, and at least one terminal for connecting the battery may be formed therein.

[0109] The battery cap 302 is configured to open / close the battery box 301, and the battery may be removed from or inserted into the battery box 301 as the battery cap 302 is opened.

[0110] The connection terminal 303 is a terminal for connection to the external device that receives the amplified audio signal of the pre-amplifier 200. Although not illustrated, a side opposite to the connection terminal 303 of the battery unit 300 may be provided with a separate terminal to which a cable connected to the pre-amplifier 200 is connected.

[0111] In one embodiment, whereas the battery cap 302 and the connection terminal 303 may be exposed on an outer surface (for example, a side surface) of the body of the guitar, the battery box 301 may not be exposed while being disposed inside the body of the guitar.

[0112] FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing each disposition and each connection relationship of the tuner, the pre-amplifier, and the battery unit which are installed inside the guitar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 illustrates a state where the inner side surface of the sound-board corresponding to the inside of the body is viewed in the direction of the front surface from the rear surface.

[0113] Referring to Fig. 9, the tuner 100 and the pre-amplifier 200 may be installed on the inner side of the sound-board of the body to respectively match a shape of the sound hole. As a result, when the sound hole is viewed from the front surface of the guitar, each of the tuner 100 and the pre-amplifier 200 may be in a hidden state by a certain percentage or more.

[0114] In addition, referring to FIG. 9, the battery unit 300 may be installed on one side surface of the body which is located opposite to the neck of the guitar. In this case, the battery cap 302 and the connection terminal 303 of the battery unit 300 may be exposed outward. As a result, replacement of the battery and connection to the external device may be easily selected without disassembling the guitar (for example, disassembling of the body of the guitar itself in addition to disassembling, dismantling, and replacement of the guitar strings). On the other hand, the battery box 301 of the battery unit 300 may be located on the inner side of the body as illustrated.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 9, the battery unit 300 may be connected to the pre-amplifier 200 in a wired manner through the cable 402, and may supply the electric power to the pre-amplifier 200. In this case, the battery unit 300 may receive the (amplified) audio signal from the pre-amplifier 200 through the cable 402, and may transmit the amplified audio signal to the external device. For this purpose, the cable 402 may include separate cables for respectively supplying the electric power and transmitting the signal (data). Alternatively, all of these operations may be performed through a single cable.

[0116] Meanwhile, although all of the above-described embodiments have been described as examples of the tuner system which targets the guitar, as a matter of course, the same tuner system may be applied to various guitar-type musical instruments including a body, a neck, and a head, such as a ukulele, a bass, and a mandolin, in addition to the guitar. That is, the present disclosure provides that the embodiments of the tuner system disclosed in the present specification may be similarly applied to most guitar-type musical instruments unless there are special circumstances.

[0117] Meanwhile, two or more embodiments of various embodiments described above may be implemented together as long as the embodiments do not conflict with each other.

[0118] Meanwhile, various embodiments described above may be implemented in a recording medium that may be read by a computer or a similar device by using software, hardware, or a combination thereof.

[0119] In terms of hardware implementation, the embodiments described in the present disclosure may be implemented by using at least one of application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and other electrical units for fulfilling functions of the guitar.

[0120] In some cases, the embodiments described in the present specification may be implemented by the processor itself. In terms of software implementation, the embodiments of the procedures and functions which are described in the present specification may be implemented by separate software modules. Each of the software modules described above may perform one or more of the functions and operations described in the present specification.

[0121] Meanwhile, computer instructions for performing processing operations of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. When the computer instructions stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium are executed by a processor of a specific device, processing operations of the electronic device (for example, the tuner, the pre-amplifier, and the tuning system) according to various embodiments described above are performed by the above-described device.

[0122] The non-transitory computer-readable medium is not a medium that stores data for a short period of time, such as a register, a cache, and a memory, but refers to a medium that semi-permanently stores data and that can be read by the device. Specifically, various applications or programs described above may be stored and provided in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a CD, a DVD, a hard disk, a Blu-ray disk, a USB, a memory card, and a ROM.

[0123] In addition, although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope not departing from the concept of the present disclosure as claimed in the appended claims. Furthermore, these modifications should not be individually understood from the technical idea or aspect of the present disclosure.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0023]Before the present disclosure is described in detail, a method for describing the present specification and the drawings will be described.

[0024]First, as terms used in the present specification and the appended claims, general terms are selected in view of functions in various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, these terms may vary depending on intentions of those skilled in the art, legal or technical interpretations, and introduction of new technologies. In addition, some terms are selected in any desired way by the applicant. These terms may be interpreted as defined in the present specification, and when there is no specific definition of the terms, the terms may be interpreted based on overall content of the present specification and common technical knowledge in the related art.

[0025]In addition, the same reference numbers or symbols described in each drawing attached to the present specification represent parts or components that perform substantially the ...

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tuner for tuning a guitar and a system including a tuner, and more particularly, relates to a tuner and a system which are installed to receive electric power from a pre-amplifier.[Background Art]

[0002] In a musical instrument such as a guitar, a tuner is an electronic device that provides information required for tuning, based on a frequency of sound actually generated by the musical instrument.

[0003] In the related art, in general, a tuner for tuning the guitar is temporarily fixed to a head of the guitar, or is integrally attached to one surface of a body of the guitar so that a display of the tuner is externally visible in the guitar. Consequently, in many cases, the tuner is unnecessarily externally exposed.

[0004] In addition, the tuner in the related art is an independently operated electronic device, and generally requires a separate battery dedicated to the tuner. Therefore, there is a problem in that the separate battery dedicated to the tuner is inevitably replaced or managed.[Disclosure][Technical Problem]

[0005] The present disclosure provides a tuner installed inside a guitar and receiving a power supply from a pre-amplifier to eliminate a need for a separate battery or a power supply system.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a tuner installed inside a guitar but having a display visible to a guitar player through a sound hole, the tuner providing tuning information without impairing an appearance of a guitar.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a tuner installed inside a guitar and receiving a power supply from a pre-amplifier to eliminate a need for a separate battery or a power supply system.

[0008] The present disclosure provides a system configured to include a single electric power supply system through a tuner, a pre-amplifier, and a battery unit which are installed inside a guitar, the system being superior in terms of electric power consumption without impairing an appearance.

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described objects, and other objects and advantages of the present disclosure which are not described herein may be understood by the following description, and will be more clearly understood by embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, it will be easily understood that the objects and the advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by means and combinations thereof which are described in the appended claims.[Technical Solution]

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a tuning system including a tuner installed on an inner side of a sound-board of a body of a guitar and providing tuning information, and a pre-amplifier installed on the inner side of the sound-board, amplifying sound generated from the guitar, and transmitting amplified sound to an external device. The tuner is connected to the pre-amplifier, and receives electric power from the pre-amplifier.

[0011] The tuner may include a sensor for detecting vibration of the sound-board, and a display that identifies a frequency of the sound according to the detected vibration and provides the tuning information.

[0012] In this case, the tuner may be installed in a downward direction of a sound hole formed in the sound-board of the body, based on a posture of the guitar horizontally placed for musical performance, and may be installed so that a certain percentage or more of the tuner is hidden not to be visible through the sound hole in a direction of a front surface of the guitar. The display may face an upward direction so that the display is visible to the guitar player when the guitar player looks at an inside of the sound hole in the downward direction from above, based on the posture of the guitar horizontally placed for musical performance.

[0013] Meanwhile, the pre-amplifier may acquire a first audio signal in accordance with a piezoelectric effect of a piezoelectric element included in a pickup sensor when a saddle formed on a front surface portion vibrates, based on the sound generated from the guitar, may acquire a second audio signal matching the sound generated from the guitar through a microphone, and may generate an amplified audio signal, based on the first audio signal and the second audio signal.

[0014] In this case, the tuner may include a display that provides tuning information, the pre-amplifier may transmit data on a frequency of the sound detected through the pickup sensor to the tuner, and the tuner may display the tuning information acquired based on the data through the display.

[0015] Meanwhile, the tuner may be turned on or off in accordance with a user operation performed on a button provided in the tuner, and while the tuner is turned on, at least one control signal may be transmitted to the pre-amplifier to deactivate an amplification function of the pre-amplifier.

[0016] In addition, the tuner may be automatically turned off when a certain period of time elapses after the tuner is turned on.

[0017] The pre-amplifier may receive supply of electric power from a battery attached to the guitar or from at least one external device.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a tuning system including a tuner installed on an inner side of a sound-board of a body of a guitar and providing tuning information, a pre-amplifier installed on the inner side of the sound-board, amplifying sound generated from the guitar, and transmits amplified sound to an external device, and a battery unit for supplying electric power to the pre-amplifier. The tuner is connected to the pre-amplifier to receive the electric power from the pre-amplifier.

[0019] The battery unit may include a power supply unit including a battery box in which at least one battery is replaced, and a connection portion for being connected to each of the pre-amplifier and the external device. An audio signal output through the pre-amplifier may be output to the external device through the connection portion.[Advantageous Effects]

[0020] A tuner and a system according to the present disclosure are installed adjacent to a sound hole on an inner side of a sound-board. In this manner, there is an advantageous effect as follows. Although an outward exposure of the tuner and a pre-amplifier is limited, tuning information is visible to a guitar player.

[0021] In addition, a tuner according to the present disclosure has an advantage as follows. Since electric power is received from a pre-amplifier, a separate battery is not required. In this way, management is convenient since electric power supply sources of electronic devices attached to a guitar are integrated.[Description of Drawings]

[0022] FIG. 1 is a diagram for describing a schematic structure of a guitar and a configuration of a system including a tuner and a pre-amplifier which are installed inside the guitar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for describing each configuration of the tuner and the pre-amplifier according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3a is a diagram for describing an appearance of the tuner and tuning information displayed through the tuner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3b is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the pre-amplifier according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4a is a diagram for describing each disposition and each connection relationship of the tuner and the pre-amplifier which are installed inside the guitar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4b is a diagram for describing a state of the tuner and the pre-amplifier which are formed to fit a shape of a sound hole and partially exposed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5a is a diagram illustrating a state where the pre-amplifier installed inside the guitar is viewed from below a front surface through the sound hole according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5b is a diagram illustrating a state where the tuner installed inside the guitar is viewed from above the front surface through the sound hole according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing a configuration of a system including the tuner, the pre-amplifier, and a battery unit which are installed inside the guitar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a block diagram for describing a configuration of each of the tuner, the pre-amplifier, and the battery unit according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the battery unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing each disposition and each connection relationship of the tuner, the pre-amplifier, and the battery unit which are installed inside the guitar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Mode for Disclosure]

[0023] Before the present disclosure is described in detail, a method for describing the present specification and the drawings will be described.

[0024] First, as terms used in the present specification and the appended claims, general terms are selected in view of functions in various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, these terms may vary depending on intentions of those skilled in the art, legal or technical interpretations, and introduction of new technologies. In addition, some terms are selected in any desired way by the applicant. These terms may be interpreted as defined in the present specification, and when there is no specific definition of the terms, the terms may be interpreted based on overall content of the present specification and common technical knowledge in the related art.

[0025] In addition, the same reference numbers or symbols described in each drawing attached to the present specification represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function. For convenience of description and understanding, the same reference numbers or symbols are used in describing mutually different embodiments. That is, even when components having the same reference numerals are all illustrated in multiple drawings, the multiple drawings do not mean one embodiment.

[0026] In addition, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" may be used in the present specification and the appended claims to distinguish between components. These ordinal numbers are used to distinguish between the same or similar components, and using these ordinal numbers should not limitedly interpret meanings of the terms. For example, components combined with these ordinal numbers should not be restricted in a use order or a disposition order by the ordinal numbers. When necessary, the respective ordinal numbers may be used interchangeably.

[0027] In the present specification, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the present application, terms such as "including" or "configured" are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the present specification. It should be understood that the terms do not exclude in advance a possibility of the presence or additions of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0028] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, terms such as "module", "unit", and "part" are terms used to refer to components that perform at least one function or operation. These components may be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of the hardware and the software. In addition, a plurality of "modules", "units", and "parts" may be integrated into at least one module or chip, and may be implemented as at least one processor, except for a case where each of the plurality of "modules", "units", and "parts" needs to be implemented as individually specific hardware.

[0029] In addition, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, when it is described that one portion is connected to another part, this description includes not only direct connection but also indirect connection through another medium. In addition, when it is described that a certain portion includes a certain component, this description means that the certain portion may further include another component, rather than excluding another component, unless otherwise specifically described.

[0030] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a diagram for describing a schematic structure of a guitar and a configuration of a system including a tuner and a pre-amplifier which are installed inside the guitar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, the guitar is generally divided into a body, a neck, and a head. Strings of the guitar, which start from the body and lead to the head after passing through the neck via a saddle, and sound resonates into the body through a sound hole formed in a sound-board of the body.

[0033] Referring to Fig. 1, a tuner 100 and a pre-amplifier 200 may be respectively installed inside the body of the guitar.

[0034] The tuner 100 is an electronic device that provides tuning information, based on a frequency of the sound generated in the guitar, and may be installed on an inner side of the sound-board of the body of the guitar.

[0035] The pre-amplifier 200 is an electronic device that amplifies the sound generated from the guitar and transmits amplified sound to an external device (for example, an amplifier, a speaker, a headphone, and a headset), and may also be installed on the inner side of the sound-board of the body of the guitar.

[0036] In the present disclosure, the tuner 100 is connected to the pre-amplifier 200, and may receive electric power from the pre-amplifier 200. Therefore, a battery may not be independently provided. Although the pre-amplifier 200 is not directly involved in tuning the guitar, the tuning system according to the present disclosure may be defined as including both the tuner 100 and the pre-amplifier 200 in that the pre-amplifier 200 is connected to the tuner 100 to supply the electric power to the tuner 100.

[0037] Specific configurations of the tuner 100 and the pre-amplifier 200 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings below.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for describing a configuration of each of the tuner and the pre-amplifier according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 2, the tuner 100 may include at least one of a sensor 110, a display 120, a control unit 130, and a user input unit 140.

[0040] The sensor 110 is a configuration for detecting the frequency of sound generated from the guitar. The sensor 110 may be implemented as a contact-type vibration sensor, a displacement sensor, and an acceleration sensor, but an example is not limited thereto.

[0041] As an example, the sensor 110 may identify the frequency of the sound by detecting the vibration of the sound-board by being installed close to the body of the guitar. For example, when an outer side of one surface of the tuner 100 is in contact with the inner side of the sound-board of the guitar, the sensor 110 may identify the frequency of the sound-board of the guitar by coming into contact with the inner side of the surface of the tuner 100. Alternatively, the sensor 110 may be formed to be in direct contact with the sound-board of the guitar. Meanwhile, the sensor 110 may not be included in a main body of the tuner 100, and may be installed outside the tuner 100 in a wired manner. For example, the sensor 110 may be attached to at least a portion of the sound-board of the guitar while being separated from the tuner 100.

[0042] In this case, only the vibration of the soundboard corresponding to the sound of the guitar itself is precisely measured, and noise such as surrounding sound is not reflected. Therefore, there is an advantage in that accuracy of tuning may be guaranteed.

[0043] The display 120 is configured to visually display information by identifying the frequency of the detected sound and providing tuning information. The tuning information may include information on a pitch matching the detected frequency, information on a difference between the detected frequency and at least one pitch.

[0044] The display 120 may be implemented as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a transparent OLED (TOLED), and a micro LED. However, an example is not limited thereto, and the example may include various forms of the display known in the related art. The display may be implemented as a form of a touch screen which can detect a touch operation of a user, and may also be implemented as a flexible display which can be folded or bent.

[0045] The control unit 130 is configured to control an overall configuration of the tuner 100. The control unit 130 may be implemented as at least one control circuit or integrated circuit, or may include at least one processor.

[0046] As an example, when the sensor 110 is implemented to detect the vibration of the sound-board by being installed close to the sound-board of the body of the guitar, the control unit 130 may identify the frequency of the sound, based on the frequency of the detected vibration, may generate the tuning information, and may control the display 120 to display the generated tuning information.

[0047] The user input unit 140 is configured to receive various instructions or information from a user. The user input unit may be implemented as at least one button, stick, touch pad, touch screen, and sensor.

[0048] Specifically, the user input portion 140 may include at least one button for turning on or off the tuner 100.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 2, the pre-amplifier 200 may include at least one of a microphone 210, a pickup sensor 220, an amplification control unit 230, a user input unit 240, and a display 250.

[0050] The microphone 210 is configured to receive an input of the sound from the guitar, and may include at least one circuit for converting the vibration of a sound wave into an electrical signal. The microphone 210 may be built into a main body of the pre-amplifier 200, or may be formed to protrude outward while being attached to the main body of the pre-amplifier 200. Alternatively, the microphone 210 may be formed separately from the main body of the pre-amplifier 200, and may be connected to the main body of the pre-amplifier 200 in a wired manner to transmit an audio signal.

[0051] The pickup sensor 220 is attached to the saddle or installed close to the saddle (for example, indirectly sensing the vibration with at least one other plate therebetween) to detect the sound of the guitar. Specifically, the pickup sensor 220 may include a piezoelectric sensor or a piezoelectric element. The vibration of the saddle which is generated by the vibration of strings of the guitar generates a piezoelectric effect inside the pickup sensor 220. As a result, an electric signal converted from the sound of the guitar may be generated.

[0052] When the pre-amplifier 200 is installed close to the sound hole, the pickup sensor 220 is installed to be in contact with the saddle, and is separated from the main body of the pre-amplifier 200. Therefore, the pickup sensor 220 and the pre-amplifier 200 may be connected in a wired manner. However, when the pre-amplifier 200 is installed close to the saddle, the pickup sensor 220 may be included in the main body of the pre-amplifier 200.

[0053] The amplification control unit 230 is configured to amplify the sound of the guitar to generate the audio signal. The amplification control unit 230 may include at least one electric circuit, integrated circuit, or processor for amplifying the audio signal.

[0054] Specifically, the amplification control unit 230 may acquire an amplified audio signal through at least one of the audio signal acquired through the microphone 210 and the frequency detected through the pickup sensor 220.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 2, the amplification control unit 230 may control a blend module 231, a clarity module 232, and a phase module 233. These modules correspond to modules of functional units including software and / or hardware.

[0056] The blend module 231 is configured to perform blending on a first audio signal acquired through the pickup sensor 220 and a second audio signal acquired through the microphone 210. Specifically, the blend module 231 may generate the amplified audio signal by mixing the first audio signal and the second audio signal in accordance with a ratio set according to a user input. In this case, the ratio may be set to 100% for only one side. For example, when the first audio signal is set to 100%, only the first audio signal acquired through the pickup sensor 220 is amplified.

[0057] As an example, the blend module 231 may generate the amplified audio signal, based on the first audio signal, and may perform blending by changing a blending ratio of the second audio signal according to the user input.

[0058] The clarity module 232 is a configuration for filtering the audio signals. For example, the clarity module 232 may perform filtering in accordance with various settings, such as emphasizing or weakening the audio signal of a specific frequency / register zone, according to the user input.

[0059] The phase module 233 is configured to change a phase of the audio signal. In this regard, when the audio signal amplified by the pre-amplifier 200 is output through at least one external device (for example, a speaker) and is input through the microphone 210 of the pre-amplifier 200, a phenomenon in which the phases of the sound of the guitar and the amplified sound overlap (for example, howling) may occur. The phase module 233 may fulfill a function of changing the phase of the audio signal to prevent this phenomenon.

[0060] The user input unit 240 is configured to acquire various user instructions related to the amplification of the audio signal. The user input unit may be implemented as at least one button, stick, touch pad, touch screen, and sensor.

[0061] Specifically, the user input unit 240 may acquire a user input for setting a blending ratio in relation to a function of the blend module 231, a user input for activating a function of the clarity module 232, a user input for activating a function of the phase module 233, and a user input for controlling a volume of the audio signal.

[0062] The display 250 is configured to visually provide various information related to an operation of the pre-amplifier 200. The display 250 may be implemented as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a transparent OLED (TOLED), and a micro LED. However, an example is not limited thereto, and may include various forms of the display known in the related art.

[0063] Specifically, a battery status of the pre-amplifier 200 or a battery status of the battery unit supplying the electric power to the pre-amplifier 200 may be displayed through the display 250. The battery status may include a charge level of the battery and a remaining time. Meanwhile, as means for indicating a remaining amount of the battery, the means may include only a small number of light-emitting elements instead of the display 250.

[0064] In addition, the display 250 may display information on setting values (for example, the blend ratio and the volume) of various functions (blend, clarity, phase) or whether the function is activated.

[0065] FIG. 3a is a diagram for describing an appearance of the tuner and the tuning information displayed through the tuner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 3a, the tuner 100 may include a button 140' for turning on or off an externally installed power supply, and the display 120. In a state where the power supply is turned on, the display 120 may display information on the pitch according to the frequency indicated by the sound of the guitar. Therefore, the frequency of the sound-board of the body of the guitar may be detected through the sensor 110 of the tuner 100.

[0067] As an example, referring to the reference numeral 310 in FIG. 3a, the tuner 100 may display a pitch (for example, A) most similar to the currently detected frequency through the display 120. However, when an actual frequency is lower than the pitch, an arrow may be additionally displayed on a left side of the pitch (for example, A) while a screen may be displayed in a white color. When the pitch exactly coincides with the actual frequency, the screen may be displayed in a green color. When the actual frequency is higher than the pitch, an arrow may be additionally displayed on a right side of the pitch (for example, A) while the screen is displayed in a white color.

[0068] Since the tuning information is provided through the display 120, a user (guitar player) may perform the tuning.

[0069] Meanwhile, FIG. 3b is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the pre-amplifier according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 3b, the pre-amplifier 200 may externally include a microphone 210, a rotary switch 241 for setting the blend ratio, a button 242 for activating / deactivating a clarity function, a button 243 for activating / deactivating a phase change function, a rotary switch 244 for setting a volume, and may also include the display 250 for displaying information related to charging of the battery.

[0071] The pre-amplifier 200 may receive the supply of the electric power from a battery attached to the guitar or from at least one external device. For example, the display 250 may be attached to the guitar, and may be connected to the pre-amplifier 200 in a wired manner. Accordingly, the display 250 may display information related to charging of the battery supplying the electric power. As a specific example, the display 250 may output light (for example, LED) to indicate that a charge level of the battery is smaller than a certain numerical value. Alternatively, the display 250 may display numerical information on the charge level of the battery in percentage. In this case, the battery supplies the electric power to the pre-amplifier 200, and the pre-amplifier 200 supplies the electric power to the tuner 100.

[0072] FIG. 4a is a diagram for describing each disposition and each connection relationship of the tuner and the pre-amplifier which are installed inside the guitar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4a illustrates a state where an inner surface of the sound-board corresponding to the inside of the body is viewed in a direction of a front surface from a rear surface.

[0073] Referring to Fig. 4a, the tuner 100 and the pre-amplifier 200 may be installed on the inner side of the sound-board of the body to respectively match a shape of the sound hole. As a result, when the sound hole is viewed from the front surface of the guitar, each of the tuner 100 and the pre-amplifier 200 may be in a state of being hidden by a certain percentage or more.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 4a, the pre-amplifier 200 may be connected to the tuner 100 in a wired manner through a cable 401, and may supply the electric power to the tuner 100.

[0075] In addition, the pre-amplifier 200 may be connected to the pickup sensor 220 through a cable 406, and may acquire the audio signal generated via the saddle.

[0076] Meanwhile, the pre-amplifier 200 may transmit data on the frequency of the sound detected by the pickup sensor to the tuner 100 through the cable 401. In this case, the tuner 100 may cause the display 120 to display the tuning information acquired based on the data (frequency) received from the pre-amplifier 200. In this case, the tuner 100 may provide the tuning information, based on a sensing result of the pre-amplifier 200 without providing or using the sensor 110 for independently detecting the frequency of the sound.

[0077] In this regard, in one embodiment, the tuner 100 may periodically deactivate the sensor 110, based on a comparison result between the first frequency detected through the sensor 110 and the second frequency detected through the pickup sensor 220 of the pre-amplifier 200.

[0078] Specifically, while the sound of the guitar is detected, the tuner 100 may compare the first frequency detected through the sensor 110 and the second frequency detected through the pickup sensor 220 for a first time period. During the first time period, the tuner 100 may provide the tuning information in accordance with the first frequency detected through the sensor 110.

[0079] Here, when comparison results are all consistent during the first time period, the tuner 100 may deactivate the sensor 110 for a second time period thereafter. In this case, during the second time period, the tuner 100 may provide the tuning information in accordance with the second frequency detected through the pickup sensor 220 of the pre-amplifier 200.

[0080] After the second time period elapses, the tuner 100 may compare the first frequency detected through the sensor 110 during the first time period with the second frequency detected through the pickup sensor 220 again. Similarly, when the comparison results are all consistent, the sensor 110 may be deactivated again for the second time period, and the tuning information may be provided in accordance with the second frequency detected through the pickup sensor 220.

[0081] In this way, accuracy may be ensured by periodically confirming whether the frequencies detected by the sensor 110 and the pickup sensor 220 are consistent, and when it is confirmed that the frequencies are consistent, the sensor 110 and the pickup sensor 220 are not all activated. Only the pickup sensor 220 is activated to provide the tuning information. Therefore, while a consumed amount of the electric power is reduced, the same advantageous effect may be provided in the tuning. In particular, in the embodiment of the present disclosure in which the tuner 100 receives the electric power from the pre-amplifier 200, it may be understood that the consumed amount of the jointly used electric power is reduced.

[0082] In addition, as means for significantly ensuring an advantageous effect of reducing the consumed amount of the electric power, the first time period may be relatively shorter than the second time period.

[0083] Meanwhile, when the comparison results are not partially consistent for the first time period, the tuner 100 may maintain an activated state of the sensor 110. In this case, even during the second time period after the first time period, the tuner 100 may still provide the tuning information in accordance with the first frequency detected through the sensor 110. In addition, the tuner 100 may cause the display 120 to output warning information notifying that the first frequency detected through the sensor 110 and the second frequency detected through the pickup sensor 220 are not consistent. In this case, the screen may be displayed in a red color, but example is not limited thereto. As a result, a user may take measures by recognizing a problem of a frequency sensing function of at least one of the tuner 100 and the pre-amplifier 200.

[0084] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 4a, the tuner 100 and the pre-amplifier 200 may have one surface formed as a curved surface to respectively match a circular border of the sound hole. Therefore, each degree of exposure of the tuner 100 and the pre-amplifier 200 through the sound hole may be limited when the guitar is viewed from the front surface.

[0085] In this regard, FIG. 4b is a diagram for describing a partially exposed state of the tuner and the pre-amplifier formed to match the shape of the sound hole according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] Referring to Fig. 4b, the tuner 100 and the pre-amplifier 200 have each exposed surface formed as a curved surface. This curved surface satisfactorily match the sound hole in terms of design. Moreover, the degree of exposure may be significantly limited when the guitar is viewed from the front surface.

[0087] FIG. 5a is a diagram illustrating a state where the pre-amplifier installed inside the guitar is viewed from below the front surface through the sound hole according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] Referring to Fig. 5a, the pre-amplifier 200 may be installed in an upward direction of the sound hole formed in the sound-board of the body, based on a posture of the guitar horizontally placed for musical performance. Here, a certain percentage or more of the pre-amplifier 200 is installed to be hidden not to be visible through the sound hole in a direction of the front surface of the guitar. However, when viewed from below the front surface as in Fig. 5a, various buttons (for example, 241, 242, 243, and 244) may be exposed.

[0089] FIG. 5b is a diagram for describing a state where the tuner installed inside the guitar is viewed from above the front surface through the sound hole according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] Referring to Fig. 5b, based on the posture of the guitar horizontally placed for musical performance, the tuner 100 may be installed in a downward direction of the sound hole formed in the sound-board of the body. Here, a certain percentage or more of the tuner 100 may be installed to be hidden not to be visible through the sound hole in the direction of the front surface of the guitar. However, when viewed from above the front surface as in Fig. 5b, the display 120 and buttons 140' may be exposed.

[0091] That is, when the guitar player holding the guitar looks looks at the inside of the sound hole (of the sound-board) in the downward direction from above, based on the posture of the guitar horizontally placed for musical performance, the display 120 of the tuner 100 may be formed to face the upward direction so that the display 120 is visible to the guitar player.

[0092] Meanwhile, in an embodiment, the power supply of the tuner 100 may turned on or off in accordance with a user operation of the button 140' provided in the tuner 100. In addition, while the power supply of the tuner 100 is turned on, the tuner 100 may transmit at least one control signal to the pre-amplifier 200 to deactivate the amplification function of the pre-amplifier 200. In this case, the control signal may be transmitted through the cable 401, or may be transmitted through another cable or wireless communication.

[0093] In this way, since the pre-amplifier 200 is deactivated during the operation of the tuner 100, a situation where the sound is amplified and output during a tuning process may be prevented.

[0094] In addition, in an embodiment, the tuner 100 may be designed so that the power supply is automatically turned off after a certain period of time elapses since the power supply of the tuner 100 is turned on. Specifically, the control unit 130 may automatically turn off the power supply when the vibration or the frequency is not detected through the sensor 110 for a certain period of time (for example, seven minutes).

[0095] In addition, in one embodiment, in a deactivated state of the pre-amplifier 200, when the power supply of the tuner 100 is turned off by the user operation of the button 140' or due to the lapse of a predetermined period of time, the tuner 100 may transmit at least one control signal to the pre-amplifier 200 to activate the amplification function of the pre-amplifier 200 again immediately before the power supply of the tuner 100 is turned off.

[0096] Meanwhile, the system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may additionally include a battery unit 300 in addition to the tuner 100 and the pre-amplifier 200.

[0097] In this regard, FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing a schematic structure of the guitar and a configuration of the system including the tuner, the pre-amplifier, and the battery unit which are installed inside the guitar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] Referring to Fig. 6, the tuner 100, the pre-amplifier 200, and the battery unit 300 may be respectively installed inside the body of the guitar.

[0099] The battery unit 300 is configured to supply the electric power to the pre-amplifier 200. The battery combined with the battery unit 300 may be replaced with another battery, or may be a rechargeable battery. When the battery is rechargeable, the battery in a combined state with the battery unit 300 may be charged in such a manner that at least one terminal of the battery unit 300 is connected to an external charging device in a wired manner. Alternatively, the battery in a separate state from the battery unit 300 may be charged by the external charging device.

[0100] The battery unit 300 may include at least one connection means (for example, a connection terminal and a cable) for transmitting the audio signal amplified by the pre-amplifier 200 to the external device.

[0101] The pre-amplifier 200 amplifies the sound of the guitar by using the electric power supplied through the battery unit 300, and may transmit some of the electric power to the tuner 100.

[0102] That is, in the present disclosure, the battery unit 300 may supply the electric power to the pre-amplifier 200, and the pre-amplifier 200 may supply the electric power to the tuner 100. In this case, the tuner 100 may not be independently provided with the battery.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 2, the battery unit 300 may include a power supply unit 310 and a connector 320.

[0104] The power supply unit 310 is configured to supply the electric power, may include at least one battery box in which the battery is combined / disassembled for replacement or recharging, and may include at least one terminal for connecting the battery.

[0105] The connector 320 is configured to transmit the audio signal amplified by the pre-amplifier 200 to at least one external device (for example, a speaker, an amplifier device, a headset, and a headphone). For example, the connector 320 may be connected to each of the pre-amplifier 200 and the external device through a cable, and may transmit the (amplified) audio signal. For this purpose, the connector 320 may include at least one connection terminal for respectively connecting a cable connected to the pre-amplifier 200 and a cable connected to the external device.

[0106] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the battery unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 8, the battery unit 300 may include a battery box 301, a battery cap 302, and a connection terminal 303.

[0108] The battery box 301 is configured to incorporate the battery, and at least one terminal for connecting the battery may be formed therein.

[0109] The battery cap 302 is configured to open / close the battery box 301, and the battery may be removed from or inserted into the battery box 301 as the battery cap 302 is opened.

[0110] The connection terminal 303 is a terminal for connection to the external device that receives the amplified audio signal of the pre-amplifier 200. Although not illustrated, a side opposite to the connection terminal 303 of the battery unit 300 may be provided with a separate terminal to which a cable connected to the pre-amplifier 200 is connected.

[0111] In one embodiment, whereas the battery cap 302 and the connection terminal 303 may be exposed on an outer surface (for example, a side surface) of the body of the guitar, the battery box 301 may not be exposed while being disposed inside the body of the guitar.

[0112] FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing each disposition and each connection relationship of the tuner, the pre-amplifier, and the battery unit which are installed inside the guitar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 illustrates a state where the inner side surface of the sound-board corresponding to the inside of the body is viewed in the direction of the front surface from the rear surface.

[0113] Referring to Fig. 9, the tuner 100 and the pre-amplifier 200 may be installed on the inner side of the sound-board of the body to respectively match a shape of the sound hole. As a result, when the sound hole is viewed from the front surface of the guitar, each of the tuner 100 and the pre-amplifier 200 may be in a hidden state by a certain percentage or more.

[0114] In addition, referring to FIG. 9, the battery unit 300 may be installed on one side surface of the body which is located opposite to the neck of the guitar. In this case, the battery cap 302 and the connection terminal 303 of the battery unit 300 may be exposed outward. As a result, replacement of the battery and connection to the external device may be easily selected without disassembling the guitar (for example, disassembling of the body of the guitar itself in addition to disassembling, dismantling, and replacement of the guitar strings). On the other hand, the battery box 301 of the battery unit 300 may be located on the inner side of the body as illustrated.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 9, the battery unit 300 may be connected to the pre-amplifier 200 in a wired manner through the cable 402, and may supply the electric power to the pre-amplifier 200. In this case, the battery unit 300 may receive the (amplified) audio signal from the pre-amplifier 200 through the cable 402, and may transmit the amplified audio signal to the external device. For this purpose, the cable 402 may include separate cables for respectively supplying the electric power and transmitting the signal (data). Alternatively, all of these operations may be performed through a single cable.

[0116] Meanwhile, although all of the above-described embodiments have been described as examples of the tuner system which targets the guitar, as a matter of course, the same tuner system may be applied to various guitar-type musical instruments including a body, a neck, and a head, such as a ukulele, a bass, and a mandolin, in addition to the guitar. That is, the present disclosure provides that the embodiments of the tuner system disclosed in the present specification may be similarly applied to most guitar-type musical instruments unless there are special circumstances.

[0117] Meanwhile, two or more embodiments of various embodiments described above may be implemented together as long as the embodiments do not conflict with each other.

[0118] Meanwhile, various embodiments described above may be implemented in a recording medium that may be read by a computer or a similar device by using software, hardware, or a combination thereof.

[0119] In terms of hardware implementation, the embodiments described in the present disclosure may be implemented by using at least one of application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and other electrical units for fulfilling functions of the guitar.

[0120] In some cases, the embodiments described in the present specification may be implemented by the processor itself. In terms of software implementation, the embodiments of the procedures and functions which are described in the present specification may be implemented by separate software modules. Each of the software modules described above may perform one or more of the functions and operations described in the present specification.

[0121] Meanwhile, computer instructions for performing processing operations of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. When the computer instructions stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium are executed by a processor of a specific device, processing operations of the electronic device (for example, the tuner, the pre-amplifier, and the tuning system) according to various embodiments described above are performed by the above-described device.

[0122] The non-transitory computer-readable medium is not a medium that stores data for a short period of time, such as a register, a cache, and a memory, but refers to a medium that semi-permanently stores data and that can be read by the device. Specifically, various applications or programs described above may be stored and provided in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a CD, a DVD, a hard disk, a Blu-ray disk, a USB, a memory card, and a ROM.

[0123] In addition, although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope not departing from the concept of the present disclosure as claimed in the appended claims. Furthermore, these modifications should not be individually understood from the technical idea or aspect of the present disclosure.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0023]Before the present disclosure is described in detail, a method for describing the present specification and the drawings will be described.

[0024]First, as terms used in the present specification and the appended claims, general terms are selected in view of functions in various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, these terms may vary depending on intentions of those skilled in the art, legal or technical interpretations, and introduction of new technologies. In addition, some terms are selected in any desired way by the applicant. These terms may be interpreted as defined in the present specification, and when there is no specific definition of the terms, the terms may be interpreted based on overall content of the present specification and common technical knowledge in the related art.

[0025]In addition, the same reference numbers or symbols described in each drawing attached to the present specification represent parts or components that perform substantially the ...

Claims

1. A tuning system comprising: a tuner installed on an inner side of a sound-board of a body of a guitar and providing tuning information; and a pre-amplifier installed on the inner side of the sound-board, amplifying sound generated from the guitar, and transmitting amplified sound to an external device, wherein the tuner is connected to the pre-amplifier, and receives electric power from the pre-amplifier.

2. The tuning system of claim 1, wherein the tuner includes a sensor for detecting vibration of the sound-board, and a display that identifies a frequency of the sound according to the detected vibration and provides the tuning information.

3. The tuning system of claim 2, wherein the tuner is installed in a downward direction of a sound hole formed in the sound-board of the body, based on a posture of the guitar horizontally placed for musical performance, and is installed so that a certain percentage or more of the tuner is hidden not to be visible through the sound hole in a direction of a front surface of the guitar, and the display faces an upward direction so that the display is visible to the guitar player when the guitar player looks at an inside of the sound hole in the downward direction from above, based on the posture of the guitar horizontally placed for musical performance.

4. The tuning system of claim 1, wherein the pre-amplifier acquires a first audio signal in accordance with a piezoelectric effect of a piezoelectric element included in a pickup sensor when a saddle formed on a front surface portion vibrates, based on the sound generated from the guitar, acquires a second audio signal matching the sound generated from the guitar through a microphone, and generates an amplified audio signal, based on the first audio signal and the second audio signal.

5. The tuning system of claim 4, wherein the tuner includes a display that provides tuning information, the pre-amplifier transmits data on a frequency of the sound detected through the pickup sensor to the tuner, and the tuner displays the tuning information acquired based on the data through the display.

6. The tuning system of claim 1, wherein the tuner is turned on or off in accordance with a user operation performed on a button provided in the tuner, and while the tuner is turned on, at least one control signal is transmitted to the pre-amplifier to disable an amplification function of the pre-amplifier.

7. The tuning system of claim 6, wherein the tuner is automatically turned off when a certain period of time elapses after the tuner is turned on.

8. The tuning system of claim 1, wherein the pre-amplifier receives supply of electric power from a battery attached to the guitar or from at least one external device.

9. A tuning system comprising: a tuner installed on an inner side of a sound-board of a body of a musical instrument corresponding to a guitar type, and providing tuning information; and a pre-amplifier installed on the inner side of the sound-board, amplifying sound generated from the musical instrument, and transmitting amplified sound to an external device, wherein the tuner is connected to the pre-amplifier to receive electric power from the pre-amplifier.

10. A tuning system comprising: a tuner installed on an inner side of a sound-board of a body of a guitar and providing tuning information; a pre-amplifier installed on the inner side of the sound-board, amplifying sound generated from the guitar, and transmits amplified sound to an external device; and a battery unit for supplying electric power to the pre-amplifier, wherein the tuner is connected to the pre-amplifier to receive the electric power from the pre-amplifier.

11. A guitar-type musical instrument including a body, a neck, and a head, the musical instrument comprising: a tuner installed on an inner side of a sound-board of the body and providing tuning information; a pre-amplifier installed on the inner side of the sound-board, amplifying sound generated from the guitar, and transmitting amplified sound to an external device; and a battery unit for supplying electric power to the pre-amplifier, wherein the tuner is connected to the pre-amplifier to receive the electric power from the pre-amplifier.

Images