method of aligning a light-up learning device for a piano

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for aligning (4) a light learning device for a piano comprising a keyboard with keys, the light learning device comprising a light strip comprising a plurality of light sources aligned in a direction of elongation and controlled by a control box in order to control the emission of a light signal intended to be associated with each key of the keyboard in order to indicate which key to strike for a given score. To this end, the alignment method (4) implemented by an adjustment device comprises a step of local offsetting (45) a light signal among several adjacent light sources proximal to the key to be adjusted, so as to select the most suitable light source to be associated with the key to be adjusted. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Method for aligning a light-up learning device for a piano with keys

[0001] The technical context of the present invention is that of music learning aid devices for pianos having a keyboard with keys. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of aligning a light learning device for a piano having a keyboard with keys.

[0002] Piano is a discipline that requires a long learning time. For a student to progress, a traditional learning method is to take lessons with an instructor. In addition to these lessons, the student must practice regularly and repetitively. Through these repetitive exercises, the student can achieve a certain dexterity. He learns to play a piece of music in just a few words by playing a succession of expected notes. A student is often alone to practice these exercises, particularly for financial reasons. Training alone can be difficult, tiring and discouraging, especially for novice students, while perseverance and personal investment are the keys to success in this type of practice.

[0003] In the state of the art, instruction devices for electronic pianos are known, intended to assist a user in learning the piano. In particular, instruction devices for electronic pianos are known, making it possible to guide a user by means of light signals indicating which key or chord to play and when to play it. Such instruction devices comprise a light strip formed from a multitude of light sources arranged next to each other and placed opposite the keys of the keyboard. These light sources are then selectively illuminated in order to indicate to the student playing the piano which key(s) he must press to play the expected piece. The advantage of such light strips is that they make it possible to easily and gradually identify the key(s) to press to obtain the correct note or chord.

[0004] Thus, these devices complement, and sometimes even replace, the traditional learning method involving an instructor, by allowing the user to learn music and progress through electronically guided and autonomous training.

[0005] First of all, certain instruction devices are known which are integrated into the keyboard or into the keys of the piano, such as for example the LK-S250 and LK-S450 beginner keyboards, marketed by CASIO. Such keyboards thus have illuminated keys which can each light up and turn off independently of each other and according to a given digital score. In these keyboards illuminated, each key that is lit identifies the note(s) to be played to guide the user in learning the piano. The user then knows where to place their fingers to play the score.

[0006] While such instruction devices allow for intuitive and fun learning of notes, in complete autonomy, the design of these pianos is much more complex, making said pianos more expensive. In addition, it is not possible to transpose these light learning devices onto other keyboards since they form an inseparable unit with the corresponding keyboard. Their use is therefore limited or is intended for people who only play and learn to play on a single instrument, which is not always the case.

[0007] Piano instruction devices are also known that are independent and external to the keyboard. These instruction devices are removable and can be used to equip several pianos that do not have the lighting features mentioned above. These removable instruction devices offer a mobile alternative to light keyboards and can be used in combination with several learning pianos.

[0008] Such instruction devices are known in particular in document FR3133263 which describes a learning device for electronic piano, the learning device comprising:

[0009] - a processing unit comprising a housing housing an electronic module of command configured to be driven by a remote peripheral terminal;

[0010] - a light strip being configured to generate visual guidance of at least a note to be played when said light strip is mounted on a keyboard of the electronic piano, the light strip being flexible and removably connected to the processing unit by wiring.

[0011] These instruction devices are very versatile in appearance because they are transportable and can be associated with any piano. However, for optimal comfort of use, a certain number of adjustments must be made to adjust the positioning of the light sources with the keyboard keys. Of course, it is known to adjust a lateral position of these instruction devices in relation to the keyboard keys in order to best match all of the light sources with the keyboard keys, or in any case the greatest number.

[0012] However, in practice, these adjustments are not easy to obtain and known instruction devices do not offer sufficient adjustment possibilities to obtain maximum user comfort. Firstly, pianos do not all have the same number of keys, since keyboards with 25, 32, 49, 61 or 88 keys are known. Then, the lateral dimensions of the keys or the interval between two adjacent keys can vary significantly from one piano to another, making the The lateral dimensions of pianos vary greatly. Finally, there is also a problem of parallax for the piano player who, sitting in the center of the keyboard, cannot see the highest or lowest keys from the front.

[0013] For all these reasons in particular, the adjustment possibilities offered by known externalized instruction devices are insufficient to offer the piano player optimal comfort.

[0014] The object of the present invention is to propose a new method for aligning a light learning device for a piano in order to at least largely address the preceding problems and to further lead to other advantages.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to improve the comfort of use of such a light learning device for a piano.

[0016] Another aim of the invention is to enable better perception of the light signals emitted by such a light learning device, and in particular better perceived alignment between the light signal and the corresponding key.

[0017] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with a method for aligning a light learning device for a piano comprising a keyboard with keys, the light learning device comprising a light strip comprising a plurality of light sources aligned in a direction of elongation of the light strip and for which a light signal is intended to be associated with a key of the keyboard, the alignment method being implemented by an adjustment device and comprising the following steps:

[0018] - a step of associating the light learning device with the keyboard of the piano and with the tuning device;

[0019] - a step of aligning the light learning device with the keys of the keyboard ;

[0020] - a step of selecting a key on the keyboard, called the key to be set;

[0021] - a step of visualizing the light signal from one of the light sources associated with the key to be adjusted, called the associated light source;

[0022] - a step of local shifting of the light signal from the light source associated with the touch to one of the light sources adjacent to the associated light source, using the adjustment device.

[0023] In the context of the present invention, the piano with which the light learning device collaborates is of the type of an electronic piano or an acoustic piano.

[0024] In the context of the present invention, the light learning device takes the form of a light strip forming the light strip, the light strip extending in a direction of elongation intended to correspond with the elongation of the keypad itself. The light strip comprises at least at least one row of light sources placed adjacent to each other. Of course, the light strip comprises at least one light source per key of the keyboard with which the light learning device is intended to be associated. However, it is preferable for the number of light sources of the light strip to be greater than the number of keys of the keyboard, in order to allow better alignment on the one hand, but also finer adjustment possibilities. By way of non-limiting example, the light strip of the light learning device comprises at least twice as many light sources as keys of the keyboard with which it is intended to be associated, or even at least four times as many. According to one embodiment of the invention, the light strip comprises 176 light sources.

[0025] In the context of the present invention, the light strip comprises a support on which the light sources are fixed integrally and electrically connected to each other, so as to form an electrical network of light sources. The support comprises for example an electronic card on which the light sources are electrically coupled. The support is preferably of the flexible support type, such as for example a ribbon. Alternatively, the support is of the rigid type, such as for example a strip.

[0026] In the context of the present invention, each light source is preferably of the type comprising one or more light-emitting diodes. By light-emitting diode, we mean any type of light-emitting diodes, such as for example LEDs - English acronym meaning "Light Emitting Diode", OLEDs - English acronym meaning "organic LED", AMOLEDs - English acronym meaning "Active-Matrix-Organic LED", or FOLEDs - English acronym meaning "Flexible OLED". Advantageously, the light sources are selectively controlled by a control unit which regulates an electrical supply current and / or a bias voltage for each of said light sources in order to control the emission of light rays.It is thus possible to selectively control the light sources in order to configure them in any configuration between an off configuration and a maximum illumination configuration.

[0027] In the context of the present invention, the association step is a step of functional connection between the piano and the light learning device. Indeed, in order for them to be able to collaborate together, it is necessary that they recognize each other, or that, at the very least, the light learning device recognizes the existence of the piano. The association step thus aims at identification of the piano by the light learning device.

[0028] In the context of the present invention, the alignment step is a first step of adjusting the light learning device with respect to the keyboard of the piano with which it is desired to use said light learning device. The alignment step makes it possible in particular to make at least the lower light source of the light strip correspond to the lower key of the piano keyboard, that is to say the light source furthest to the left of the light strip intended to be associated with the lowest key of the keyboard. Indeed, in order to be able to perfect the alignment of the light learning device, it is necessary that, first, at least one light source is suitably placed with respect to the corresponding key of the keyboard.In the context of the present invention, the method for aligning the light learning device uses the lower key of the piano - and the lower light source of the light strip - as a pivot for fine-tuning said light learning device. In other words, the lower light source is used as a fixed point for adjusting all other light sources. More precisely, the light signal emitted by the lower light source is used as a reference for adjusting the light signals of all other light sources.

[0029] In the context of the present invention, the selection step consists of indicating to the adjustment device which key of the keyboard the alignment method according to the invention aims to modify the local alignment for. In other words, the selection step comprises a step of pressing the key or, more generally, a step of transmitting a signal representative of the key to be adjusted. In the case of an acoustic piano, such a signal may be an acoustic signal, recorded by a microphone and transmitted to the adjustment device. In the case of an electronic piano, such a signal is preferably of the MIDI signal type.

[0030] In the context of the present invention, the MIDI signal is said to be a transmission of data between the electronic piano and the light learning device according to a MIDI protocol which includes the interface, the language in which the MIDI data is transmitted and the connections necessary to communicate. Among the MIDI data, there are for example:

[0031] - data indicating whether a keyboard key is pressed or released, that is, if a key is ON or OFF,

[0032] - data relating to “pitches”, i.e. an indication of the intensity volume of the sound resulting from pressing the key,

[0033] - data relating to the notes played, i.e. in particular their number octave and their note number in the octave,

[0034] - data enabling a velocity to be indicated, i.e. the speed and the moment according to which the key is pressed,

[0035] - data relating to the “aftertouch”, that is to say the variation in pressure according to which the key is released,

[0036] - data relating to the “tempo” measured in Beats Per Minute,

[0037] - data relating to “panning”, i.e. the adjustment of the distribution panoramic in stereo or multi-channel space,

[0038] - data relating to note modulations,

[0039] - data relating to the volume, ...

[0040] In the context of the present invention, the display step is a step of controlling one or more light sources associated with the key pressed at the start of adjustment, so that the light source(s) of the light strip emit light visible to the user. This step allows the user to view which light source is associated with the key to be adjusted that has been pressed. During this display step, the key to be pressed can be held down. Preferably, the display step is consecutive to the selection step, and the key to be pressed does not have to be held down to perform it.

[0041] In the context of the present invention, the shifting step allows the user to select one of the light sources adjacent to the associated light source illuminated during the previous step. The shifting step thus makes it possible, selectively and according to choices specific to the user, to move the light signal associated with the key to be adjusted to another adjacent light source. In other words, the shifting step makes it possible to associate another light source with the key to be adjusted. This association is made without moving the light strip itself, but by playing on the overabundance of light sources to associate another light source and, in fact, introduce a geometric shift without having moved the light strip.

[0042] In the context of the present invention, the light signal is the signal resulting from the control of one of the light sources in order to indicate that the keyboard key located opposite or nearby - that is to say the one with which it is associated - must be pressed by the user of the piano.

[0043] In the context of the present invention, the adjustment apparatus is a digital apparatus connected to the light learning device - by wired or wireless means. By way of non-limiting examples, such an adjustment apparatus is preferably of the portable type, such as a mobile phone, a connected watch, a tablet, a laptop, etc.

[0044] Thus, the alignment method according to the first aspect of the invention makes it possible to better adjust the light learning device with the keyboard of the piano with which it is associated. The individual adjustment offered for each key, combined with a density of light sources greater than the distribution of the keys on the keyboard, makes it possible to offer fine adjustment which ultimately makes the user experience more relevant. During the implementation of the alignment method according to the invention, pressing a key makes it possible to indicate to the adjustment device the key opposite which it is desired to adjust the positioning of the associated light signal, through the light sources located directly near said key. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it makes it possible to resolve all the technical problems mentioned above, including in particular the parallax problem.

[0045] The alignment method according to the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0046] - the association step consists of (i) a step of placing the device light learning device along the keyboard, so that the light strip extends along the keys of the keyboard, (ii) a pairing step between the adjustment device and the piano. In the context of the present invention, the placement step makes it possible to make the light learning device collaborate with the keyboard of the piano with which it is desired to use said light learning device. The placement step is a step of physically bringing the light learning device closer to the keyboard, so as to arrange the light strip at the end of the keys of the keyboard, along the keyboard. The objective here is to place the light strip so that each key of the keyboard can be - eventually - associated with one of the light sources of the light strip, that is to say that the light source is located in alignment with the associated key or, more generally, in the direct vicinity of the key.In the context of the present invention, the pairing step is a wired connection step - preferably via a MIDI type connection or a network connection, for example optical or RJ45 - or a wireless connection step via a WIFI or Bluetooth type connection for example. The pairing step makes it possible to establish digital communication between the light learning device and the adjustment device, in order to transmit digital data relating to the keys to be adjusted in particular; .

[0047] - the alignment step comprises a step of indexing a first source light source of the light strip with a first key on the keyboard. The indexing step is precisely aimed at aligning the first light source with the first key on the keyboard. In the context of the present invention, the first light source is the lower light source of the light strip, i.e. the one associated with the lower - i.e. the lowest - key on the keyboard. In other words, the first light source is the leftmost light source of the light strip; and the first key on the keyboard is the leftmost key on the keyboard. This alignment between the first key and the first light source can be done in several different ways in the context of the present invention;

[0048] - for example, the indexing step is performed by a visual alignment of the first light source with the first key. In this first embodiment, the alignment is achieved by moving the light strip along the direction of elongation, i.e. along the keys of the keyboard, in order to match the first key and the first light source;

[0049] - advantageously, the indexing step is carried out by a visual alignment of a alignment mark provided on the light strip with the keyboard. For example, the alignment mark includes a groove or a symbol engraved or, more generally, present on the light strip;

[0050] - the alignment step includes a step of adapting a light amplitude of the light strip with the acoustic amplitude of the keyboard, the adaptation step comprising. The amplitude adaptation step aims to match a number of keys on the keyboard with a distribution of light signals according to all the light sources available on the light strip, or some of them.Thus, the adaptation step comprises (i) a first step of pressing a lower end key of the keyboard, (ii) a second step of pressing a higher end key of the keyboard, (iii) a step of recognizing a rank of the lower end key - called lower rank - and of the upper end key - called higher rank, (iv) a step of determining a number of octaves contained between the upper rank and the lower rank, (v) a step of defining the light signal of a lower light source associated with the lower end key and the light signal of an upper light source associated with the upper end key. Thus, this advantageous configuration makes it possible to match and adapt the light strip to the size of the keyboard with which the light learning device is associated.By successively pressing the lowest key and the highest key on the keyboard, the light learning device determines the number of notes available on the keyboard and deduces an acoustic interval to be covered by the light strip, i.e. the number of keys with which the light sources must be associated. Now, since the light sources of the light strip are greater in number than the number of keys on the keyboard, this amplitude adaptation step makes it possible to determine, on the one hand, the number of active light sources, i.e. those which are physically located between the leftmost light source and the rightmost light source of the light strip and, on the other hand, to determine an interval between two directly adjacent active light sources. Indeed, the light strip being overabundant in terms of light sources, then for two adjacent keys of the . keyboard, the light strip matches more than two light sources. However, a key on the keyboard is associated with a single light source. The adaptation step thus makes it possible to determine how many light sources are made inactive between two active light sources. This determination is obtained by dividing the number of light sources by the number of keys determined for the keyboard. For example, in the case of an 88-key keyboard with 176 light sources, then there will be an inactive light source located between two active light sources respectively associated with two adjacent keys on the keyboard. In the context of the present invention, the lower end key of the keyboard is the first key on the keyboard mentioned above, that is to say the key located furthest to the left of the keyboard. Similarly, the upper end key of the keyboard is the key located furthest to the right of the keyboard.In the context of the present invention, only the light sources located between the lower light source and the upper light source are then used for implementing the light learning device. In other words, the light sources located below the lower light source and the light sources located beyond the upper light source are not used for implementing the light learning device. To this end, the alignment method according to the first aspect of the invention comprises a step of deactivating the light sources located below the lower light source or beyond the upper light source. In the context of the present invention, the rank of the key corresponds to all or part of the MIDI data in order to identify the corresponding note, i.e. its position in a given octave as well as said octave.In the case of an acoustic piano, the rank of the key corresponds to an identification of the corresponding note by means of an acoustic frequency for example; .

[0051] - the selection step comprises (i) a step of pressing the key to be set on the keyboard, (ii) a step of recognizing a rank of the key to be adjusted. The step of recognizing the rank of the key to be adjusted can be carried out either by reading the MIDI signal or by analyzing an acoustic frequency associated with the key to be adjusted;

[0052] - the step of visualizing the associated light source consists of a step of controlling an electric current and / or a bias voltage of the associated light source, so as to control said light source so that it generates the light signal forming a light visible to the user. The display step may comprise a step of modulating a light intensity and / or a color of the light source associated with the key to be adjusted. For example, the display step consists of a step of flashing the associated light source, the light signal being of the intermittent signal type. This advantageous configuration makes it easy to identify the key being adjusted on the piano and on the light strip, making it easier for the user to achieve optimal adjustment;

[0053] - the step of local shifting of the light signal from the associated light source comprises (i) a step of pressing at least one control of the adjustment device, pressing the at least one control causing the associated light source to turn off in favor of an adjacent light source which is then controlled so as to generate the light signal forming a light visible to the user, becoming the light signal of a newly associated light source, and (ii) a step of associating the light signal of the newly associated light source with the corresponding key to be adjusted on the keyboard. In other words, the adjustment of the position of the light signal on one or other of the light sources adjacent to the key to be adjusted on the keyboard is carried out from the adjustment device. The adjustment device thus controls the light learning device, by transmitting to it a command which makes it possible to control the switching on and off of each light source of the light strip.For this purpose, each light source is identified by a reference forming an address, thus making it possible to clearly identify in a communication between the adjustment device and the light learning device which light source(s) is / are to be activated; .

[0054] - in order to be able to adapt the light learning device to any type keyboard, and also adapt it to the layout of the keyboard in its environment, and in particular with respect to the adjustment device, the alignment method comprises a step of connecting a control box of the light learning device to the right or left of the light strip, the control box being configured to control the light sources according to their position relative to the keys of the keyboard. For this purpose, once the light strip is associated with the keyboard, the control box is electrically connected to the light strip, either at the level of the lower light source - for a left adjustment - or at the level of the upper light source - for a right adjustment. The electrical connection is permitted by means of an electrical connection of the control box to the light strip.For this purpose, the light strip advantageously comprises an electrical connection member at each of its axial ends, that is to say near the lower light source and the upper light source. The electrical connection member is for example a female socket configured to collaborate with a male socket associated with the control box, or vice versa; .

[0055] - in order to provide a global adjustment of all the light sources of the light learning device without moving the light strip, the alignment method includes a step of global shifting of the light signals of the light sources associated with the keyboard keys, all the light signals of the associated light sources being shifted by one position to the right or to the left. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to propose a first fine adjustment to move all of the light signals either to the right or to the left. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to compensate for a systematic spatial shift observed for each of the keys of the keyboard between said key and the light source located opposite, slightly shifted. Thus, the implementation of the global adjustment step makes it possible to translate everything by a distance less than the interval between two successive keys, and thus to benefit from a better alignment between the keys of the keyboard and one of the light sources of the light strip. In other words, in the context of the present invention, the shift is not of the type of a displacement of the light strip, but rather of the shift of the light signal alone.By switching from one light source to another, the lateral position of the light signal associated with one of the keyboard keys can be adapted;

[0056] - the alignment method comprises a step of adjusting an amplitude geometric of the active light sources used in association with the keyboard keys, the adjustment step comprising (i) a step of controlling all or part of the active light sources, i.e. those whose light signal is associated with a keyboard key, the active light sources being located between a lower light source associated with a lower key of the keyboard and an upper light source associated with an upper key of the keyboard, (ii) a step of defining a new upper light source, closer or further from the lower light source, (iii) a step of distributing the light signals of all the active light sources between the lower light source and the new upper light source, each light signal being associated with a keyboard key located opposite or substantially opposite.This advantageous configuration makes it possible to adjust the light strip to the interval between two adjacent keys of the keyboard. Indeed, in the case, for example, of a “narrow” keyboard with a narrow interval between two keys and / or keys of small width, then the length of such a keyboard will be less than that of a keyboard offering a greater width of keys and / or a greater interval between two keys. The definition step consists, for example, of a step of moving the light signal associated with the upper light source towards a light source proximal to the lower light source or towards a light source distal to the first lower light source. This moving step induces a step of modifying the number of light sources separating the lower light source and the upper light source.In the context of the present invention, the modifying step may selectively consist of (i) a step of reducing the number of light sources separating the lower light source and the upper light source, or (ii) a . step of increasing the number of light sources separating the lower light source and the upper light source. Subsequently, by calculating for example the number of light sources located between the lower light source and the upper light source, the light strip is reconfigured so that the light signals associated with the keyboard keys are all distributed - preferably in a regular manner, that is to say equidistant - between the lower light source and the upper light source. This advantageous configuration leads to an effect of expansion or contraction of the geometric amplitude occupied by all the light signals, thus making it easy to adapt the light strip to the different keyboard dimensions, which may depend, depending on the model, on the number of keys, the width of the keys or even the interval between two adjacent keys.

[0057] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a musical set comprising a key keyboard, a device for adjusting the key keyboard and a light learning device associated with the key keyboard and the adjustment device, the light learning device comprising:

[0058] - a light strip comprising a plurality of aligned light sources one next to the other in a direction of elongation;

[0059] - a control box connected, on the one hand, to a source of electrical energy and, on the other part, to the light strip so as to selectively control the light sources in order to control their light emission,

[0060] the light learning device being configured to implement the alignment method according to the first aspect of the invention or according to any of its improvements.

[0061] As mentioned above, in the context of the present invention, the light learning device takes the form of a light strip forming the light strip, the light strip extending in a direction of elongation intended to correspond with the elongation of the keypad itself. The light strip comprises at least one row of light sources placed adjacent to each other. Of course, the light strip comprises at least one light source per key of the keyboard with which the light learning device is intended to be associated. However, it is preferable for the number of light sources of the light strip to be greater than the number of keys of the keyboard, in order to allow better alignment on the one hand, but also finer adjustment possibilities.By way of non-limiting example, the light strip of the light learning device comprises at least twice as many light sources as keys on the keyboard with which it is intended to be associated, or even at least four times as many. According to one embodiment of the invention, the light strip comprises 176 light sources.

[0062] In the context of the present invention, the light strip comprises a support on which the light sources are fixed integrally and electrically connected to each other, so as to form an electrical network of light sources. The support comprises for example an electronic card on which the light sources are electrically coupled. The support is preferably of the flexible support type, such as for example a ribbon. Alternatively, the support is of the rigid type, such as for example a strip.

[0063] In the context of the present invention, each light source is preferably of the type comprising one or more light-emitting diodes. By light-emitting diode, we mean any type of light-emitting diodes, such as for example LEDs - English acronym meaning "Light Emitting Diode", OLEDs - English acronym meaning "organic LED", AMOLEDs - English acronym meaning "Active-Matrix-Organic LED", or FOLEDs - English acronym meaning "Flexible OLED". Advantageously, the light sources are selectively controlled by the control box which regulates an electrical supply current and / or a bias voltage for each of said light sources in order to control the emission of light rays.It is thus possible to selectively control the light sources in order to configure them in any configuration between an off configuration and a maximum illumination configuration.

[0064] The light learning device further comprises means of communication with a computer, remote or local, in order to be able to make the piano interact and select a score to be animated via the light strip. Such means of communication may for example be of the wired type and comprise for example a MIDI port and / or a USB port and / or an RJ45 type network port. Alternatively or additionally, such means of communication may be of the wireless type and comprise for example a WIFI or Bluetooth card.

[0065] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, integrating according to all of their possible combinations the different optional characteristics set out here.

[0066] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0067] [Fig.l] illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a light learning device implemented in the present invention;

[0068] [Fig.2] illustrates a schematic view of a musical ensemble conforming to the second aspect of the invention and equipped with the light learning device illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0069] [Fig.3] illustrates a synoptic view of the alignment method according to the first aspect of the invention and implemented on the musical ensemble illustrated in [Fig.2].

[0070] Of course, the features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other, in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0071] In particular, all the variants and all the embodiments described can be combined with each other if nothing prevents this combination from a technical point of view.

[0072] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0073] With reference to FIGURES 1 and 2, the invention addresses a musical set 65 comprising an 8-key keyboard 71, an adjustment device 13 for the 8-key keyboard 71 and a light learning device 1 associated with the 8-key keyboard 71 and the adjustment device 13. In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.2], the adjustment device 13 takes the form of a portable computer 14, but it could be of the type of a mobile phone or even a tablet for example.

[0074] Furthermore, in the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 2], the adjustment apparatus 13 is connected to the light learning device 1 in a wireless manner, for example through a WIFI or Bluetooth type connection with the light learning device 1. For this purpose, the adjustment apparatus 13 and the light learning device 1 each comprise wireless communication means, such as for example a telecommunications antenna 69 configured to transmit and receive WIFI signals 17 allowing the exchange of digital data remotely and in a wireless manner.

[0075] As visible in FIGURES 1 and 2, the musical learning device of the musical ensemble 65 according to the invention comprises:

[0076] - a light strip 3 comprising a plurality of light sources 39, 40 aligned next to each other in a direction of elongation corresponding here to a direction perpendicular to the keys 71 of the keyboard 8;

[0077] - a control box 2 connected, on the one hand, to a source of electrical energy and, on the other hand, to the light strip 3 so as to selectively control the light sources 39, 40 so as to control their light emission 200.

[0078] The light strip 3 of the light learning device 1 is more particularly of the type of a flexible light strip. The light strip 3 comprises a first end 35 opposite a second end 36. The first end 35 of the light strip 3 is extended by an electrical cable 30 of the light strip 3 in order to allow the light strip 3 to be electrically and removably connected to the control box 2.

[0079] Due to its flexibility, the light strip 3 can be associated with a piano 9 in a wide variety of shapes, and in particular it can be easily affixed close to a keyboard 8. In [Fig.l], the light strip 3 of the learning device is shown wrapped around itself - in a storage configuration for example - while in [Fig.2], the light strip 3 of the learning device is shown extended in a rectilinear manner in a direction of elongation, opposite and close to the keys 71 of the piano 9 with which it is associated.

[0080] In the representation illustrated in [Fig.2], such a light learning device 1 is configured to generate visual and light guidance of the notes to be played on the keyboard 8 and when the light learning device 1 is perfectly aligned with the keyboard 8. In the context of the present invention, it is considered that the light learning device 1 is perfectly associated with the keyboard 8 when the light sources 39, 40 of the light strip 3 are tuned with the keys 71 of the piano 9 - and not necessarily aligned with them, so that, for a user of the piano 9 sitting in front of the keyboard 8, the lighting configuration is satisfactory to him. Of course, this lighting configuration can vary depending on the user, his preferences and his measurements, but also depending on the type of keyboard 8 and its dimensions.The interest of the present invention, through the alignment method 4 which will be described in more detail with reference to [Fig. 3], is to allow each user to carry out a specific, personal, precise and individual alignment for each of the light sources 39, 40 of the light strip 3.

[0081] During an alignment step 42 of the alignment method 4, the light strip 3 is fixed to the piano 9 by a removable fixing means, not shown, such as for example double-sided tape. The removable fixing means makes it possible to define in a reconfigurable and non-permanent manner a relative position between the light strip 3 and the keyboard 8 of the piano 9.

[0082] The control box 2 of the learning device houses an electronic control module 12 which makes it possible to interface the luminous learning device 1 with a remote terminal when the light learning device 1 is operational or with the adjustment device 13 for implementing the alignment method 4 according to the invention. Of course, it is entirely possible that the adjustment device 13 and the remote terminal are the same device, here a laptop 14 as a non-limiting example.

[0083] The control box 2 of the light learning device 1 comprises communication means - wired or wireless - for communicating with the remote terminal and with the adjustment device 13. In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.2], the control box 2 houses a communication interface comprising a telecommunications antenna 69 of the WIFI type in order to transmit and receive WIFI signals 17 to exchange with the adjustment device 13 during the implementation of the alignment method 4 and / or with the remote terminal for the use of the light learning device 1 once made functional by said alignment method 4.

[0084] The control box 2 is electrically connected to the light strip 3 by means of the electric cable 30, and to the piano 9 by means of a connecting cable 31. For this purpose, the control box 2 comprises an electrical connection system 27. The electrical connection system 27 comprises:

[0085] - a USB 28 type connector allowing the system to be electrically connected electrical connection 27 of the control box 2 to a USB port 32 of the piano 9 with which the learning device is associated, via a MIDI / USB interface 66 allowing the efficient and bidirectional exchange of digital data encoded according to a MIDI protocol well known in the field of digital musical instruments;

[0086] - an electrical connection between the light strip 3 and the control box 2, so as to be able to provide an electrical signal for polarizing one or more of the light sources 39, 40 of the light strip 3, according to a predetermined lighting sequence which depends on the score to be played when the learning device is operational and used with the piano 9 or, during its initial adjustment, for the implementation of the alignment method 4;

[0087] - an electrical connection terminal to an electrical energy source - here the domestic electrical network - via an electrical transformer 34.

[0088] As mentioned previously, the light learning device 1 takes the form of a light strip forming the light strip 3. The light strip 3 comprises at least one row of light sources 39, 40 placed adjacent to each other. Of course, the light strip 3 comprises at least one light source 39, 40 per key 71 of the keyboard 8 with which the light learning device 1 is intended to be associated. However, it It is preferable that the number of light sources 39, 40 of the light strip 3 be greater than the number of keys 71 of the keyboard 8, in order to allow better alignment on the one hand, but also finer adjustment possibilities.

[0089] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 2], the light sources 39, 40 are preferably of the type of one or more light-emitting diodes. The light-emitting diodes are aligned along the elongation axis 7 of the light strip 3. Each of the light-emitting diodes forms a triplet of diodes emitting red light, green light and blue light in order to be able, by combination, to reconstitute any color. As visible in [Fig. 2], the light sources 39, 40 of the light strip 3 are for example formed by two immediately adjacent light-emitting diodes and thus forming a pair of light-emitting diodes.

[0090] As visible in [Fig.2], the light-emitting diodes forming the light sources 39, 40 are intended to be located opposite, or substantially as such, the keys 71 of the keyboard 8, so that some of the light sources 39, 40 can be associated with a note - and therefore a key 71 - of the keyboard 8. Of course, this situation is that of a light learning device 1 perfectly adjusted and adjusted to the keyboard 8 of the corresponding piano 9, and to its user.

[0091] Consequently, when the light strip 3 is implemented on the piano 9, each key 71 of the keyboard 8 of the piano 9 that the user must press to play it is identified by the emission of light 200 forming a light signal 23 at the level of the pair of light-emitting diodes which corresponds to it and / or at the level of the light source 39, 40 which corresponds to it. [Fig. 2] illustrates a situation of use in which a pair 41 of light-emitting diodes is off and a pair 42 of light-emitting diodes is on, the pair 42 of light-emitting diodes which are on emitting the emission of light 200 forming the light signal 23 representative of the note to be played. The pair 42 of light-emitting diodes which are on thus identifies the key 71 to be played on the keyboard 8 of the piano 9.

[0092] With reference to [Fig. 3], the alignment method 4 will now be described for optimizing the installation of the light learning device 1 as described previously, in order to allow a user to have an optimal musical ensemble 65.

[0093] According to the invention, the light learning device 1 is configured to implement the alignment method 4 which comprises the following steps:

[0094] - a step 41 of associating the light learning device 1 with the keyboard 8 of the piano 9 and with the adjustment device 13 in order to establish a functional connection between the piano 9 and the light learning device 1;

[0095] - a step 42 of aligning the light learning device 1 with the keys 71 of the keyboard 8 in order to carry out a first macroscopic alignment of the light strip 3 with respect to the keyboard 8 with keys 71;

[0096] - a selection step 43 of a key 71 of the keyboard 8, called key 71 to be adjusted making it possible to identify one of the keys 71 of the keyboard 8 opposite which the light source(s) 39, 40 will be adjusted to adapt the location of the light signal 23 to the user's preferences;

[0097] - a step 44 of visualizing the light signal 23 from one of the sources light sources 39, 40 associated with the key 71 to be adjusted, called associated light source 39, 40 in order to show the user an initial adjustment state of the configuration of the light strip 3 relative to the keyboard 8, near the key 71 to be adjusted;

[0098] - a local shift step 45 of the light signal 23 from the light source 39, 40 associated with the key 71 to one of the light sources 39, 40 adjacent to the associated light source 39, 40s, using the adjustment device 13. This last step makes it possible to locally move the light signal 23 associated with the key 71 to be adjusted by associating it with one or other of the light sources 39, 40 adjacent to that initially located opposite the key 71 to be adjusted, and as highlighted in the display step 44.

[0099] The association step 41 of the alignment method 4 preferably comprises - or even consists of:

[0100] - a step 411 of placing the light learning device 1 along the keyboard 8, so that the light strip 3 extends along the keys 71 of the keyboard 8. This step thus makes it possible to place opposite or substantially opposite all the light sources 39, 40 with a corresponding key 71 of the piano 9. As mentioned previously, the placement step 411 comprises for example a step of gluing the light strip 3 to the periphery of the keyboard 8 using a removable fixing means;

[0101] - a pairing step 412 between the adjustment device 13 and the piano 9 in order to establish a communication - preferably wired - between the adjustment device 13 on the one hand and, on the other hand, the light learning device 1 and the piano 9, with a view to transmitting data relating to the keys 71 pressed during the alignment process 4 and / or to the light signals to be emitted in response to the user's commands via the adjustment device 13.

[0102] The alignment step 42 aims to carry out a first macroscopic adjustment of the relative position of the light strip 3 with respect to the keys 71 of the keyboard 8. During this step, it is indeed a global positioning of the entire light strip 3 which is carried out, and not a relative positioning of a light source 39, 40 with respect to a key 71 of the keyboard 8. For this purpose, the alignment step 42 comprises a step 421 of indexing a first light source 39, 40 of the light strip 3 - that is to say the light source 39, 40 located furthest to the left of the light strip 3 - with a first key 71 of the keyboard 8 - that is to say the key 71 corresponding to the lowest note of the keyboard 8. The indexing step 421 makes it possible to align the first light source 39, 40 with the first key 71 of the keyboard 8. In doing so, the other light sources 39, 40 will be substantially well aligned with respect to the other keys 71 of the keyboard 8. This first step thus makes it possible to adjust a first initial offset between the light strip 3 and the keyboard 8 in order to minimize it, or even to cancel it, so that the alignment between each light source 39, 40 and each key 71 of the keyboard 8 is already the best possible.

[0103] Additionally, the alignment step 42 may comprise a step 420 of adapting a light amplitude of the light strip 3 with the acoustic amplitude of the keyboard 8 in order to match and adapt the light strip 3 to the size of the keyboard 8 with which the light learning device 1 is associated. For this purpose, the adaptation step 420 comprises:

[0104] - a first step of pressing 422 on a key 71 at the lower end of the keyboard 8,

[0105] - a second step of pressing 423 on a key 71 at the upper end of the keyboard 8,

[0106] - a recognition step 424 of a rank 432 of the end key 71 lower - called lower rank - and the upper end key 71 - called upper rank,

[0107] - a step 425 of determining a number of octaves contained between the rank upper and lower rank,

[0108] - a step 426 of defining the light signal 23 of a light source 39, 40 lower associated with the lower end key 71 and the light signal 23 of an upper light source 39, 40 associated with the upper end key 71.

[0109] These steps thus make it possible to carry out an automatic calibration of the keyboard 8 by quickly identifying the number of keys 71 of the keyboard 8 by simply pressing the end keys 71 of the keyboard 8.

[0110] The selection step 43 comprises (i) a step 431 of pressing the key 71 to be adjusted on the keyboard 8, (ii) a step 424 of recognizing a rank 432 of the key 71 to be adjusted. The step 424 of recognizing the rank of the key 71 to be adjusted can be carried out either by reading the MIDI signal, or by analyzing an acoustic frequency associated with the key 71 to be adjusted.

[0111] The step 44 of displaying the associated light source 39, 40 consists of a step of controlling an electric current and / or a bias voltage of the associated light source 39, 40, so as to control said light source 39, 40. so that it generates the light signal 23 forming a light visible to the user. The display step 44 may include a step of modulating a light intensity and / or a color of the light source 39, 40 associated with the key 71 to be adjusted. The display step 44 is controlled by the control box 2 which, depending on the key 71 to be adjusted, addresses the electric current corresponding to the light source 39, 40 associated with said key 71.

[0112] The local shift step 45 of the light signal 23 of the associated light source 39, 40 makes it possible to move the light signal 23 associated with the corresponding key 71 of the keyboard 8 to an adjacent light source 39, 40. This is a digital local shift - the light strip 3 remaining fixed - by exploiting the overabundance of light sources 39, 40 on said light strip 3. For this purpose, the local shift step 45 comprises:

[0113] - a step 451 of pressing at least one control of the adjustment device 13, pressing at least one command causing the associated light source 39, 40 to turn off in favor of an adjacent light source 39, 40 which is then controlled so as to generate the light signal 23 forming a light visible to the user, becoming the light signal 23 of a newly associated light source 39, 40, and

[0114] - a step 452 of associating the light signal 23 of the light source 39, 40 newly associated with the corresponding 71 key to be set on keyboard 8.

[0115] It is the user who makes this manual adjustment here, by means of the adjustment device 13, according to his perception and his preferences, the control box 2 controlling the light sources 39, 40 addressed by the user according to his choice. Once this choice has been made, the user can validate this choice in order to definitively associate the chosen light source 39, 40 with the corresponding key 71, thus perhaps introducing an arithmetic shift at the level of the active light sources 39, 40 of the light strip 3 for the benefit of greater comfort of use and compensation for parallax defects for example.

[0116] Additionally, to refine the adjustment of the light learning device 1 on the keyboard 8 of the piano 9, the alignment method 4 according to the invention may further comprise the following optional steps:

[0117] - in order to be able to adapt the light learning device 1 to any what type of keyboard 8, and also to adapt it to the layout of the keyboard 8 in its environment, and in particular with respect to the adjustment device 13, the alignment method 4 comprises a step 46 of connecting a control box 2 of the light learning device 1 to the right or left of the light strip 3, the control box 2 being configured to control the light sources 39, 40 according to their position relative to the keys 71 of the keyboard 8.

[0118] - in order to propose a global adjustment of all the light sources 39, 40 of the light learning device 1 without moving the light strip 3, the alignment method 4 comprises a step of overall shifting 47 of the light signals of the light sources 39, 40 associated with the keys 71 of the keyboard 8, all the light signals of the associated light sources 39, 40 being shifted by one position to the right or to the left. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to propose a first adjustment to move all the light signals either to the right or to the left. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to compensate for a systematic spatial shift observed for each of the keys 71 of the keyboard 8 between said key 71 and the light source 39, 40 located opposite, slightly offset.

[0119] - in order to provide easy and rapid adaptation of the light strip 3 to different keyboard sizes 8, the alignment method 4 comprises a step 48 of adjusting a geometric amplitude of the active light sources 39, 40 used in association with the keys 71 of the keyboard 8, the adjustment step 48 comprising (i) a step of controlling all or part of the active light sources 39, 40, i.e. those for which a light signal 23 is associated with a key 71 of the keyboard 8, the active light sources 39, 40 being located between a lower light source 39, 40 associated with a lower key 71 of the keyboard 8 and an upper light source 39, 40 associated with an upper key 71 of the keyboard 8, (ii) a step 426 of defining a new upper light source 39, 40, closer to or further from the lower light source 39, 40, (iii) a step of distributing the light signals of all the light sources 39, 40 active between the lower light source 39, 40 and the new upper light source 39, 40,each light signal 23 being associated with a key 71 of the keyboard 8 located opposite or substantially opposite. These steps cleverly exploit the overabundance of light sources 39, 40 on the light strip 3 compared to the keys 71 of the keyboard 8, by offering the user the possibility of “zooming” on the light strip 3 to adjust the interval between two adjacent light signals emitted by the light strip 3 on the one hand, but also easily adjusting the length of the active light strip 3, that is to say the part of the latter used for the emission of the light signals. The implementation of these steps is made possible by using the light source 39, 40 furthest to the left of the light strip 3 and associated with the lowest note of the keyboard 8 as a pivot, that is to say as a fixed point in the light image returned by the light strip 3.

[0120] In summary, the invention relates to a method of aligning 4 a light learning device 1 for a piano 9 comprising a keyboard 8 with keys 71, the light learning device 1 comprising a light strip 3 comprising a plurality of light sources 39, 40 aligned in a direction of elongation and controlled by a control box 2 in order to control the emission of a light signal 23 intended to be associated with each key 71 of the keyboard 8 in order to indicate which key 71 to strike for a given score. For this purpose, the alignment method 4 implemented by an adjustment device 13 comprises a step of local offset 45 of a light signal 23 among several light sources 39, 40 adjacent and proximal to the key 71 to be adjusted, so as to select the light source 39, 40 most suitable for being associated with the key 71 to be adjusted.

[0121] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the different characteristics, forms, variants and embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other in various combinations insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above can be combined with each other.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for aligning (4) a light learning device (1) for a piano (9) comprising a keyboard (8) with keys (71), the light learning device (1) comprising a light strip (3) comprising a plurality of light sources (39, 40) aligned in a direction of elongation of the light strip (3) and for which a light signal (23) is intended to be associated with a key (71) of the keyboard (8), the alignment method (4) being implemented by an adjustment apparatus (13) and comprising the following steps: - a step of associating (41) the light learning device (1) with the keyboard (8) of the piano (9) and with the adjustment apparatus (13); - a step of aligning (42) the light learning device (1) with the keys (71) of the keyboard (8); - a step of selecting (43) a key (71) of the keyboard (8), called key (71) to be adjusted;- a step of displaying (44) the light signal (23) of one of the light sources (39, 40) associated with the key (71) to be adjusted, called the associated light source (39, 40); - a step of local shifting (45) of the light signal (23) of the light source (39, 40) associated with the key (71) towards one of the light sources (39, 40) adjacent to the associated light source (39, 40), using the adjustment device (13).;

2. Alignment method (4) according to the preceding claim, wherein the association step (41) consists of: - a step of placing (411) the luminous learning device (1) along the keyboard (8), so that the luminous strip (3) extends along the keys (71) of the keyboard (8); - a pairing step (412) between the adjustment device (13) and the piano (9).

3. Alignment method (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the alignment step (42) comprises a step of indexing (421) a first light source (39, 40) of the light strip (3) with a first key (71) of the keyboard (8).

4. An alignment method (4) according to any preceding claim, wherein the alignment step (42) comprises a step of adapting (420) a light amplitude of the light strip (3) with the acoustic amplitude of the keyboard (8), the adaptation step (420) comprising: - a first step of pressing (422) a key (71) at the lower end of the keyboard (8); - a second step of pressing (423) a key (71) at the upper end of the keyboard (8); - a step of recognizing (424) a rank (432) of the key (71) at the lower end - called the lower rank - and of the key (71) at the upper end - called the upper rank; - a step of determining (425) a number of octaves contained between the upper rank and the lower rank; - a step of defining (426) the light signal (23) of a lower light source (39, 40) associated with the lower end key (71) and the light signal (23) of an upper light source (39, 40) associated with the upper end key (71).

5. Alignment method (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the selection step (43) comprises: - a step of pressing (431) the key (71) to be adjusted on the keyboard (8); - a step of recognizing (424) a rank (432) of the key (71) to be adjusted.

6. Alignment method (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the step of locally shifting (45) the light signal (23) of the associated light source (39, 40) comprises: - a step of pressing (451) at least one control of the adjustment device (13), the pressing of the at least one control causing the associated light source (39, 40) to turn off in favor of an adjacent light source (39, 40) which is then controlled so as to generate the light signal (23) forming a light visible to the user, becoming the light signal (23) of a newly associated light source (39, 40); - a step of associating (452) the light signal (23) of the newly associated light source (39, 40) with the corresponding key (71) to be adjusted on the keyboard (8).

7. Alignment method (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the alignment method (4) comprises a step of connecting (46) a control box (2) of the light learning device (1) to the right or left of the strip light (3), the control box (2) being configured to control the light sources (39, 40) according to their position relative to the keys (71) of the keyboard (8).

8. Alignment method (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the alignment method (4) comprises a step of overall shifting (47) of the light signals of the light sources (39, 40) associated with the keys (71) of the keyboard (8), all the light signals of the associated light sources (39, 40) being shifted by one position to the right or to the left.

9. Alignment method (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the alignment method (4) comprises a step of adjusting (48) a geometric amplitude of the active light sources (39, 40) used in association with the keys (71) of the keyboard (8), the adjustment step (48) comprising: - a step of controlling all or part of the active light sources (39, 40), that is to say those for which a light signal (23) is associated with a key (71) of the keyboard (8), the active light sources (39, 40) being located between a lower light source (39, 40) associated with a lower key (71) of the keyboard (8) and an upper light source (39, 40) associated with an upper key (71) of the keyboard (8); - a step of defining (426) a new upper light source (39, 40), closer or further away from the lower light source (39, 40);- a step of distributing the light signals from all the active light sources (39, 40) between the lower light source (39, 40) and the new upper light source (39, 40), each light signal (23) being associated with a key (71) of the keyboard (8) located opposite or substantially opposite.;

10. Alignment method (4) according to the preceding claim, in which the definition step (426) consists for example of a step of moving the light signal (23) associated with the upper light source (39, 40) towards a light source (39, 40) proximal to the lower light source (39, 40) or towards a light source (39, 40) distal to the first lower light source (39, 40). This moving step induces a step of modifying the number of light sources (39, 40) separating the

11. lower light source (39, 40) and the upper light source (39, 40). Musical set (65) comprising a keyboard (8) with keys (71), a device (13) for adjusting the keyboard (8) with keys (71) and a light-up learning device (1) associated with the keyboard (8) with keys (71) and the adjustment device (13), the light-up learning device (1) comprising: - a light strip (3) comprising a plurality of light sources aligned next to each other in a direction of elongation; - a control box (2) connected, on the one hand, to an electrical energy source and, on the other hand, to the light strip (3) so as to selectively control the light sources (39, 40) so as to control their light emission (200), the light learning device (1) being configured to implement the alignment method (4) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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