Intelligent endpin for monitoring environmental conditions in bowed musical instruments

Abstract

A device for monitoring environmental conditions within a bowed musical instrument is configured for integration into an endpin of the bowed musical instrument, and adapted to conform to an external geometry of the endpin. It comprises at least one environmental sensor being positioned inside the device such to be exposed to an internal chamber of the bowed musical instrument when the endpin is installed into the bowed musical instrument; a microcontroller unit and a radio frequency antenna, whereby the microcontroller unit is configured to process data from the at least one environmental sensor and to transmit the processed data wirelessly via the radio frequency antenna; at least one electronic module, a first one of the at least one electronic module comprising at least one of the list comprising: the microcontroller unit, the radio frequency antenna, the environmental sensor; and a power supply.

Description

[0001] P4289PC00 / 1520-001 spee dpt

[0002] INTELLIGENT ENDPIN FOR MONITORING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IN BOWED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

[0003] Field of the invention

[0004] The present invention concerns the field of environment sensible musical instruments made of wood and assembled using animal glues, such as, for example, the bowed musical instrument family which is mainly made up of violins, violas, double-basses and cellos and their baroque variants, viola da gamba and its treble, tenor, and bass variants, viola d'amore, and any other bowed musical instruments similar to those listed above.

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006] Bowed musical instruments are made of wood, and assembled using animal glues, a natural polymer derived from mammalian or fish collagen.

[0007] Wood is an environmental sensitive material, is hygroscopic and therefore exchanges moisture with the surrounding air. There is a direct relationship between the relative humidity in the air and the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) in wood, and mechanical properties, dimensions, density and both mechanical and acoustic damping in wood are all dependent on the moisture content (MC).

[0008] The hygroscopic nature of woods, such as, for example, spruce and maple, renders musical instruments highly sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity, and extremely vulnerable to anisotropic dimensional changes, joint instability, crack initiation and propagation, and loss of acoustic qualities.

[0009] Also, animal glues are environmental sensitive materials and generally swell readily when exposed to water and redissolve when heated, even after centuries.

[0010] Resolubility of animal glues depends largely on the humidity and temperature levels of the environment in which they reside. P4289PC00 / 1520-001 spee dpt

[0011] Related to the resolubility of glue, when exposed to an environment with non-ideal or nonappropriate temperature and humidity levels, wooden joints of bowed musical instruments come apart due to the decrease in adhesive performance of the glue which loses bond strength, mechanical behavior and stability. As the softened glue loses its adhesive power, the tension of the strings increases and accelerates the displacement of the wooden sections that compose the structure of the bowed musical instrument.

[0012] Furthermore, the displacement of the wooden sections can provoke a severe loss of acoustic quality and structural stability of the bowed musical instrument, and lead, in the most severe cases, to the genesis and propagation of fractures in the wood.

[0013] In addition, the internal chamber (sound-box) of bowed musical instruments made of wood is covered on its outside with a waterproof varnish layer that decreases their vulnerability to environments where humidity and temperature levels are not ideal, but inside the internal chamber the wood is not protected by any varnish and is extremely vulnerable. When exposed to hostile environments given by humidity and temperature levels that are not ideal, and due to the extreme vulnerability of the inside of its internal chamber, the bowed musical instrument can suffer wood structural breakages, softening of the glue, and sound dampening.

[0014] Temperature and humidity have a central role in the acoustic of the bowed musical instrument, influencing its sound quality, and consequently, the performance of the musician who plays it. Unresolved acoustic fluctuations in bowed musical instruments operate not merely as transient inconveniences but as profound disruptors of performance integrity which can propagate through biomechanical, neurocognitive, and psychosocial domains, ultimately compromising the technical, artistic, and professional viability of the performing musician.

[0015] In fact, bowed musical instruments differ from other classical works of art in the functional service they provide to the musician. As such, acoustic quality is a critical intrinsic characteristic, with its influence being so significant that it is a key determinant of the bowed musical instrument's market value. If the acoustic quality of the bowed musical instrument is compromised, its depreciation occurs. Depreciation also occurs with any structural damage to the bowed musical instrument. P4289PC00 / 1520-001 spee dpt

[0016] It is also important to note that damages are very expensive to repair as they need the experience of skilled bowed musical instrument makers and restorers (predominantly luthiers) and sometimes a delicate reparation requires a complete musical instrument disassembly. Repair prices rise exponentially depending on the market value of the musical instrument, the severity of the damage, as well as the complexity of the needed operations.

[0017] In any case, any repair would not restore the original sound imprint of the bowed musical instrument, since the materials applied during the repair, such as for example wood patching materials, are inevitably different in structure from the original material with which bowed musical instrument were built: different age, different properties of elasticity and propagation of mechanical waves, creation of discontinuities in the material, etc.

[0018] In the case of wooden instruments, the degree to which the constituent lignocellulosic components retain their original physical, mechanical, and acoustic properties exerts a direct influence on the market and heritage value of the artifact.

[0019] The economic and cultural valuation of a bowed musical instrument is predominantly contingent upon its state of structural preservation, acoustic and material integrity. Even minimal structural compromise produces a quantifiable depreciation proportional to the severity, distribution, and irreversibility of the damage.

[0020] Currently, musicians and all typology of bowed musical instrument caretakers as, for example, collectors, museums, archives and conservation laboratories, employ various approaches to attempt to mitigate issues related to fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity to which the bowed instrument is subject and vulnerable. However, the majority of these methods necessitate continuous monitoring and adjustment of external environmental factors. In most cases, the actions and decisions made by the caretaker in response to damage to the bowed instrument are predominantly based on subjective experience, rather than established protocols or objective criteria.

[0021] Example of some of the approaches mentioned above: P4289PC00 / 1520-001 spee dpt

[0022] 1. Make sure the bowed musical instrument is not exposed to extremely high or low either high temperatures / humidity levels by measuring these parameters via external thermometers and / or hygrometers (either embedded in bowed musical instrument cases or portable).

[0023] 2. Avoid exposing the bowed musical instrument to rapid and violent changes in environmental conditions.

[0024] 3. Indiscriminate manipulation of a bowed musical instrument's acoustics through deliberate modification of the environmental conditions within the enclosed space where the bowed musical instrument is situated: a. Utilizing a kettle or hot water source to elevate the humidity levels; b. Employing a dehumidifier and / or increasing the ambient temperature through heating systems or other thermal methods; c. similar methods.

[0025] 4. A device called Dampit Humidifier (easily available on the market) can be used to modify the "internal" humidity of the bowed musical instrument. Since these particular devices do not release humidity in a controlled manner, this particular method is sometimes the cause of worsening damage (water leak inside the internal chamber of the bowed musical instrument).

[0026] 5. Although advances in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, as well as microclimate stabilization technologies have significantly mitigated environmental risks, for example, in enclosed storage and exhibition contexts, these solutions remain only partially effective when applied to transportable musical instruments, in particular, bowed musical instruments. In any case, the influx of visitors in such contexts is a significant factor regarding the difference between night-time and daytime temperature and humidity levels.

[0027] With the exception of Case 4, in all other instances, attempts at environmental control are implemented externally to the bowed musical instrument.

[0028] Bowed musical instruments are coated with a water-repellent protective varnish, which mitigates the susceptibility of the wood composing the bowed musical instrument to extreme environmental conditions, including high or low temperatures and humidity levels. On the contrary, inside the internal chamber of bowed musical instruments, no protective varnish, added chemicals or preservatives are applied or present. P4289PC00 / 1520-001 spee dpt

[0029] Particularly during transportation, the rapid fluctuations in relative humidity (RH) to which the bowed musical instrument is exposed subject the organic wood materials of the bowed musical instrument to a continuous and pronounced cycle of attempting to reach equilibrium; a process considered as most critical for physicochemical and structural alterations, especially for the difference between the moisture adsorption and desorption process between the inside and outside the bowed musical instrument.

[0030] In addition, the unprotected internal part of the bowed musical instrument internal chamber could be subjected to further very adverse temperature and humidity conditions such as when the bowed musical instrument is played.

[0031] In addition to transferring mechanical heat through physical contact, the musician also imparts heat and humidity to the bowed musical instrument through exhalation. For wooden musical instruments such as bowed musical instruments, this transfer occurs almost directly through the f-holes, significantly increasing the bowed musical instrument’s susceptibility to both structural and acoustic degradation.

[0032] A monitor device to attempt to address some of the problems mentioned above, has been presented in the Patent Application Publication US2016042726A1. However, this approach does not provide specific details regarding the placement or positioning of the device within the targeted musical object. Specifically, this publication fails to teach how in a concrete manner the monitoring device disclosed could be integrated in a stringed I bowed musical instrument without having an effect on the musical qualities of the musical object (sound, vibration etc.) and at the same time providing an accurate information and measurements of relevant values.

[0033] The structure of bowed musical instruments is intricately designed, with each component working in concert to shape the quality of the sound produced. Consequently, introducing any device of arbitrary dimensions within the bowed musical instrument’s internal chamber can significantly alter its acoustics. Such modifications may not only compromise sound quality but also potentially disrupt the bowed musical instrument's original aesthetic integrity. P4289PC00 / 1520-001 spee dpt

[0034] In fact, from their creation in the sixteenth century, the family of bowed musical instruments achieved such an immediate successful synthesis of acoustical efficiency and ergonomic design that subsequent centuries of practice have confirmed the essential fixity of their structure.

[0035] From an acoustic engineering perspective, when bowed musical instruments are burdened by external and internal devices, whether for structural reinforcement or environmental monitoring, deleterious consequences occur, as, for example, negative effects on tonal projection, harmonic complexity, and amplitude response.

[0036] Furthermore, a persistent factor exacerbating the deterioration of bowed musical instrument is the insufficient technical expertise of musicians, users and some care takers, with respect to routine preventative maintenance, preservation and conservation of the bowed musical instrument.

[0037] The absence of timely intervention, caused by the systematic lack of knowledge regarding daily care protocols, ranging from humidity regulation and cleaning practices to inspection of joints, fittings, and varnish integrity, has historically amplified both the frequency and the severity of acoustic and structural pathologies in bowed musical instruments.

[0038] Even in cases where the musician, user or all care takers successfully perceives the first signs of acoustic or mechanical compromise, in most cases the absence of standardized training in emergency stabilization techniques frequently leads to inappropriate or harmful responses, accelerating, rather than mitigating, bowed musical instruments' structural deterioration.

[0039] In addition, transportable musical instruments, particularly those belonging to the bowed musical instrument family, constitute some of the most vulnerable artefacts to theft.

[0040] Reported thefts of bowed musical instruments involve musical instruments of all economic values, whether relatively modest or very significant, typically ranging from several thousand to millions of dollars. P4289PC00 / 1520-001 spee dpt

[0041] Such thefts are seldom the result of systematically orchestrated art crimes; rather, they are predominantly opportunistic in nature, facilitated by the inherent portability of bowed musical instruments, insufficient custodial security, and the custodian's regular mobility within public and semi-public environments.

[0042] Despite the increasing adoption of case-embedded tracking devices capable of geolocating the bowed musical instrument’s container, the global incidence of transportable bowed musical instrument theft continues to rise.

[0043] In practice, offenders can readily identify and remove these devices from the case (and / or dispose of the case), thereby absconding with the stolen bowed musical instrument unimpeded.

[0044] For these reasons, a need exists for a device that monitors environmental conditions in a bowed musical instrument, without interfering, deteriorating or modifying the original sound and aesthetics of the bowed musical instrument. This means for example, that there should be no direct contact with a top-plate (soundboard) and / or back-plate and / or ribs of the bowed musical instrument. Further, a need exists for such a monitor device that provides and delivers to musicians, custodians and all care takers the knowledge and resources necessary for the optimal maintenance, conservation, protection and preservation of their bowed musical instruments.

[0045] Summary of the invention

[0046] The invention provides a device for monitoring environmental conditions within a bowed musical instrument, the device configured for integration into an endpin of the bowed musical instrument, and adapted to conform to an external geometry of the endpin. The device comprises: at least one environmental sensor being positioned inside the device such to be exposed to an internal chamber of the bowed musical instrument when the endpin is installed into the bowed musical instrument; a microcontroller unit and a radio frequency antenna, whereby the microcontroller unit is configured to process data from the at least one environmental sensor and to transmit the processed data wirelessly via the radio frequency antenna; at least one electronic module, a first one of the at least one electronic module P4289PC00 / 1520-001 spee dpt comprising at least one of the list comprising: the microcontroller unit, the radio frequency antenna, the environmental sensor; and a power supply.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, in case the device comprises a plurality of electronic modules, the electronic modules are interconnected with a communication and power interface.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the first electronic module comprises the microcontroller unit, the radio frequency antenna, the environmental sensor, and the power supply, and the device further comprises a recharging connector integrated into the first electronic module, wherein said recharging connector is adapted to entirely conform to an external geometry of the endpin when the device is integrated into the endpin.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the power supply is placed in a button of the endpin, and the device comprises a power connector configured to connect to the power supply.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one environmental sensor comprises at least one of a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one environmental sensor further comprises a microphone.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, a second one of the at least one electronic module comprises a power management unit.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the power supply comprises any one of a list comprising a rechargeable battery, a non- rechargeable battery.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the radio frequency antenna is configured for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the device further comprises a LoRaWAN or GSM, or any other cellular standard transceiver. P4289PC00 / 1520-001 spee dpt

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the device further comprises a unique device identification stored in the microcontroller unit.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, a third one of the at least one electronic module comprises a read-only-memory (ROM) which stores a unique device identification.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the device further comprises a grid cylindrical cap attached to the endpin and positioned to protect the at least one environmental sensor.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the power supply in the button of the endpin for violin / viola is detectable from a main body of the end-pin.

[0060] In a further aspect, the invention provides a bowed musical instrument comprising an endpin, wherein the endpin incorporates the device as described herein above, wherein the device is installed within the bowed musical instrument without affecting characteristics of the bowed musical instrument such as sound and vibration and aesthetics, and without being in direct contact with a top-plate and / or back-plate and / or ribs of the bowed musical instrument.

[0061] Brief description of the Figures

[0062] The invention will be better understood through the detailed description of preferred embodiments and in reference to the appended figures, in which:

[0063] Figure 1A illustrates a partial cut of a cello or a double-bass or their baroque variants, or a viola da gamba or its treble, tenor, and bass variants showing an example embodiment of the invention;

[0064] Figure 1 B illustrates a side perspective view of an example embodiment of the invention;

[0065] Figure 1C illustrates a side perspective view of a detail of an example embodiment of the invention;

[0066] Figures 2A-1 (prior art) and 2A-2 (invention embodiment) illustrate a schematical comparison of an example embodiment of the invention with a corresponding part of the prior art;

[0067] Figure 2B illustrates an exploded view of an example embodiment of the invention; P4289PC00 / 1520-001 spee dpt

[0068] Figure 2C illustrates a partial cut of a violin or a viola or their baroque variants, or a viola d’amore showing an example embodiment of the invention;

[0069] Figure 3 shows an example embodiment of the invention;

[0070] Figure 4 contains an exploded view of a bowed musical instrument;

[0071] Figure 5 contains a printed circuit board which is part of an electronic module of a device for monitoring environmental condition according to an example embodiment of the invention;

[0072] Figure 6 shows the printed circuit board of Figure 5 carrying various electronic components mounted to it, according to an example embodiment of the invention;

[0073] Figure 7 contains an illustration of an endpin comprising batteries as a power supply and a grid cylindrical cap mounted to one end of the endpin, according to an example embodiment of the invention; and

[0074] Figure 8 contains an illustration of an endpin comprising batteries as a power supply, according to a further example embodiment of the invention.

[0075] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0076] The present invention was created for environment sensible musical instruments, specifically bowed musical instruments that make up the violin family. The family of bowed musical instruments is mainly composed of:

[0077] • Violin

[0078] • Viola

[0079] • Cello (Violoncello)

[0080] • Double Bass (Contrabbasso)

[0081] • Baroque Violin (Violino Barocco)

[0082] • Baroque Viola (Viola Barocca)

[0083] • Baroque Cello (Violoncello Barocco)

[0084] • Baroque Double Bass (Contrabbasso Barocco)

[0085] • Viola da Gamba

[0086] • Soprano Viola da Gamba (Viola da Gamba Soprano)

[0087] • Alto Viola da Gamba (Viola da Gamba Alto) P4289PC00 / 1520-001 spee dpt

[0088] • Tenor Viola da Gamba (Viola da Gamba Tenore)

[0089] • Bass Viola da Gamba (Viola da Gamba Basso)

[0090] • Viola d’Amore

[0091] In preferred embodiments, the invention provides a device for monitoring environmental conditions within a bowed musical instrument. The device comprises at least one environmental sensor, and is configured for use in a part of a bowed musical instrument wherein the device is placed within the bowed musical instrument without affecting its characteristics such as sound and vibration and aesthetics, and without being in direct contact with a top-plate (soundboard) 40 and / or back-plate 42 and / or ribs 41 of the bowed musical instrument as illustrated in Figure 4.

[0092] The at least one environmental sensor may comprise at least a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor. The type of sensor is not limited to humidity and temperature sensors: other sensors able to detect / measure other parameters are possible in the frame of the present invention.

[0093] The device for monitoring environmental conditions further comprises at least one electronic module, a first one of which comprises at least one of the list comprising: a microcontroller unit, and communication means such as a Radio Frequency antenna, and a power supply such as a power unit. The power supply may comprise a battery or a rechargeable battery. The invention further provides a cello or a double-bass or their baroque variants, or a viola da gamba or its treble, tenor, and bass variants comprising the device for monitoring environmental conditions, wherein the device for monitoring environmental conditions is mounted in the end-pin of the cello or double-bass or their baroque variants, or in the endpin of a viola da gamba or its treble, tenor, and bass variants.

[0094] The invention further provides a violin or a viola or their baroque variants, or a viola d’amore comprising the device for monitoring environmental conditions, wherein the device is mounted in the end-pin of the violin or viola or their baroque variants, or in the end-pin of a viola d’amore. P4289PC00 / 1520-001 spee dpt

[0095] Any other environment sensible bowed musical instrument not listed above and of similar structure to those bowed musical instruments that make up the violin family listed above, may use the device according to the present invention.

[0096] Figure 1A illustrates a partial cut of a bowed musical instrument 20, e.g., a cello or a double- bass or their baroque variants, or a viola da gamba or its treble, tenor, and bass variants, showing an example embodiment of a device for monitoring environmental conditions 10. The device for monitoring environmental conditions 10 is integrated in the bowed musical instrument 20's endpin 21 on an opposite side of a pivot grounded end 22 and follows a cylindrical endpin 21's geometry seamlessly. The cylindrical endpin 21 is movably attached to the bowed musical instrument 20 by means of a releasing mechanism 23 in a manner well-known in the art.

[0097] Figure 1 B offers a side perspective view of the device for monitoring environmental conditions 10. The device 10 comprises an electronic module 15, that carries an environmental sensor 11 , a microcontroller unit 16 and a Radio Frequency antenna 14. The microcontroller unit 16 and the Radio Frequency antenna 14 may be integrated into the single physical substrate of the electronic module 15 or in distinct individual electronic modules (not illustrated) of the device 10 configured for integration into the endpin 21 of the bowed musical instrument 20, wherein the single electronic module 15 is adapted to conform to an external geometry of the endpin 21. A recharging connector 13, which may for example be a pogo-pin magnetic connector, of a power supply 12, also integrated in the device 10, is also entirely enclosed within a radius of the endpin 21 , i.e., no parts or shapes extending outside the radius and conforming to an external geometry of the endpin 21. The device 10 may be for example simply be inserted fully or partially in a hollow part of the endpin 21 , encapsulated or submerged in epoxy or other protective / sealing material.

[0098] Figure 7 offers a side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the device for monitoring environmental conditions 10 where the electronic system of the device 10 is distributed at least on 2 electronic modules on similar or different substrates 72 and 73 containing the environmental sensor 11, microcontroller unit 16, and Radio Frequency antenna and interconnected via suitable communication and power interface 74. P4289PC00 / 1520-001 spee dpt

[0099] For the example of Figure 7, the electronic module of substrate 72 integrates the microcontroller unit 16. For the example of Figure 7, the electronic module 73 integrates the environmental sensor 11 and the Radio Frequency antenna 14.

[0100] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a magnified side perspective view of an electronic module according to an example embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 contains a printed circuit board 50 which is part of the electronic module of a device for monitoring environmental condition, while Figure 6 shows the printed circuit board 50 of Figure 5 carrying various electronic components 60-62 mounted to it.

[0101] Figure 1C illustrates a magnified side perspective view of a detail of an example embodiment of the device 10 integrated within the endpin 21. The electronic module 15 hence conforms to the external geometry of the endpin 21. The at least one environmental sensor 11 is integrated on the electronic module 15, preferably exposed on a terminal side that is at an open extremity of the endpin 21 , and is therefore positioned to be exposed to an internal chamber of the bowed musical instrument 20 when the device 10 is integrated into the endpin 21. Other equivalent ways of mounting the device 10 in the endpin 21 are possible within the frame of the present invention such as for example in Figure 7. The device 10 also comprises a microcontroller unit 16 and a radio frequency antenna 14. The microcontroller unit 16 is configured to process data from the at least one environmental sensor 11 and to transmit the processed data wirelessly via the radio frequency antenna 14. In preferred embodiments, the at least one environmental sensor 11 comprises at least one of a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor (not shown in Figure 1C). It may also comprise one or more of the following: a microphone, an accelerometer, an infrared camera, any other sensor suitable to understand the environmental conditions and performance of the instrument.

[0102] The power supply 12 may comprise a battery 71 as illustrated in the examples of Figures 7 and 8 which is configured such that it may also simply be inserted fully or partially in the endpin 21 , possibly encapsulated or submerged in epoxy or other protective / sealing material. A non-rechargeable battery may also be used instead of a rechargeable one in which case, it is configured to be inserted into the endpin 21 from the external side of the endpin 21 or, in the case of a cello or a double-bass or their baroque variants, or of a viola P4289PC00 / 1520-001 spee dpt da gamba or its treble, tenor, and bass variants endpin 21 , also inserted in a foot of the endpin 21.

[0103] An energy harvesting device may be added anywhere into the body of the endpin to extend battery duration.

[0104] A fundamental characteristic is that the device 10 is non-invasive, not visible, and follows gracefully the defined endpin 21 geometry. Therefore, in the case of cello and double-bass or their baroque variants, or of a viola da gamba or its treble, tenor, and bass variants, or of bowed musical instruments of similar structure, the endpin may be easily removed from the bowed musical instrument 20.

[0105] The environmental sensor(s) 11 may be connected or soldered on a single substrate or on separate substrates of the different electronic modules 72 and 73 of the device 10. or attached on the endpin 21 itself. The environmental sensor(s) 11 is / are configured to be exposed to the internal chamber of the bowed musical instrument 20 when the endpin 21 is inserted.

[0106] In case a rechargeable battery 71 (Figure 8 for example) is used for the power unit 12, recharging may be achieved through a commercial USB to magnetic power connection cord which locks in place its pogo-pins to the recharging connectors after the endpin 21 is extracted from the bowed musical instrument 20.

[0107] Preferably, the device may comprise a grid cylindrical cap 70 (Figure 7) configured to protect the environmental sensor 11 from any internal wooden dust (not illustrated).

[0108] Referring now to Figures 2A to 2C, these relate to the case where the bowed musical instrument is a violin or a viola or their baroque variants, or a viola d’amore 20'.

[0109] Figures 2A-1 and 2A-2 illustrate a schematical comparison of an example embodiment of the invention with a corresponding part of the prior art. Figure 2A-1 illustrates a standard endpin 30 for a violin or a viola or their baroque variants, or for a viola d’amore 20' as known from prior art, i.e., without the device for monitoring environmental conditions 10. Figure 2A- 2 contains an example embodiment of the device for monitoring environmental conditions P4289PC00 / 1520-001 spee dpt

[0110] 10 according to the invention, which is configured to be integrated in the bowed musical instrument's 20' endpin 31. In this example embodiment, the device 10 extends from an overall height of the regular internal cylindrical geometry toward an inner side of the bowed musical instrument 20' while a part of the device 10's electronic module 15 is inserted into the endpin 31. Alternatively, the device 10 with its electronic module 15 may be also simply inserted fully or partially in the endpin 31 , optionally encapsulated or submerged in epoxy or other protective / sealing material. The environmental sensor(s) 11 is / are exposed on the terminal side of the electronicmodule 15 where they may be protected with a grid cap 70 similar to that shown in Figure 7 to protect it from the dust of the bowed musical instrument 20'. The device 10 also comprises the microcontroller unit 16 and the radio frequency antenna 14 for communications.

[0111] As illustrated in Figure 2B, a power unit 32 is preferably placed in the endpin 31. The power unit 32 may for example be a battery that is integrated at an outer "button" side by use of a dedicated screwed, hooked or magnetically coupled receptacle 33 that is configured to integrate seamlessly the common geometry of an external final part of the endpin 31 . In this configuration the electronic module 15 of the device 10 further comprises a power connector 34 configured to connect to the power unit 32.

[0112] Figure 2C illustrates the bowed musical instrument 20' with the endpin 31 and device 10 assembled in it, inserted in the bowed musical instrument 20'.

[0113] Referring now to Figure 3 this contains an illustration of a further example embodiment device 10, which is an alternative to that shown in Figure 1B and comprises a flat end 24 instead of the pivot grounded end 22.

[0114] In the physical mounting of the device 10 for the bowed musical instrument 20, such as a cello and a double-bass or their baroque variants, or a viola da gamba or its treble, tenor, and bass variants, the device 10 mechanically behaves as a regular endpin, the standard endpin is released from the bottom of the bowed musical instrument 20 operating the releasing mechanism 23 and the cylindrical endpin 21 is inserted and used as a regular endpin. This operation can be done by the musician him / herself and / or by the custodians and / or all care takers of the bowed musical instrument. P4289PC00 / 1520-001 spee dpt

[0115] In the physical mounting of the device 31 for the bowed musical instrument 20', such as a violin and a viola or their baroque variants, or a viola da gamba or its treble, tenor, and bass variants, the device 31 mechanically behaves as a regular endpin, the standard endpin 30 is unmounted by a professional bowed musical instrument maker or restorer (predominantly luthiers) and the "intelligent" endpin 31 installed at the same place still by a professional bowed musical instrument maker or restorer (predominantly luthiers). This is necessary because the endpin 31 holds the stress of the strings through the tailpiece and the saddle, unmounting such part needs to be done by a technical expert in the field of construction and restoration of bowed musical instrument.

[0116] Further preferable example embodiments of working

[0117] 1 . Once the device 10 is inserted (and charged) it may start a first time broadcasting the presence of a Bluetooth device;

[0118] 2. The end user may scan a QR code on an instruction sheet provided in a product box (or on a box) of the device 10, and this will point to the associated software application in a store of the device applications;

[0119] 3. The software application may be installed through an install wizard which will guide the end user through, for example: a. Creation of the user account (maybe using google / other authentication methods) questioning user location and profession; b. Bluetooth pairing of the device; c. Question the user about bowed musical instrument 20, 20' details (bowed musical instrument type / age / brand / other relevant characteristics), maybe take pictures of the bowed musical instrument 20, 20' or of some parts of it; d. Ask users to provide necessary permissions (background activity allowed, no deactivation with mobile power modes, notifications, data access, network usage, location service); e. Walk through application menus & / o link to usage videos;

[0120] 4. The end user may have now its device 10 associated and everything is in place to receive notifications and monitor the status of the bowed musical instrument 20, 20';

[0121] 5. The end user may set up the severity level and sensitivity of the measurements through the application. The application is able to notify wearables, alert according to the user setup (eventually there is a reset button to bring the application to default P4289PC00 / 1520-001 spee dpt factory warning levels). The application may notify also about battery attention levels (battery sensing is treated as all other sensors,) and Bluetooth connectivity issues. The device firmware can be upgraded through the mobile application for example;

[0122] 6. Sensor readings may happen at defined intervals as appropriate for each environmental sensor 11 (including battery gauge). This frequency may be increased by the user (with a disclaimer) to have a fine-grained readings or longer battery duration instead;

[0123] 7. Data transfers may happen at lower interval rates according to the expected battery duration and mobile phone availability;

[0124] 8. Data collected may be retained in the device 10 itself for a long period if the mobile device is not available;

[0125] 9. The device 10 may have pointer in the memory to the last data transmitted successfully so if there is any data loss because of long periods of missed connection this may be notified;

[0126] 10. The memory is filled and oldest data measurement may be removed to give space to the newest measurement;

[0127] 11. The module may be capable to detect changes going beyond absolute max / min rating but also detect pattern matching within tolerances;

[0128] 12. Battery performance may also be monitored in order to estimate the device battery health status, so the device 10 may also send data relative to discharge time and for models with integrated PMU this may also record charge time and maximum charge drops to warn the user of battery EOL (End-Of Life);

[0129] 13. Recorded data may be synchronized with a central data server whenever the internet connection is available.

[0130] 14. User may force an immediate reading of all environmental sensors 11 ;

[0131] 15. The application interface may ask to the user to rate the quality of the sound and his overall impression after the end of a performance with the bowed musical instrument 20, 20' (intended when no relevant sound emission is detected by the device within predefined intervals). This rating may also be transmitted together with the sensors data and geolocation data of the device & / o mobile application to the central server.

[0132] 16. Geolocalization may be used as a mean to warn the user about harmful weather forecast in the region where the bowed musical instrument 20, 20' is located, and may also serve as anti-theft service; P4289PC00 / 1520-001 spee dpt

[0133] 17. Bluetooth connection status may be used as a mean to alert the user of unwanted displacement of the bowed musical instrument 20, 20' outside of the Bluetooth connectivity range.

[0134] 18. User may be informed if the bowed musical instrument 20, 20' is in tune, for example by emitting a green light from the module (which can optionally work as a tuner too).

[0135] 19. The light as in point 18 of this list might have multiple colors and blink with different patterns which might indicate various device operations as, but not limited to, waiting for connection, battery critically low, system errors, environmental conditions too harsh for the bowed musical instrument 20, 20'.

[0136] 20. User may receive suggestions to take precautionary measures in order to avoid potential damage, minimize structural stress, and increase the preservation of the bowed musical instrument 20, 20'.

[0137] 21. The application interface may ask to the user to inform if the bowed musical instrument 20, 20' is stored in an airplane, asking user to tap the dedicated button on the personal device screen.

[0138] Other features for further preferred embodiments of the invention

[0139] 1 . The device 10 may comprise a microphone;

[0140] 2. The device 10 may use geotagging (BLE protocol) or may include a LoRaWAN or GSM, or any other cellular standard transceiver to communicate its position in absence of a connection to the mobile phone of the owner;

[0141] 3. Microphone data from the microphone is preferably correlated with-environmental conditions and user feedback. The entire data may be analyzed in the cloud (possibly using Al) and optimized alarm and warning conditions may be fed back from the remote data center to the device (such alarms might be triggered by a combination of events from the various sensors, not only level but also rate of changes and specific sensor "patterns");

[0142] 4. A device identification may be registered in the firmware or in the device Read-Only- Memory and communicated when required via Bluetooth;

[0143] 5. The device may get direct and precise control the "inner" environment of the bowed musical instrument 20, 20' by incorporating on top of a humidity and temperature sensor also the microphone within the sound body of the bowed musical instrument 20, 20'; P4289PC00 / 1520-001 spee dpt

[0144] 6. The device may be constituted / composed / made-up by one or more small electronic modules SMT PCB incorporating the various sensors, an MCU (Microcontroller Unit), an RF antenna, a PMU (Power management Unit), and all necessary components to generate synchronization signals and power stabilization / regulation. Any component is powered by a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery connected or wired with fly wires and may be charged through a pogo-pin magnetic connector either SMT mounted on the main board;

[0145] 7. The device communicates sensor data to any other external listening device using low power radio;

[0146] 8. The device uses established standards to enable device geolocation (air-tag);

[0147] 9. A mobile application connected to the device processes / analyzes externally the data by recognizing sensors rate of change, sensors data correlation as well as absolute parameters ratings;

[0148] 10. Embedded recommended boundary ratings for the controlled parameters are stored into the mobile device and / or into the device MCU;

[0149] 11. The device may inform the end user visually and through customizable notifications of potentially dangerous situations as well as certainly dangerous situations (warnings and alarms) for the bowed musical instrument 20, 20' through the connected end user facing device;

[0150] 12. The device may get user’s feedback relative to the historic, aesthetic end identity of the bowed musical instrument 20, 20' as well as the quality of the sound of the bowed musical instrument 20, 20' and the chronologic monitored external temperatures / conditions related to the bowed musical instrument 20, 20';

[0151] 13. The data recorded by the device may be combined with geolocation and associated to the local weather conditions information;

[0152] 14. The device may communicate the recorded data to a centralized database (cloud);

[0153] 15. The device may provide the user with a unique ID associated with the end user’ bowed musical instrument 20, 20';

[0154] 16. The user facing device application may provide a user account and interface to recorded data for personal use;

[0155] 17. The cloud server may perform correlation and statistical studies within and across the bowed musical instruments 20, 20' data to adjust or add sensitive patterns of monitored parameters and better inform the user about the bowed musical instrument 20, 20' conditions either on his mobile or on the cloud. P4289PC00 / 1520-001 spee dpt

[0156] Exemplary embodiments have been described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are exemplary embodiments not limiting the scope of the present invention. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. A number of problems with conventional methods and systems are noted herein and the methods and systems disclosed herein may address one or more of these problems. By describing these problems, no admission as to their knowledge in the art is intended. A person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, although certain methods and systems are described herein with several non-limiting embodiments, the scope of the present invention is not so limited. Moreover, while this invention has been described in conjunction with a number of embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations would be or are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace and cover all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents and variations that are within the spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims

P4289PC00 / 1520-001 spee dptClaims1. A device (10) for monitoring environmental conditions within a bowed musical instrument (20, 20'), the device (10) configured for integration into an endpin (21, 31) of the bowed musical instrument (20, 20'), and adapted to conform to an external geometry of the endpin (21 , 31), the device (10) comprising: at least one environmental sensor (11) being positioned inside the device (10) such to be exposed to an internal chamber of the bowed musical instrument (20, 20') when the endpin (21 , 31) is installed into the bowed musical instrument (20, 20'); a microcontroller unit (16) and a radio frequency antenna (14), whereby the microcontroller unit (16) is configured to process data from the at least one environmental sensor (11) and to transmit the processed data wirelessly via the radio frequency antenna (14); at least one electronic module (15, 72, 73), a first one of the at least one electronic module comprising at least one of the list comprising: the microcontroller unit (16), the radio frequency antenna (14), the environmental sensor (11); and a power supply.

2. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein in case it comprises a plurality of electronic modules (72, 73), the electronic modules are interconnected with a communication and power interface (74).

3. The device according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the first electronic module (15) comprises the microcontroller unit (16), the radio frequency antenna (14), the environmental sensor (11), and the power supply, and the device (10) further comprises a recharging connector integrated into the first electronic module, wherein said recharging connector is adapted to entirely conform to an external geometry of the endpin (21) when the device (10) is integrated into the endpin (21).

4. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the power supply is placed in a button of the endpin (31), and the device (10) comprises a power connector configured to connect to the power supply.P4289PC00 / 1520-001 spee dpt5. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the at least one environmental sensor (11) comprises at least one of a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor.

6. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the at least one environmental sensor (11) further comprises a microphone.

7. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a second one of the at least one electronic module comprises a power management unit.

8. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the power supply comprises any one of a list comprising a rechargeable battery, a non- rechargeable battery.

9. The device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the radio frequency antenna (14) is configured for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication.

10. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a LoRaWAN or GSM, or any other cellular standard transceiver.

11. The device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a unique device identification stored in the microcontroller unit (16).

12. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein a third one of the at least one electronic module comprises a read-only-memory (ROM) which stores a unique device identification.

13. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a grid cylindrical cap (70) attached to the endpin (21, 31) and positioned to protect the at least one environmental sensor (11).

14. The device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the power supply in the button of the endpin for violin / viola is detectable from a main body of the end-pin.

15. A bowed musical instrument (20, 20') comprising an endpin (21, 31), wherein the endpin (21 , 31) incorporates the device (10) according to any of claims 1-14, wherein the device (10) is installed within the bowed musical instrument (20, 20')P4289PC00 / 1520-001 spee dpt without affecting characteristics of the bowed musical instrument such as sound and vibration and aesthetics, and without being in direct contact with a top-plate (40) and / or back-plate (42) and / or ribs (41) of the bowed musical instrument (20, 20').

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