Band Driven Electronic Organ with Infrared Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing musical instruments lack the capability to play notes in reverse and simultaneously play multiple instruments, which is particularly challenging with digital music formats, and require complex software to replicate the 'scratching' effect.
Innovation Solution
An electronic organ with a manually driven band featuring perforations that allow selective actuation of note sensors, enabling the band to move forward and backward, and a sensor assembly with infrared LEDs to detect coded elements on the band, allowing for simultaneous play of multiple instruments and reverse playback without distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a manually driven band with perforations is used to actuate note sensors, then the instrument can play notes in both forward and backward directions, but the device complexity increases due to the need for bidirectional movement control and sensor alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements bidirectional playback by allowing the band to move in both forward and backward directions, with sensors positioned to detect perforations regardless of movement direction. The control system inverts the normal playback sequence when moving backward, enabling authentic reverse playback of musical notes without requiring separate mechanisms for each direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The manually driven band serves multiple functions: it carries perforated musical data, enables bidirectional movement for forward and backward playback, and works with infrared sensors to detect note sequences. The single band mechanism handles both melody and bass lines by using different sensor rows, reducing the need for separate drive mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are played simultaneously using the band system, then the musical versatility improves, but the sensor assembly complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is segmented into multiple independent rows, with each row detecting a specific musical line (melody, bass, accompaniment). Each row contains sensors positioned to read perforations on corresponding tracks of the band, allowing simultaneous detection of multiple instruments without requiring a single complex sensor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system using infrared LEDs and photodetectors to detect perforations on the band. This optical intermediary converts physical perforations into electrical signals that can be processed by the control system, enabling multi-instrument detection without direct mechanical contact between sensors and band.
3Measurement precision
If infrared LEDs and sensors are used to detect perforations on the band, then the measurement precision of note actuation improves, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact sensors with an optical detection system using infrared LEDs and photodetectors. The infrared beam passes through perforations in the band to trigger note actuation without physical contact, eliminating wear and tear while maintaining high detection precision. This substitution reduces long-term maintenance costs despite higher initial component costs.
4Ease of operation
If the band is designed to move freely in both directions for scratching techniques, then the ease of operation improves, but the control precision required to maintain proper note sequencing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor band position and movement direction. When the band moves backward for scratching or reverse playback, the system detects the reversed sequence of perforations and automatically inverts the note playback timing, ensuring accurate musical sequencing regardless of band movement speed or direction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless 'scratching' techniques without distortion, allowing users to play sequences forward and backward, switch between instruments, and play multiple instruments simultaneously, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and ease of manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor assembly with infrared LEDs to detect coded elements on the band
Data Source
AI summary
A musical device that includes a housing with a flat top over which a band slides, in both directions, and co-acts with a sensor assembly to detect perforations on the band having predetermined lengths. An electronic simulated musical instrument assembly with inputs adapted to detect each of the sensed coded elements outputs to generate a note or sound for one or more electronically simulated instruments that in turn are amplified and connected to speaker output assemblies. Two or more instruments can play simultaneously and the melody accompaniment, base and percussion performed by the instruments can be changed at any time. A method for playing notes backward without distortion.