Electronic Cymbal Choke Control via Capacitive Grip Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic percussion instruments, such as electronic cymbals, fail to accurately simulate choke playing due to inadequate detection of grip position and strength, leading to inconsistent mute control and a deviation from acoustic percussion techniques.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a struck surface with a piezoelectric striking sensor, an edge sensor for grip detection, and an electrostatic capacitance sensor with electrodes on the opposite side to detect user contact, allowing for precise attenuation control of musical sounds based on contact state, thereby mimicking choke playing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an edge sensor is disposed only at the peripheral part of the cymbal pad, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of grip position is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cymbal pad surface is divided into multiple detection zones by arranging sensors at different locations (edge sensor at periphery, capacitive sensor at center). This segmentation allows each sensor to detect grip events in its specific zone, collectively providing comprehensive coverage and precise localization of grip position across the entire pad surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point detection approach to a multi-dimensional detection network by placing sensors at different spatial locations (edge vs. center) and using different detection principles (pressure-sensitive vs. capacitive). This dimensional expansion enables accurate determination of grip position regardless of where on the pad the user touches.
2Ease of operation
If a pressure sensor is used for choke control, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of detection is insufficient when grip strength is light
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensor acts as an intermediary detection mechanism that complements the pressure sensor. While the pressure sensor detects strong grips, the capacitive sensor detects changes in electrostatic capacitance caused by light touches or proximity of conductive objects. This intermediary detection method ensures reliable choke control activation across the full range of grip strengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention monitors changes in electrostatic capacitance as a detection parameter, in addition to pressure. When a conductive object (such as a drumstick or hand) approaches or touches the pad, the capacitance changes, triggering the choke control. This parameter change approach allows detection of light touches that would not activate a pressure sensor, improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the edge sensor is disposed only at the peripheral part, then the manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but the adaptability of choke playing is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The combination of edge sensor and capacitive sensor creates a universal detection system that handles multiple choke playing techniques. The edge sensor captures traditional edge-grip chokes, while the capacitive sensor detects center-pad touches and proximity-based gestures. This multi-functional sensor arrangement allows the electronic percussion instrument to adapt to various playing styles and techniques, from traditional acoustic cymbal chokes to modern electronic gestures.
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 accurate simulation of choke playing by effectively detecting grip and contact states, allowing for consistent mute control and reducing the risk of erroneous sound production, thus enhancing the musical experience by replicating acoustic percussion techniques.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric striking sensor
Implementation Method 2
an electrostatic capacitance sensor having an electrode disposed on a side opposite to the struck surface
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic percussion instrument and sound production control method thereof are provided. In an electronic cymbal, the output of a musical sound is controlled in accordance with the results of detection from a strike sensor when the strike sensor detects a strike on a striking surface. While the musical sound is output, if a user touches the striking surface, an electrostatic capacitance sensor outputs an output value in accordance with the contact condition so that the musical sound is attenuated in accordance with the output value while being output. Therefore, the user can attenuate the musical sound being output in accordance with the contact conditions on the striking surface, thereby silencing the musical sound by way of the action similar to that of the acoustic cymbal choke that is the action of touching the striking surface.