Deformable String Support Members for Electronic Instrument Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic stringed instruments face challenges in replicating the operational feel of traditional stringed instruments, leading to discomfort for users, and struggle to accurately detect and generate musical tones that reflect the player's performance techniques.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates linear string members supported by deformable string support members at multiple positions, with sensors detecting the deformation states to generate musical tone control signals, allowing for accurate expression of playing techniques and improved operational feel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional acoustic instrument structure is followed with simple string vibration detection, then the structure is simple, but the operational feel does not match traditional instruments causing user discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational feelVSAvoidsupport structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The string support structure is divided into multiple independent string support members (first, second, third support members) positioned at different locations along the string. Each support member independently deforms when the string is plucked, and each has its own sensor to detect deformation. This segmentation allows the system to capture detailed plucking information while maintaining a modular, manageable structure that replicates traditional instrument feel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are used to detect plucking position and generate accurate musical tones, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplucking position detectionVSAvoidsensor system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each string support member serves multiple functions: it supports the string at a specific position, deforms in response to plucking to indicate plucking position, and houses a sensor to detect this deformation. The support members also contribute to the overall structural integrity and operational feel of the instrument. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving precise plucking position detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If deformable string support members are used to detect plucking information, then musical tone accuracy is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport member deformation consistencyVSAvoidsupport structure fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The string support members are designed with specific physical parameters (dimensions, material properties, cross-sectional geometry) that determine their deformation characteristics. By carefully selecting and controlling these parameters during manufacturing, the support members can be made to deform in a consistent and predictable manner in response to plucking. This allows for standardized manufacturing processes that can achieve the required precision without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This configuration enhances the operational feel and accuracy of musical tone generation, providing a playing experience similar to traditional stringed instruments while simplifying the support structure and reducing manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of string support members each supporting the string member at different positions in a longitudinal direction of the string member, each of the string support members being individually deformable in accordance with a plucking of the string member by the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20230186885A1Electronic stringed instrument, musical sound control method and recording medium

Publication Date: 2023.06.15 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic stringed instrument includes: at least one linear string member to be plucked by a user; a plurality of string support members each supporting the string member at different positions in a longitudinal direction of the string member, each of the string support members being individually deformable in accordance with a plucking of the string member by the user; a plurality of sensors that output signals indicating respective deformation states of the plurality of string support members, wherein the respective deformation states of the plurality of string support members may be different from each other depending on a way the string member is plucked; and at last one processor configured to generate a musical tone control signal based on the signals output from the plurality of sensors.