Selectable Diatonic and Jazz Scales for Chord-Adaptive Keyboards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic keyboards lack the ability to seamlessly switch between different musical scales, particularly diatonic and jazz scales, and do not effectively utilize active scales that adapt to changing chords, limiting musical expression and harmony.
Innovation Solution
An electronic keyboard system with a modified MIDI Sound Module and built-in sound module that includes an Active Scale Selector to dynamically adjust pitch arrays based on chord recognition, using foot pedals to control scale changes and incorporate jazz notes, allowing for harmonious transitions between different scales.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed chromatic scale is used on the keyboard, then the keyboard structure remains simple and stable, but the ability to adapt to different musical styles and chords is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scale selection where the keyboard can automatically switch between different scales (diatonic, jazz, pentatonic, etc.) based on the detected chord progression. The scale type is not fixed but dynamically adapts to the musical context, allowing one keyboard to function in multiple musical styles without requiring physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pitch array parameters dynamically by selecting different scale patterns (e.g., C major diatonic, C jazz, D minor pentatonic) based on the detected chord. This parameter change allows the same physical keyboard to produce different scale patterns, effectively adapting to various musical genres and chord progressions without adding physical complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple scales are manually selectable, then scale variety is improved, but the ease of operation during performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard performs self-service by automatically detecting the played chord and selecting the appropriate scale without requiring manual intervention. The system monitors the notes being played, identifies the chord progression, and automatically switches the pitch array to match the detected chord, freeing the performer from the task of manually selecting scales during performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the notes played by the user, detecting the chord progression, and using this information to automatically adjust the scale selection. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that the scale always matches the current musical context, providing intuitive and responsive operation without requiring manual scale switching.
3Adaptability or versatility
If automatic chord recognition is implemented, then the adaptability to chord changes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the control system universal by using the existing keyboard's note-detection capability for dual purposes: both playing music and detecting chords for scale selection. The same sensors and processing units that handle note detection are also used for chord recognition, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard performs self-service by using its own note-detection capabilities to automatically recognize chords and adjust scales without requiring external equipment or complex additional control systems. The system leverages its existing processing units to analyze the played notes, identify chord progressions, and automatically adjust the pitch array, minimizing the need for extra hardware.
4Adaptability or versatility
If jazz notes are added to the pitch array, then the musical expression is enhanced, but the pitch array complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pitch array into different scale patterns (diatonic, jazz, pentatonic, etc.), where each segment contains a specific set of notes appropriate for a given musical context. This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by organizing pitches into distinct, manageable groups that can be selectively activated, rather than having all possible jazz notes always available at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The pitch array is dynamically reconfigured based on the detected chord progression. When jazz chords are detected, the system activates the jazz scale pattern with appropriate extensions and alterations. This dynamic adjustment allows the pitch array to adapt its complexity level to the musical context, providing enhanced expression when needed while maintaining simplicity for other styles.
Data Source
AI summary
This patent is about special scale configurations for electronic keyboards and controls to select them. Currently most keyboards are tuned to a well-tempered chromatic scale. This patent presents several alternate scales which can be selected by the musician. These selectable scales include the major and minor diatonic basic and active scales, major and minor semi-diatonic basic and active scales, jazz basic and active scales among others. This patent extends to an electronic component for studio use that incorporates automatic chord recognition and alternate scale selection to produce more harmonious pitches for notes played on a keyboard. This patent also describes reed instruments such as the melodica and the accordion when capability to select alternate scales is added.