Dynamic Impulse Response Estimation for Aerophone Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for simulating aerophone instruments without airflow fail to replicate the complex characteristics of real instruments, limiting their use in music practice and human interaction devices.
Innovation Solution
A method based on dynamic estimation of the impulse response of the acoustic system using a linear time-invariant model, combined with signal processing techniques, allows for the synthesis of output signals through convolution or discrete state matching, enabling accurate emulation of aerophone instruments and broader human interaction applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If buttons are installed inside the finger holes to produce electronic practice instruments, then the instrument can be played without creating airflow, but the complex characteristics of the real instrument cannot be reproduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing system with an acoustic probe system that uses electronic signals to excite the acoustic resonator. The probe generator emits signals that are picked up by the acoustic probe, allowing the system to capture the instrument's acoustic characteristics without requiring physical modification of the finger holes or installation of mechanical buttons.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an acoustic probe as an intermediary between the player and the instrument's acoustic system. The acoustic probe captures the acoustic characteristics of the instrument's resonator, and a processor uses this information to generate output signals that replicate the instrument's sound, eliminating the need for direct mechanical interaction with the finger holes.
2Device complexity
If a linear time-invariant model is used to estimate impulse response, then the mathematical model can be simplified and processed efficiently, but the real aerophone instrument's non-linear and time-varying characteristics may not be fully captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by updating the linear time-invariant model continuously. The processor dynamically estimates the impulse response at multiple time instants, allowing the model to adapt to changes in the instrument's acoustic characteristics over time. This dynamic estimation process enables the simplified linear model to accurately represent the real instrument's time-varying behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the acoustic characteristics of the instrument's resonator and using this information to update the impulse response estimation. The processor compares the actual acoustic response with the model's predictions and adjusts the impulse response parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains high measurement precision despite using a simplified linear model.
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 approach effectively replicates the sound production of aerophone instruments and extends to human interaction devices, providing a more realistic simulation and versatile integration with various systems.
Implementation Method 1
a probe signal generator for transmitting a probe signal as acoustic signal
Implementation Method 2
a transducer receiving the resulting signal from the interaction of the probing signal and the current state of the acoustic system
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for playing existing aerophone musical instruments e.g. bagpipe or constructing new instruments or more general human interaction devices by continuous estimation of the impulse response of the acoustic system of the instrument with the use of probing signal. In the proposed apparatus this is done by means of transducers introducing probing signal and capturing and analyzing the signal resulting from the interaction between the probing signal, the instrument and the player. In contrast to the normal way aerophone instruments are used where a player blows air and stimulates vibration of air this method does not require the player to blow, the generated probing signal can be outside of the audiable sound range and the output of the instrument can be outputted as digital data.