Electronic Drum RF Resonant Sensing for Hit Position and Velocity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic drums lack accurate position and velocity sensing capabilities, limiting their ability to differentiate between various striking positions and intensities, which restricts their sound generation capabilities and responsiveness.
Innovation Solution
An electronic drum system incorporating a passive resonant circuit on the drum head and an active resonant circuit on the bottom member, driven by an RF signal, with a signal processor to analyze the RF signal for determining the position, velocity, and intensity of hits, allowing for multiple sound assignments and improved responsiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple drum sensors are used to accurately determine hit position and velocity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (position detection and velocity measurement) into a single drum sensor by using a resonant circuit system. The passive resonant circuit on the drum head interacts with the active resonant circuit to generate RF signals that encode both position and velocity information, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The single drum sensor incorporates multi-functionality by using signal processing techniques to extract both radial position and velocity information from the RF signal generated by the resonant circuit interaction. This universal sensor design performs multiple measurement functions that would traditionally require separate dedicated sensors.
2Device complexity
If a single drum sensor is used to reduce manufacturing complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or electronic sensing mechanisms with a resonant circuit-based electromagnetic system. The passive resonant circuit mounted on the drum head interacts inductively with the active resonant circuit, generating RF signals that are processed to determine both position and velocity, achieving high measurement precision with a single sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the sensing system by using resonant frequency interactions between active and passive circuits. By tuning the resonant frequencies and processing the resulting RF signal characteristics, the system achieves accurate simultaneous measurement of position and velocity from a single sensor source.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional electronic drums with binary on/off response are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic response capabilities by continuously monitoring the RF signal from the resonant circuit interaction. The signal processor dynamically adjusts sound generation based on real-time velocity and position data, allowing the electronic drum to adapt its output according to the specific characteristics of each strike rather than providing a static binary response.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using the detected velocity and position information to control sound generation. The signal processor uses the measured parameters to select and modulate appropriate sound samples, creating a responsive system that adapts its output based on the actual physical state of the drum head during each strike.
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 precise determination of hit positions and intensities, enabling a more responsive and versatile electronic drum with the ability to generate diverse sounds from a single drum head using a single sensor, while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
an active resonant circuit e.g. mounted on the bottom member and configured to excite the passive resonant circuit at the resonant frequency
Implementation Method 2
a passive resonant circuit mounted on the drum head and having a resonant frequency
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic drum, comprising: a bottom member; a drum head; a drum sensor comprising: a passive resonant circuit mounted on the drum head and having a resonant frequency; and an active resonant circuit mounted on the bottom member and configured to excite the passive resonant circuit at the resonant frequency; a sensor driver to drive the active resonant circuit with an RF drive signal at the resonant frequency; and a detector to detect a level of RF signal from the driven active resonant circuit for sensing a position and/or velocity of the drum head; and a signal processor, coupled to the detector, configured to process the detected level of RF signal to sense a position and/or velocity of the drum head for determining when the drum head is hit.