Electronic Hi-Hat Optical Sensing for Cymbal Gap Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic hi-hats inaccurately detect the separation dimension between a top cymbal and a bottom cymbal due to their inclination relative to the rod, leading to erroneous performance output.
Innovation Solution
The electronic hi-hat employs an optical sensor system with multiple detectors positioned at equal intervals around the circumference of the cymbal assembly to accurately measure separation dimensions, accounting for inclinations, and includes an elastically deformable notch in the bottom cymbal to prevent erroneous detection and suppress impact sounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single optical sensor is used to detect separation dimension in the vertical direction, then the detection structure is simple, but the detection accuracy deteriorates when cymbals are inclined relative to the rod
Solution Approach 1:
The single detection point is segmented into multiple detection points arranged circumferentially around the rod. This segmentation allows the system to detect separation dimensions at multiple locations, enabling accurate measurement even when cymbals are inclined, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection approach transitions from a single vertical dimension measurement to a circumferential distribution of detection points. By adding the circumferential dimension, the system can account for cymbal inclination angles and accurately determine contact states despite the inclined configuration.
2Reliability
If multiple detectors are positioned at equal intervals around the circumference, then the detection accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each detector in the circumferential array is positioned to detect separation dimensions at its specific location. The local detection capability of each sensor contributes to the overall reliable determination of contact state, allowing the system to handle inclined cymbal configurations effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple individual detection results from circumferentially distributed detectors are merged or integrated to determine the overall contact state between cymbals. This combination of local measurements provides robust and reliable contact state detection despite the increased number of components.
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
Accurate detection of separation and contact states between cymbals ensures precise musical output, allowing players to perform without discomfort and enhancing the reliability of the electronic hi-hat's performance.
Implementation Method 1
The distance sensor included an optical sensor. It detects the separation dimensions by emitting light and receiving reflected light of the light.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic hi-hat 1 has a rod movable up and down with an operation of a player. A top cymbal 2 has a striking surface that can be struck by the player. A bottom cymbal 3 comes into contact with or separates from the top cymbal 2. An optical sensor 7 detects separation dimension between the top cymbal 2 and the bottom cymbal 3. The optical sensor 7 detects separation dimensions of a plurality of areas that are displaced with inclinations of the top cymbal 2 and the bottom cymbal 3 with respect to the rod r. The plurality of areas where the separation dimensions are detected are located on a common circumference of the top cymbal 2 and the bottom cymbal 3 around the rod r as a center.