Electronic Stringed Instrument Electrostatic Sensor Pitch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for electronic stringed instruments fail to detect and reflect subtle changes in string-pressing force with the left hand, leading to inadequate control over timbre and pitch variations.
Innovation Solution
An electronic stringed instrument equipped with an operation detection unit, pitch decision unit, sound generation timing decision unit, sound generation instruction unit, and control unit, utilizing an electrostatic sensor to detect string-pressing positions and forces, allowing for precise control over sound generation and timbre adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional pitch extraction methods are used, then pitch detection is achieved, but string-pressing force and subtle timbre changes cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into two independent parts: pitch extraction for musical pitch detection and string-pressing force detection for力度 measurement. This allows each function to be optimized independently, with pitch extraction maintaining accuracy while string-pressing force detection capturing subtle variations through separate sensor analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism that measures the distance between the finger and fretboard through string-pressing force detection. This intermediary measurement serves as a bridge between the physical pressing action and the musical output, enabling subtle timbre changes to be captured and transmitted to the sound generation system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If string-pressing force is increased to control timbre, then timbre variation is achieved, but pitch accuracy deteriorates due to string tension changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring string-pressing force and using this information to adjust sound generation parameters. The detected pressing force serves as feedback to the control unit, which then modulates timbre and pitch characteristics to match the player's intent, compensating for natural pitch drift caused by increased pressing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter approach by separately controlling pitch and timbre parameters based on different detection results. Pitch is determined from string vibration frequency while timbre is independently adjusted according to string-pressing force, allowing both parameters to be optimized without interfering with each other's accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the finger presses the string close to the fret, then muted sound effect is achieved, but normal sound vibration is suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a dynamic sound generation system that adapts to the real-time state of string pressing. The control unit continuously adjusts sound parameters based on detected pressing force, transitioning smoothly between normal sound, muted sound, and intermediate states. This dynamic adaptation maintains sound generation consistency across different pressing conditions while achieving varied sound effects.
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 the instrument to accurately reflect subtle changes in timbre and pitch based on string-pressing states, enhancing the musical performance by realistically reproducing the nuances of string vibration and muting.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing an electrostatic sensor to detect string-pressing positions and forces
Data Source
AI summary
A CPU 41 detects an operation performed with respect to a plurality of frets 23 provided on a fingerboard 21, decides pitch of a musical sound to be generated based on the detected operation, decides sound generation timing for the musical sound to be generated, instructs a sound source to generate a musical sound of the decided pitch at the decided sound generation timing, and controls the musical sound generated in the sound source 45 based on a state of the detected operation.