Integrated Transducer-Processor Unit for Stringed Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional divided pickups for electric guitars face challenges with cross-talk interference and require bulky pre-amplifiers and multi-pin cables, making them aesthetically unpleasing and inconvenient, while existing processor-driven solutions are cumbersome and lack intuitive control options.
Innovation Solution
An integrated transducer-processor unit with a gesture pad-processor system that processes electrical signals from the pickup and allows intuitive gesture control, eliminating the need for external wiring and bulky components, and enabling retrofitting into existing instruments without modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional divided pickups are used to reduce cross-talk interference, then signal separation is improved, but the system requires bulky pre-amplifiers and multi-pin cables which worsen aesthetic appearance and convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pickup, pre-amplifier, and processing electronics into a single integrated unit that mounts directly on the guitar body. This merging eliminates the need for separate pre-amplifier boxes and complex multi-pin cable connections, while maintaining the signal separation benefits of divided pickups through internal routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a single-pin cable as an intermediary component that simplifies the connection between the guitar and external equipment. This single-pin interface acts as a mediator that carries all necessary signals (multiple string outputs, power, ground) through a single connector, eliminating the complexity of multi-pin arrangements.
2Ease of operation
If traditional pickups are used to maintain simplicity, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to produce musical effects is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated pickup unit incorporates multiple functions within a single device: it serves as both a traditional pickup for signal capture and includes built-in pre-amplification, equalization, and effects processing capabilities. This multi-functionality allows the simple act of plugging in to provide access to both clean and effected signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the processing capabilities into separate controllable sections within the integrated unit, allowing independent control of different string signals and effects parameters. This segmentation enables versatile effects processing while maintaining a unified, simple interface for the user.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external pre-amplifiers and processing equipment are used to enhance effects capability, then musical versatility is improved, but the system becomes cumbersome and requires additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pickup, pre-amplifier, equalizer, and effects processor into a single integrated unit that mounts on the guitar body. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external equipment while providing comprehensive effects capability, reducing system complexity to essentially the guitar itself plus a single-pin cable connection.
4Measurement precision
If divided pickups are used to improve signal separation, then individual string control is improved, but cross-talk interference occurs between adjacent strings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts each string's signal through separate individual coils positioned adjacent to each string, physically separating the signal capture paths. This extraction method captures each string's vibration independently before any processing occurs, minimizing cross-talk at the source while maintaining the ability to process signals individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses individual coils for each string that create separate electrical copies of each string's vibration. These copied signals are then routed through separate processing paths within the integrated unit, allowing individual string control while the physical separation of coils prevents cross-talk interference between adjacent strings.
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
The solution provides enhanced musical effects and intuitive control without cluttering the instrument, maintaining aesthetics while simplifying installation and reducing interference issues, allowing for a wide range of effects without additional equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The traditional pickup has several magnetic poles, each of which is positioned in close proximity to a respective string of the guitar. The poles are encircled by a conductive wire coil or coils, such that when the strings vibrate, the magnetic field of the poles is disturbed and an electrical signal is generated through the coil(s).
Implementation Method 2
The touch pad includes a transducer for converting the selected manual gesture inputs into electrical signals constituting a data set defining the selected manual gesture
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated transducer-processor unit for use with a stringed instrument having one or more strings. When the instrument is played, the unit produces electrical output signals for conversion into musical sounds. A transducer converts mechanical vibrations of each of the strings into corresponding electrical signals, and a processor processes the electrical signals to produce selected analog or digital output signals for conversion into musical sounds. The unit processor is integrated with the transducer into a pickup, for mounting on the instrument in proximity to the strings without modification of the instrument. In addition, a gesture pad-processor system provides an interface for a user to send control signals to a device to control at least one function of the device. A touch pad receives positional and pressure inputs entered by the user making a selected predefined manual gesture for conversion into a control signal by the system processor.