Electronic Keyboard Sound Source for Variable Key-Damper Half Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing acoustic keyboard instruments have fixed half characteristics that cannot be modified, which may not match a player's preference, limiting training possibilities and sound production flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A sound source system that includes a processor and memory to generate variable key-damper half zones or points for each key of an electronic keyboard instrument, allowing for customizable mute timings and sound silencing based on setting instructions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed half characteristics are used in acoustic keyboard instruments, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to player preferences and training possibilities is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to player preferencesVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a sensor to detect the actual position of the damper and feeds this information back to a controller, which then generates control signals to adjust the damper position. This creates a virtual copy of the physical damper system that can be independently controlled to achieve variable half characteristics without modifying the physical structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical linkage system that physically connects keys to dampers with an electronic control system using sensors, processors, and actuators. This substitution allows the half characteristics to be varied through software control rather than mechanical adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If variable half characteristics are implemented through physical adjustment mechanisms, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariable half characteristicsVSAvoidease of adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the damper position using sensors and adjusts the half characteristics based on this detected position, eliminating the need for manual adjustment by the player. The system serves itself by continuously monitoring and adapting to the actual mechanical state

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback loop where the sensor detects the damper position and feeds this information back to the controller, which then adjusts the control signals accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables automatic adaptation without requiring player intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250378808A1Sound source, computer-implemented method for controlling sound source, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and electronic keyboard instrument

Publication Date: 2025.12.11 YAMAHA CORP

AI summary

A sound source includes (i) one or more memories storing instructions and one or more processors configured to execute the instructions, (ii) one or more circuits, or both (i) and (ii) configured to: obtain a setting instruction; generate first information defining a key-damper half zone or a key-damper half point for sound production for each of a plurality of keys of an electronic keyboard instrument in accordance with the setting instruction; and output the generated first information.