Piano Chord Producing Bars for Multi-Octave Keyboard Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing music production systems, such as electronic pianos and synthesizers, are limited in their ability to play piano chords and individual music notes across multiple octaves and keys, requiring manual depression of multiple keys and lacking flexibility in hands-on approaches.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard with strategically mounted actuator switches and rectangular piano chord producing bars, allowing for programming of individual rows to play synchronized full or partial piano chords and music notes in any key and octave, using flexible fasteners and programmable lighting for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional manual piano key depression is used to play chords, then full control over individual keys is achieved, but the complexity and difficulty of operation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is segmented into multiple rows, with each row dedicated to playing chords in a specific key. This segmentation allows players to access entire chords by pressing single keys within each row, dramatically simplifying chord playing while maintaining organized structure for different musical keys
Solution Approach 2:
Each key within the rows is designed to serve multiple functions: it can play individual notes, trigger full chords, or activate partial chords depending on the programming. This multi-functionality reduces the number of keys needed while maintaining comprehensive musical control
2Ease of operation
If auto-accompaniment mode is used to simplify chord playing, then operation becomes easier, but versatility in playing multiple rows and octaves simultaneously is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard system is programmable and dynamically configurable, allowing the playing style and chord generation rules to be changed through software. This enables the system to adapt between simplified auto-accompaniment modes and more versatile multi-row playing modes, providing both ease of operation and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing of operational parameters through programming, where different rows can be assigned to different keys, octaves, and chord types. This parameter flexibility enables the keyboard to switch between simple chord playback and complex multi-voice arrangements
3Adaptability or versatility
If more piano keys are added to cover multiple octaves and keys, then musical versatility improves, but the size and bulk of the instrument increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of expanding horizontally with more keys, the keyboard adds a vertical dimension with multiple rows of keys. Each row is programmable to represent different keys and octaves, allowing comprehensive musical coverage in a compact horizontal footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses programmable rows that can be copied and configured to represent different musical keys and octaves. Rather than having physical keys for every possible note, the same physical keys are virtually copied through programming to represent different musical positions
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure concerns an input keyboard which works in unison with a compatible operating program to produce piano chords. The keyboard incorporates strategically placed pairs of actuator switches that are tied together in unison by a lengthways-positioned rectangular bar that is attached on top of each one of the actuator switches by a flexible fastener means with each actuator switch being attached directly underneath each end of the rectangular bar. This conglomeration is referred to as a Piano Chord Producing Bar. Each piano chord producing bar is programmed to produce full or partial piano chords when depressed. Piano chord producing bars are plurally arranged in horizontal parallel rows that extend from the left to the right side of the keyboard. Piano Chord Producing Bars keyboards with their compatible operating programs can be incorporated into electronic keyboard musical instruments or used as controller keyboards for input into various devices.