Reed Instrument Transducer for Quiet Practice
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Solution Overview
Problem
Players of reed instruments face challenges in practicing without disturbing others due to the inherent noise output of these instruments, and existing solutions either fail to provide reliable note recognition or require high-energy signals outside the audible range.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a pressure sensor to control the timing and volume of sound output, incorporating a speaker and microphone to produce synthesized musical notes based on air pressure variations, with an exponential chirp signal within the audible range to enable quiet practice while maintaining accurate note recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a normal reed is used to produce sound, then the instrument can be played with full acoustic output, but the noise level disturbs others in the vicinity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transducer apparatus as an intermediary between the player's breath and the instrument's acoustic system. The transducer converts breath pressure into electrical signals that control a speaker, which then generates sound waves in the instrument's air chamber. This intermediary system allows the player to practice without the reed vibrating and producing audible noise, while still maintaining the instrument's acoustic resonance for proper technique development.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical vibration system (reed vibrating in response to breath pressure) with an electro-acoustic system. Instead of the reed mechanically vibrating to produce sound, a speaker driven by electronic signals generates the acoustic waves. This substitution eliminates the harmful noise output while preserving the instrument's resonant properties through the air chamber and key system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a transducer apparatus with speaker and microphone is used, then noise output is reduced, but reliable note recognition becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using a pressure sensor to detect breath pressure before sound production occurs. The detected breath pressure signal is used to control the timing and characteristics of the excitation signal sent to the speaker. This allows the system to anticipate and properly trigger note recognition based on the player's intended note selection, rather than relying on detecting actual sound waves that may be too quiet or ambiguous.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pressure sensor as an intermediary measurement device that directly detects the player's breath pressure. This intermediary provides a clear, unambiguous signal about the player's intended note selection, which is then used to control the excitation signal. This approach is more reliable than using a microphone to detect faint sound waves, as breath pressure directly correlates with the player's articulation intentions.
3Measurement precision
If high-energy signals outside the audible range are used, then note recognition can be achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of the excitation signal from using high-energy frequencies outside the audible range to using an exponential chirp signal within the audible frequency range. The exponential chirp signal sweeps through frequencies exponentially, providing sufficient energy for reliable note recognition while remaining within the audible range. This parameter change simplifies the system by eliminating the need for specialized ultrasonic or infrasonic transducers and processing equipment.
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 players to practice reed instruments quietly without disturbing others while ensuring reliable musical note recognition through the use of a pressure-controlled sound system with an exponential chirp signal, effectively reducing ambient noise interference.
Implementation Method 1
A system that uses a pressure sensor to control the timing and volume of sound output
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a speaker and microphone to produce synthesized musical notes
Implementation Method 3
the speaker delivers sound to an air chamber of the bagpipes, the speaker being driven by a test signal comprising a periodic signal consisting of linear chirps
Implementation Method 4
with an exponential chirp signal within the audible range to enable quiet practice while maintaining accurate note recognition
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5a
Figure 5b~6
AI summary
With reference to figure 7a the present invention relates to transducer apparatus (200) for use with a reed instrument (201) having an air chamber (15) forming a resonant cavity whose resonance characteristics are controlled by opening and closing of tone holes (17A, 17B) connecting the air chamber to the exterior of the reed instrument. The transducer apparatus comprises attachment means (202) for releasably securing the transducer apparatus to a mouthpiece (201) of the reed instrument in place of a reed. A reed replacement section (203) has a housing with an abutment surface for abutting a surface part of the mouthpiece which would be abutted by a reed secured to the mouthpiece. An air passage extends through the housing of the reed replacement section (203) from an air inlet (211) through which a player of the instrument can blow to an air outlet (213) through which air blown by the player is delivered to atmosphere, without passing through the air chamber (15) within the reed instrument. A speaker (208) is supported by the housing and delivers sound to the air chamber (15). An air chamber microphone (209) is supported by the housing and receives sound in the air chamber (15). An electronic processing unit (204) has: an excitation unit (101) which produces an excitation signal for driving the speaker (208); a processor (102) for receiving a measurement signal produced by the microphone and for detecting from the measurement signal a musical note played by the instrument; a synthesizer (220) for generating an electronic signal embodying a musical note which corresponds to the detected musical note; and output means (103) for transmitting the musical note generated by the synthesizer to a receiver external of the transducer apparatus. The invention also relates to a system for representing the sounds of a reed instrument having the components of the transducer apparatus, to an electronic system for determining a musical note played by a reed instrument having the components of the transducer apparatus and to a method of practising playing of a reed instrument comprising use of the components of the transducer apparatus.