Smart Fretboard Optical Force Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a device and method to measure forces applied to a fret board in stringed musical instruments, as existing technologies lack sophisticated tools to assess operating forces in three-dimensional space, contributing to high rates of musculoskeletal disorders among musicians.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a sensing fret with a force detecting unit, comprising a touchpoint and a sensor, such as a photointerrupter, disposed on a printed circuit. The sensor detects the distance between the touchpoint and itself, allowing for the measurement of forces applied to the fret board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pressure-pads are used to determine notes being played, then midi-technology and gaming applications are facilitated, but the ability to record time-dependent forces applied to the neck with fingers is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure-pads with optical sensors (photointerrupters) that detect force through optical displacement. This substitution enables both note detection and precise force measurement simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between application versatility and force measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing fret is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting which notes are being played, measuring the force applied by fingers, and providing timing information. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices for different purposes, achieving both versatility and precise measurement.
2Loss of information
If surface electromyography studies are used to investigate the left distal upper extremity, then muscle activity can be assessed, but biomechanical forces applied to the fret board cannot be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces surface electromyography with direct mechanical force measurement through optical sensors embedded in the fret board. This provides direct measurement of biomechanical forces rather than indirect inference from muscle activity, enabling precise force measurement while maintaining the ability to assess muscle activity through complementary sensors.
3Ease of operation
If touch-sensing technology is employed with pressure-pads, then note detection is enabled, but time-dependent force recording is eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pressure-pads with optical interrupters that detect both the presence of finger contact (for note detection) and the magnitude of applied force through displacement measurement. The optical system enables continuous force measurement over time while maintaining ease of note detection operation.
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 device enables accurate measurement and real-time feedback of forces applied to the fret board, helping to prevent musculoskeletal disorders and improve playing technique by providing musicians with immediate feedback on their playing force.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor can take the form of a photointerrupter. The photointerrupter is configured to detect a distance between the touchpoint and the photointerrupter.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing fretboard for stringed instruments is described herein with respect to a guitar. The present invention includes custom frets and a modular sensing array that can be incorporated into a fretboard and coupled to the guitar. By measuring the dynamic forces applied by the players on the frets and strings of the guitar, musicians can be warned in real time during practice, when their grip is too strong, and to help musicians learn and recover from injuries.