Hands-free Vibraphone Motor Control via Optical Gesture Sensing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vibraphones require manual operation to modulate motor speed, disrupting musical performance as players must stop playing to adjust the speed, and existing foot pedal mechanisms can interfere with other functions.

Innovation Solution

A motor control system with sensing devices and a control unit that detects movement to automatically modulate the motor speed, allowing for hands-free operation and real-time adjustment of operating parameters without manual interruption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual control (knob or fader) is used to modulate motor speed, then the motor speed can be adjusted, but the player must stop playing the vibraphone to adjust the speed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor speed controlVSAvoidperformance interruption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical control system (knob or fader) with an optical sensing system. Sensors detect hand movements in the air above the keyboard, and a processor converts these movements into motor speed control signals, eliminating the need for physical contact with control elements during performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism where hand movements above the keyboard serve as a mediator between the player's intent and the motor speed adjustment. This intermediary system translates aerial hand gestures into control signals without requiring direct interaction with the motor control interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If foot pedal mechanism is used to modulate motor speed, then hands-free operation is enabled, but the pedal interferes with feet and legs for other functions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehands-free motor controlVSAvoidfoot function availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical foot pedal system with an optical sensing system that detects hand movements. This substitution eliminates the need for foot-based control, freeing the feet and legs for other musical functions such as dampening pedal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses hand movements in the air as an intermediary control mechanism, replacing the foot pedal intermediary. This allows control of motor speed through hand gestures that do not conflict with foot-based functions of the vibraphone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If manual control is used, then the control mechanism is simple, but the response time for motor speed adjustment is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system structureVSAvoidmotor speed response time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical control with an optical sensing and digital processing system. Sensors continuously monitor hand movements, and a processor instantly converts these movements into motor control signals, providing rapid response time without the mechanical delays inherent in knobs or faders.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously tracks hand movements in advance, maintaining readiness to adjust motor speed immediately when the player makes a gesture. This preliminary monitoring eliminates the delay between intent and action that occurs with manual control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 seamless modulation of motor speed during musical performance, reducing response time and enhancing the overall musical experience by allowing players to control the vibraphone without stopping.

Implementation Method 1

at least one sensing device attached to the musical instrument, and configured for detecting movement of an object and generating a sensor signal from the at least one sensing device based on the movement of the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMotion detection:

Data Source

PatentUS10847126B2Hands-free vibraphone modulator

Publication Date: 2020.11.24 INDIANA UNIVERSITY RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY CORP

AI summary

A motor control system is provided for controlling a speed of a motor system used in a musical instrument. The motor control system includes at least one sensing device attached to the musical instrument, and configured for detecting movement of an object and providing a sensor signal based on the movement of the object. Also included in the motor control system is a control unit having a processor connected to the motor system and the at least one sensing device. The control unit is configured for selectively modulating the speed of the motor system based on the sensor signal.