CA2876596A1 - Portable sound-interfacing device - Google Patents
Portable sound-interfacing device Download PDFInfo
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- CA2876596A1 CA2876596A1 CA2876596A CA2876596A CA2876596A1 CA 2876596 A1 CA2876596 A1 CA 2876596A1 CA 2876596 A CA2876596 A CA 2876596A CA 2876596 A CA2876596 A CA 2876596A CA 2876596 A1 CA2876596 A1 CA 2876596A1
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08C—TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
- G08C17/00—Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link
- G08C17/02—Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
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- G—PHYSICS
- G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
- G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
- G10H3/00—Instruments in which the tones are generated by electromechanical means
- G10H3/12—Instruments in which the tones are generated by electromechanical means using mechanical resonant generators, e.g. strings or percussive instruments, the tones of which are picked up by electromechanical transducers, the electrical signals being further manipulated or amplified and subsequently converted to sound by a loudspeaker or equivalent instrument
- G10H3/14—Instruments in which the tones are generated by electromechanical means using mechanical resonant generators, e.g. strings or percussive instruments, the tones of which are picked up by electromechanical transducers, the electrical signals being further manipulated or amplified and subsequently converted to sound by a loudspeaker or equivalent instrument using mechanically actuated vibrators with pick-up means
- G10H3/146—Instruments in which the tones are generated by electromechanical means using mechanical resonant generators, e.g. strings or percussive instruments, the tones of which are picked up by electromechanical transducers, the electrical signals being further manipulated or amplified and subsequently converted to sound by a loudspeaker or equivalent instrument using mechanically actuated vibrators with pick-up means using a membrane, e.g. a drum; Pick-up means for vibrating surfaces, e.g. housing of an instrument
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
- G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
- G10H3/00—Instruments in which the tones are generated by electromechanical means
- G10H3/12—Instruments in which the tones are generated by electromechanical means using mechanical resonant generators, e.g. strings or percussive instruments, the tones of which are picked up by electromechanical transducers, the electrical signals being further manipulated or amplified and subsequently converted to sound by a loudspeaker or equivalent instrument
- G10H3/24—Instruments in which the tones are generated by electromechanical means using mechanical resonant generators, e.g. strings or percussive instruments, the tones of which are picked up by electromechanical transducers, the electrical signals being further manipulated or amplified and subsequently converted to sound by a loudspeaker or equivalent instrument incorporating feedback means, e.g. acoustic
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R9/00—Transducers of moving-coil, moving-strip, or moving-wire type
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08C—TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
- G08C2201/00—Transmission systems of control signals via wireless link
- G08C2201/90—Additional features
- G08C2201/93—Remote control using other portable devices, e.g. mobile phone, PDA, laptop
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- G—PHYSICS
- G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
- G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
- G10H2230/00—General physical, ergonomic or hardware implementation of electrophonic musical tools or instruments, e.g. shape or architecture
- G10H2230/005—Device type or category
- G10H2230/015—PDA [personal digital assistant] or palmtop computing devices used for musical purposes, e.g. portable music players, tablet computers, e-readers or smart phones in which mobile telephony functions need not be used
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R11/00—Transducers of moving-armature or moving-core type
- H04R11/08—Gramophone pick-ups using a stylus; Recorders using a stylus
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R17/00—Piezoelectric transducers; Electrostrictive transducers
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Auxiliary Devices For Music (AREA)
Abstract
A sound reproduction and interfacing device that is quickly, and non-permanently affixed onto an acoustic musical instrument or other resonant object. The device converts audio signal inputs from an external audio source, such as a portable electronic device, into vibrations, which are translated into sound by the resonant object's intrinsic sound-conductance and amplifying properties. It comprises a receptacle body which encloses the electronic and mechanical components that transmit and process an input audio signal, and ultimately convert the signal to vibrations. Importantly, the device comprises mechanisms that allow quick and simple mounting and removing of the device onto/from the resonant object and that provide a contact surface between the device and the object's resonant surface, without requiring permanent modification to the object. The device can comprise components that capture audio produced by the resonant object and transmit the captured signal back to the original audio device or another device.
Description
PORTABLE SOUND-INTERFACING DEVICE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to audio reproduction and interfacing devices, and more specifically, to a device for amplifying sound signals generated by an external audio signal source, using the acoustic properties of a resonant object, such as a musical instrument, and for capturing sound from a resonant object, and returning it to an external audio device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Musicians training with the help of backing tracks or simply wishing to play along to a pre-recorded musical piece have traditionally had to use pieces of equipment such as amplifiers, professional audio or high-fidelity audio systems and loudspeakers to do so. In many circumstances; however, the use of such devices is impractical as they are often costly, bulky, cumbersome, and their portability is greatly reduced by their reliance on an external power source.
Stringed instruments typically couple strings and a hollow resonating chamber, a soundboard or a combination of the two. The striking or plucking of the strings causes the solid body to vibrate and to displace air, effectively amplifying the sound generated by the vibration of the strings. Novel sounds can be artificially produced from any resonant surface using the same principle; a vibrating transducer, which can produce mechanical oscillations, similar to the oscillations of the vibrating strings of a guitar, can be brought into contact with a resonant body, allowing the vibrations to be acoustically amplified and projected. A handful of inventions currently exploit the natural sound-amplifying properties of stringed instruments to generate or amplify a sound signal coming from an external source. One should however note that these proposed inventions have limitations that make them unlikely to be used by musicians. For example, some devices are limited to percussive sounds as the primary signal is translated into the mechanical striking of the solid body of the instrument (United States of America patent US5900573 A). Other patents allow for the amplification of melodic and percussive sounds, but can be difficult to install or may damage the body of the instrument (United States of America patent applications US20140224099 Al, US20140202320 Al).
The lack of an easy and quick method to affix these devices onto an instrument's body has hindered their usage by musicians. Clip-on instrument tuners (United States of America patent US7265282 B2), which are popular among guitar players, utilize non-invasive methods to removably affix electronic components to musical instruments, and allow vibration conduction, by simply gripping the exterior of the instrument. The present invention is a significant improvement of such devices, using a removable clamp-on contact for the communication of audio signals between a resonant object, such as a musical instrument, and an external audio device.
Speakers that transfer mechanical vibrations to a resonant surface to amplify the sound have previously been invented (Portable Vibration Speaker: United States of America patent application US20130170683 Al; Rock-It Portable Vibration Speaker (OrigAudio, a division of Forty Four Group, LLC., 2014)) however, such systems are not sufficiently practical for use as a musical practice and teaching tool, since these systems either do not possess a system to immobilise the device onto a surface (US20130170683 Al), or immobilise the device by the use of adhesives, which are not easily removed, and could potentially damage the surface to which it is affixed (Rock-It Portable Vibration Speaker). Additionally, these devices do not possess the ability to capture sound and transmit it to an external device as an audio signal. The present invention is an improvement on previously invented systems, and distinguishes itself by
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to audio reproduction and interfacing devices, and more specifically, to a device for amplifying sound signals generated by an external audio signal source, using the acoustic properties of a resonant object, such as a musical instrument, and for capturing sound from a resonant object, and returning it to an external audio device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Musicians training with the help of backing tracks or simply wishing to play along to a pre-recorded musical piece have traditionally had to use pieces of equipment such as amplifiers, professional audio or high-fidelity audio systems and loudspeakers to do so. In many circumstances; however, the use of such devices is impractical as they are often costly, bulky, cumbersome, and their portability is greatly reduced by their reliance on an external power source.
Stringed instruments typically couple strings and a hollow resonating chamber, a soundboard or a combination of the two. The striking or plucking of the strings causes the solid body to vibrate and to displace air, effectively amplifying the sound generated by the vibration of the strings. Novel sounds can be artificially produced from any resonant surface using the same principle; a vibrating transducer, which can produce mechanical oscillations, similar to the oscillations of the vibrating strings of a guitar, can be brought into contact with a resonant body, allowing the vibrations to be acoustically amplified and projected. A handful of inventions currently exploit the natural sound-amplifying properties of stringed instruments to generate or amplify a sound signal coming from an external source. One should however note that these proposed inventions have limitations that make them unlikely to be used by musicians. For example, some devices are limited to percussive sounds as the primary signal is translated into the mechanical striking of the solid body of the instrument (United States of America patent US5900573 A). Other patents allow for the amplification of melodic and percussive sounds, but can be difficult to install or may damage the body of the instrument (United States of America patent applications US20140224099 Al, US20140202320 Al).
The lack of an easy and quick method to affix these devices onto an instrument's body has hindered their usage by musicians. Clip-on instrument tuners (United States of America patent US7265282 B2), which are popular among guitar players, utilize non-invasive methods to removably affix electronic components to musical instruments, and allow vibration conduction, by simply gripping the exterior of the instrument. The present invention is a significant improvement of such devices, using a removable clamp-on contact for the communication of audio signals between a resonant object, such as a musical instrument, and an external audio device.
Speakers that transfer mechanical vibrations to a resonant surface to amplify the sound have previously been invented (Portable Vibration Speaker: United States of America patent application US20130170683 Al; Rock-It Portable Vibration Speaker (OrigAudio, a division of Forty Four Group, LLC., 2014)) however, such systems are not sufficiently practical for use as a musical practice and teaching tool, since these systems either do not possess a system to immobilise the device onto a surface (US20130170683 Al), or immobilise the device by the use of adhesives, which are not easily removed, and could potentially damage the surface to which it is affixed (Rock-It Portable Vibration Speaker). Additionally, these devices do not possess the ability to capture sound and transmit it to an external device as an audio signal. The present invention is an improvement on previously invented systems, and distinguishes itself by
2 _ providing a simple, reversible, reliable, and non-damaging method for affixing itself to resonant objects, and by providing a simple means for two-way communication between the resonant object and an electronic audio device.
The use of a strong, yet non-permanent, mechanism for affixing this device to the surface of a resonant object is a significant improvement over the prior art, because it conveys many benefits to the audio interfacing device. Firstly, a mechanism for temporarily affixing the device to a surface without damage to that surface allows the device to be installed on a wide variety of surfaces such as (but not limited to) surfaces on objects that do not possess a flat, horizontal surface, surfaces that are non-stationary, or surfaces on objects of value that the user does not wish to damage. Secondly, the temporary affixing mechanism allows the same device to be used in several different contexts, for example, a musician that purchases an embodiment of this device to use to learn how to play violin could affix the same device to his/her bathroom mirror to listen to music while getting ready in the morning. Finally, the strong affixing mechanism conveys a functional role, since vibrations are transmitted more effectively between separate bodies when these bodies are more strongly coupled, the support mechanism which strongly affixes the device to a resonant object effectively enhances the sound transmission between the device and the object.
A System for Remotely Generating Sound from a Musical Instrument has previously been disclosed in United States of America patent application US20140196593 Al, however this system is focused on playing musical instruments remotely, to replicate the sound which would have been achieved by that instrument, if a musician was playing it.
This device does not focus on playing pre-recorded audio (such as playing pre-recorded drums, bass, vocals and organ all simultaneously, through an acoustic guitar), which originates from an electronic device, such as a portable music player, without altering the sound with the instrument's intrinsic acoustic characteristics, and while allowing the musician to continue playing the instrument, as
The use of a strong, yet non-permanent, mechanism for affixing this device to the surface of a resonant object is a significant improvement over the prior art, because it conveys many benefits to the audio interfacing device. Firstly, a mechanism for temporarily affixing the device to a surface without damage to that surface allows the device to be installed on a wide variety of surfaces such as (but not limited to) surfaces on objects that do not possess a flat, horizontal surface, surfaces that are non-stationary, or surfaces on objects of value that the user does not wish to damage. Secondly, the temporary affixing mechanism allows the same device to be used in several different contexts, for example, a musician that purchases an embodiment of this device to use to learn how to play violin could affix the same device to his/her bathroom mirror to listen to music while getting ready in the morning. Finally, the strong affixing mechanism conveys a functional role, since vibrations are transmitted more effectively between separate bodies when these bodies are more strongly coupled, the support mechanism which strongly affixes the device to a resonant object effectively enhances the sound transmission between the device and the object.
A System for Remotely Generating Sound from a Musical Instrument has previously been disclosed in United States of America patent application US20140196593 Al, however this system is focused on playing musical instruments remotely, to replicate the sound which would have been achieved by that instrument, if a musician was playing it.
This device does not focus on playing pre-recorded audio (such as playing pre-recorded drums, bass, vocals and organ all simultaneously, through an acoustic guitar), which originates from an electronic device, such as a portable music player, without altering the sound with the instrument's intrinsic acoustic characteristics, and while allowing the musician to continue playing the instrument, as
3 does the present invention. The present invention can be employed as an audio capture device for interfacing with an electronic device, such as a cellular telephone or a computer. The present invention distinguishes itself by having broad applications, as it does not require the resonant surface to which it is coupled to necessarily be a musical instrument, and will function as desired on any resonant object, such as a table or a picture frame. Without significantly altering the design, the present invention can be employed as a teaching and performance tool for any acoustic musical instrument; a compact business tool to allow a cellular phone to be used for conference calling without the need to carry microphones, speakers and wires; a scaled-up version could even be used as a temporary high-performance public address and communication system that can be employed during disaster-relief situations, by being installed on debris or other resonant surfaces, which can be found in the aftermath of a natural disaster. The main innovative aspects for the present invention, as compared to prior disclosed inventions is that it is a device for audio interfacing between a resonant object and an electronic device that can be swiftly affixed or removed in a matter of seconds with a simple physical action; the present invention can thus be seen as being distinct from the invention disclosed in US20140196593 Al.
Musicians will benefit from an inexpensive, portable, ergonomic and user-friendly audio interfacing device that can be affixed to instruments in a matter of seconds, without permanent modification to the instruments then readily removed when not in use. Non-musicians will also benefit from a portable audio interfacing device that can, in conjunction with their electronic devices, amplify and capture sound without the need for extra equipment or an inconvenient power source.
Musicians will benefit from an inexpensive, portable, ergonomic and user-friendly audio interfacing device that can be affixed to instruments in a matter of seconds, without permanent modification to the instruments then readily removed when not in use. Non-musicians will also benefit from a portable audio interfacing device that can, in conjunction with their electronic devices, amplify and capture sound without the need for extra equipment or an inconvenient power source.
4 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an inexpensive, portable, ergonomic and user-friendly device that uses the natural sound amplifying properties of a resonant object, such as an acoustic musical instrument to convert an audio signal into sound. The device is easily and swiftly mounted onto a musical instrument (guitar, violin, acoustic piano, cello, drum, trumpet, banjo, etc.), or other resonant surface (table, dresser, chair, picture frame, etc.) via a clip, or fastening structure, carefully designed to maximize audio signal transmission, to minimize vibration dampening and unwanted audible artifacts, and to prevent damage to the object.
An audio signal generated by an external audio device, such as a portable music player is received by the device. The device, which comprises a small vibrating motor, processes the signal and translates it into mechanical vibrations which are representative of the desired output audio. These vibrations are transferred to the resonant object's body via vibration conduction through the area of contact between the clip, or fastening structure, and the object's vibrating surface. The vibration of the resonant object's body produces and projects the desired sounds without the need for external power sources. In addition, the area of contact between the device and the resonant surface allows vibrations produced by the resonant surface, namely while a musical instrument is being played, to be conducted in the opposite direction allowing the vibrations to be captured by a microphone, piezoelectric, or optical pickup and converted to an audio signal which can be transmitted to the above-mentioned, or a different, external audio device.
The present invention provides a convenient and inexpensive method to convert an audio signal into sound using the intrinsic sound amplifying properties of an acoustic instrument such as, but not limited to, a guitar, a banjo, a violin, a drum, a trumpet or an acoustic piano; or a resonant object such as a table, a dresser, a picture frame, or a chair. The device addresses
The present invention is an inexpensive, portable, ergonomic and user-friendly device that uses the natural sound amplifying properties of a resonant object, such as an acoustic musical instrument to convert an audio signal into sound. The device is easily and swiftly mounted onto a musical instrument (guitar, violin, acoustic piano, cello, drum, trumpet, banjo, etc.), or other resonant surface (table, dresser, chair, picture frame, etc.) via a clip, or fastening structure, carefully designed to maximize audio signal transmission, to minimize vibration dampening and unwanted audible artifacts, and to prevent damage to the object.
An audio signal generated by an external audio device, such as a portable music player is received by the device. The device, which comprises a small vibrating motor, processes the signal and translates it into mechanical vibrations which are representative of the desired output audio. These vibrations are transferred to the resonant object's body via vibration conduction through the area of contact between the clip, or fastening structure, and the object's vibrating surface. The vibration of the resonant object's body produces and projects the desired sounds without the need for external power sources. In addition, the area of contact between the device and the resonant surface allows vibrations produced by the resonant surface, namely while a musical instrument is being played, to be conducted in the opposite direction allowing the vibrations to be captured by a microphone, piezoelectric, or optical pickup and converted to an audio signal which can be transmitted to the above-mentioned, or a different, external audio device.
The present invention provides a convenient and inexpensive method to convert an audio signal into sound using the intrinsic sound amplifying properties of an acoustic instrument such as, but not limited to, a guitar, a banjo, a violin, a drum, a trumpet or an acoustic piano; or a resonant object such as a table, a dresser, a picture frame, or a chair. The device addresses
5 the need experienced by musicians who wish to play along or listen to pre-recorded musical tracks or audio, but for whom the usage of bulky and expensive external equipment and a power source is impractical, and yet a musical instrument is still readily available, such as while camping.
The device is mounted on a resonant surface with minimal effort. The audio signal sent by the portable music player is received and processed by the device. The processed signal is converted into vibrational motion by a small vibrating transducer. Those skilled in the art of acoustics will appreciate that the vibrations are transmitted to the resonant surface of the instrument or other resonant object via a reversible and non-intrusive support mechanism, such as a clip or a suction cup, resulting in the transmission of vibration to the object's resonant body and ultimately, in the creation and projection of sound. This device transmits sound by vibration conduction, using a method of action similar to that seen in sound transmitting toothbrushes (United States of America patent number US6115477 A). The resonant surface of the body effectively acts as a speaker and projects sound using the object's natural acoustic properties, without the use of an external power source. The device is easily detached and stored when the user is not using it. An important distinguishing feature for the present invention is that it uses a simple support mechanism which allows it to be affixed non-permanently and non-intrusively to any resonant surface, in seconds with minimal physical effort.
In some embodiments, the device comprises an internal microphone, piezoelectric or optical pickup, and the required electrical components to allow for the sound generated or captured on the resonant surface to be sent back to the audio source (such as a portable music player) and further processed by a software application. This embodiment may benefit musicians who want to record their instrument. It also provides a way for musicians of all levels to keep track of their progress. Furthermore, interactive tutorials that allow for feedback on the
The device is mounted on a resonant surface with minimal effort. The audio signal sent by the portable music player is received and processed by the device. The processed signal is converted into vibrational motion by a small vibrating transducer. Those skilled in the art of acoustics will appreciate that the vibrations are transmitted to the resonant surface of the instrument or other resonant object via a reversible and non-intrusive support mechanism, such as a clip or a suction cup, resulting in the transmission of vibration to the object's resonant body and ultimately, in the creation and projection of sound. This device transmits sound by vibration conduction, using a method of action similar to that seen in sound transmitting toothbrushes (United States of America patent number US6115477 A). The resonant surface of the body effectively acts as a speaker and projects sound using the object's natural acoustic properties, without the use of an external power source. The device is easily detached and stored when the user is not using it. An important distinguishing feature for the present invention is that it uses a simple support mechanism which allows it to be affixed non-permanently and non-intrusively to any resonant surface, in seconds with minimal physical effort.
In some embodiments, the device comprises an internal microphone, piezoelectric or optical pickup, and the required electrical components to allow for the sound generated or captured on the resonant surface to be sent back to the audio source (such as a portable music player) and further processed by a software application. This embodiment may benefit musicians who want to record their instrument. It also provides a way for musicians of all levels to keep track of their progress. Furthermore, interactive tutorials that allow for feedback on the
6 playing by the application may be implemented, as two-way communication between the device and the audio source is possible.
The device allows a musician to be accompanied in a wide variety of contexts and places, as it is compact, portable and powered by batteries housed inside the small device's casing, or in some embodiments, passively, driven solely by the audio source.
The device eliminates the need for costly and cumbersome professional audio systems or loudspeakers and can be carried around in a small pocket or bag. Additionally, while the achieved sound output may not be ideal, this device can function when affixed to any resonant surface, and is not necessarily exclusive to use with musical instruments. Further, variations of the present invention could be employed for uses such as conference calling, as a portable speaker and microphone peripheral for cellular telephones, or to create a temporary home theatre system by affixing a plurality of units onto various objects in a room, producing a surround-sound effect.
Additionally, a variant of the present invention could be employed as a temporary high-performance public address and communication system for use during disaster-response situations, essentially acting as an extremely portable and power efficient loudspeaker and communication device, which can be deployed quickly, without specialised training, and without requiring an external power source. In the event of a natural disaster, large resonant debris such as broken sewage pipes, shipping trailers, or empty barrels are abundant; an enlarged version of the present device equipped for wireless communication could be quickly deployed by an untrained first responder by affixing the device to any convenient piece of debris, thus allowing messages transmitted from satellites, aircraft, or radio towers to be broadcast to the public. Audio capture capabilities would allow these
The device allows a musician to be accompanied in a wide variety of contexts and places, as it is compact, portable and powered by batteries housed inside the small device's casing, or in some embodiments, passively, driven solely by the audio source.
The device eliminates the need for costly and cumbersome professional audio systems or loudspeakers and can be carried around in a small pocket or bag. Additionally, while the achieved sound output may not be ideal, this device can function when affixed to any resonant surface, and is not necessarily exclusive to use with musical instruments. Further, variations of the present invention could be employed for uses such as conference calling, as a portable speaker and microphone peripheral for cellular telephones, or to create a temporary home theatre system by affixing a plurality of units onto various objects in a room, producing a surround-sound effect.
Additionally, a variant of the present invention could be employed as a temporary high-performance public address and communication system for use during disaster-response situations, essentially acting as an extremely portable and power efficient loudspeaker and communication device, which can be deployed quickly, without specialised training, and without requiring an external power source. In the event of a natural disaster, large resonant debris such as broken sewage pipes, shipping trailers, or empty barrels are abundant; an enlarged version of the present device equipped for wireless communication could be quickly deployed by an untrained first responder by affixing the device to any convenient piece of debris, thus allowing messages transmitted from satellites, aircraft, or radio towers to be broadcast to the public. Audio capture capabilities would allow these
7 devices to listen for people in need of rescue, or to be employed as telephones to communicate with aid workers.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this device used for converting an audio signal into sound via a resonant object, such as an acoustic musical instrument:
1. is easily affixed to almost any resonant surface, and removed in a matter of seconds, and without the need for special skills or tools;
2. does not damage the instrument or require permanent modifications to the resonant object;
3. is compact and portable, allowing it to be transported with minimal effort;
4. has a simple "one-size-fits-all" design that allows it to be mass-manufactured at low cost, and sold in a variety of markets;
5. is powered by batteries located within the device itself, or is passively driven, and does not require the user to be in proximity of an electrical outlet or any other inconvenient power source;
6. allows audio to be transferred from an electronic audio device to a resonant object; and for sound to be transferred from a resonant object, to an electronic audio device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG 1 is a sketch of a guitar with an embodiment of the invention mounted on the rim of the sound aperture, and connected to a portable music player by an audio cable, illustrating the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG 2 is a top-view of an embodiment of the invention clipped to the sound aperture of a guitar, illustrating some embodiments of the present invention.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this device used for converting an audio signal into sound via a resonant object, such as an acoustic musical instrument:
1. is easily affixed to almost any resonant surface, and removed in a matter of seconds, and without the need for special skills or tools;
2. does not damage the instrument or require permanent modifications to the resonant object;
3. is compact and portable, allowing it to be transported with minimal effort;
4. has a simple "one-size-fits-all" design that allows it to be mass-manufactured at low cost, and sold in a variety of markets;
5. is powered by batteries located within the device itself, or is passively driven, and does not require the user to be in proximity of an electrical outlet or any other inconvenient power source;
6. allows audio to be transferred from an electronic audio device to a resonant object; and for sound to be transferred from a resonant object, to an electronic audio device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG 1 is a sketch of a guitar with an embodiment of the invention mounted on the rim of the sound aperture, and connected to a portable music player by an audio cable, illustrating the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG 2 is a top-view of an embodiment of the invention clipped to the sound aperture of a guitar, illustrating some embodiments of the present invention.
8 FIG 3 is a view from the perspective of the user of the device-guitar configuration shown in FIG 1.
FIG 4 is a side view an embodiment of the invention, with a clothespin-type securing clip, illustrating some embodiments of the present invention.
FIG 5 is the device shown in FIG 4, the clothespin-type securing clip is shown fastening the device to a thin, flat surface, such as the rim of a guitar sound aperture, illustrating some embodiments of the present invention.
FIG 6 is a front-view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG
4.
FIG 7 is a rear-view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG
4, showing a possible location for a battery access panel.
FIG 8 is a top-view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG 4.
This illustration shows an audio cable connected to the device.
FIG 9 is a block-flow diagram showing the audio signal path in some embodiments of the present invention.
FIG 10 is a top-view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG
4, with the top panel removed, showing a possible layout for the electronic components in embodiments of the present invention with active electronic circuits.
FIG 11 is a top-view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG
4, with the top panel removed, showing a possible layout for the electronic components in embodiments of the present invention with passive electronic circuits (ie: not requiring a power supply).
FIG 4 is a side view an embodiment of the invention, with a clothespin-type securing clip, illustrating some embodiments of the present invention.
FIG 5 is the device shown in FIG 4, the clothespin-type securing clip is shown fastening the device to a thin, flat surface, such as the rim of a guitar sound aperture, illustrating some embodiments of the present invention.
FIG 6 is a front-view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG
4.
FIG 7 is a rear-view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG
4, showing a possible location for a battery access panel.
FIG 8 is a top-view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG 4.
This illustration shows an audio cable connected to the device.
FIG 9 is a block-flow diagram showing the audio signal path in some embodiments of the present invention.
FIG 10 is a top-view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG
4, with the top panel removed, showing a possible layout for the electronic components in embodiments of the present invention with active electronic circuits.
FIG 11 is a top-view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG
4, with the top panel removed, showing a possible layout for the electronic components in embodiments of the present invention with passive electronic circuits (ie: not requiring a power supply).
9 FIG 12 is a sketch of a guitar with an embodiment of the invention mounted on the guitar top, using a suction cup, and connected to a portable music player by an audio cable, illustrating a possible embodiment of the present invention.
FIG 13 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention, with a suction-cup-type securing feature, illustrating some embodiments of the present invention.
FIG 14 is the device shown in FIG 11, the suction-cup-type securing feature is shown fastening the device to a smooth, flat surface, such as the top of a guitar body, illustrating some embodiments of the present invention.
FIG 15 is a top-view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG
11. This illustration shows an audio cable connected to the device, and illustrates the relative position and size of the support suction cup.
FIG 16 is a sketch of a table, with the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG
4 mounted on the edge, and connected to a portable music player by an audio cable, illustrating a possible alternative use of the present invention.
FIG 17 is a block-flow diagram showing the audio signal path in some embodiments of the present invention, where the device contains an audio capture device, and can act as a two-way audio interfacing device between an electronic device and a resonant object.
FIG 18 is a top-view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG
4, with the top panel removed, showing a possible layout for the electronic components in embodiments of the present invention with active electronic circuits, where the device acts as a two-way audio interfacing device.
FIG 19 is a sketch of an embodiment of the present invention, adapted for use as a public address system during disaster-response situations. The device is shown, affixed to a large broken sewage pipe, and is in wireless communication with an overhead satellite.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to FIGS 1-3, the illustrated embodiment of the invention 10 comprises a rectangular prism shaped receptacle body 11 which may be constructed of a material such as, but not necessarily limited to, polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC) or polylactic acid (PLA). The receptacle body 11 has a total of six (6) faces including a top face 22, a bottom face 21, a front face 50, a back face 52, and two lateral faces 32 and 33. In the preferred embodiment, the invention 10 is attached to the rim of a sound aperture 16, which belongs to the resonant surface 14 of an acoustic musical instrument 12.
The device is connected to the audio source 20 with a cable 18 that comprises a male connector 26 compatible with a female connector 28 whose end is embedded within the lateral side 32 of the receptacle body 11. This same lateral side comprises a volume control wheel 24.
In some embodiments, the connection between the audio device 20 and the present invention 10 can be achieved by a wireless digital connection.
The preferred mounting location and positioning of the invention, in the particular situation where it is used in conjunction with an acoustic guitar, which minimizes obstruction of the instrument's playing surface for the instrument user, is depicted on FIGS
1-3. The invention 10 is mounted just below the strings with the front side 50 of the receptacle body 11 pointing away from the sound aperture 16. The longitudinal axis of the receptacle is parallel to the instrument's strings and the lateral side containing a female connector 28 and the volume control wheel 24. However, due to the device's support mechanism versatility, the user can place the device 10 in whichever position on the instrument 12 is most convenient for him/her.
FIGS 4 and 5 depict the invention viewed from the lateral sides. The lateral side 32 of the receptacle body 11 comprises a rugged volume control wheel 24 which is only partially contained inside the device. Its protrusion towards the outside of the receptacle body 11 allows its manipulation by the user. An opening allowing access to a female connector 28 contained within the receptacle body 11 is also located on that same lateral surface.
The bottom face 21 comprises a structure for affixing the device to an instrument's resonant surface. The support structure possesses a construction similar to that of a standard spring-clothespin (United States of America patent number US365755 A). Similar constructions can be observed in electronic devices intended to clip onto surfaces, such as the Holding Structure for a Paging Receiver Having Extra Functions disclosed in Canadian patent CA1318940 C. The interface between the support structure and the bottom face 21 comprises an adaptor protrusion 36.
The supporting force for the structure is provided by spring structure 40 made of elastic material, such as coiled metal wire. This spring structure 40 pushes a flat, longitudinally-oriented lever 34 towards the device. The lever pushes and clamps together two support surfaces, 46 and 48, connected to, respectively, the lever structure 34 and the receptacle body 11, made of a vibration-conducting, non-abrasive material, such as synthetic ivory, wood or hard polymer. This construction is held together by anchor holes 42 and 44, which affix the ends of the spring structure 40 to, respectively, the lever structure 34 and the adaptor protrusion 36, and support grooves 38 which hold the coil of spring structure 40. FIG 5 shows how support surfaces 46 and 48 affix the device to the rim of a sound aperture 16 by gripping parallel surfaces on either side of the rim. The device can be swiftly installed and removed by pinching the back end of the lever 34 and the top face 22 of the device, to separate the support surfaces 46 and 48, allowing the sound aperture rim 16 to be placed between the sound-conducting surfaces; the device is then immobilized by releasing the lever 34, allowing the spring structure 40 to push together the support surfaces 46 and 48, which grip the sound aperture rim 16. Sections, or the entirety of the bottom surface of the lever structure 34 and/or the top face 22 of the device may be given a rugged texture to allow greater precision and increased frictional finger-grip by the user during positioning of the device 10.
FIGS 6 and 7 illustrate one embodiment of the invention 10 as viewed from the front and the back, respectively. The front side 50 of the receptacle body 11 is featureless and serves the purpose of enclosing the internal electrical components, and providing overall structural support to the body. The back panel of the invention 52 is locked in place with a clasp structure 54.
Upon application of pressure on the clasp structure 54, the back panel 52 detaches, allowing the user to access internal components of the device such as the batteries.
FIG 8 presents a top-view of the embodiment of the invention 10. This view shows the relative location of the volume control wheel 24, and where the cable 18 connects to the female connector 28. The top face 22 is shown as featureless; however this face, along with the front face 50 and the side face 33 could support branding-related images, or components and interfacing devices, such as, but not limited to, buttons, knobs, lights, switches and display screens. These featureless faces could also be used to support useful structures such as a guitar plectrum holder.
FIG 9 illustrates, in the form of a block diagram, the path taken by the audio signal in provenance of the signal source 20 in the preferred embodiment of the invention. Those skilled in the art of electronic circuits will appreciate that various configurations of specific electronic components which comprise this signal path can be implemented to achieve the disclosed effect. The signal is first converted to the signal format to be used by the subsequent electrical components, such as the conversion of a stereophonic signal to a monophonic signal, by a signal converter 56. The converted signal is then processed by a signal modulator 58, which may comprise a digital signal processor (DSP) chip. This element in the signal path can act as an audio equalizer (EQ). The use of an EQ allows the signal to be processed in a way that cancels out the acoustic artifacts imparted to the sound by the natural acoustic properties of the instrument. The frequency spectrum of the sound produced and projected by the instrument is therefore more representative of the frequency spectrum of the incoming audio signal. The signal is subsequently received by a signal amplifier 62 which may comprise transistors or other electrical components capable of augmenting the amplitude of an input signal.
In one embodiment, the signal amplifier is powered by a power source 60 which may consist of, for example, disposable or rechargeable batteries. A power control 64 that comprises a volume wheel 24 allows the user to turn the signal amplifier on or off and to manipulate the signal gain which is directly proportional to the intensity of the sound ultimately emitted by the instrument.
Finally, the signal reaches a vibrating transducer 66 that converts the signal into mechanical vibrations and transmits them to the instrument resonant surface 14. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the vibrating transducer 66 is a small, coin-shaped vibrating component (such as the motor described United States of America patent application number US20110193429 Al) firmly coupled to the inner surface of the receptacle body 11, by glue or other permanent and/or semi-permanent attachment means. It is these vibrations with a specific frequency, amplitude, and waveform that are transmitted to the instrument or resonant object through support surfaces 46 and 48, and cause the resonant surface 14 to vibrate and the instrument 12 to emit sound.
FIG 10 presents one of the possible layouts of the electronic components in embodiments of the invention, wherein the electrical circuit inside the receptacle body 11 is active. In this particular embodiment, the male connector 26 inserts into the female connector 28 through an opening in the lateral side 32 of the receptacle body 11. In some embodiments of the present invention, some and/or all of the electronic components may be integrated into an (or multiple) integrated circuit(s) or a printed circuit board.
FIG 17 illustrates, in the form of a block diagram, the path taken by the audio signal in provenance of the signal source 20 in a variation on the preferred embodiment of the invention, in which the device 10 acts as a two-way interface between the instrument 12 and the audio device 20. FIG 18 illustrates a possible component layout diagram of this version of the preferred embodiment of the invention. The signal path from the signal source 20 to the instrument body 12 is substantially equivalent to the path described in FIG 9;
however, the illustrated embodiment includes an audio capture device 67, such as a piezoelectric or optical pickup or a microphone which can capture the vibrations produced by the instrument 12 during normal playing, and transduce them into an electrical signal. This electrical signal is transmitted to a signal converter 57, which converts and modulates the signal from the audio capture device 67 to a format best suited for reception by the audio device 20. The captured signal can be returned to the audio source by the same path taken by entering input audio.
For example, in embodiments where the audio source 20 is a portable electronic device, such as a cellular telephone, connected by an audio cable 18 the female connector 28 could comprise a 3.5 mm TARS (stereo-plus-mic) socket (Universal audio jack and plug, United States of America patent US7241179 B2); audio originating from the audio device 20 can enter as stereophonic sound, while audio originating from the audio capture device 67 can return to the audio device as monophonic sound by the microphone line in the audio cable 18, which can be received by many modern portable electronic devices. Upon arriving at the audio device 20, the audio 20 signal can be further processed and interpreted by software applications within the device. Additionally, electronic components could be included to allow processing of the captured audio signal within the device 10; for example, the necessary components to allow the device to act as an instrument tuning device.
FIG 11 presents one of the possible layouts of the electronic components in embodiments of the invention where the electrical circuit inside the receptacle body 11 is passive, meaning the device is powered exclusively by the incoming audio signal, without any additional power source 60. The audio signal is thus transmitted from the male connector 26, to the female connector 28, then through passive signal processing 56 and 58, before driving the vibrating transducer directly.
FIGs 12-15 depict an alternate embodiment of the present invention 13. This embodiment possesses a similar construction to the Microphone Pickup for Musical Instruments described in United States of America patent U54495641 A. This embodiment is identical to the embodiment described above, except that the structure for temporarily affixing the device to an instrument's resonant surface 14, on the bottom face 21, is a suction-cup-type construction. This embodiment possesses a curved, circular, suction cup membrane 68 (United States of America patent number US82629 A), built of a flexible, elastic polymer, such as silicone, which is connected to the bottom face 21 by a connector joint 70, which is integrated into the device body 11. This embodiment allows the device 13 to be mounted directly onto the instrument's resonant surface 14, without the need for a thin protrusion 16 to clip onto. In this embodiment, the suction cup structure 68 assumes the role of support surfaces 46 and 48, of affixing the device in place, and transmitting vibrations produced by the vibrating transducer 66 to the instrument 12.
FIG 16 depicts the preferred embodiment of the invention 10 affixed to the edge of a table 15, which illustrates that, in the absence of a musical instrument 12, any resonant object can be used as a resonant surface, and the device will achieve an audible output.
FIG 19 depicts a possible alternate use of the present invention 17, in an embodiment that is adapted for use as a temporary public address system to quickly allow communication with a large number of people during disaster response situations. This embodiment of the invention 17 is substantially similar to the preferred embodiment 10 described above, except that it is built to a larger scale, with a larger overall construction, and a more powerful power supply 60 and vibrating transducer 66. In this embodiment, following a natural disaster, this device can be quickly affixed to any large resonant piece of debris, or other large resonant surface, here illustrated by a large broken sewage pipe 78. This embodiment comprises a wireless antennae 74, which allows it to communicate with an overhead satellite 72 (or other communication relay, such as a land antennae, or an overhead aircraft), via electromagnetic waves 76, such as radio or microwaves. Such a device could employ solar panels or wind turbines as a power supply 60 to allow more versatility in disaster stricken areas. (Note that the satellite 72 depicted is not to scale with the remainder of the illustration).
The structures and component layouts described and depicted do not necessarily represent the full range of variations of embodiments included in the scope of variations that could be considered obvious to those skilled in the art after consulting the present disclosure.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
PATENT CITATIONS
Barnes, Owen R. "Percussion accompaniment device." Patent US5900573 A. 4 May 1999.
Chennakeshu, Sandeep. "Universal audio jack and plug." Patent US7241179 B2. 10 July 2007.
Fib, Andrew S. and Capper, David G. "Denta-mandibular sound-transmitting system."
Patent US6115477 A Al. 5 September 2000.
Langberg, Eric A. "System for remotely generating sound from a musical instrument." Patent Application US20140196593 Al. 17 July 2014.
Matsumoto, Takeshi et al. "Holding structure for a paging receiver having extra functions." Patent CA1318940 C. 8 June 1993.
Mei, Qingkai. "Portable vibration speaker." Patent US20130170683 Al. 4 July 2013.
Membreno, Agustin J. and Wilson, Mark L. "Universal tuner mount with spring-loaded link." Patent US7265282 B2. 4 September 2007.
Moore, Solon E. "Clothes-pin." Patent US365755 A. 28 June 1887.
Needham, Orwell H. "Knob." Patent US82629 A. 29 September 1868.
Vernino, Raymond. "Microphone pickup for musical instruments." Patent A. 22 January 1985.
Webman, Ofer. "System and method for sound augmentation of acoustic musical instruments." Patent Application US20140224099 Al. 14 August 2014.
White, Andrew J. and White, Daniel. "Musical instrument device and method."
Patent Application US20140202320 Al. 24 July 2014.
NON-PATENT CITATIONS
OrigAudio, a division of Forty Four Group, LLC. (2014). White Rock-It 3.0 (Ships January 15, 2015). Retrieved 2015-01-04, from OrigAudio:
https://www.origaudio.com/shop/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=2977
FIG 13 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention, with a suction-cup-type securing feature, illustrating some embodiments of the present invention.
FIG 14 is the device shown in FIG 11, the suction-cup-type securing feature is shown fastening the device to a smooth, flat surface, such as the top of a guitar body, illustrating some embodiments of the present invention.
FIG 15 is a top-view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG
11. This illustration shows an audio cable connected to the device, and illustrates the relative position and size of the support suction cup.
FIG 16 is a sketch of a table, with the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG
4 mounted on the edge, and connected to a portable music player by an audio cable, illustrating a possible alternative use of the present invention.
FIG 17 is a block-flow diagram showing the audio signal path in some embodiments of the present invention, where the device contains an audio capture device, and can act as a two-way audio interfacing device between an electronic device and a resonant object.
FIG 18 is a top-view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG
4, with the top panel removed, showing a possible layout for the electronic components in embodiments of the present invention with active electronic circuits, where the device acts as a two-way audio interfacing device.
FIG 19 is a sketch of an embodiment of the present invention, adapted for use as a public address system during disaster-response situations. The device is shown, affixed to a large broken sewage pipe, and is in wireless communication with an overhead satellite.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to FIGS 1-3, the illustrated embodiment of the invention 10 comprises a rectangular prism shaped receptacle body 11 which may be constructed of a material such as, but not necessarily limited to, polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC) or polylactic acid (PLA). The receptacle body 11 has a total of six (6) faces including a top face 22, a bottom face 21, a front face 50, a back face 52, and two lateral faces 32 and 33. In the preferred embodiment, the invention 10 is attached to the rim of a sound aperture 16, which belongs to the resonant surface 14 of an acoustic musical instrument 12.
The device is connected to the audio source 20 with a cable 18 that comprises a male connector 26 compatible with a female connector 28 whose end is embedded within the lateral side 32 of the receptacle body 11. This same lateral side comprises a volume control wheel 24.
In some embodiments, the connection between the audio device 20 and the present invention 10 can be achieved by a wireless digital connection.
The preferred mounting location and positioning of the invention, in the particular situation where it is used in conjunction with an acoustic guitar, which minimizes obstruction of the instrument's playing surface for the instrument user, is depicted on FIGS
1-3. The invention 10 is mounted just below the strings with the front side 50 of the receptacle body 11 pointing away from the sound aperture 16. The longitudinal axis of the receptacle is parallel to the instrument's strings and the lateral side containing a female connector 28 and the volume control wheel 24. However, due to the device's support mechanism versatility, the user can place the device 10 in whichever position on the instrument 12 is most convenient for him/her.
FIGS 4 and 5 depict the invention viewed from the lateral sides. The lateral side 32 of the receptacle body 11 comprises a rugged volume control wheel 24 which is only partially contained inside the device. Its protrusion towards the outside of the receptacle body 11 allows its manipulation by the user. An opening allowing access to a female connector 28 contained within the receptacle body 11 is also located on that same lateral surface.
The bottom face 21 comprises a structure for affixing the device to an instrument's resonant surface. The support structure possesses a construction similar to that of a standard spring-clothespin (United States of America patent number US365755 A). Similar constructions can be observed in electronic devices intended to clip onto surfaces, such as the Holding Structure for a Paging Receiver Having Extra Functions disclosed in Canadian patent CA1318940 C. The interface between the support structure and the bottom face 21 comprises an adaptor protrusion 36.
The supporting force for the structure is provided by spring structure 40 made of elastic material, such as coiled metal wire. This spring structure 40 pushes a flat, longitudinally-oriented lever 34 towards the device. The lever pushes and clamps together two support surfaces, 46 and 48, connected to, respectively, the lever structure 34 and the receptacle body 11, made of a vibration-conducting, non-abrasive material, such as synthetic ivory, wood or hard polymer. This construction is held together by anchor holes 42 and 44, which affix the ends of the spring structure 40 to, respectively, the lever structure 34 and the adaptor protrusion 36, and support grooves 38 which hold the coil of spring structure 40. FIG 5 shows how support surfaces 46 and 48 affix the device to the rim of a sound aperture 16 by gripping parallel surfaces on either side of the rim. The device can be swiftly installed and removed by pinching the back end of the lever 34 and the top face 22 of the device, to separate the support surfaces 46 and 48, allowing the sound aperture rim 16 to be placed between the sound-conducting surfaces; the device is then immobilized by releasing the lever 34, allowing the spring structure 40 to push together the support surfaces 46 and 48, which grip the sound aperture rim 16. Sections, or the entirety of the bottom surface of the lever structure 34 and/or the top face 22 of the device may be given a rugged texture to allow greater precision and increased frictional finger-grip by the user during positioning of the device 10.
FIGS 6 and 7 illustrate one embodiment of the invention 10 as viewed from the front and the back, respectively. The front side 50 of the receptacle body 11 is featureless and serves the purpose of enclosing the internal electrical components, and providing overall structural support to the body. The back panel of the invention 52 is locked in place with a clasp structure 54.
Upon application of pressure on the clasp structure 54, the back panel 52 detaches, allowing the user to access internal components of the device such as the batteries.
FIG 8 presents a top-view of the embodiment of the invention 10. This view shows the relative location of the volume control wheel 24, and where the cable 18 connects to the female connector 28. The top face 22 is shown as featureless; however this face, along with the front face 50 and the side face 33 could support branding-related images, or components and interfacing devices, such as, but not limited to, buttons, knobs, lights, switches and display screens. These featureless faces could also be used to support useful structures such as a guitar plectrum holder.
FIG 9 illustrates, in the form of a block diagram, the path taken by the audio signal in provenance of the signal source 20 in the preferred embodiment of the invention. Those skilled in the art of electronic circuits will appreciate that various configurations of specific electronic components which comprise this signal path can be implemented to achieve the disclosed effect. The signal is first converted to the signal format to be used by the subsequent electrical components, such as the conversion of a stereophonic signal to a monophonic signal, by a signal converter 56. The converted signal is then processed by a signal modulator 58, which may comprise a digital signal processor (DSP) chip. This element in the signal path can act as an audio equalizer (EQ). The use of an EQ allows the signal to be processed in a way that cancels out the acoustic artifacts imparted to the sound by the natural acoustic properties of the instrument. The frequency spectrum of the sound produced and projected by the instrument is therefore more representative of the frequency spectrum of the incoming audio signal. The signal is subsequently received by a signal amplifier 62 which may comprise transistors or other electrical components capable of augmenting the amplitude of an input signal.
In one embodiment, the signal amplifier is powered by a power source 60 which may consist of, for example, disposable or rechargeable batteries. A power control 64 that comprises a volume wheel 24 allows the user to turn the signal amplifier on or off and to manipulate the signal gain which is directly proportional to the intensity of the sound ultimately emitted by the instrument.
Finally, the signal reaches a vibrating transducer 66 that converts the signal into mechanical vibrations and transmits them to the instrument resonant surface 14. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the vibrating transducer 66 is a small, coin-shaped vibrating component (such as the motor described United States of America patent application number US20110193429 Al) firmly coupled to the inner surface of the receptacle body 11, by glue or other permanent and/or semi-permanent attachment means. It is these vibrations with a specific frequency, amplitude, and waveform that are transmitted to the instrument or resonant object through support surfaces 46 and 48, and cause the resonant surface 14 to vibrate and the instrument 12 to emit sound.
FIG 10 presents one of the possible layouts of the electronic components in embodiments of the invention, wherein the electrical circuit inside the receptacle body 11 is active. In this particular embodiment, the male connector 26 inserts into the female connector 28 through an opening in the lateral side 32 of the receptacle body 11. In some embodiments of the present invention, some and/or all of the electronic components may be integrated into an (or multiple) integrated circuit(s) or a printed circuit board.
FIG 17 illustrates, in the form of a block diagram, the path taken by the audio signal in provenance of the signal source 20 in a variation on the preferred embodiment of the invention, in which the device 10 acts as a two-way interface between the instrument 12 and the audio device 20. FIG 18 illustrates a possible component layout diagram of this version of the preferred embodiment of the invention. The signal path from the signal source 20 to the instrument body 12 is substantially equivalent to the path described in FIG 9;
however, the illustrated embodiment includes an audio capture device 67, such as a piezoelectric or optical pickup or a microphone which can capture the vibrations produced by the instrument 12 during normal playing, and transduce them into an electrical signal. This electrical signal is transmitted to a signal converter 57, which converts and modulates the signal from the audio capture device 67 to a format best suited for reception by the audio device 20. The captured signal can be returned to the audio source by the same path taken by entering input audio.
For example, in embodiments where the audio source 20 is a portable electronic device, such as a cellular telephone, connected by an audio cable 18 the female connector 28 could comprise a 3.5 mm TARS (stereo-plus-mic) socket (Universal audio jack and plug, United States of America patent US7241179 B2); audio originating from the audio device 20 can enter as stereophonic sound, while audio originating from the audio capture device 67 can return to the audio device as monophonic sound by the microphone line in the audio cable 18, which can be received by many modern portable electronic devices. Upon arriving at the audio device 20, the audio 20 signal can be further processed and interpreted by software applications within the device. Additionally, electronic components could be included to allow processing of the captured audio signal within the device 10; for example, the necessary components to allow the device to act as an instrument tuning device.
FIG 11 presents one of the possible layouts of the electronic components in embodiments of the invention where the electrical circuit inside the receptacle body 11 is passive, meaning the device is powered exclusively by the incoming audio signal, without any additional power source 60. The audio signal is thus transmitted from the male connector 26, to the female connector 28, then through passive signal processing 56 and 58, before driving the vibrating transducer directly.
FIGs 12-15 depict an alternate embodiment of the present invention 13. This embodiment possesses a similar construction to the Microphone Pickup for Musical Instruments described in United States of America patent U54495641 A. This embodiment is identical to the embodiment described above, except that the structure for temporarily affixing the device to an instrument's resonant surface 14, on the bottom face 21, is a suction-cup-type construction. This embodiment possesses a curved, circular, suction cup membrane 68 (United States of America patent number US82629 A), built of a flexible, elastic polymer, such as silicone, which is connected to the bottom face 21 by a connector joint 70, which is integrated into the device body 11. This embodiment allows the device 13 to be mounted directly onto the instrument's resonant surface 14, without the need for a thin protrusion 16 to clip onto. In this embodiment, the suction cup structure 68 assumes the role of support surfaces 46 and 48, of affixing the device in place, and transmitting vibrations produced by the vibrating transducer 66 to the instrument 12.
FIG 16 depicts the preferred embodiment of the invention 10 affixed to the edge of a table 15, which illustrates that, in the absence of a musical instrument 12, any resonant object can be used as a resonant surface, and the device will achieve an audible output.
FIG 19 depicts a possible alternate use of the present invention 17, in an embodiment that is adapted for use as a temporary public address system to quickly allow communication with a large number of people during disaster response situations. This embodiment of the invention 17 is substantially similar to the preferred embodiment 10 described above, except that it is built to a larger scale, with a larger overall construction, and a more powerful power supply 60 and vibrating transducer 66. In this embodiment, following a natural disaster, this device can be quickly affixed to any large resonant piece of debris, or other large resonant surface, here illustrated by a large broken sewage pipe 78. This embodiment comprises a wireless antennae 74, which allows it to communicate with an overhead satellite 72 (or other communication relay, such as a land antennae, or an overhead aircraft), via electromagnetic waves 76, such as radio or microwaves. Such a device could employ solar panels or wind turbines as a power supply 60 to allow more versatility in disaster stricken areas. (Note that the satellite 72 depicted is not to scale with the remainder of the illustration).
The structures and component layouts described and depicted do not necessarily represent the full range of variations of embodiments included in the scope of variations that could be considered obvious to those skilled in the art after consulting the present disclosure.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
PATENT CITATIONS
Barnes, Owen R. "Percussion accompaniment device." Patent US5900573 A. 4 May 1999.
Chennakeshu, Sandeep. "Universal audio jack and plug." Patent US7241179 B2. 10 July 2007.
Fib, Andrew S. and Capper, David G. "Denta-mandibular sound-transmitting system."
Patent US6115477 A Al. 5 September 2000.
Langberg, Eric A. "System for remotely generating sound from a musical instrument." Patent Application US20140196593 Al. 17 July 2014.
Matsumoto, Takeshi et al. "Holding structure for a paging receiver having extra functions." Patent CA1318940 C. 8 June 1993.
Mei, Qingkai. "Portable vibration speaker." Patent US20130170683 Al. 4 July 2013.
Membreno, Agustin J. and Wilson, Mark L. "Universal tuner mount with spring-loaded link." Patent US7265282 B2. 4 September 2007.
Moore, Solon E. "Clothes-pin." Patent US365755 A. 28 June 1887.
Needham, Orwell H. "Knob." Patent US82629 A. 29 September 1868.
Vernino, Raymond. "Microphone pickup for musical instruments." Patent A. 22 January 1985.
Webman, Ofer. "System and method for sound augmentation of acoustic musical instruments." Patent Application US20140224099 Al. 14 August 2014.
White, Andrew J. and White, Daniel. "Musical instrument device and method."
Patent Application US20140202320 Al. 24 July 2014.
NON-PATENT CITATIONS
OrigAudio, a division of Forty Four Group, LLC. (2014). White Rock-It 3.0 (Ships January 15, 2015). Retrieved 2015-01-04, from OrigAudio:
https://www.origaudio.com/shop/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=2977
Claims (9)
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS
1. An audio interface device comprising:
a. A support for temporarily, yet strongly, affixing the device to a resonant surface of a resonant object quickly, with minimal physical effort.
b. A vibrating transducer that converts an electrical audio signal to mechanical vibrations.
c. An electrical circuit that captures an electrical audio signal from an external audio source.
d. An audio or vibration capture device that converts vibrations on, or near, a resonant surface into an electrical signal and transfers the signal to an external audio device.
e. A structural encasement that contains and supports some or all of the functional components.
f. A construction that is compact, and easily stored or transported.
a. A support for temporarily, yet strongly, affixing the device to a resonant surface of a resonant object quickly, with minimal physical effort.
b. A vibrating transducer that converts an electrical audio signal to mechanical vibrations.
c. An electrical circuit that captures an electrical audio signal from an external audio source.
d. An audio or vibration capture device that converts vibrations on, or near, a resonant surface into an electrical signal and transfers the signal to an external audio device.
e. A structural encasement that contains and supports some or all of the functional components.
f. A construction that is compact, and easily stored or transported.
2. The device in claim 1, wherein an electrical or electronic audio signal is a. transferred to the device from an external audio source, b. converted into mechanical vibrations, c. transmitted to a resonant surface of a resonant object, such as (but not limited to) a musical instrument body, d. amplified and projected by the object's intrinsic acoustic properties.
3. The device in claim 1, wherein the support a. is achieved by a surface or surfaces that grip a resonant surface, such as (but not limited to) the body of a musical instrument, b. holds the device firmly in place, c. allows the device to be attached to the surface without permanent modification or damage to the device or the surface, d. allows the device to be installed and/or removed quickly, with a simple action, without specialized knowledge or training, e. transmits vibrations from the vibrating transducer to the resonant surface.
4. Embodiments of the device in claim 1, wherein the support surface a. achieves grip by pinching a thin surface of a resonant object, such as the border of a musical instrument sound aperture, between surfaces pushed together by mechanical force, such as the elastic force from a spring, or pressure from a clamp, b. achieves grip by a suction cup attached to an outer surface of a resonant object, such as a musical instrument, c. is constructed of a non-abrasive material that conducts vibration, such as wood, metal, bone, plastic or hard polymer.
5. Embodiments of the device in claim 1, wherein the electrical circuit comprises a. an (or multiple) analog or digital signal converter(s) to modify the input audio signal to a format to be used by the device, such as converting a stereophonic audio signal to a monophonic audio signal, or converting a digital electronic signal to an analog audio signal, b. a (or multiple) digital or analog signal processing component(s) to optimize the audio signal frequencies for use by the device, c. a (or multiple) signal amplifier(s) to increase the power of the electric audio signal driving the vibrating transducer, d. a power supply, such as a battery, for any active electronic components, e. a control component to adjust the output signal intensity.
6. Embodiments of the device in claim 1, wherein the device includes a, or many, control interface(s), such as a control knob or switch, to control various functions of the device, such as output signal intensity.
7. Embodiments of the device in claim 1, wherein the input audio signal a. is transmitted from an electronic signal source, such as a cellular telephone or digital music player, by an electrical cable, and enters the device by an electrical connector, such as a 3.5 mm miniature phone connector, b. is transmitted wirelessly from an electronic signal source, and enters the device by a wireless receiver.
8. Embodiments of the device in claim 1, wherein the device a. comprises an audio or vibration capture device, such as a microphone, or a piezoelectric or optical pickup, to capture sound produced by the resonant surface, and convert it to a captured audio signal, b. can transmit captured audio signals to an electronic device, such as a cellular telephone, computer or digital music player by the same methods as mentioned in claim 7.
9. Embodiments of the device in claim 1, wherein a. the support surface is integrated into the structural encasement, b. the structural encasement possesses a removable panel to allow access to inner components, such as a battery, c. the structural encasement is made of a durable material, such as plastic, wood or metal, d. the structural encasement is built with a compact shape, to avoid interfering with musical instrument playing technique, or to allow easy handling and transport.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2876596A CA2876596A1 (en) | 2015-01-06 | 2015-01-06 | Portable sound-interfacing device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2876596A CA2876596A1 (en) | 2015-01-06 | 2015-01-06 | Portable sound-interfacing device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2876596A1 true CA2876596A1 (en) | 2016-07-06 |
Family
ID=56329606
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2876596A Abandoned CA2876596A1 (en) | 2015-01-06 | 2015-01-06 | Portable sound-interfacing device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2876596A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN115152245A (en) * | 2020-01-21 | 2022-10-04 | 清洁能源实验室有限责任公司 | Electro-acoustic driver and loudspeaker comprising the same |
-
2015
- 2015-01-06 CA CA2876596A patent/CA2876596A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN115152245A (en) * | 2020-01-21 | 2022-10-04 | 清洁能源实验室有限责任公司 | Electro-acoustic driver and loudspeaker comprising the same |
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