EP0637818A1 - Method and apparatus for changing into sounds the vibrations of strings of a musical instrument - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for changing into sounds the vibrations of strings of a musical instrument Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0637818A1
EP0637818A1 EP93402025A EP93402025A EP0637818A1 EP 0637818 A1 EP0637818 A1 EP 0637818A1 EP 93402025 A EP93402025 A EP 93402025A EP 93402025 A EP93402025 A EP 93402025A EP 0637818 A1 EP0637818 A1 EP 0637818A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
vibrations
strings
sensors
vibration
sounds
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Application number
EP93402025A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Michel Dickensheid
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CONNEXIONS ASSOCIATION CULTURELLE ET SCIENTIFIQUE DU SUD DE PARIS
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CONNEXIONS ASSOCIATION CULTURELLE ET SCIENTIFIQUE DU SUD DE PARIS
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Priority to FR9201771A priority Critical patent/FR2687495B1/en
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Priority to EP93402025A priority patent/EP0637818A1/en
Publication of EP0637818A1 publication Critical patent/EP0637818A1/en
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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
    • G10H3/18—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 string, e.g. electric guitar
    • G10H3/185—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 string, e.g. electric guitar in which the tones are picked up through the bridge structure
    • 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
    • G10H2220/00—Input/output interfacing specifically adapted for electrophonic musical tools or instruments
    • G10H2220/461—Transducers, i.e. details, positioning or use of assemblies to detect and convert mechanical vibrations or mechanical strains into an electrical signal, e.g. audio, trigger or control signal
    • G10H2220/465—Bridge-positioned, i.e. assembled to or attached with the bridge of a stringed musical instrument
    • G10H2220/501—Two or more bridge transducers, at least one transducer common to several strings
    • 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
    • G10H2220/00—Input/output interfacing specifically adapted for electrophonic musical tools or instruments
    • G10H2220/461—Transducers, i.e. details, positioning or use of assemblies to detect and convert mechanical vibrations or mechanical strains into an electrical signal, e.g. audio, trigger or control signal
    • G10H2220/525—Piezoelectric transducers for vibration sensing or vibration excitation in the audio range; Piezoelectric strain sensing, e.g. as key velocity sensor; Piezoelectric actuators, e.g. key actuation in response to a control voltage

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for transforming the vibrations of the strings of a stringed musical instrument such as a piano and an arrangement of a musical instrument into sounds by implementing the method.
  • the vibrations of the strings are transmitted via a bridge which supports the strings to a generally wooden plate, which is called soundboard and which has the function of produce acoustic waves by amplifying by its own vibration those produced by the strings.
  • a bridge which supports the strings to a generally wooden plate, which is called soundboard and which has the function of produce acoustic waves by amplifying by its own vibration those produced by the strings.
  • these waves are picked up using microphones which are placed relatively close to the source of the sounds.
  • the object of the present invention is to propose a method of converting the vibrations of the strings of a stringed musical instrument into sounds and an arrangement of musical instrument, which overcomes the abovementioned drawbacks of the prior art.
  • the method according to the invention is characterized in that one captures the vibrations on the strings or on a member driven in vibration by these strings by mechanical contact with them, and generates sound signals from of these electrical signals.
  • the vibrations are captured on the organ driven in vibrations at several places spaced from one another and reproduces the vibrations picked up at each place selectively by sources of sound signals and places these sources in a space of sound reproduction such than a performance hall in a manner corresponding to the relative arrangement of said places for collecting vibrations of the strings.
  • the arrangement according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises a device for sensing the vibrations of the strings and a device for reproducing the vibrations captured.
  • the aforementioned sensor device comprises sensors which are placed on a member driven in vibration by these strings, by mechanical contact with them, and capable of transforming the vibrations captured into electrical signals.
  • a musical instrument whose vibrations of the strings are transmitted to a vibrating plate by a support member for the strings, characterized in that a plurality of sensors is placed on said vibrating plate at locations representative of the state of vibration of this plate.
  • each sensor is associated with a device for rendering vibrations in the form of sounds, such as a loudspeaker, and in that the playback devices are arranged in a sound reproduction space according to a configuration corresponding to that of the arrangement of the sensors.
  • a number of vibration sensors CA1 to CAn is arranged along the bridge CE on the latter or on the soundboard TH more or less close to the bridge. As shown in the figure, the distribution of the sensors is at least approximately linear.
  • the arrangement of the vibration capture is chosen according to the desired tone. They are located more or less ready or far from the bridge depending on the hard or soft aspect of the desired restored sound.
  • the sensors are speed or acceleration sensors that capture the vibrations of the bridge or the soundboard. They can be accelerometric, piezometric or any other type of industrial sensors adapted to capture vibrations and transform them into electrical signals. Inductive, capacitive or membrane sensors could also be used. In the described case of a piano, one could use ten to a few tens of such sensors.
  • the sensors CA1 to CAn are each electrically connected to a device DT1 to DTn for processing the generated electrical signals.
  • These devices can include means for amplification, filtering, means with fixed or modular time delay of the signals received.
  • the processing can be of the analog and / or digital type and the signals can be recombined with other signals possibly coming from other instruments (not shown).
  • Each processing device DT1 to DTn is connected to a loudspeaker HP1 to HPn placed in a performance hall according to a distribution corresponding to the arrangement of the sensors along the easel. An acoustic effect is obtained restoring the linear arrangement of the sensors and the spatial arrangement of the sound sources formed by the strings.
  • the figure shows that the speakers are placed along the side and front walls in the same order as the sensors along the easel.
  • the space between the loudspeakers must be chosen so that the sound signals produced by the loudspeakers add up coherently.
  • the signals present at the outputs of the various processing devices DT1 to DTn can be recorded on a multitrack recording device DE which may include 16, 32 or even more tracks depending on the number of sensors used.
  • FIG. 2 shows an arrangement according to the invention which is characterized by a regular distribution of the sensors over the entire surface of the soundboard TH.
  • the sensors are arranged for example at the nodes of a mesh of the soundboard and the loudspeakers HP are arranged in a similar mesh, but on another scale on a surface provided in the sound reproduction space.
  • the loudspeaker surface thus created generates a significant spatial effect giving a great impression of sound volume.
  • Figure 3 shows that the present invention allows the realization of a new generation of stringed instruments consisting of two parts which can be spaced from each other.
  • the arrangement could include a first part provided with CO strings that the instrumentalist would vibrate by means of a bow or keys or that he would pluck. The vibrations are then captured on the strings or at the bridge using appropriate sensors and transformed into electrical signals. At least one sensor could be associated with each rope.
  • the second part comprises a vibrating member PV, for example in the form of a vibrating plate which is driven in vibration using the electrical signals produced by the vibration sensors of the strings, if necessary after processing these signals in a treatment device DT ′, using appropriate converters CO placed on the vibrating member, such as for example piezoelectric elements. On this vibrating part would then be installed the device of the CA sensors according to FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • This implementation of the invention is very advantageous for making sound recordings in a particularly noisy environment because under these conditions far from the bridge the soundboard of a piano is sensitive to external sound disturbances.
  • This implementation according to Figure 3 provides great freedom to restore a spatialized sound combining, if necessary, different instruments.
  • the invention has numerous advantages over the state of the art. Indeed, it allows a reproduction of the sounds exclusively produced by the strings without picking up unwanted sounds from the environment.
  • the arrangement according to Figure 3 eliminates unwanted sounds even in a very noisy environment.
  • linear on the surface or by a combination of these two arrangements, one can obtain an almost linear acoustic effect or a significant spatialization effect giving a great impression of sound volume.
  • the sounds can be modulated so that they are relatively hard or soft.
  • the invention thus implies the possibility of changing the acoustic properties of the sound generating arrangement. For example, we could reproduce the sound impression of a concert piano from an upright piano for study.
  • the musical instrument to which the invention is applied can be used solo or in an orchestra, in a place of small or large, for example as a normal piano or as a prepared piano. It should be noted that the invention takes account of the fact that the ear is sensitive to slight differences in the phases of neighboring sound sources, the whole integrated by the brain producing an impression of sound volume. It should also be noted that the invention does not seek to reproduce a note by sensors, but to position them so as to maximize the spatial effect.
  • the invention is not only usable for pianos but is applicable to other stringed instruments and in general to any bowed, plucked or struck string instrument like harp, guitar, cello, double bass, bass etc ...

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Electrophonic Musical Instruments (AREA)

Abstract

The method consists in picking up, by use of sensors (CA), the vibrations on the strings of a musical instrument, for example a piano, or on an element (CE) driven in vibration by these strings by mechanical contact with them, and in generating sound signals from the vibrations thus picked up with the aid of loudspeakers (HP). <IMAGE>

Description

L'invention concerne un procédé pour transformer en sons les vibrations des cordes d'un instrument de musique à cordes tel qu'un piano et un agencement d'instrument de musique par la mise en oeuvre du procédé.The invention relates to a method for transforming the vibrations of the strings of a stringed musical instrument such as a piano and an arrangement of a musical instrument into sounds by implementing the method.

Par exemple dans le cas d'un piano, les vibrations des cordes sont transmises par l'intermédiaire d'un chevalet qui soutient les cordes à une plaque généralement en bois, que l'on appelle table d'harmonie et qui a pour fonction de produire des ondes acoustiques en amplifiant par sa propre vibration celles produites par les cordes. Lorsque l'on souhaite enregistrer ou amplifier les sons que présentent ces ondes acoustiques à l'aide de hauts-parleurs, on capte ces ondes à l'aide de microphones que l'on place relativement près de la source des sons.For example in the case of a piano, the vibrations of the strings are transmitted via a bridge which supports the strings to a generally wooden plate, which is called soundboard and which has the function of produce acoustic waves by amplifying by its own vibration those produced by the strings. When it is desired to record or amplify the sounds presented by these acoustic waves using loudspeakers, these waves are picked up using microphones which are placed relatively close to the source of the sounds.

Ce procédé connu, impliquant une captation des sons, présente l'inconvénient majeur que les microphones captent également les sons ambiants.This known method, involving the capture of sounds, has the major drawback that microphones also pick up ambient sounds.

La présente invention a pour but de proposer un procédé de transformation en sons des vibrations des cordes d'un instrument de musique à cordes et un agencement d'instrument de musique, qui remédient aux inconvénients susmentionnés de l'état de la technique.The object of the present invention is to propose a method of converting the vibrations of the strings of a stringed musical instrument into sounds and an arrangement of musical instrument, which overcomes the abovementioned drawbacks of the prior art.

Pour atteindre ce but, le procédé selon l'invention est caractérisé en ce que l'on capte les vibrations sur les cordes ou sur un organe entraîné en vibration par ces cordes par contact mécanique avec celles-ci, et engendre des signaux sonores à partir de ces signaux électriques.To achieve this object, the method according to the invention is characterized in that one captures the vibrations on the strings or on a member driven in vibration by these strings by mechanical contact with them, and generates sound signals from of these electrical signals.

Selon une caractéristique avantageuse de l'invention, on capte les vibrations sur l'organe entraîné en vibrations à plusieurs endroits espacés les uns des autres et reproduit les vibrations captées à chaque endroit sélectivement par des sources de signaux sonores et dispose ces sources dans un espace de restitution des sons tel qu'une salle de spectacle d'une façon correspondant à la disposition relative desdits endroits de captation des vibrations des cordes.According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the vibrations are captured on the organ driven in vibrations at several places spaced from one another and reproduces the vibrations picked up at each place selectively by sources of sound signals and places these sources in a space of sound reproduction such than a performance hall in a manner corresponding to the relative arrangement of said places for collecting vibrations of the strings.

L'agencement selon l'invention est caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un dispositif capteur des vibrations des cordes et un dispositif de reproduction des vibrations captées.The arrangement according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises a device for sensing the vibrations of the strings and a device for reproducing the vibrations captured.

Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, le dispositif capteur précité comprend des capteurs qui sont placés sur un organe entraîné en vibration par ces cordes, par contact mécanique avec celles-ci, et susceptibles de transformer les vibrations captées en signaux électriques.According to a characteristic of the invention, the aforementioned sensor device comprises sensors which are placed on a member driven in vibration by these strings, by mechanical contact with them, and capable of transforming the vibrations captured into electrical signals.

Selon une caractéristique avantageuse de l'invention, pour un instrument dont les cordes sont soutenues par un organe du type chevalet, lui-même fixé, le cas échéant, sur un support avantageusement en forme d'une plaque susceptible de vibrations, caractérisé en ce que plusieurs capteurs sont répartis selon une configuration sensiblement linéaire le long de l'organe de soutien.According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, for an instrument whose strings are supported by a bridge-type member, itself fixed, if necessary, on a support advantageously in the form of a plate susceptible to vibrations, characterized in that that several sensors are distributed in a substantially linear configuration along the support member.

Selon une autre caractéristique avantageuse de l'invention, pour un instrument de musique dont les vibrations des cordes sont transmises à une plaque vibrante par un organe de soutien des cordes, caractérisé en ce qu'une pluralité de capteurs est posée sur ladite plaque vibrante à des emplacements représentatifs de l'état de vibration de cette plaque.According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, for a musical instrument whose vibrations of the strings are transmitted to a vibrating plate by a support member for the strings, characterized in that a plurality of sensors is placed on said vibrating plate at locations representative of the state of vibration of this plate.

Selon encore une caractéristique avantageuse et importante, à chaque capteur est associé un dispositif de restitution des vibrations sous forme de sons, tels qu'un haut-parleur, et en ce que les dispositifs de restitution sont disposés dans un espace de restitution des sons selon une configuration correspondante à celle de la disposition des capteurs.According to another advantageous and important characteristic, each sensor is associated with a device for rendering vibrations in the form of sounds, such as a loudspeaker, and in that the playback devices are arranged in a sound reproduction space according to a configuration corresponding to that of the arrangement of the sensors.

L'invention sera mieux comprise et d'autres buts, caractéristiques, détails et avantages de celle-ci apparaîtront plus clairement au cours de la description explicative qui va suivre faite en référence aux dessins schématiques annexés donnés uniquement à titre d'exemple illustrant deux modes de réalisation de l'invention et dans lesquels :

  • La figure 1 illustre sous forme d'un schéma-bloc un agencement pour convertir en signaux acoustiques les vibrations des cordes d'un instrument de musique à cordes, selon la présente invention, les capteurs étant répartis de façon approximativement linéaire ;
  • La figure 2 illustre, de façon schématique, les parties spécifiques de l'agencement selon la figure 1, avec une autre répartition des capteurs ;
  • La figure 3 montre schématiquement un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention.
The invention will be better understood and other objects, characteristics, details and advantages thereof will appear more clearly during the explanatory description which follows, made with reference to the appended schematic drawings given solely by way of example illustrating two modes. of the invention and in which:
  • FIG. 1 illustrates in the form of a block diagram an arrangement for converting the vibrations of the strings of a stringed musical instrument into acoustic signals, according to the present invention, the sensors being distributed in approximately linear fashion;
  • FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the specific parts of the arrangement according to FIG. 1, with another distribution of the sensors;
  • FIG. 3 schematically shows a second embodiment of the invention.

En se reportant aux figures 1 et 2, on décrira ci-après, à titre d'exemple, un agencement pour transformer en signaux acoustiques les vibrations des cordes d'un piano. La structure du piano étant connue en soi, il suffit de rappeler pour la compréhension de l'invention que les cordes dont la tension est supportée par un châssis sont soutenues par un chevalet désigné par CE sur la figure 1. Ce chevalet est fixé sur la table d'harmonie TH sur laquelle il est fixé. Cette table d'harmonie est située sous les cordes dans le piano à queue et a pour fonction d'amplifier, par sa propre vibration, les ondes acoustiques, c'est-à-dire les sons, qui sont émis par les cordes.Referring to Figures 1 and 2, will be described below, by way of example, an arrangement for transforming into acoustic signals the vibrations of the strings of a piano. The structure of the piano being known per se, it suffices to recall for the understanding of the invention that the strings whose tension is supported by a frame are supported by a bridge designated by CE in FIG. 1. This bridge is fixed on the TH soundboard on which it is fixed. This soundboard is located under the strings in the grand piano and has the function of amplifying, by its own vibration, the acoustic waves, that is to say the sounds, which are emitted by the strings.

Dans l'agencement selon la figure 1, un certain nombre de capteurs de vibrations CA1 à CAn est disposé le long du chevalet CE sur ce dernier ou sur la table d'harmonie TH plus ou moins proche du chevalet. Comme le montre la figure, la répartition des capteurs est au moins approximativement linéaire. La disposition des points de captation des vibrations est choisie en fonction de la sonorité recherchée. Ils sont situés plus ou moins prêt ou loin du chevalet selon l'aspect dur ou moelleux du son restitué voulu. Les capteurs sont des capteurs de vitesse ou d'accélération qui captent les vibrations du chevalet ou de la table d'harmonie. Ils peuvent être des capteurs industriels accélérométriques, piézométriques ou de tout autre type adapté pour capter les vibrations et les transformer en signaux électriques. On pourrait également utiliser des capteurs inductifs ou capacitifs ou à membrane. Dans le cas décrit d'un piano, on pourrait utiliser une dizaine à quelques dizaines de tels capteurs.In the arrangement according to Figure 1, a number of vibration sensors CA1 to CAn is arranged along the bridge CE on the latter or on the soundboard TH more or less close to the bridge. As shown in the figure, the distribution of the sensors is at least approximately linear. The arrangement of the vibration capture is chosen according to the desired tone. They are located more or less ready or far from the bridge depending on the hard or soft aspect of the desired restored sound. The sensors are speed or acceleration sensors that capture the vibrations of the bridge or the soundboard. They can be accelerometric, piezometric or any other type of industrial sensors adapted to capture vibrations and transform them into electrical signals. Inductive, capacitive or membrane sensors could also be used. In the described case of a piano, one could use ten to a few tens of such sensors.

Selon la figure 1, les capteurs CA1 à CAn sont reliés chacun électriquement à un dispositif DT1 à DTn de traitement des signaux électriques engendrés. Ces dispositifs peuvent comprendre des moyens d'amplification, de filtrage, des moyens à retard temporel fixe ou modulable des signaux reçus. Ainsi, les signaux de chaque capteur CA1 à CAn peuvent être traités individuellement. Le traitement peut être du type analogique et/ou numérique et les signaux peuvent être recombinés avec d'autres signaux éventuellement venant d'autres instruments (non représentés). Chaque dispositif de traitement DT1 à DTn est relié à un haut-parleur HP1 à HPn placé dans une salle de spectacle selon une répartition correspondant à la disposition des capteurs le long du chevalet. On obtient un effet acoustique restituant la disposition linéaire des capteurs et spatiale des sources sonores constituées par les cordes. La figure montre ainsi que les hauts-parleurs sont disposés le long des murs latéraux et frontal dans le même ordre que les capteurs le long du chevalet. L'espace entre les hauts-parleurs doit être choisi de façon que les signaux sonores produits par les hauts-parleurs s'additionnent de façon cohérente.According to FIG. 1, the sensors CA1 to CAn are each electrically connected to a device DT1 to DTn for processing the generated electrical signals. These devices can include means for amplification, filtering, means with fixed or modular time delay of the signals received. Thus, the signals from each sensor CA1 to CAn can be processed individually. The processing can be of the analog and / or digital type and the signals can be recombined with other signals possibly coming from other instruments (not shown). Each processing device DT1 to DTn is connected to a loudspeaker HP1 to HPn placed in a performance hall according to a distribution corresponding to the arrangement of the sensors along the easel. An acoustic effect is obtained restoring the linear arrangement of the sensors and the spatial arrangement of the sound sources formed by the strings. The figure shows that the speakers are placed along the side and front walls in the same order as the sensors along the easel. The space between the loudspeakers must be chosen so that the sound signals produced by the loudspeakers add up coherently.

Les signaux présents aux sorties des différents dispositifs de traitement DT1 à DTn peuvent être enregistrés sur un dispositif d'enregistrement multipiste DE pouvant comprendre 16, 32 ou encore davantage de pistes en fonction du nombre de capteurs utilisés.The signals present at the outputs of the various processing devices DT1 to DTn can be recorded on a multitrack recording device DE which may include 16, 32 or even more tracks depending on the number of sensors used.

La figure 2 montre un agencement selon l'invention qui est caractérisé par une répartition régulière des capteurs sur la totalité de la surface de la table d'harmonie TH. Les capteurs sont disposés par exemple aux noeuds d'un maillage de la table d'harmonie et les hauts-parleurs HP sont arrangés selon un maillage semblable, mais à une autre échelle sur une surface prévue dans l'espace de reproduction des sons. La surface de haut-parleur ainsi créée engendre un important effet de spatialisation donnant une grande impression de volume sonore.FIG. 2 shows an arrangement according to the invention which is characterized by a regular distribution of the sensors over the entire surface of the soundboard TH. The sensors are arranged for example at the nodes of a mesh of the soundboard and the loudspeakers HP are arranged in a similar mesh, but on another scale on a surface provided in the sound reproduction space. The loudspeaker surface thus created generates a significant spatial effect giving a great impression of sound volume.

On peut selon le procédé proposé par l'invention produire des effets acoustiques spécifiques souhaités en combinant de façon appropriée les deux modes de positionnement linéaires et en surface, des capteurs, qui viennent d'être décrits.According to the method proposed by the invention, it is possible to produce specific acoustic effects desired by appropriately combining the two linear and surface positioning modes, sensors, which have just been described.

La figure 3 montre que la présente invention permet la réalisation d'une nouvelle génération d'instruments à cordes se composant de deux parties qui peuvent être éloignées l'une de l'autre. L'agencement pourrait comprendre une première partie pourvue des cordes CO que l'instrumentiste ferait vibrer par l'intermédiaire d'un archet ou de touches ou qu'il pincerait. Les vibrations sont ensuite captées sur les cordes ou au niveau du chevalet à l'aide de capteurs appropriés et transformés en signaux électriques. Au moins un capteur pourrait être associé à chaque corde. La seconde partie comporte un organe vibrant PV par exemple en forme d'une plaque vibrante que l'on entraîne en vibrations à l'aide des signaux électriques produits par les capteurs des vibrations des cordes, le cas échéant après un traitement de ces signaux dans un dispositif de traitement DT', à l'aide de convertisseurs appropriés CO posés sur l'organe vibrant, tels que par exemple des éléments piézoélectriques. Sur cette partie vibrante serait alors installé le dispositif des capteurs CA selon les figures 1 et 2.Figure 3 shows that the present invention allows the realization of a new generation of stringed instruments consisting of two parts which can be spaced from each other. The arrangement could include a first part provided with CO strings that the instrumentalist would vibrate by means of a bow or keys or that he would pluck. The vibrations are then captured on the strings or at the bridge using appropriate sensors and transformed into electrical signals. At least one sensor could be associated with each rope. The second part comprises a vibrating member PV, for example in the form of a vibrating plate which is driven in vibration using the electrical signals produced by the vibration sensors of the strings, if necessary after processing these signals in a treatment device DT ′, using appropriate converters CO placed on the vibrating member, such as for example piezoelectric elements. On this vibrating part would then be installed the device of the CA sensors according to FIGS. 1 and 2.

Cette mise en oeuvre de l'invention est très avantageuse pour faire des prises de sons dans un environnement particulièrement bruyant car dans ces conditions loin du chevalet la table d'harmonie d'un piano est sensible aux perturbations sonores extérieures. Cette mise en oeuvre selon la figure 3 apporte une grande liberté pour restituer un son spatialisé combinant, le cas échéant, différents instruments.This implementation of the invention is very advantageous for making sound recordings in a particularly noisy environment because under these conditions far from the bridge the soundboard of a piano is sensitive to external sound disturbances. This implementation according to Figure 3 provides great freedom to restore a spatialized sound combining, if necessary, different instruments.

Il ressort de la description qui vient d'être faite que l'invention présente de nombreux avantages par rapport à l'état de la technique. En effet, elle permet une restitution des sons exclusivement produits par les cordes sans captation des sons parasites de l'environnement. L'agencement selon la figure 3 permet d'éliminer les sons parasites même dans un environnement très bruyant. Par une disposition appropriée, linéaire, en surface ou par une combinaison de ces deux dispositions, on peut obtenir un effet acoustique quasiment linéaire ou un important effet de spatialisation donnant une grande impression de volume sonore. Dans le cas de la figure 1, en plaçant les capteurs plus ou moins proches du chevalet, on peut moduler les sons de façon qu'ils soient relativement durs ou moelleux. L'invention implique ainsi la possibilité de changer les propriétés acoustiques de l'agencement générateur des sons. Par exemple on pourrait restituer l'impression sonore d'un piano de concert à partir d'un piano droit d'étude. L'instrument de musique auquel l'invention est appliquée peut être utilisé en solo ou dans un orchestre, dans un lieu de petite ou de grande dimension, par exemple comme piano normal ou comme piano préparé. Il est à noter que l'invention tient compte du fait que l'oreille est sensible aux légères différences de phases de sources sonores voisines, le tout intégré par le cerveau produisant une impression de volume sonore. Il est également à noter que l'invention ne cherche pas à reproduire une note par capteurs, mais à les positionner de façon à maximaliser l'effet spatial.It emerges from the description which has just been given that the invention has numerous advantages over the state of the art. Indeed, it allows a reproduction of the sounds exclusively produced by the strings without picking up unwanted sounds from the environment. The arrangement according to Figure 3 eliminates unwanted sounds even in a very noisy environment. By an appropriate arrangement, linear, on the surface or by a combination of these two arrangements, one can obtain an almost linear acoustic effect or a significant spatialization effect giving a great impression of sound volume. In the case of FIG. 1, by placing the sensors more or less close to the bridge, the sounds can be modulated so that they are relatively hard or soft. The invention thus implies the possibility of changing the acoustic properties of the sound generating arrangement. For example, we could reproduce the sound impression of a concert piano from an upright piano for study. The musical instrument to which the invention is applied can be used solo or in an orchestra, in a place of small or large, for example as a normal piano or as a prepared piano. It should be noted that the invention takes account of the fact that the ear is sensitive to slight differences in the phases of neighboring sound sources, the whole integrated by the brain producing an impression of sound volume. It should also be noted that the invention does not seek to reproduce a note by sensors, but to position them so as to maximize the spatial effect.

Bien entendu, l'invention n'est pas seulement utilisable pour des pianos mais est applicable à d'autres instruments à cordes et en général à tout instrument à cordes frottées, pincées ou frappées comme harpe, guitare, violoncelle, contrebasse, basse etc...Of course, the invention is not only usable for pianos but is applicable to other stringed instruments and in general to any bowed, plucked or struck string instrument like harp, guitar, cello, double bass, bass etc ...

Claims (8)

Procédé pour transformer en sons les vibrations des cordes d'un instrument de musique à cordes tel qu'un piano, selon lequel on capte les vibrations sur les cordes ou sur un organe entraîné en vibration par ces cordes par contact mécanique avec celles-ci, et engendre des signaux sonores à partir des vibrations ainsi captées, caractérisé en ce que l'on capte les vibrations sur l'organe entraîné en vibration à plusieurs endroits espacés les uns des autres et reproduit les vibrations captées à chaque endroit sélectivement par des sources de signaux sonores et dispose ces sources dans un espace de restitution des sons, tel qu'une salle de spectacle, d'une façon correspondant à la disposition relative desdits endroits de captation des vibrations des cordes.Method for transforming the vibrations of the strings of a stringed musical instrument such as a piano into sounds, according to which the vibrations are picked up on the strings or on an organ driven in vibration by these strings by mechanical contact with them, and generates sound signals from the vibrations thus captured, characterized in that one captures the vibrations on the organ driven in vibration at several places spaced from one another and reproduces the vibrations picked up at each place selectively by sources of sound signals and places these sources in a sound reproduction space, such as an auditorium, in a manner corresponding to the relative arrangement of said places for capturing the vibrations of the strings. Agencement d'instrument de musique pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé selon la revendication 1, du type comprenant un dispositif muni de plusieurs cordes susceptibles d'être entraînées en vibration pour produire des sons, un dispositif capteur des vibrations des cordes et un dispositif de reproduction des vibrations captées, le dispositif capteur comportant plusieurs capteurs qui sont placés sur un organe entraîné en vibration par ces cordes, par contact mécanique avec celles-ci, et susceptibles de transformer les vibrations captées en signaux électriques, caractérisé en ce qu'à chaque capteur (CA1 et CAn) est associé un dispositif de restitution des vibrations sous forme de sons, tel qu'un haut-parleur (HP1 à HPn), et en ce que les dispositifs de restitution sont disposés dans un espace de restitution des sons selon une configuration correspondant à celle de la disposition des capteurs (CA1 à CAn).Arrangement of a musical instrument for implementing the method according to claim 1, of the type comprising a device provided with several strings capable of being driven in vibration to produce sounds, a device for sensing the vibrations of the strings and a device for reproduction of the captured vibrations, the sensor device comprising several sensors which are placed on a member driven in vibration by these cords, by mechanical contact with them, and capable of transforming the captured vibrations into electrical signals, characterized in that at each sensor (CA1 and CAn) is associated with a device for rendering vibrations in the form of sounds, such as a loudspeaker (HP1 to HPn), and in that the playback devices are arranged in a sound reproduction space according to a configuration corresponding to that of the arrangement of the sensors (CA1 to CAn). Agencement selon la revendication 2, pour un instrument dont les cordes sont soutenues par un organe du type chevalet, lui-même fixé le cas échéant, sur un support avantageusement en forme d'une plaque susceptible de vibrations, caractérisé en ce que plusieurs capteurs (CA1 à CAn) sont répartis selon une configuration sensiblement linéaire le long de l'organe de soutien (CE).Arrangement according to claim 2, for an instrument whose strings are supported by a bridge-type member, itself fixed if necessary, on a support advantageously in the form of a plate susceptible to vibrations, characterized in that several sensors ( CA1 to CAn) are distributed according to a substantially linear configuration along the support member (CE). Agencement selon l'une des revendications 2 à 3, pour un instrument de musique dont les vibrations des cordes sont transmises à une plaque vibrante (TH) par un organe de soutien (CE) des cordes, caractérisé en ce qu'une pluralité de capteurs (CA1 à CAn) est posée sur ladite plaque vibrante (TH) à des emplacements représentatifs de l'état de vibration de cette plaque.Arrangement according to one of claims 2 to 3, for a musical instrument whose vibrations of the strings are transmitted to a vibrating plate (TH) by a support member (CE) of the strings, characterized in that a plurality of sensors (CA1 to CAn) is placed on said vibrating plate (TH) at locations representative of the state of vibration of this plate. Agencement selon l'une des revendications 2 à 4, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des dispositifs de traitement (DT1 à DTn) des signaux électriques produits par les capteurs de vibrations (CA1 à CAn), à chaque capteur étant associé un dispositif de traitement de signaux.Arrangement according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that it comprises devices for processing (DT1 to DTn) the electrical signals produced by the vibration sensors (CA1 to CAn), with each sensor being associated a device for signal processing. Agencement selon l'une des revendications 2 à 4, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un dispositif d'enregistrement (DE) des signaux électriques produits par les capteurs (CA1 à CAn), les signaux de chaque capteur étant enregistrés sélectivement avantageusement sur une piste d'enregistrement spécifique.Arrangement according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a device for recording (DE) the electrical signals produced by the sensors (CA1 to CAn), the signals from each sensor being advantageously selectively recorded on a specific recording track. Agencement selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce qu'il est réalisé en deux parties, une première partie comprenant le dispositif muni des cordes susceptibles d'être entraînées en vibration et des capteurs de vibrations, dont au moins un est associé à chaque corde et une seconde partie séparée de la première, qui comprend un organe vibrant tel qu'une plaque (PV) entraînée en vibration par les signaux produits par des capteurs des vibrations des cordes et sur laquelle sont placés des capteurs de vibrations (CA1 à CAn) précités.Arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that it is made in two parts, a first part comprising the device provided with ropes capable of being driven in vibration and vibration sensors, at least one of which is associated with each rope and a second part separate from the first, which comprises a vibrating member such as a plate (PV) driven in vibration by the signals produced by sensors of the vibrations of the strings and on which the vibration sensors (CA1 to CAn) mentioned above are placed . Agencement selon les revendications 3 à 7, caractérisé en ce que les capteurs (CA1 à CAn) sont placés plus ou moins proches de l'organe de soutien( CE) pour l'obtention des sons moelleux ou durs.Arrangement according to claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the sensors (CA1 to CAn) are placed more or less close to the support member (CE) for obtaining soft or hard sounds.
EP93402025A 1992-02-17 1993-08-06 Method and apparatus for changing into sounds the vibrations of strings of a musical instrument Withdrawn EP0637818A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9201771A FR2687495B1 (en) 1992-02-17 1992-02-17 METHOD FOR TRANSFORMING THE VIBRATIONS OF THE STRINGS OF A STRING MUSIC INSTRUMENT INTO SOUNDS AND ARRANGEMENT FOR IMPLEMENTING THE METHOD.
EP93402025A EP0637818A1 (en) 1992-02-17 1993-08-06 Method and apparatus for changing into sounds the vibrations of strings of a musical instrument

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9201771A FR2687495B1 (en) 1992-02-17 1992-02-17 METHOD FOR TRANSFORMING THE VIBRATIONS OF THE STRINGS OF A STRING MUSIC INSTRUMENT INTO SOUNDS AND ARRANGEMENT FOR IMPLEMENTING THE METHOD.
EP93402025A EP0637818A1 (en) 1992-02-17 1993-08-06 Method and apparatus for changing into sounds the vibrations of strings of a musical instrument

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FR2070339A5 (en) * 1969-12-02 1971-09-10 Philippe Jean
US4010668A (en) * 1975-04-21 1977-03-08 Plueddemann John P Polysonic electronic system for a musical instrument and methods of utilizing and constructing same
US4084473A (en) * 1975-08-19 1978-04-18 Kabushiki Kaisha Kawai Gakki Seisakusho Electric piano
DE2930768A1 (en) * 1978-08-23 1980-04-03 Nourney Carl Ernst G Prof Dipl Piano or similar stringed instrument - has strain gauge pick=ups mounted on slotted bridge for isolation to avoid feedback signals
US5221804A (en) * 1989-11-28 1993-06-22 Yamaha Corporation Tone generation device for an electronic musical instrument

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FR2070339A5 (en) * 1969-12-02 1971-09-10 Philippe Jean
US4010668A (en) * 1975-04-21 1977-03-08 Plueddemann John P Polysonic electronic system for a musical instrument and methods of utilizing and constructing same
US4084473A (en) * 1975-08-19 1978-04-18 Kabushiki Kaisha Kawai Gakki Seisakusho Electric piano
DE2930768A1 (en) * 1978-08-23 1980-04-03 Nourney Carl Ernst G Prof Dipl Piano or similar stringed instrument - has strain gauge pick=ups mounted on slotted bridge for isolation to avoid feedback signals
US5221804A (en) * 1989-11-28 1993-06-22 Yamaha Corporation Tone generation device for an electronic musical instrument

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FR2687495B1 (en) 1996-05-31

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