DK201100075U4 - Polyphonic Voice Recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a musical instrument tuning apparatus comprising a signal classifier for determining a signal class for an input signal from a group of classes comprising at least one or more monophonic signal classes and one or more polyphonic signal classes, a signal analyzer for determining at least one characteristic of the input signal and an indicator for displaying an output prepared on the basis of the signal class and the at least one characteristic.

Description

iDK 2011 00075 U4 POLYPHONIC VOICE DEVICE Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a tuning apparatus for determining and displaying differences between a plurality of tone frequencies or other characteristic frequencies of a musical instrument, such as a guitar, and a variety of target frequencies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A conventional musical instrument tuner, such as described by Warrender in US 4429609, Schoenberg et al. in US 4457203, Chiba in US 7288709 and D'Addario et al. in US 2006 / 0185499Al referred to herein, and wholly to be considered part of the present application, may measure one tone frequency at a time and show the frequency deviation between the input signal and a target frequency. Typically, if a polyphonic signal, such as two tone frequencies, is applied to a conventional tuner, the display will be blank, indicating that no valid input was detected.

In many practical situations, the musician does not hear the instrument while tuning, as this would be disruptive to an audience. In addition, the time to correct the mood of the instrument is often limited, such as during the pause between songs during a performance. It is therefore important that the tuner provides a user-friendly and appropriate output and operates reliably and quickly.

To tune an instrument, such as a guitar, which typically has six strings, each string must be estimated separately and the tuning must be adjusted until the deviation is sufficiently small.

With such a conventional tuner, proper voucher verification requires each string to be estimated separately. This approach is time consuming.

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Sometimes only one in six strings is out of mood, but to find out which string is in question and subsequently correct the mood, all strings must be checked. When a conventional tuning apparatus is used, this control method is of a serial nature because only one string can be measured at a time.

For many guitars, adjusting the mood of one string affects the mood of the other strings. This is due to the altered mechanical tension in the string being tuned, and thus altered overall tension in the strings. Since the neck and body of a guitar have some elasticity, increasing the tension in one string will cause the tension in the other strings to decrease slightly as a result of bending of the neck and body, thereby possibly triggering a need for adjustment of the other strings. Simultaneously displaying the mood of all six strings could be useful in tuning such a guitar.

Some musical instrument tuners are generally usable because they have a display means for displaying all 12 halftone names (from the chromatic scale). Such a tuner is commonly referred to as "chromatic". Note that the 12 halftone pattern repeats for each musical octave throughout the frequency (or tone) range. In Western music, the tone names A, H, C, D, E, F, G plus any halftone level are indicated by # or b (crossed with or with b for).

Other musical instrument tuners are specialized - for example, for use with guitars, so that only the tone names corresponding to the nominal values of the six strings, E, A, D, G, H and E, can be displayed.

Generally, no modifications to the musical instrument are required to use conventional tuners.

The problem of tuning a guitar can also be solved by automatic means. An element of such a system is a measurement part which, using some 3K 201100075 U4 method, measures the mood of each string. Such systems may only be used for one string at a time, while others may be used for all strings simultaneously.

Such an automatic voting system is described by Skinn et al. in US 4803908, wherein the audio signal for each string is measured separately by a pickup for each string. So, in addition to the motors, gears, etc. required to adjust the mood automatically, the guitar must also be equipped with a special pickup system.

In US 4375180 Scholz describes a system for automatic tuning of a guitar, where the frequency measurement is based on a mechanical measurement of the voltage in the individual string compared to a reference. That system also relies on a modification of a standard guitar, even as far as the measurement part is concerned.

Another tuning apparatus in which frequency deviations of more than one string at a time can be measured and displayed is described by Freeland et al. in US 6066790, which is incorporated herein by reference and which is to be construed in its entirety as part of the present application. This system can use a single-channel pickup common to all strings for measurement on all strings simultaneously. This reduces some of the disadvantages of the conventional tuners. However, according to the disclosure of US 6066790, the same display format is used whether played on one or more strings at a time. If only a single string is tuned, only a small portion of the display is used to display relevant information. In addition, the tuning apparatus described in US 6066790 is locked with respect to e.g. six frequency bands associated with a particular instrument type, such as a guitar, and the display configuration. Therefore, the tuner only provides useful information for strings that are within a limited distance from their correct tuning. In other words, a chromatic tuning apparatus cannot be inferred from the description in US 6066790.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a tuner that allows easy tuning of an unmodified guitar if strings are played / played simultaneously and also facilitates tuning of individual strings.

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It is an object of the present invention to provide a tuner with improved visual output.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a tuner that allows simultaneous multi-string tone frequency determination for a conventional guitar, where a single sound channel is common to all six strings.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a tuning apparatus wherein the display shows readily / usable information for most types of input signal, especially monophonic and polyphonic signals.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a tuning apparatus with improved and more efficient utilization of the display area so that a small and economical display can be used.

Brief description of the production

The present invention relates to a musical instrument tuning apparatus according to claim 1.

By classifying the input signal of a musical instrument tuner into either a monophonic or polyphonic class, the tuner can measure and display the signal characteristics in an optimal manner depending on the classification.

The present invention enables easy tuning of an unmodified guitar if strings are played / played at the same time, and also facilitates fine tuning of individual strings as a result of the signal classifier, also referred to as the signal type classification means, enabling automatic switching between mono and polydetection algorithms and automatic switching between different display modes, facilitating user-friendly, reliable and accurate indication of either monophonic or polyphonic characteristics.

Therefore, the present invention also provides a tuner with improved visual output because it can always utilize the available display means to display as much useful information as possible about the input signal, since, as a result of the classifier, it actually knows how much information is usable. The tuning apparatus of the present invention displays sensible / usable information for most types of input signal, especially monophonic and polyphonic signals.

The present invention provides a tuning apparatus which allows simultaneous multi-string tone frequency determination for a conventional guitar, where a single sound channel is common to all six strings. Thereby, the great advantages of the present invention become achievable for guitarists of all levels.

A signal class is defined by certain properties that the input signal can have. Basically, input signals according to the present invention are classified as belonging to either a monophonic signal class, preferably defined by the property of a single tone, or a polyphonic signal class, preferably defined by the property of comprising two or more tones. It is noted, however, that more advanced embodiments of the present invention enable the availability of additional signal classes, including variations of the generic monophonic and polyphonic signal classes, e.g. a polyphonic guitar signal class for signals having the property of between two and six tones, for the tuning of a conventional guitar, and a polyphonic bass signal class for signals having the property of between two and four tones, for the tuning of a conventional 4-string bass or even a polyphonic class for 6-string guitars as well as a polyphonic class for 7-string guitars. The 6 6D 2011 00075 U4 monophonic class can also be divided into a monophonic guitar class and a monophonic bass class, etc. The more detailed classification can be used, among other things, to control the display, e.g. how many strings to illustrate in polyphonic mode, or to control the tone detection and other analysis, e.g. the choice of signal analyzer algorithm or the use of a particular input signal processing unit, e.g. an Concrete Filter.

Classification based on properties other than the number and value of the tones or in combination thereof is also within the scope of the present invention. For example, spectral features of the input signal may be used, e.g. the spectral envelope, in combination with or instead of tone information, by a classification with the distinction between e.g. guitar and bass, thereby automatically switching variants of the signal analyzer, each of which can provide a more accurate, robust or responsive analysis for the particular signal class.

One of the variations of the monophonic and polyphonic signal classes is used in an embodiment of the invention, where a polyphonic tone detector for both classifier and tone detector for both polyphonic and monophonic signals is simply provided. The classification is simply based on the output of the polyphonic tone detector, but in this case it may not be reliable enough to classify signals with two or more tones as polyphonic signals. This is because a simple polyphonic tone detector would often mistakenly perceive activity in e.g. both the deep E band, the A band and the high E band for a guitar when only the deep E string is estimated, due to the similarity between the basic tones and overtones of these strings. A simple, albeit non-optimal, approach to avoid misclassification of certain monophonic signals as belonging to a polyphonic signal class would be to define the monophonic signal class as all signals with apparent e.g. three or fewer tones or only signals with apparent e.g. three or fewer tones that have a harmonious relationship.

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Thus, a voice apparatus comprising a simple polyphonic tone detector, which in practice functions as a simple classifier as described above, is contemplated within the scope of the present invention, and also applies to a voice apparatus comprising a simple monophonic tone detector which in practice acts as a simple classifier by e.g. causing a polyphonic tone detector to be performed when the output of the monophonic tone detector is unclear.

An advanced embodiment of the invention provides a set of polyphonic signal classes corresponding to different chord types. For example, a chord may consist of three notes with specific frequency relations to each other. Since playing chords is typically part of playing e.g. guitar, this embodiment can allow for an even more natural and effective vibe, since the guitar can then be tuned while the musician plays, provided the chord can be held long enough for the tuner to detect the tones and determine if there is a string that is not voted. It should be noted that the normal, simple vocal string vocal is in principle just a special case of the chord vibe, as the normal vocal of a 6-string guitar corresponds to an Eml 1 chord.

In one embodiment of the aforementioned chord mood, the user programs appropriately, e.g. using a multi-switch or other input means on the user interface, the tuner to know the chord expected at the time of tuning, e.g. instead of the Eml 1 chord for a conventional guitar vibe. This could be a specific chord that the musician uses regularly when playing, or it could be an alternative vibe with loose strings, such as an open A bar chord vibe.

In an alternative embodiment, the tuner detects the tones being played and, if they form a chord, it classifies the input signal as containing a particular chord and thus belongs to a specific chord class, as mentioned above. The tuner can then display the chord being played and the correctness of the vocal in relation to the recorded chord. If the musician has the skills and the necessary time, he can tune any unstressed strings while playing, even 8 8GB 2011 00075 U4 without good monitoring conditions that have been required in the past - without the polyphonic chord tuner.

In yet another embodiment, the classifier is adapted to analyze the harmonic relationship between tones in the input signal, e.g. by comparing the distance expressed as halftones between the tones. On this basis, it can classify a signal as a particular type of chord.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the signal analyzer is coupled to or comprises the signal classifier and is adapted to determine the at least one characteristic depending on the signal class determined by the signal classifier.

The determination of the characteristics of the input signal, which is possible and relevant, is different for monophonic and polyphonic input. Detection methods suitable for monophonic input signals often do not work for polyphonic input. Similarly, some of the measurement methods used for polyphonic signals do not have sufficient range and precision for the typical use for a monophonic signal.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the at least one characteristic comprises a representation of a tone frequency or a deviation from a target tone frequency when the signal class is a monophonic signal class, and the at least one characteristic comprises multiple representations of tone frequencies or multiple deviations from one or more multiple target tone frequencies when the signal class is a polyphonic signal class.

A primary characteristic measured by a musical instrument tuner is the deviation from reference or target tone frequencies. It is appropriate to use different measurement methods for monophonic and polyphonic signals.

It should be noted that the musical instrument tuner in the present publication may sometimes also be referred to as a tuner.

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An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the target tone frequency is determined automatically on the basis of the tone frequency.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the indicator is arranged to enable two or more display states, and wherein the indicator is arranged to show the at least one characteristic according to a current display mode selected from the two or more display modes depending on the signal class which is determined by the signal classifier.

It should be noted that the indicator can sometimes also be referred to as display in the present writing.

The musical instrument tuner will be used for various classes of input signal, such as guitar and bass guitar, or strings of one string at a time or multiple strings. The information presented on the display will be different depending on the signal input class, and in order to use the display optimally in terms of readability of the information, the display mode changes depending on the signal class.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the current display mode comprises a representation of a tone frequency or a deviation from a target tone frequency when the signal class is a monophonic signal class and the current display mode comprises multiple representations of tone frequencies or multiple deviations from one or more target tone frequencies. , when the signal class is a polyphonic signal class.

In order to achieve the best possible readability of the information in the display, the measurement for a single tone frequency is presented in such a way that the user can focus on this one tone, while in the case of polyphonic input an overview is presented.

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An easy-to-read presentation of the frequency deviation, in an optimal way, shows an overview when estimating / playing on a plurality of strings, and alternatively shows a high-precision indication of the frequency deviation when a single string is estimated.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the target tone frequency is determined automatically on the basis of the tone frequency.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the indicator is arranged with a well-defined behavior for use in input signals where the display conditions are unsuitable.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the polyphonic signal class or polyphonic signal classes comprise at least one polyphonic guitar signal class and a polyphonic bass guitar signal class.

The guitar and bass guitar are instruments with many common characteristics, but they are tuned differently. The measurement of signal characteristics should therefore preferably be adapted to the input class, especially when the class is either polyphonic guitar or polyphonic bass guitar.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the signal analyzer comprises a monophonic tone detector and a polyphonic tone detector.

The primary characteristic measured by a musical instrument tuner is the tone frequency, in particular the deviation from the reference or target tone frequencies. In determining the tone frequency of a tone, different measurement methods can be used for monophonic and polyphonic signals. The tone detection can advantageously be carried out in the signal analyzer of the tuner.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the signal classifier is comprised of the monophonic tone detector or polyphonic tone detector.

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The monophonic and polyphonic tone detector can also be used to determine the input signal class so that no separate classifier is needed.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the input signal is a single channel audio signal.

It should be noted that the input signal can sometimes also be referred to as audio signal in the present disclosure.

It is a very advantageous aspect of the present invention that the musical instrument tuner can be used with unmodified instruments which usually have only a single channel audio signal common to all strings.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the signal classifier is arranged to determine the signal class by calculating a time domain function or a frequency domain transformation of the input signal and performing pattern recognition depending on the function or transform.

Performing an appropriate processing of the input signal and using pattern recognition is an advantageous method for determining signal classes.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the tuning apparatus comprises an input signal processing unit.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the input signal processing unit comprises a hum filter.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when a polyphonic display mode and a monophonic display mode can be displayed by the indicator simultaneously or one at a time.

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It can be very advantageous to be able to see the monophonic display mode and the polyphonic display mode simultaneously, ie. both the high and low resolution views, since this allows the musician to simultaneously have an overview for all strings and a detailed view for one string to be tuned. It is possible to decide in several different ways which string to display in the monophonic display mode in a situation where information about multiple strings is available, e.g. manually by the user, semi-automatically by the user when selecting a target tone to match, a key or mood table, or automatically as the string that is most out of mood, the string that is considered to be most important, the string, if the mood at that point changes most because the user is in the process of voting it, or the string can be chosen based on any other criteria that suits a user of an instrument tuning device.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the musical instrument tuning apparatus comprises a data store.

It can be very advantageous to provide the musical instrument tuner with a data storage. A data store allows the musician to store preferred musical instruments, custom vocal profiles, vocal log, input signal mode (e.g. monophonic or polyphonic mode), desired display mode, etc. Depending on the information provided by the musical instrument tuner, the musical instrument tuner may be in to perform optimized calculations, thereby saving time and energy / power.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the musical instrument tuning apparatus comprises an output module.

When the musical instrument tuner is provided with an output module, the musical instrument tuner can be placed between the musical instrument and an amplifier, pedals, etc.

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The output module can e.g. is inserted as a plug for a cord or a module for transmitting a wireless signal. The output module can preferably transmit an output signal using the same technology and in the same way that the input module can receive an input signal, enabling seamless setup between existing components, e.g. between a guitar and a pedal set.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the musical instrument tuner comprises a user-operated selector to select display mode and override the display mode selected automatically depending on the signal class.

Since the present invention provides automatic detection of a signal class and thereby enables automatic selection of a suitable display mode, it may be very advantageous for the user to be able to override the automatically determined display mode. This is especially true when e.g. the polyphonic state is definitely automatic and the user would instead be able to focus on the mood of one string without having to be careful not to touch the other strings. The override functionality can also be advantageous when the musical instrument tuner has automatically determined that the display mode should be the monophonic mode, but the user would rather have an overview according to a preferred polyphonic display mode.

The state selector can be implemented via any suitable UI, e.g. a multi switch.

The present invention further relates to a musical instrument tuning apparatus comprising a signal classifier adapted to determine whether an input signal is a monophonic signal or a polyphonic signal.

By adding a classifier to the distinction between monophonic and polyphonic signals to a tuner for e.g. Guitars greatly improve the possibilities and ease of use of a vocalist.

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The present invention further relates to a musical instrument comprising a musical instrument tuning apparatus comprising a signal classifier adapted to determine whether an audio signal produced by the musical instrument is a monophonic signal or a polyphonic signal to which the musical instrument tuning apparatus is adapted. on the basis of an output from the signal classifier, to display at least one characteristic of the audio signal.

According to the present invention, an instrument is provided, e.g. a guitar, with an integrated tuning apparatus, which provides the additional advantageous possibilities that the signal classification enables, as described above.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the musical instrument is a guitar or a bass guitar.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the at least one characteristic represents one or more tone frequencies or deviations of one or more tone frequencies from one or more target tone frequencies.

An embodiment further relates to an audio processor comprising a musical instrument tuning apparatus comprising a signal classifier adapted to determine whether an audio signal received by the audio processor is a monophonic signal or a polyphonic signal to which the musical instrument tuning apparatus is adapted. on the basis of an output from the signal classifier, to show at least one characteristic of the audio signal.

An embodiment further relates to a musical instrument amplifier comprising a musical instrument tuning apparatus comprising a signal classifier adapted to determine whether an audio signal received by the musical instrument amplifier is a monophonic signal or a polyphonic signal wherein the musical instrument tuning apparatus is arranged. on the basis of an output from the signal classifier, to show at least one characteristic of the audio signal.

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As described above, additional benefits are obtained by integrating the tuner into music devices, such as sound processors, e.g. power processors, mixers, etc., or amplifier units.

An embodiment may be used with a method for measuring the mood of a musical instrument for tuning thereof, the method comprising the steps of: receiving an audio signal produced by the musical instrument, determining a signal class for the audio signal from a group of signal classes which at least one or more monophonic signal classes and one or more polyphonic signal classes, determining at least one characteristic of the audio signal, and displaying an output prepared on the basis of the signal class and at least one characteristic.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the audio signal is a single channel audio signal.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the step of determining the at least one characteristic of the audio signal is performed by an algorithm selected depending on the signal class of the audio signal.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the at least one characteristic comprises a representation of a tone frequency or a deviation of a tone frequency from a target tone frequency when the signal class is determined as a monophonic signal class and the at least one characteristic comprises multiple representations of tone frequencies or more deviations of tone frequencies from one or more target tone frequencies when the signal class is determined as a polyphonic signal class.

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An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the step of displaying the at least one feature comprises selecting a display mode depending on the signal class of the audio signal, the display mode being selected from a group comprising at least two display modes.

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An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when a display mode comprising a representation of a tone frequency or a deviation of a tone frequency from a target tone frequency is selected when the signal class is a monophonic signal class, and a display mode comprising multiple representations of tone frequencies. or more deviations of tone frequencies from one or more target tone frequencies are selected when the signal class is a polyphonic signal class.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the polyphonic signal class or polyphonic signal classes comprise at least one polyphonic guitar signal class and a polyphonic bass guitar signal class.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the step of determining the at least one characteristic of the audio signal comprises the use of a monophonic tone detector or a polyphonic tone detector.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the step of determining the signal class of the audio signal comprises calculating a time domain function or a frequency domain transformation of the audio signal and performing pattern recognition depending on the function or transformation.

An embodiment further relates to a computer program product comprising a machine-readable media having control logic stored therein to cause a computer to determine and display a characteristic of a musical instrument, which control logic comprises: a first machine-readable program coding means for receiving the computer a sound signal from the musical instrument, 17 17GB 2011 00075 U4 another machine-readable program code means to cause the computer to determine a signal class for the sound signal from a group of signal classes comprising at least one or more monophonic signal classes and one or more polyphonic signal classes; to cause the computer to determine the at least one characteristic of the audio signal and a fourth machine-readable program coding means to cause the computer to display an output compiled on the basis of the signal class and at least one characteristic.

It is noted that software products that provided by a network, e.g. via the Internet or wireless, is also considered to comprise a machine-readable medium with the instructions contained therein and is therefore within the scope of the present invention.

An embodiment further relates to a musical instrument tuning apparatus comprising an input means for receiving one or more audio signals, a detection means for determining one or more deviations between one or more tone frequencies of the audio input signal or sound input signals, and a set of target tone frequencies and indicator means for displaying the deviation or deviation.

It is to be noted that any combination of this musical instrument tuner with any one or more of the individual features described above by the various previously described embodiments is within the scope of the present invention, and it is believed that the present writing in its entirety enables a skilled person with appropriate background knowledge to understand and make use of the possible combinations and uses thereof. Several advantageous embodiments may be provided by combining the features of the various embodiments, and the particular embodiments described herein are merely examples of possible and preferred combinations.

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An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the tuning apparatus comprises a signal type classification means for determining whether the audio input signal is monophonic or polyphonic.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the indicator means change appearance depending on whether the music input signal is monophonic or polyphonic.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the input signal comprises a single audio channel.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the detection means comprises bandpass filters.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the detection means is designed to calculate a Fourier transform.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the indicator means show a sensible output when more than one string is estimated.

A sensible output can e.g. be a text message, a predetermined light or sound pattern, etc.

The musical instrument tuner enables the user to be informed whether the musical instrument is tuned, based on a single touch.

An embodiment further relates to a musical instrument tuning apparatus which, when two or more strings on a musical string instrument are estimated, indicates whether the two or more strings are tuned and where the indication occurs on a display.

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An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained when the display comprises at least one light emitter or pixel.

An embodiment further relates to a musical instrument tuning apparatus comprising a polyphonic tone detector and a display wherein, when a user strikes strings on a string instrument, the polyphonic tone detector prepares a representation of the string state's mood state and the display shows the representation of the mood state.

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is described below with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a musical instrument tuning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2A shows the frequency spectrum of the deep E string of a guitar; Figure 2B shows the frequency spectrum of the high E -string on a guitar, Figure 2C shows the frequency spectrum when played on all six strings on a guitar simultaneously, Figure 3 shows the display of a tuner according to an embodiment of the present invention, each circle representing a lamp / display element (f e.g., a bright diode), Figures 4-9 show the display means of a tuning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention with indication of various states, Figures 10-14 show the display means of a tuning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention with indication of Figure 15-19 shows the display means of a tuner according to one out Fig. 20-21 shows the musical instrument tuning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention capable of displaying output in more than one solution, and Figures 22-25 depict various modes of implementation of the musical instrument tuning apparatus.

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Detailed Description The following definitions apply within the scope of this document: simultaneous viewing: viewing multiple images that appear to the human eye to be presented at the same time, although in reality they may be presented sequentially at a rate exceeding the eye response, real time: a time sufficiently close to the occurrence of an event to be indistinguishable by a human observer from the actual time of the event, tone frequency: frequency associated with a sound perceived in a sound, f .g. 261,626 Hz for tone C, corresponding to the "middle C" of a piano with a well-tempered mood; an audio or the corresponding audio signal may comprise several tone frequencies, e.g. if it is produced by playing a chord, target tone frequency: a desired tone frequency to which an instrument is tuned, cents: a measurement of frequency where 100 cents equals a semitone, ie. 1200 cents is equal to an octave, frequency indicators: numbers or symbols representing either the absolute or relative, or both, values of the frequency (for example, a frequency shown as a tone and a deviation in cents), and the terms frequency and period are considered as unequivocal measurements of frequency.

Block diagram of the tuner

Refer to Figure 1 for a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the invention. The audio signal from the musical instrument is supplied to the tuner through a 22 22GB 2011 00075 U4 an input means IM which may be a microphone, a magnetic transducer or a suitable connector for a cable connection - or other suitable means. From the input means IM, the signal is applied to an input processing means SCM which may consist of amplification, filtering, e.g. hum filtering, and analog-to-digital conversion. The processed input signal is supplied to three functional units: a monophonic tone detector MPD, a polyphonic tone detector PPD, and a signal type classification means STCM.

If possible, the monophonic tone detector MPD determines the input signal tone period and displays the determined period, frequency or deviation from a target tone frequency on the block output. The target tone frequency corresponds to the halftone closest to the determined tone frequency and is preferably determined by the monophonic tone detector. If the input signal is not monophonic, MPD may still be able to deliver a result, but this result is not necessarily a valid tone period.

The polyphonic tone detector PPD determines the tone period for up to six tones, which are present simultaneously in the input signal. These six tones are selected so that they can be used to selectively determine the tone period for each of the six strings of the guitar. The polyphonic tone detector PPD displays the specific tone period times, frequencies, or deviations from target frequencies or period times on its output. The number of deltones is preferably selected according to the type of instrument the tuner is intended for, e.g. 6 tones for guitar type instruments with a maximum of 6 strings. It goes without saying that embodiments with other numbers of deltons suitable for other instrument types are within the scope of the present invention.

The signal type classification means analyzes the nature of the input signal to identify whether it is monophonic or polyphonic. If the input signal is monophonic, the display reproducing means DRM reproduces the individual determined tone deviation in such a way that it is easy to read and of high accuracy. If the input signal is of a polyphonic nature, the display reproducing means DRM reproduces the several determined tone deviations in such a way as to obtain a good overview of all the tuning accuracy of the strings. The rendered pattern of display information is physically displayed by the 23 DM 23 00075 U4 display means DM. If the input signal is neither a valid monophonic signal nor a valid polyphonic signal, such as white noise, DRM will provide an appropriate indication which may be to erase the display or display the word "error" or the like.

Sometimes the signal type classification means is also referred to as the signal mode selector.

In certain embodiments of the invention, a signal mode selector may be located either as part of the input processing means or as part of the functional units, preferably as part of the signal type classification means or as part of the display rendering means. The signal mode selector can be implemented either as an automatic selector, such as a signal classifier, or as a manually operated switch, such as a mode selector MS.

It should be noted that the state selector or signal classifier in a very simple design can be implemented as a monophonic tuner which, when receiving a polyphonic input signal, gives an error indication or simply no indication - no output which the subsequent algorithms interpret as the existence of a polyphonic input signal.

It should also be noted that the user can himself act as a mode selector or signal classifier by selecting, in manual embodiments, the desired state, or, in automatic embodiments, estimating one string when the monophonic state is desired and more than one string when the polyphonic state is desired.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the functional blocks of the block diagram may be arranged differently, such that one block, for example, implements two or more of the described tasks. It is also possible in certain embodiments of the invention that the functional blocks be connected to one another in another sequence as long as the general function is maintained.

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The tuner is powered from a power supply input (not shown) which may be a battery or connectors connecting a battery to the musical instrument tuner, a socket that fits a plug from an external power supply, a motion sensor or a solar panel that converts motion, respectively. or light for energy, etc.

The tuner can receive input through an input module or input interface that enables two-way data communication. Such data communication can be facilitated by a USB or other universal data communication standards.

In one embodiment of the invention, the musical instrument tuner MIT's input module comprises a USB port or, alternatively, a network connection, a bus connection, or any other suitable communication interface using which the user is able to upload data to or from the musical instrument tuner MIT. This can make it easier to update firmware, change sensitivity, change the frequency range displayed, update software, turn features off or adjust them to extend battery life, upload custom profiles, and so on.

Monophonic Detection Detection Part

The basic tone determination function that all stone unit devices must possess is the monophonic state. It is typically used when a new string is fitted and when an adjustment is required within a wide range and / or with high precision. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the monophonic tone detector has a wide frequency range of the order of 7 octaves so that it is able to determine the tone frequencies of all common musical instruments without changing the settings. There are several methods for determining the tone frequency of a monophonic signal, such as, for example: • zero-pass frequency (time domain), • bitwise correlation (time domain), • phase-locked loop (time domain), • Fourier transform (frequency domain), • cepstral analysis (time and frequency domain), • autocorrelation (time domain), • ASDF (mean square difference function) (time domain), • AMDF (mean size difference function) (time domain),

The choice of method depends on its accuracy, robustness and computational complexity. When choosing a tone detection method, it should also be taken into account that different platforms, such as logic circuits, microprocessors and signal processors, exhibit different strengths and weaknesses and that the optimal choice is therefore highly dependent on the platform.

Some of the time domain methods are very simple and are based on a binary sequence that basically represents only the sign of the signal, two levels. Such methods can be implemented using simple circuits. Probably the simplest is to determine the time spacing between sign changes, which corresponds to the zero crawl frequency. A more advanced and robust binary time domain method is described by Warrender in US 4429609, which uses a method for determining the correlation between direct and delayed binary representations of inputs, to which reference is made, and which should be considered in its entirety this application.

A more accurate signal representation using more than two levels allows the more precise autocorrelation and mean difference functions to be used. These require a more advanced computational platform than the methods using the binary sequence.

The frequency domain methods, such as Fourier transform, are also capable of providing a very accurate determination, at the expense of a relatively high computational complexity.

26 26GB 2011 00075 U4

All of these or other tone detection methods can be used as the basic tone frequency determination method of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ASDF function is used for monophonic tone frequency determination.

Polyphonic tone detection

Determining individual tone frequencies in a complex audio signal can be a challenge, and it is sometimes not possible to distinguish signals from different strings due to overlapping spectral content. In a standard mood of a six-string guitar, however, it is possible to measure the six strings individually, as shown in US 6066790. It is not necessarily optimal to use the six strings basic frequencies due to the coincidence of the harmonic deltons from different strings. It should be borne in mind that the fundamental frequency of an electric guitar, for example, is not necessarily the most powerful part tone in the signal from a string. The levels of the individual deltons depend greatly on the distance from the bridge to the magnetic pickup.

One method of separating the deltons from the six strings is to use a set of bandpass filters, one for each string, followed by a set of monophonic tone detectors as described in the previous section. The center frequencies of the bandpass filters are set to the desired target tone frequencies of the strings, ie. with a spacing of 5 or 4 semitones for standard guitar tuning.

Another method for determining the frequencies of the individual deltons is to apply a Fourier transform to the preferably processed input signal, which simultaneously contains all the deltons for all strings. A single Fourier transformation can then be used to find the desired tone information for all six strings.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the polyphonic tone detection consists of a set of bandpass filters followed by a set of monophonic tone detectors.

27 27DK 2011 00075 U4

Having a polyphonic tone detector and an accompanying display with simultaneous overview of all strings makes it much easier for the user to compensate for the soft throat many guitars have, and to tune guitars with floating bridges so that the unwanted interaction between the mood of the individual strings become less disruptive.

Whichever method is used to separate the signals from the individual strings, there is a built-in limitation in polyphonic tone detection: since the polyphonic tone detector does not have the ability to know whether a set of harmonic deltas with a certain fundamental frequency belongs to one or the other. second string, it must assume that a certain frequency range around the nominal frequency of each string belongs to the given string. It is thus possible, when a string is really very out of mood, that the measurement result is displayed on the mood indicator for the wrong string. For this reason, it is important to have a high frequency monophonic tuner in addition to the polyphonic tuner.

Distinction between monophonic and polyphonic input signals In practical use, the most suitable operating and display mode for the tuner is alternating polyphonic and monophonic modes. This shift is justified by an automatic detection of the different forces for the two modes.

Alternatively, the shift can be done manually, ie. by activating a switch on the tuner, musical instrument, foot pedal, cord, etc.

However, it is impractical to change the mode manually, for example by pressing a footswitch, as experience shows that in equipment with multiple operating modes it is very often not the one that is already set which is the desired one. It is therefore desirable that the tuner automatically detects the nature of the input signal and then switches the operating and display modes.

28 28DK 2011 00075 U4

Within the scope of the present invention, the nature of the input signal may be either monophonic (when played on a single string) or polyphonic (when played on two or more strings). An advantageous part of the present invention is a classification means which senses whether the signal is monophonic or polyphonic.

In the vast majority of situations, the information to be displayed is determined automatically by the classification tool. However, situations may occur where it would be advantageous for the musician to override the automatically selected information and be able to make a manual selection of what information to display. Such a situation may arise when a musician plays on two or more strings, and the means of classification sense and display the notes in polyphonic mode. From this overview of e.g. six strings may be just one string out of mood, or the musician may want to check one particular string in more detail. In this situation, it would be advantageous for the musician to be able to manually replace the displayed information to view information about the specific string. If only one string is played, it is still possible for the musician to choose to display the string manually, but it is often preferable for the tuner to make this decision automatically.

The specific string information can be displayed using the available display means. In the situation where the tuner comprises only one display, this display can be used to display the information about the specific string. Alternatively, the display may be divided into sections where a section may continue to display information about more than one string in polyphonic mode, another section may display a separate string, a third section may display additional information, and so on.

In the situation where the tuner uses two or more physical displays, a first display may be used to display the polyphonic state, and a second display may be used to display the individual string, e.g. in a stroboscopic mode to achieve a higher precision of tone.

Since the tuning of one string affects the tuning of all the other strings, it may be advantageous in accordance with one embodiment of the invention to have a tuning apparatus 29 with a display for each string and e.g. also displays for further information. This embodiment would be very useful in the situation where it is important that all the strings are accurately tuned. Such exactly accurate sentiment could be achieved by having a display or display section for each string, such as shows the mood of the string in stroboscopic mode.

In addition to monophonic and polyphonic input signals, there is a third and a third state: If no input signal is present, the tuner should also have a well-defined behavior, e.g. then set the display, e.g. delete it. On the other hand, if a signal is present but where it has the character of noise without distinct tones, the tuner should also have a well-defined behavior, e.g. by allowing the display to indicate that the input is invalid, e.g. by typing "error" or deleting the display.

A signal from a single string will mainly consist of a fundamental frequency and a series of deltons with substantially the whole multiplication of the fundamental frequency. In the time domain, this signal exhibits a repeated pattern, which in an autocorrelation analysis (or the like) also exhibits a single repeated pattern. In the frequency domain, such a signal with a number of (almost) harmonic deltons is also easily recognized. Figure 2A depicts the frequency spectrum of the deep E-string played on a guitar. Figure 2B depicts the frequency spectrum of the high E string played on a guitar. In both cases, the pattern of harmonic tones is clearly seen. Signals from the other strings are seen at a low level compared to the estimated string harmonic part tones. This is due to the mechanical coupling between the strings of the guitar.

A signal from two or more strings without any simple harmonic relation is far more complex than the signal from a single string. Figure 2C depicts the frequency spectrum of a guitar's signal when playing on all six strings (E, A, D, G, Η, E) simultaneously.

A simple way to distinguish between a monophonic and a polyphonic input signal would be to measure the output level from the six bandpass filters, one for each string. However, this 30 30 2011 2011 00075 U4 method is not suitable in all situations, e.g. if all the strings except one are out of mood, since the outputs of one bandpass filter will be strong, while the outputs of the other bandpass filters will be close to zero. In this case, such a simple classification mechanism would incorrectly indicate a monophonic signal.

Another simple way to classify the input signal is to simply leave the monophonic detector active at all times and when capable of detecting a monophonic characteristic, the input signal is classified as monophonic, but if the monophonic detector is unable to discern a separate monophonic characteristic, the input signal is classified as being polyphonic and the polyphonic tone detector can be used.

A better and preferred method for performing the monophonic and polyphonic classification is to perform a correlation analysis (or Fourier or ASDF analysis) of the entire input signal and examine the resulting time or frequency domain pattern.

Where there is a frequency spectrum, for example from a Fourier transform of the input signal, another simple method can be used to determine the nature of the input signal, counting the number of spectral peaks. The polyphonic signal for all six strings contains considerably more high spectral peaks than the spectrum of a single strand.

The signal type classification means STCM can be implemented as part of either the monophonic tone detector MPD or the polyphonic tone detector PPD.

The distinction between signals from a guitar and a bass guitar in polyphonic mode

The standard tuning of guitar strings is from the low to the high frequencies, E, A, D, G, Η, E. Another very common musical instrument is the bass guitar (and double bass) which, as a result of its construction, does not usually have to be tuned as often as a guitar, but ambiance is obviously needed.

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The standard vibe of the four-string bass guitar (and double bass) is: E, A, D, G, which corresponds to the four deepest strings on a guitar, just one octave lower. However, some basses have five or six strings. A common sentiment for a five-string bass is: Η, E, A, D, G. Thus, the frequency range has been extended downward by the H-string below the E-string. A common vibe for a six-string bass is: Η, E, A, D, G, C. Compared to the five-string bass, the frequency range is expanded upward by the C string over the G string. Compared to the mood of a guitar, this makes a difference in that the guitar has an H string over the G string.

Due to these differences in the tones (chromatic tones) for the nominal moods of guitars and basses, the polyphonic tuner needs information on whether the input signal to the tuner is from a guitar or bass. Based on this information, the analysis frequencies must be changed. It is desirable if this change can occur automatically based on the characteristics of the input signal.

One method of distinguishing between guitar and bass signals is to measure the spectral characteristics of the input signal and determine where most of the signal's energy is at the lower or higher frequencies. The so-called spectral centroid known from the field of Music Information Retrieval is a useful measure of the spectral features in this regard. Other methods include comparing the bandpass filters output or determining the deepest sub-tone of the inputs ignored.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention therefore comprises means for automatically changing the detection and display state depending on whether the input signal consists of the signal from a guitar or from a bass.

The display portion

Overview 32 32GB 2011 00075 U4

The display portion of the tuner consists of a display rendering device DRM to control which lights, pixels, LEDs, etc. to turn on and how much. The display rendering agent is typically implemented in a microprocessor. A physical display means DM is used for the presentation itself to the user. There are many suitable technologies for producing displays, such as liquid crystal displays (LCD), LEDs, and organic LEDs (OLED).

LCD and OLED displays are often designed as a high resolution dot matrix with thousands of display elements. For more cost effective products, a special LCD with a few hundred display elements can be used. Alternatively, a number of separate LEDs may be used, typically from approx. 10 to approx. 100, but even as few as 1-3 LEDs can be used according to a simple display embodiment of the present invention.

The display means is associated with the display means, typically within the same enclosure. However, there may be a physical separation between the measuring and display parts of the tuner. Alternatively, there may be a separation between the display rendering means and the display means. Between the two parts, the connection may be a simple cable or network (wired or wireless) or another suitable connection.

In a first embodiment of the invention, a display mode is divided into two areas, cf. Figure 3. The mood deviation display TDD1 consists of a plurality of light emitting diodes, the brightness of which can be controlled individually and thus used to display very detailed information. The tone name display TND1 consists of a number of LEDs which are arranged to indicate a single letter of the tone name (A, H, C, D, E, F or G) and optionally a "#" or "b" . For practical reasons, the LEDs in the drawing are for illustration purposes indicated as empty circles, while the lit LEDs are indicated by a filled circle. Intermediate brightness levels are indicated by a shaded pattern. In another display technology, such as LCD, the interpretation of filled and empty may be different.

33 33GB 2011 00075 U4 TDD1 is also preferably used for presentation in text form of information relating to the settings of the tuner. These settings may include the frequency of the reference tone A, usually 440 Hz, but it can be set to slightly different values such as between 435 and 445 Hz.

Figure 4 shows the display of the tuner in monophonic mode with a perfectly tuned E as input. The vertical line of lighted LEDs is conceptually similar to the needle of an analog meter, so that a positive or negative discharge from the target mood is indicated by turning on LEDs to the right or left of the center line. This is shown in Figure 5, which shows the display of the tuner in monophonic mode with a slightly low voice E as input. It is possible to indicate very small changes in ambient deviation by controlling the strength of two neighboring LEDs so that the "needle" appears to be located in intermediate positions between the actual positions of the LEDs. These techniques are well known in the art.

Due to the eye's high sensitivity to angular movements compared to linear movements, it is advantageous to arrange the display content or elements in such a way that the mood indicator "needle" (pattern of active display elements) changes its angle as well as its position when the frequency deviation changes .

If the input to the tuner is a polyphonic signal, the display changes appearance to be better suited to indicate the result of the polyphonic tone measurement. Figure 6 shows the tuner display in polyphonic mode indicating that all six strings are tuned. The area of the mood deviation display TDD1 is now used to display six LED pairs within the sub-regions PTI1, PTI2, PTI3, PTI4, PTI5 and PTI6. A positive or negative deviation from the target mood is indicated by turning on LEDs above or below the center row. The tone name display is typically blank in the case of a polyphonic input.

Figure 7 shows the tuner display in polyphonic mode, indicating the mood of all six strings, where the deep E-string is slightly low 34, GB 2011 00075 U4 (LED pair at left), H string is clearly high (fifth LED from left) ), and the other four strings are voted.

Figure 8 shows an alternative strobe display in monophonic mode, where the movement to the left or right of the pattern of dots indicates where exactly the input (in this case, an A) is tuned.

Figure 9 shows an alternate monophonic waveform display, where the movement to the left or right of the wave pattern of dots indicates where exactly the input (in this case, an A) is tuned.

If a display mode configuration as in Figure 5 cannot be feasible for the sake of cost or space, a simpler display mode configuration containing the same information may be used. Figure 10 shows one such embodiment of a simpler monophonic display device display indicating that the deep E string is playing and tuned. Two rows of LEDs or similar indicators are provided: The mood deviation display TDD2 indicates the monophonic mood deviation in a manner similar to that in Figures 4 and 5. In this particular case, the method of indicating a zero deviation is that the two middle LEDs are both completely switched on. The tone name display TND2 consists of six LEDs, one for each string of the guitar. The LED corresponding to the string closest to the incoming signal tone is lit. Two sticker fields can be printed close to the display. The mood deviation labels TDL2 indicate how much a mood deviation in musical cents each of the LEDs in TDD2 corresponds to. The tone name labels TNL2 indicate the name of the string corresponding to each of the LEDs above the label.

A slight vocal deviation can be reproduced as in Figure 11, which shows a simpler monophonic display device indicating that the deep E string is playing and that it is tuned slightly low.

35 35DK 2011 00075 U4

If the input to the tuner is a polyphonic signal, the simpler display appearance also changes to be better suited to indicate the result of the polyphonic tone measurement. Figure 12 shows a simpler polyphonic voice recorder display indicating that all strings are playing and that they are all voices. For each string, a pair of LEDs indicates the ambient deviation by appropriately varying the strength of the two LEDs. If a string is correctly tuned, the corresponding pair of LEDs may be lit with a different color to highlight the correct mood.

Figure 13 shows a simpler polyphonic tuner display, indicating that all strings are playing and that the deep E string is tuned slightly low and that the H string is clearly voiced.

One way to indicate that a string is not being played is to delete the particular string indicator. This is illustrated in Figure 14, which shows a simpler polyphonic tuner display indicating that five out of the six strings are playing and that they are voting.

An alternative embodiment of a simple display mode configuration is shown in Figure 15, which shows a very simple monophonic display device display indicating that an E string is playing and that it is tuned. Similar to the other two examples of embodiments, the display consists of a mood deviation display TDD3 and a tone name display TND3. In this particular case, the central round LED indicates that the mood is correct. This LED preferably has a different color from the two external LEDs.

Figure 16 shows a very simple monophonic display device display indicating that an E string is being played and that it is tuned slightly low.

Figure 17 shows a very simple monophonic display device display indicating that an H string is being played and that it is clearly voiced.

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Due to the very simple tuner display limitations, the results of the tone measurement cannot be displayed simultaneously for all six strings. In the case where all six strict voices are simple to show. Figure 18 shows a very simple polyphonic voice recorder display indicating that all strings are playing and that they are all voices. The letter "P" in the tone name display indicates that the input is polyphonic.

In the event that one or more strings are out of mood, the very simple tuner display may show the name and deviation of the string requiring the greatest correction. When the string is correctly tuned, the (possibly) next string will appear, requiring a correction of the mood.

Figure 19 shows an even simpler tuner display that uses only 3 polyphonic LEDs to indicate that all strings are playing and that they are all voices, or alternatively that one or more strings are out of vocal. An alternative, even simpler display uses e.g. a simple LED that only lights up when the string or all the strings being played match, or alternatively uses a flashing scheme or a multicolor LED to indicate the state of the strings.

Sensible display information for most types of inputs

It is an object of the present invention that the display, whether complex or simple, displays sensible and useful information for most types of input signal.

In particular, when the input signal is monophonic, the display DM shows the tone name (chromatic tone name) closest to the tone of the input signal and a measurement of mood accuracy is presented.

Alternatively, when the input signal consists of the signal from two or more strings, the display will indicate whether the input frequencies correspond to the desired values and, if not, the size and direction of the deviation.

37 37GB 2011 00075 U4 In the event that all the expected six-string input frequencies are present and tuned, the display may present an additional indication, e.g. by turning on a green indicator. On the other hand, if one or more input frequencies are out of range, even a very simple display can indicate the name of the tone corresponding to the most out of range string, as well as the direction and frequency of the frequency deviation.

Automatic Change of Display Mode for Monophonic and Polyphonic Input It is an object of the present invention to be easy and fast to use, while at the same time its measurements and display are reliable. Due to the restrictions that are often present in real devices, a limited display will be available and the challenge is to make the most of it. The ability to switch between different displays for monophonic and polyphonic input signals is a very important aspect of utilizing the display effectively. Another aspect is of a more practical nature, namely that the rendering mode, and optionally the target mode, changes automatically depending on the type of input. If the user needs to press a footswitch or similar to change state when playing on a single string or all the strings, it is likely that this switch will be in the wrong position so often that the existence of two gauges - and display modes will tend to disturb more than they benefit.

Nevertheless, it can still be advantageous to be able to switch manually between the display modes, the resolution of the display, the physical display means, such as displays based on different technologies or different locations, etc. Being able to switch manually enables the musician to choose to have specific information displayed or get information of current importance displayed. This information can be displayed instead of other information, along with other information on the same display or on a further display.

Therefore, a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention comprises means for automatically changing the display state depending on whether the input signal consists of the signal from a single string or from two or more strings.

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Automatic switch between guitar and bass in polyphonic mode

As described above, the differences between guitars and bass guitars make it desirable to distinguish between the two in connection with tone detection.

Since the four middle strings on a six-string bass guitar, as described above, correspond to the four deepest strings on a guitar, but are one octave deeper, there may be a need for a different marking of the display on polyphonic tuners. In one embodiment of the present invention, this display shift is performed automatically based on the characteristics of the measured input signal as described above.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention therefore comprises means for automatically changing the detection and display state depending on whether the input signal consists of the signal from a guitar or from a bass.

Alternative measurement and display modes

In addition to said needle mode, a stroboscopic measurement and indication mode is advantageous, especially when the display mode automatically switches between polyphonic (needle type) mode and monophonic stroboscopic mode. The stroboscopic mode is very suitable for fine tuning the instrument's mood, while the needle mode is typically better suited for a quick indication of the mood - in either monophonic or polyphonic mode. Figure 8 shows a possible representation of the stroboscopic display.

The stroboscopic target mode of the present invention is a mimicry in the digital domain of the traditional technique described by Krauss in US 2806953 and Peterson in US 3952625 using a rotating dial with a flashing light to tune a musical instrument. Also in US 4589324 by Aronstein and in US 5777248 by Campbell, voting machines based on the 39 39 GB 2011 00075 U4 stroboscopic principle are described. All are hereby referred to and must be considered in their entirety as part of this application.

Whether the stroboscopic tuner is implemented by electromechanical or digital means, the principle behind indication is the same: When the input signal has a tone frequency corresponding to the target tone frequency, the pattern on the dial or display appears to be stationary. If the tone frequency of the input signal is lower than the target tone frequency, the pattern appears to rotate in one direction, and if the tone frequency is higher than the target tone frequency, the pattern appears to rotate in the opposite direction.

The digital implementation of the stroboscopic principle of the present invention consists of an input signal buffer and an interpolation means. The input buffer contains at least one, but preferably at least two, periods of the input signal and is updated in real time with new input.

The interpolation means is synchronized with a target tone frequency. This tone corresponds to the semitone closest to the tone frequency. The monophonic tuner described above is used to determine the target tone frequency. A number of samples corresponding to the number of display elements used for the stroboscopic display are taken from the input buffer at evenly spaced times, so that one or two periods of the target tone frequency may be represented by the samples.

In Figure 8, the number of display elements in the relevant direction of the stroboscopic display is equal to 17. If the tone frequency is equal to the target tone frequency, the pattern appears to be motionless. Depending on the phase of the input signal, the pattern of light and dark may be shifted to the left or to the right, but it will still be motionless.

If the tone signal tone frequency is lower than the target tone frequency, the pattern appears to move to the left (or right), and if the tone frequency is higher than the target tone frequency, the pattern appears to move in the opposite direction.

40 40GB 2011 00075 U4

The speed of movement is proportional to the frequency deviation between the tone frequency and the target tone frequency. With a stroboscopic tuning device such as in the present invention, it is possible to see very small frequencies in real time, and therefore it is a very good aid for tuning.

In the display reproducing means, the brightness is used as follows in the stroboscopic display mode: Highly illuminated for a positive instantaneous input signal value and attenuated for a negative instantaneous input signal value, or vice versa.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the origin comprises a stroboscopic measurement and display mode.

Another alternative display mode

The same underlying mechanism as that used in the stroboscopic tuner can be used for a synchronized display of the input waveform, cf. Figure 9. This display mode is essentially the same as an oscilloscope where the trigger of the horizontal (X) movement of the beam is controlled. of the target tone frequency and the deviation in the vertical direction (Y) is controlled by the input waveform / voltage.

The target tone frequency is, by analogy with the stroboscopic tuner, the halftone frequency closest to the tone frequency.

Figures 20 and 21 illustrate a musical instrument tuning device MIT according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the musical instrument tuning device MIT comprises a housing H, an input module IM, a power supply input PSI, a signal analyzer SA, a user interface UI and a display D.

The housing H protects the components that make up the musical instrument tuner MIT, and because of the housing H the musical instrument tuner MIT is portable and in the least protected to a certain extent with, e.g. the user's foot.

The input module IM enables the musical instrument tuner MIT to receive input signals from musical instruments (not shown). For example, a musical instrument can. be a string instrument such as a guitar, a bass guitar, etc., or an instrument without strings. The input signal can be received from a wire connecting the musical instrument to the musical instrument tuner MIT, wirelessly, e.g. in the form of a Bluetooth signal or received by a microphone. Both wired and wireless connections can be network configurations of any suitable kind or simple, direct, dedicated connections. The input signal can be either a digital signal or an analog signal.

It should be noted that the input module IM can also facilitate the uploading and downloading of data from a computer, the internet network, etc. In this connection, the input module IM can also be perceived as an input interface for two-way data communication. Such data communication can be facilitated by a USB or other universal data communication standards.

In one embodiment of the invention, the musical instrument tuner MIT's input module comprises a USB port or, alternatively, a network connection, a bus connection, or any other suitable communication interface using which the user is able to upload data to or from the musical instrument tuner MIT. This can make it easier to update firmware, change sensitivity, change the frequency range displayed, update program code, turn features off or adjust them to extend battery life, upload custom profiles, etc.

The power supply input PSI supplies power to the musical instrument tuner MIT. The current can be derived from a high voltage outlet and then appropriately transformed by the power supply input PSI to a low voltage determined by the components of the musical instrument tuner MIT. Alternatively, the power supply input PSI may comprise or be connectable to a battery unit, e.g.

42 42GB 2011 00075 U4 a rechargeable battery unit. It should be noted that the power supply input PSI may simply be a connector that allows connection to an external power supply.

The signal analyzer SA performs calculations based on the input signal. The signal analyzer SA may comprise a data processor. The data processor can e.g. be a digital signal processor, a central processing unit, a programmable gate array or any other standard or special processor or logic unit, and it may operate on the basis of an algorithm / algorithms depending on the input signal type or display mode as described below. The program code and all temporary or permanent data executed and used by the data processor may be stored in an appropriate data store, e.g. a flash memory or RAM where the data processor can access them.

The UI UI enables the user to interact with the musical instrument tuner MIT. The embodiment of the musical instrument tuning apparatus MIT illustrated in Figure 26 is provided with a multi-switch MSW. It is not essential how the user interface UI is implemented in the musical instrument tuner MIT, so when referring to a multi switch MSW, it should not be limited to switches, but must refer to all suitable switches based on e.g. mechanical, optical or electrical technologies. It should be noted that the use of a plurality of different functionalities can be facilitated by one or more multi-switch MSW.

It should be noted that the use of a plurality of different functionalities, such as user profiles, threshold values, display modes, etc., can be facilitated by one or more multi-switch MSW.

It should also be mentioned that the display D will often be included in a reference to the user interface UI.

The display D enables the musical instrument tuner MIT to present information regarding the input signal. The display D is preferably a display for visual presentation of information, but may also be a speaker for an audible presentation or a motor or the like for a mechanical presentation, e.g. in the form of vibrations.

The display D refers to supply e.g. the user of the musical instrument voice apparatus with information about an input signal. A display D comprises one or more display units DU and may e.g. use light, sound, vibration, etc. to provide the user with information. The musical instrument tuning device MIT can supply e.g. a user and an assistant with information at the same time, even if the user and assistant are not physically in the same place.

The display unit DU refers to the hardware that physically supplies e.g. the user of the musical instrument tuner MIT with information about an input signal. Accordingly, a display unit DU can e.g. be a single LED or pixel, a LED display, an LCD display, a segmented display, a speaker, etc. A musical instrument tuner MIT may be associated with or provide information to one or more display units DU at the same time, and this display unit (s) You may be in any suitable location, e.g. in or as part of the musical instrument tuning device MIT's house H, on the musical instrument, on a mixer desk, on a portable device etc. It is consequently possible to display the same information at the same time via different display units DU, e.g. to the user of the musical instrument tuner and its technical assistant.

The display zone DZ refers to the part of a display unit DU which displays information to the user or shapes the information, which thereby e.g. provided to the user. A display unit DU may comprise one or more display zones DZ, so that a display zone DZ e.g. may be one or more pixels, one or more LEDs, a segmented display, an LCD display or part of an LCD display, etc.

The display state refers to the state in which the information or characteristics of the input signal are provided, e.g. user. The group of display modes can e.g. include startup display mode, default display mode, 44 44GB 2011 00075 U4 error display mode, configuration display mode, various types of monophonic display modes such as e.g. stroboscopic display mode and needle display mode, polyphonic display mode, etc. A display mode is preferably displayed e.g. for the user in a display zone DZ, so that several display modes can be displayed simultaneously, the more display zones DZ.

It should be mentioned that the musical instrument tuner is capable of displaying more than one display mode at the same time.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second resolutions are to be understood as a level of detail with which a tone frequency is displayed. Accordingly, when a tone frequency in the monophonic display mode is shown in a first resolution higher than the second resolution in which the same tone frequency can be displayed in the polyphonic display mode, it should be understood that the level of detail is higher in the first solution than in the second solution. In addition to the number of 1 bit dots, such as use only 2 modes (on and off), for LEDs or pixels in LCD displays, additional resolution can also be obtained with other means that can be used to increase the level of detail with which a characteristic is displayed. Further resolution may be e.g. is achieved with multicolor LEDs, multiple on modes for the LEDs with different brightnesses, by making sure different symbols are lit to indicate a particular interpretation to be used, e.g. that all the results are printed on a factor, indication of the current octave, etc., or any combination of the above, possibly together with other suitable visible or invisible means.

Accordingly, although for the sake of simplicity the present description mainly considers the number of dots in a display zone when considering resolution, it should be noted that all features which together enable and define a certain level of detail provided to the user of the tuner in a certain state, is within the scope of the present invention.

45 45GB 2011 00075 U4

Figure 20, illustrating an embodiment of the present invention with only one display D, comprising only one display unit DU in this embodiment, the display unit DU corresponds to a display zone DZ. Accordingly, the use of the musical instrument tuning apparatus MIT, illustrated in Figure 26, requires a way to switch between the polyphonic display mode and the monophonic display mode. This shift can be done automatically or manually as described below.

The following is an example of the use of a MIT musical instrument tuner as illustrated in Figure 20. A musician estimates all six strings on a guitar, and in display D in the polyphonic display mode, the musician is provided with information on how the six strings are tuned. The musician can now choose one of the six strings.

The selection of the string to be tuned can be made automatically, e.g. For example, the musical instrument tuner can present the most out of line string in the monophonic display mode on display D.

Alternatively, the musician can manually inform the musical instrument tuner of the string to be tuned and thus illustrated in monophonic display mode on display D. This can be done by activating one of the multi switches MSW1 or MSW2.

Yet another alternative could be a combination where the musician begins to voice a string after estimating all strings. The musical instrument tuner detects which string the musician is voting by comparing the characteristics determined from the first stop of all strings with the established characteristics of the string the musician has begun to voice. The musical instrument tuner MIT then provides information about this string in monophonic display mode on display D.

Regardless of which of the above methods (or other, unnamed methods of selecting a string to be tuned) used to select a string to be tuned, the selected string is displayed in a monophonic display mode, which has a different resolution than the first solution, where all the estimated strings were displayed in a polyphonic display mode. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 20, it is only possible to display one display mode at a time, since only one display zone is available.

Since the same display zone is used to display both the monophonic display mode and the polyphonic display mode, the resolution or number of pixels available, e.g. per. tone frequency, approx. six times higher in the monophonic display mode than in the polyphonic display mode. This makes it easier to obtain a higher level of detail about the tone frequency displayed in monophonic display mode, which makes it easier to tune the tone frequencies associated with e.g. the strings of a guitar.

When one string is tuned, the musician can switch to polyphonic display mode again to see if other strings need fine tuning.

It should be noted that in one embodiment of the invention, it is possible for the musician to predetermine an error threshold, whereby the musical instrument tuner MIT automatically switches back to polyphonic display mode when the tone frequency to be tuned is closer to the target tone frequency than the predetermined threshold.

Figure 21 illustrates a musical instrument tuning device MIT analogous to the musical instrument tuning device MIT illustrated in Figure 20. The only difference is that the display D in the musical instrument tuning device MIT illustrated in Figure 21 comprises more than one display unit DU1 and DU2.

Having more than one display unit YOU allows the musician to get an overview of the mood of all estimated strings while providing a detailed view for a single string.

47 47GB 2011 00075 U4 In Figure 21, the display unit DU2 has the same size and resolution as the display unit DU1. Display unit DU2 comprises only one display zone DZ21, while display unit DU1 is divided into n display zones DZ1-n. Consequently, since the resolution of the display zone DZ2 is n times greater than that of the display zones DZ1-n, the level of detail of the tone frequency displayed in the display zone DZ2 may be up to n times greater than the level of detail of the n strings displayed in the display zone. DZ1-n.

The effect of this is that the musician with the polyphonic display mode can create an overview of all six strings, while the musician with the monophonic display mode can obtain a detailed overview of one string, preferably the string to be tuned.

In one embodiment, the display makes it possible to display both a polyphonic display mode and a monophonic display mode at the same time, ie. in different display zones, the physical resolution, technology, and configuration of the different display zones may be different, and each can be designed to optimally display the respective display mode. Alternatively, the different display modes can, of course, in an embodiment with only one display zone, be displayed with similar display resolution, technology and configuration, and they may even be displayed by a single physical display unit, which is merely virtually divided into two display zones.

It should be noted that what is displayed to the user is a representation of the established characteristics, including a representation of one or more tone frequencies from the input signal. How the established characteristics including the representation of one or more tone frequencies are displayed depends on the type of display and they can therefore be represented by one or more pixels, LEDs, one or more segments, one or more colors, sounds, etc. This corresponds to the representation of the predetermined target tone frequency, which can also be represented depending on the type of display and consequently can be represented by one or more pixels, LEDs, one or more segments, one or more colors, sounds, etc.

48 48GB 2011 00075 U4

It should also be mentioned that the features shown, including a representation of a tone frequency, in e.g. the monophonic state MM can be displayed relative to e.g. a target tone frequency, e.g. as a distance from the target tone frequency.

Figure 22 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which the musical instrument tuner MIT is very simple and small and can be referred to as a pocket sized tuner, a clipping tuner and the like. In this embodiment, the musical instrument tuning device MIT comprises only 3 LEDs D which are used to indicate whether an input signal is tuned or not. The input module in this embodiment comprises a microphone M.

For example, the three diodes can in a monophonic state, respectively, indicate low, voiced and high, and in a polyphonic state, they can all light green if all the estimated strings are tuned, and otherwise bright red to indicate that one or more strings are out of mood , possibly such that the number of red diodes indicates how far out of ambient the strings are. Thereby the monophonic and polyphonic characteristics can be displayed with different resolution. Several other ways to set up both monophonic and polyphonic display modes using a small number of diodes, e.g. 1-3 are suitable and within the scope of the present invention, e.g. indicated above with reference to Figure 15-19.

A musical instrument tuning device MIT as illustrated in Figure 22 can facilitate a removable mounting on e.g. a guitar using an attachment module (not shown) which e.g. includes a clamp, a suction cup, etc. The attachment module can e.g. sit on the opposite side of the musical instrument tuner MIT relative to the LEDs or in connection with the edge of the musical instrument tuner MIT.

For embodiments of the small instrument musical instrument MIT, e.g. As small as the size of a plotter, the accuracy, precision, display, calculation speed, number of algorithms, etc. be lower. For example, the lower performance may be related to small data processors or the desire to limit power consumption to extend battery life.

49 49GB 2011 00075 U4

The musical instrument tuning device MIT, illustrated in Figure 22, can facilitate mounting on a musical instrument. The musical instrument tuner can be mounted using a magnet, clamp, vacuum and more. Further, a musical instrument tuning apparatus according to the present invention may be provided for incorporation into existing guitars or other instruments or for guitar manufacturers for incorporation into new guitars and the like.

It should be mentioned that if the musical instrument tuner MIT is attached to the instrument, e.g. As a model for clipping or a model for incorporation, the MIT musical instrument tuner may include a random motion sensor that can be used to detect whether the guitar is in use, thereby determining whether the musical instrument tuner should be put on standby to conserve energy.

In the case where the musical instrument tuning device MIT is so small that it is not physically possible to implement a plug, the input module IM can e.g. be a microphone or a vibration detector, e.g. an accelerometer, for capturing signals from the instrument tuner, either through the air or via the instrument components.

The display D on so small a MIT tuner (or the other embodiments of MIT tuner as described in this document) may be limited to one or more pixels or LEDs, etc. depending on the desired display mode. When used only e.g. one diode, this diode can use different colors, flash etc. to indicate the state of the input signal, whether one or more strings are tuned, etc.

In the situation where the display D comprises only one diode, the musical instrument tuner can interpret an input signal from e.g. a guitar in which all strings are estimated, as a polyphonic input signal and by means of one diode indicate whether the strings are sufficiently tuned. If the strings are not adequately tuned, the musician may need to tune one string at a time and between the moods of the individual strings, recalculate each string to see if the result of the mood is satisfactory.

Similarly, when only one string is estimated, the musical instrument tuning device MIT can interpret the input signal from e.g. a guitar as a monophonic input signal and by means of one diode indicate whether the estimated string is sufficiently tuned.

Figure 23 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which the tuning apparatus MIT is implemented as an independent table use device shown here on a table TA. In this embodiment, the MIT tuner comprises a housing H, a display D and a user interface UI. Typically, these types of musical instrument tuners MIT may include an input module with a plug for connecting an electric or semi-acoustic guitar and also include a microphone for capturing sound from acoustic instruments. In a further embodiment, the input module may comprise a wireless receiver receiving a signal representative of the sound detected by the instrument, e.g. by attaching a clip module comprising a microphone or suitable vibration sensor and a wireless transmitter to the instrument. The wireless transmitter module may alternatively or further comprise a connector for connection in the electrical instrument's signal port.

Figure 24 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which the tuning device MIT is implemented as an independent device shown here as a foot pedal. In this embodiment, the tuning device MIT comprises a housing H, a display D, a bypass switch B and a signal interface I.

Figure 25 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which the tuning device MIT is implemented in a guitar G.

It should be remembered that the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 22-25 may include some or all of the functionalities and features described elsewhere in this document.

DK 2011 00075 U4 51 S lutb labeling

It is obvious that the details of the embodiments, including different combinations of features, different sequences and different configuration parameters, may depart from those described herein without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims (9)

1 L (Mil ') Jid§® & Mitet «lefet il five« I- 10, About msitidfefe «r mfe« dl | fl fca «of e? oiipii% t $ jpes * (^ ΙΐΙΜΙ M -v.be one feeftietegft -will bpm% Mtef 12, 1 l: i | i ¥ W tlpsi ^ #! ysMør «in the fleet; MFS,: according to el Mfei mtk. Mt of fesiy «|.) 3. mm deist il, bvæ (SO; ΜΨ &, FFp, STCM | eriadtelet ti to carpet em Fwfimira'MrfbmmdM, DK 2011 00075 U4 1/11 Power [dB] FIG. 2A DK 2011 00075 U4 2/11 Power [dB] Fig. 2B Frequency [Hz] Fig 2C DK 2011 00075 U4 3/11 Fig.3 DK 2011 00075 U4 4/11 Fig.5 DK 2011 00075 U4 5/11 Fig.6 OO r> O ° ° O ° ° - ° o ° ° · ° • o °° o υ oo OOOOO η nw ρ, ο ·· ο ·· θθοζ θΟΟ ° ΟΟθθο ° 0OOOOOOOo0Q oo oooo oo oo oooo oo oooo FIG. 7 DK 2011 00075 U4 6/11 Fig.9 DK 2011 00075 U4 7/11 (-50 - -20 - £> +5 +20 - MOL2 cy V 'fr TV VA v-TDD2 (A. <l <3 <3 Δ AX ATND2 OADGB Έ ^ Γ ^ -TNL2 Fig. 10 -50 -20 -5 +5 +20 +50 VV ▼ VVVA Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ EADGBE Fig. 11 -50 -20 -5 +5 +20 i +50 V Ψ V / VVVVAAAAAAEADGBE Fig. 12 DK 2011 00075 U4 8/11 -50 -20 -5 +5 +20 +50 V ψψ Ψ ΎΨ AAAA Δ AEADGBE Fig. 13 -50 -20 -5 +5 +20 +50 ψ ψ ψ Ψ V Ψ AAAA Δ AEADGBE FIG. 16 FIG. 15 DK 2011 00075 U4 9/11 {> 0-4 FIG. 17 FIG. 19 DK 2011 00075 U4 10/11 FIG. 21 G 52 DK 2011 00075 U4 1, Niusikiasmmtenisteismwgpprfl fMIT) fe fefafaa pfarar (G i and bass guitar «.. it« m fatter f - ea sigmdklass ^ U? Or ($ TCM> to bettnnmei & e by m sfetalkJaase does not go: rapfagaal ira ea group of Masses, mm ral nte earfalfa - ers die tens arne insidious signal classes increase * m alfe 'Jfee pol ^ ifeske kpta Iklassar, - m sIpmkMlyM »|| A; MPØ, FPD, STCM) li determination of ii & éa li re | a ^ Sifeafea of e® igaeifaseris in Mtekgeafa island - eto radical «* (EM; P) ti viiiiiig of an island tea is far too hot on pgaalktasasra increase fa fefat $ m taptasssfa seed by pi teeitewn # ,, ife ifakaiør ar radfefe il al raaigp? garbage in; åm mtfesi & øra: iåfa IS · »aa alfe several pøøøfeke dkplfallstafee osmfeMsmfe es by gfi afHififa lk m raafesfaekveas, fairy mealmefefefssri cutters for deø Mvtegy feffetfeffeffffffffffff M «tatks.aoe of deviations from piåteaalr ^ aa ^ feer mlfefa ^ kvafa with pipes for the fairy-tale ojåto ^ eltfaøser; if ipdlktem (EM; D) is allowed to show thefefat © ag rsftrefefaffe of ep IMgs «» ttoel dkpkfektaad selected by the two elders of the first diafectfafa in aihasaglghad by dgøalkfaem which is of 25 alktMtMass, 2, MpalfekMhemeIoTeaTheater (ΜΙΪ jfefrequirements in, fairy ^ taafemtysa ^ m (HA; MfHk FFØ, STCM) is fefefe tfa pifeem & tfe ffealklafeikajourfø, (l'fCy) I am Ifaetfe to fappt fa fefat 51 by 2011 00075 U4 S. (MIT) according to rope 1: difar 2, curve in <gn & lter μΙΑι · «in pefefomtoe. gptø ^% gÉÉIi ^ é", eg toe on hashtag colorectomy. 4, Musitogp'tmrtsfarHro ^ pppi (MIT) M & tgg et Ivifat garbage preferably of claims P3; fairies ssgmto & lystotm pA; Μ », m \ STCM) includes aa motakraå toaéetditw IMPP) or er tavfentik toed factor #FPi 5. M ^ dklimpmMt ^ æi ^ tppet (M0j iMge for 4. kw slgM ^ jklaæiMpCT ($ TCM) tf included tf dm mæoføtoke taedfatfefpt (MPPJ or thert ptftfbtake (MPD), according to & s® decrease if taivtp 1-5, quota l »p« tslpitai is tf 7. MasAissNn unientsierømeippaptf (MSI} According to mm spoken htlstaftavtit 1-¾ im * r slpalklpdlliksrs® (iTOM) is fedfeMet to btslppro ^ pp ^ lktam by Mtepe m tlåitMpttftttkllp eikr «tf S ..: kftatoAmaiearsterammpparai | (MIT) tfolp a talk mm preferably of feraveae 1 »7,:« cousin ea feprrtslgtsts) 9, Mytf I «Si roomvum mstanWiS (MiT | According to fatality s®, preferably of tavtit II, tatar ta polvftask dsepkfadstmtd eg ta ai © Bøå> tfsk: displaplstaBd. Ta. Appears at the same time, or at the same time pagem 10. (MIT) according to a talkef as Mat of kmv® | ~ 9 * comprising m toffateifad seletot; (tfSW !, MS; W2) file to talp dlsplatfitstas ^ d and tlMtastetfa its aispfatf sMato which mt $ m Italian rendered by s% MiMeMes, 54 DK 2011 00075 U4