EP2787501B1 - Musical instrument, music system and method for the remote control of a process in the vicinity of a musical instrument - Google Patents

Description

State of the art

The present invention relates to a musical instrument for remotely controlling an operation in the environment of the musical instrument, to an apparatus for remotely controlling an operation using a musical instrument, to a corresponding method, and to a music system.

A musician can control stage effects and music effects via command devices, such as switches. In addition the musician can usually use a body part not used for making music. For example, the musician can operate foot-operated controls with his feet.

The DE 10 2008 064 330 A1 describes an arrangement for real-time control of acoustic effects.

The US 2003/196542 A1 describes a guitar effect control with a digital compass or other sensors and means for converting directional information to signal effect level values. The US 2007/169615 A1 describes an audio effect control using a sensor for sensing motion associated with the generation of an audio signal. The US 2009/100988 A1 describes, in the context of a musical instrument, a method of generating an output signal representing an audio effect added to the sound produced by the musical instrument. The WO 2011/000059 A1 describes a method for obtaining operator selection in a software system from an operator with a musical instrument. The US 2012/210849 A1 describes a method for selecting a combination of pickups in response to a position or movement of a guitar. The DE 10 2011 003976 B3 describes an input interface for generating control signals by acoustic gestures.

Disclosure of the invention

Against this background, the present invention provides a musical instrument for remotely controlling a process around the musical instrument, a music system for remotely controlling an operation using a musical instrument, a method of remotely controlling an operation using a musical instrument, and finally a corresponding computer program product according to the Main claims presented. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the respective subclaims and the following description.

In order to control non-urban stage effects and / or music effects, the musician can perform movement patterns, ie movements and characteristic orientations of the instrument with his musical instrument, which are each associated with an effect. The movement patterns can be detected on the musical instrument in a signal and processed in an evaluation logic for controlling or performing the stage effects and / or the music effects. These movement patterns can be freely selected and each effect can be assigned to a gesture. By recording and evaluating the movement patterns, the musician can operate the effects independently of his position on the stage and thus enjoy increased freedom of movement. The freedom of choice in the movement patterns also allows complex processes to be controlled.

A musical instrument for remotely controlling a process in the environment of the musical instrument is presented, wherein the musical instrument has the features of independent claim 1.

A musical instrument can be understood as a musical instrument that can be moved by a person. For example, the musical instrument may be a plucked instrument such as a guitar, a stringed instrument such as a violin, or a wind instrument such as a flute. In particular, the musical instrument may be an electronically detached instrument adapted to provide electrical music information. In an acoustic musical instrument, the music information may also be provided by a sound transducer on the musical instrument. A process may be a driving of a stage effect. Likewise, the process may be a recording of music information. The process may be playing the music information or a pre-deposited further music information. Furthermore, the process may be an activation and, alternatively or additionally, influencing an effect for changing the musical information of the musical instrument. An event may be a willful act performed on the musical instrument. For example, the musical instrument may be held and / or moved in a predetermined manner to trigger the signal. The musical instrument may be used in a predetermined manner to trigger the signal.

The sensor device may comprise a mobile sensor carrier and a detachable interface to the sensor carrier, wherein the sensor carrier has a multi-axis acceleration sensor and alternatively or additionally a multiaxial rotation rate sensor which is rigidly coupled to the musical instrument via the mechanical interface, and is adapted to a movement of the Musical instrument as an event to capture and map in the signal. A sensor carrier may be a removable device that can be attached to the musical instrument via the interface. The interface can be designed mechanically and additionally electrically. For example, the sensor carrier may be latched to the musical instrument. Likewise, the interface can be designed as a plug connection, via which electrical signals can be transmitted. When the sensor carrier is attached to the musical instrument, the sensor can detect movements of the musical instrument. Through the sensor carrier, the event can also be detected on a musical instrument without integrated electronics.

The sensor device according to the invention comprises a position sensor and a signal generator, wherein the position sensor is adapted to detect a position of the musical instrument in space and to image in the signal and wherein the signal generator is adapted to detect an action of an operator of the musical instrument and in a Acknowledge confirmation signal, wherein the sensor device is adapted to provide the signal when the position and the confirmation signal correspond to predetermined parameters. For example, a position sensor may determine a direction of gravitational acceleration with respect to at least one reference axis of the position sensor and thus with reference to a reference axis of the musical instrument. The position sensor may also have a plurality of reference axes. Via the signal generator, a clear, position-independent action of the operator can be detected, which in combination with the position of the musical instrument can be unambiguously assigned to an operation to be carried out.

The signal generator according to the invention is designed as an audio analysis device, wherein the audio analysis device is designed to analyze a music signal of the musical instrument and to provide the confirmation signal when the music signal fulfills at least one predetermined criterion. An audio analysis device can read in frequencies generated by the musical instrument and examine for predetermined frequency patterns. If there is a match, the acknowledge signal may be provided. The sound analysis device may be connected to an electrical signal of the musical instrument. The sound analysis device may have its own sound transducer, via which a sound of the musical instrument is converted into the electrical signal. By the sound analysis device, the operator can generate a predetermined sound sequence or a predetermined sound or harmony to trigger the confirmation signal.

Further, a music system for remotely controlling a process using a musical instrument according to claim 3 is presented.

A means for receiving may interface with the Be musical instrument. A means for associating may be formed be to analyze the signal. The means for assigning may be configured to compare the event underlying the signal with a stored image of a predetermined and event. For example, the means for assigning may comprise a look-up table in which a plurality of different associations between events and control sequences are stored. A control sequence may include one or more instructions for performing the operation. In the control sequence, a predetermined pause may be stored between two consecutive commands. In the control sequence, a processing instruction may be stored for the event, which converts at least one component of the signal as an input variable into a command parameter for driving the process. A means for driving may be configured to convert the control sequence into electrical signals for driving connected devices. The means for driving can be configured to process the control sequence itself.

The means for driving may be further configured to communicate with a network and, in response to the control sequence, request a music file from the network and provide it as music information for a peripheral of the musical instrument. Alternatively or additionally, the means for driving may be adapted to process a music information of the musical instrument to a music file and deposited in the network. A network can be a data network. For example, the network can be the Internet. Likewise, the network may be a local computer network. The device for activating can be designed to access at least one storage medium of the network via a communication protocol. The means for driving may comprise an analog-to-digital converter. The A / D converter can convert analog music information into digital music files and vice versa. A peripheral may be, for example, an amplifier and speakers.

The sensor device of the musical instrument may include a mobile data device as a sensor carrier, which is attachable to the musical instrument. For example, the data device may be a mobile phone or a digital music player or a tablet computer. In particular, the data device may be a smartphone. The data device can be connected to the musical instrument via a device-specific interface. For example, the musical instrument may have a matching recess for integrating the data device into the musical instrument. The data device may have at least one wireless communication interface via which it is possible to communicate with commercially available peripheral devices and / or networks. On the data device, the functions of the device for remote control via at least one computer program can be executed, which controls the electronic components of the data device. For example, an application can perform a software implementation of the functions of the device. By using the data device, a plug & play solution can be set on the musical instrument. The data device can have a simple operability.

The device may be configured to receive via an interface a musical information of the musical instrument, the device being designed to change as a process the music information using a program code and the event to obtain an altered music information. The device may be configured to provide the altered music information. The data device can have a powerful processor. The data device may include a processor powerful enough to process the music information in real time. The data device can be designed to store the music information and / or the changed music information and to play them with a time delay. By directly changing on the data device, a Variety of changes in the music signal can be influenced directly on the musical instrument.

A method of remotely controlling an operation using a musical instrument according to claim 7 is presented.

The link allows any events on the musical instrument to be linked to any action. This results in an almost unlimited applicability in music making.

A computer program product with program code which can be stored on a machine-readable carrier such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk memory or an optical memory and is used to carry out the method according to one of the embodiments described above if the program product is installed on a computer or a device is also of advantage is performed.

Fig. 1

ein Blockschaltbild eines Musiksystems gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Fig. 2

ein Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens zum Fernsteuern eines Vorgangs unter Verwendung eines Musikinstruments gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Fig. 3

ein Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens zum Erstellen einer Verknüpfung eines Ereignisses an einem Musikinstrument mit einem anzusteuernden Vorgang in einer Umgebung des Musikinstruments gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Fig. 4

eine Darstellung eines Musikinstruments mit einer Sensoreinrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Fig. 5

eine Darstellung eines Musiksystems mit mehreren ansteuerbaren Vorgängen gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Fig. 6

eine Darstellung von verschiedenen Signalgebern für ein Musikinstrument gemäß Ausführungsbeispielen der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Fig. 7

ein Blockschaltbild eines Musiksystems mit kabelgebundener Übertragung oder Funkübertragung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung; und

Fig. 8

ein Blockschaltbild eines Musiksystems mit einem Sensorträger gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a block diagram of a music system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2

a flowchart of a method for remotely controlling an operation using a musical instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3

a flowchart of a method for creating a linkage of an event on a musical instrument with a process to be controlled in an environment of the musical instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4

a representation of a musical instrument with a sensor device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5

an illustration of a music system with multiple controllable operations according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6

an illustration of various signalers for a musical instrument according to embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 7

a block diagram of a music system with wired transmission or radio transmission according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 8

a block diagram of a music system with a sensor carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the following description of favorable embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various figures and similar acting, wherein a repeated description of these elements is omitted.

Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a music system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The music system comprises a musical instrument 102 according to an embodiment of the present invention and a device 104 for remotely controlling an operation 106 using the musical instrument 102. The musical instrument 102 is designed to remotely control a process in the environment of the musical instrument 102. The musical instrument 102 has a sensor device 108 for detecting a user-triggered event 110 on the musical instrument 102. The sensor device 108 is designed to detect the event 110, to map it in a signal 112 and to transmit it to the device 104 for remote control. The device 104 comprises means 114 for receiving, means 116 for addressing, and means 118 for driving. The receiving device 114 is configured to receive the signal 112 representative of the user initiated event 110 on the musical instrument 102. The device 114 for receiving is connected to the sensor device 108 of the musical instrument 102. Means 116 is adapted to associate event 110 with event 106 to be addressed in the environment of musical instrument 102 using a stored link 120 between event 110 and a control sequence 122 for the event. The means 118 for driving is configured to control the process 106 using the control sequence 122.

In one embodiment, sensor device 108 includes a mobile sensor carrier and a detachable interface to the sensor carrier. The sensor carrier has a multiaxial acceleration sensor and, alternatively or additionally, a multiaxial rotation rate sensor. The acceleration sensor and, alternatively or additionally, the rotation rate sensor can be coupled rigidly to the musical instrument 102 via the mechanical interface. The acceleration sensor and, alternatively or additionally, the rotation rate sensor is designed to detect a movement of the musical instrument 102 as an event 110 and to map it in the signal 112.

In one embodiment, the sensor device 108 has a position sensor and a signal generator. The position sensor is designed to detect a position of the musical instrument 102 in space and to image it in the signal 112. The signal generator is designed to detect an action of an operator of the musical instrument 102 and to map it in an acknowledgment signal. The sensor device 108 is configured to provide the signal 112 when the position and the confirmation signal correspond to predetermined parameters.

In one embodiment, the signal generator is configured as an audio analysis device, wherein the audio analysis device is designed to analyze a music signal of the musical instrument 102 and to provide the confirmation signal if the music signal fulfills at least one predetermined criterion.

In one exemplary embodiment, the device 104 is embodied as a mobile data device that can be attached to the musical instrument 102, wherein the data device further comprises a component of the sensor device 108 in order to provide the signal 112.

In one embodiment, the device 104 has an interface for receiving musical information of the musical instrument 102. The device 104 is configured to change the music information as a process 106 using a program code and the event 110 in order to obtain changed music information. The device 104 is configured to provide the altered music information.

In one embodiment, the means 118 for driving is further adapted to communicate with a network, not shown, and to request a music file from the network in response to the stored control sequence and to provide music information for a periphery of the musical instrument 102. Alternatively or additionally, the means 118 for driving is adapted to process a music information of the musical instrument 102 to a music file and deposited in the network.

Fig. 2 FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of a process 200 for remotely controlling an operation using a musical instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method 200 includes a step 202 of receiving, a step 204 of assigning, and a step 206 of driving. The method can be used on a device for remote control, as in Fig. 1 is shown executed. In step 202 of receiving, a signal representing a detectable event on the musical instrument is received. In step 204 of the assignment, the event is assigned to an activity to be controlled. The process takes place in the environment of the musical instrument. The event is assigned to the process using a stored link between the event and a control sequence for the operation. In step 206 of the drive, the process is driven using the control sequence.

In one embodiment, in step 202 of receiving, a position signal from at least one position sensor coupled to the musical instrument is read in to detect a position of the musical instrument in space as a detectable event.

In one embodiment, in step 202 of receiving, a confirmation signal is read in from a signal generator disposed on the musical instrument to detect the event. The signal generator can be designed as a proportional encoder to represent a physical quantity that is impressed by the operator proportionally in the confirmation signal.

In one embodiment, in step 202 of receiving, a motion signal from at least one motion sensor coupled to the musical instrument is read to detect movement of the musical instrument as a detectable event.

Fig. 3 FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of a method 300 for establishing a linkage of an event on a musical instrument with a process to be controlled in an environment of the musical instrument according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The method 300 includes a step 302 of detecting, a step 304 of reading, a step 306 of making and a step 308 of storing. In step 302 of the capture, a control sequence for the process is detected. In step 304 of the read-in, at least one signal of a sensor device coupled to the musical instrument is read in to detect the event in the sensor signal. The signal is read in when the event is performed on the musical instrument. In step 306 of manufacturing, the linkage of the event to the process is made using the signal and the control sequence to obtain the link. In step 308 of the deposit, the link is stored in a memory.

Fig. 4 shows a representation of a musical instrument 102 with a sensor device 108 (sensor) for controlling effects by gesture recognition in musical instruments 102 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The musical instrument 102 is an electric guitar 400 in this exemplary embodiment. The sensor device 108 is embodied as an electrical circuit 402 and integrated in a body of the electric guitar 102. A multiaxial acceleration sensor 404 and / or a multiaxial rotation rate sensor 406 are integrated into the electrical circuit 402. The acceleration sensor 404 is configured to detect an acceleration force 408 that acts on the musical instrument 102 and to map it in an electrical acceleration signal. The acceleration sensor 404 is configured to resolve acceleration forces 408 in different spatial directions. The acceleration signal may include, for example, a first component, a second component, and a third component, the first component representing a first portion of the acceleration force 408 in a first spatial direction, the second component Component represents a second portion of the acceleration force 408 in a second spatial direction and the third component represents a third portion of the acceleration force 408 in a third spatial direction. The rotation rate sensor 406 is configured to detect a rotation 410 of the musical instrument 102 and to map it in an electrical rotation rate signal. The rotation rate sensor 406 is designed to resolve rotations 410 in different spatial directions. For example, the yaw rate signal may include a first component, a second component, and a third component, wherein the first component represents a first portion of rotation 410 about the first spatial direction, the second component represents a second portion of rotation 410 about the second spatial direction, and the third component Component represents a third portion of the rotation 410 around the third spatial direction. The freedom of as many axes in space as possible allows many movement patterns on the guitar 400 and artistic freedom.

In one embodiment, the approach presented here is shown concretely using the example of an electric guitar (electric guitar) 400. Electric Guitars 400 are available in various designs. All have in common that the vibration of a page by a pickup (magnet) is converted into an electrical signal.

This signal can be processed. When working up, the signal is subjected to sonic changes produced by different effects. The best known is the "distortion". The signal is made audible by means of an amplifier via loudspeaker. Electronic systems that change the signal (reverb, echo, distortion, octave, distortion, etc.) can be discrete and then turned on or off with a footswitch. In the case of increasing and decreasing sound effects, the sound effect can be controlled with the deflection of the foot position. The best known is the "Wah Wah".

The different effects are switched on or off during a piece of music by the artist, here the guitarist with the foot on or off. In the case of discrete effect units, this is necessary both for cable and radio transmission of the sound signals. For this the artist goes in the position of the footswitch and thus can not move freely during the performance. In today's concerts of the genre Pop, Rock, or Schlager, the musical performance of the pieces is no longer sufficient. An overall show is expected by the audience. Since in the case of the guitar the feet are not needed to play the instrument, it is quite possible to switch effects with a footswitch as before.

However, since the guitar 102 is correspondingly rhythmically moved while playing, or the artist's perception or the expression of the music is used underlining, according to the approach presented here, it can be freer and also more free in appearance between differently applied motion sensors / sensors 108 Sound effects are switched or light effects are controlled or so-called "tape machines" (nowadays digitally stored on soundtracks rhythms or melodies, sometimes as endless loops) are started, or generally further independent functions are controlled or operated.

In one embodiment, the effects of the electric guitar 400 in the approach presented here are no longer switched on or off with a footswitch. By detecting the position of the guitar 400 in the room and an additional trigger signal and / or by a corresponding movement pattern from an acceleration 408 and / or a rotation 410 of the guitar 400 in space, a signal is controlled and changed. The acceleration 408 or the rate of rotation 410 of the guitar 400 is detected by means of corresponding MEMS sensors 404, 406.

In order to detect corresponding movement patterns 408, 410, small-sized sensors 404, 406 are suitable. The sensors can be configured as multiaxial acceleration sensors 404 and / or yaw rate sensors 406. The signals can be transmitted both via connection cable or optically but also by radio. This can be realized for example by means of Bluetooth or other transmission systems.

In Fig. 4 is the approach presented here using the example of an electric guitar 400 described. Other instruments like an electric bass, etc. are just as easy implemented. In the body of the electric guitar 400, the multi-axis acceleration sensors 404 and yaw rate sensors 406 and the necessary electronics 402, or additional switching elements and control elements are housed. In one embodiment, a handle identifier is integrated into the electronics 402. In one embodiment, at least one button / switch is integrated in the body. In one embodiment, a pressure sensor is integrated on the guitar body on the back. The control can also be designed as a lever, similar in execution to a tremolo lever. In one embodiment, a primary signal conditioning and power supply, such as a 9V battery, is integrated with the electronics 402.

Fig. 5 FIG. 12 shows an illustration of a music system 100 with multiple controllable operations 106 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The music system 100 corresponds to the music system in Fig. 1 , In this embodiment, the musical instrument 102 is as in FIG Fig. 4 an electric guitar 400. The electric guitar 400 is connected to the device 104 via a radio transmission system 500. The radio transmission system 500 is designed as a two-way system in this embodiment. The radio communication system 500 transmits a music signal of the electric guitar 400 to the device 104. The music signal is looped through the device and delivered as needed to the various units 502 for performing the operations 106. In this embodiment, three units 502 are connected to the device 104. The first unit 502 is designed to control a number of lighting effects and is therefore connected to a light control 504. The second unit 502 is configured to perform a number of sound effects on the music signal of the electric guitar 400 and to provide an altered music signal. The second unit 502 is connected to an input of an amplifier 506 of the electric guitar 400. The amplifier 506 is connected to at least one speaker 508 for reproducing the sounds of the electric guitar 400. The third unit 502 is configured to perform further effects. Similarly, the third unit 502 is adapted to store the music signal, for example, on tape or a semiconductor memory and play back again.

When the musician with the electric guitar 400 makes a gesture 510, the gesture 510 is detected by the sensor unit of the electric guitar 400 and transmitted as a signal via the signal transmission 500 to the device 104. In the device 104, the gesture 510 is recognized and compared with stored gesture patterns. If a match is detected within a tolerance range, action 106 associated with the recognized gesture pattern is triggered.

For example, music sequences with a gesture of the guitar 400 can be recorded and played with a different gesture.

In one embodiment, the overall system 100 has a "learning function" of the corresponding gestures or movement patterns to avoid false triggering. Thus, a corresponding gesture is assigned to a switching function. The corresponding units can be installed in the guitar body.

In one embodiment, the music system 100 is ANDed with a controller. In order to preclude false triggering when switching over effects, etc., a pushbutton or switch or a pickup for detecting certain finger images on the guitar 400 can be read in as a control element in accordance with the tripping characteristic. This control element can also be embodied as a pressure sensor in the guitar body at the rear and in turn independently trigger an effect depending on the pressure, respond to an effect device or trigger another event remotely. The pressure sensor or the sensor plate can be harmoniously integrated into the artistic embodiment by pressing the instrument 102 against the body of the operator.

The controllable effects according to the approach presented here need not be exclusively on and off operations. It is also possible to control swelling and decaying effects such as the "Wah Wah" effect. Likewise, lighting effects can be controlled. Deposited soundtracks can be faded in and out. The artist can thus trigger the corresponding effects at any location on the stage and is thus not on a specific location for switching effects reliant. The freedom and inclusion of the physical expression, for example, on the electric guitar with the release of sound or light effects, a "more" of total artistic freedom is possible.

According to the provided degrees of freedom of the sensors and in combination with other logic elements, motion patterns can be processed, different events detected by the electronics and wired directly or via any wireless connection of a transmitter 500 to the sound signals or separately from the sound signals to a receiver 500 are transmitted. The decoding of the signal information can be done after the receiver 500 in a downstream logic unit 104. This assigns the corresponding information to particular channels 106, which in turn are processed in the corresponding control units 502 for light 504, sound 506 and other effects. There, the artist's desire for a changed sound, light effect or the start of a soundtrack, pyrotechnics or the like is implemented.

Fig. 6 FIG. 12 shows a representation of various signal generators 600 for a musical instrument according to embodiments of the present invention. The first signal transmitter 600 is designed as a switch. The switch has a stable first switching position and at least a second stable switching position. The first signal generator 600 can also be designed as a push button with a stable switching position and an unstable switching position. The second signal generator 600 is designed as a lever. The lever may be configured to convert a pressure force and / or a tensile force of the musician into a signal that is proportional to the force. The confirmation signal may be provided if the force is greater than a threshold. The third signal generator 600 is designed as a music signal analysis device. The current sound or tones of the musical instrument are evaluated. If the tone or tones correspond to a stored tone pattern, the confirmation signal is provided.

Fig. 7 FIG. 12 shows a block diagram of a music system 100 with wired transmission and / or radio transmission according to an embodiment of the present invention. The music system 100 has as in Fig. 1 a musical instrument 102 and a device 104 for remotely controlling an operation in the environment of the musical instrument 102. The musical instrument 102 for remotely controlling the process has a pickup 700 for generating analog music information 702. The musical instrument 102 has, as in Fig. 1 a sensor device 108 for generating a signal 112. Signal 112 is provided digitally in this embodiment. The musical instrument 102 further includes a preamplifier 704. The pre-amplifier 704 (Pre Amp) is configured to merge the analog music information 702 and the digital signal 112 into a mixed signal 706 and to transmit them via a common connection line 708 to the device 104. The sensor device 108 has an acceleration sensor 404 and a yaw rate sensor 406 and an electrical circuit 402. The acceleration sensor 404 provides an acceleration signal 710 to the electrical circuit 402. The yaw rate sensor 406 provides a yaw rate signal 712 to the electrical circuit 402. The electrical circuit 402 is configured to combine the acceleration signal 710 and the rotation rate signal 712 to the signal 112. In the device 104, the mixed signal 706 is again separated into the digital signal 112 and the analog music information 702. Via the signal 112, at least one effect 714 for changing the music information 702 is activated. The effect 714 provides altered music information 716 for an amplifier 718 (amp) when the effect 714 is activated. If the effect 714 is inactive, the effect 714 provides the unaltered music information 702 to the amplifier 718. The amplifier 718 drives at least one speaker 720, where the analog music information 702 and the changed music information 716, respectively, are converted to sound.

In one embodiment, the connection line 708 is replaced by a wireless connection 500. Via the wireless connection 500, the composite signal 706 is transmitted to the device 104. The device 104, the effect 714 and the amplifier 718 are arranged in this embodiment in a common unit, which is connected directly to the speaker 720.

In one embodiment, the music system 100 includes both the wired connection line 708 and the wireless connection 500. In this embodiment, the connection line 708 is connected to a Wired first effect 714 connected. The wireless connection 500 is connected to an in-device integrated effect 714.

The musical instrument 102 may be permanently equipped with MEMS technology generated sensors 404, 406. The sensors 404, 406 may be mechanically integrated into the musical instrument 102. The sensors 404, 406 can detect the position in space and / or the acceleration of the instrument 102 in order to expand the information density. The musical instrument 102 may be a stringed instrument. The sensors 404, 406 may be multiaxial acceleration and yaw rate sensors 404, 406. A sensor can be a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor can serve as a switch for verifying a control request of the operator. The pressure sensor can be used to control an effect for itself depending on the pressure. The pressure sensor can also be used as a verification device for the confirmation of the control request. Information from motion patterns can trigger effects on secondary devices that affect all existing sensory impressions. The effects can trigger further effects due to movement patterns of the musical instrument. The effects can be lighting, acoustic or pyrotechnic applications. The effects can start more complex applications. The complex applications may be, for example, movements of revolving stages, lifting platforms or motors.

Fig. 8 FIG. 12 shows a block diagram of a music system 100 having a sensor carrier 800 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The music system 100 consists of a musical instrument 102 and a device 104 for remotely controlling a process in the environment of the musical instrument 102. The sensor unit of the musical instrument 102 has an interface 802. The interface 802 is designed to mechanically secure the sensor carrier 800 to the musical instrument 102. The interface 802 is designed to be detachable. The sensor carrier has an acceleration sensor 404 and a yaw rate sensor 406 and an electrical circuit 402. The acceleration sensor 404 provides an acceleration signal 710 to the electrical circuit 402. The yaw rate sensor 406 provides a yaw rate signal 712 to the electrical circuit 402. The electrical circuit 402 is configured to receive the acceleration signal 710 and the Yaw signal 712 to the signal 112 summarized. The signal 112 is transmitted to the device 104 via a wireless connection 500. The wireless connection 500 may be established, for example, via a communication protocol such as Bluetooth. The device 104 is connected to a conventional effect device 714. The effects device 714 is connected via a cable 708 to a preamplifier 704 and above to at least one pickup 700 of the musical instrument. Through the cable 708, the effects device 714 receives music information 702 from the musical instrument 102. The effects device 714 may be connected to a switch 714 for driving the effect 714. Through the switch 804, the effect 714 can be controlled independently of a movement pattern on the musical instrument 102 by hand and / or foot. As in Fig. 7 the effect device 714 is connected to an amplifier 718 and at least one speaker 720.

In one embodiment, the interface 802 is configured to transmit the music information 702 to the sensor carrier 800 via an interface. The sensor carrier has a processor 806. The processor 806 is connected to the electrical circuit 402. The processor 806 is configured to process the music information 702 in response to detection of a characteristic motion sequence via the acceleration sensor 404 and / or the rotation rate sensor 406.

In one embodiment, the processor 806 is configured to change the music information 702 and provide altered music information in response to the recognition.

In one embodiment, the processor 806 is configured to store the music information 702 in response to the recognition of the characteristic motion sequence and to play in response to the detection of another characteristic motion sequence.

In one embodiment, processor 806 is connected to a non-illustrated network via another wireless connection 808. For example, the processor 806 is connected to the Internet.

In one embodiment, the music information 702 is transmitted over a radio link to the processor 806. For example, the music information may be transmitted via a communication protocol such as Bluetooth.

In one embodiment, the sensor carrier 800 is designed as a mobile data device 800. For example, the data device 800 may be a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a portable digital music player. At least one application 810 is installed on the data device 800, which activates the processor 806 in order to control the music information 702 according to the approach presented here via movement patterns. The application 810 may also trigger stage effects, such as light effects, fog effects, and / or a background noise independently of the music information 702, in response to detected movement patterns.

Since the corresponding acceleration and rotation rate sensors 404, 406 are already integrated in today's mobile telephones 800, a smartphone 800, a tablet computer 800 or a portable digital music player 800 can temporarily be adapted to the electric guitar 102 by means of a recording 802 in the case of a correspondingly designed interface 802 be applied. Via a defined interface 802, the data device 800 is connected via Bluetooth or a plug connection with a corresponding cable to the guitar 102 or the transmitter of the sound information 702. The data device 800 thus assumes the function of movement pattern recognition. The Smartphone 800 can be mounted both on the front and on the back of the carcass or on the bridge. Depending on the mounting location can be accessed by means of an input surface of the device 800 and its functionality and used accordingly. The interface 802 may also be bidirectional and signals and / or information may be transferred in both directions. A corresponding "app" 810 provides the smartphone 800 with the necessary information. Accordingly, no major changes to a conventional guitar are required. This also older guitars can use the possibilities of movement pattern recognition. In one embodiment, the audio signals are transmitted directly to the amplifier 718 via wireless transmission.

In one embodiment, the interface 808 is bi-directional. As a result, experiences, pictures, video etc. can be shared with friends via virtual worlds or social networks. Via the bidirectional interface 808, sound sequences, guitar riffs, or entire pieces of music can be recorded directly live and uploaded via smartphone 800 to the Internet to share them with friends. Analogous to a "netmeeting" different musicians can come together in different places to play together over the net.

The term smartphone is used by way of example for mobile data devices 800 of different variants. The interface 802 is an interface of the electronic device 800, which has indicators 404, 406 for detecting the position and the positional change in space. The position and the change in position are used for influencing the sensory perception of living beings by transferring the signals of the indicators 404, 406 for further processing. The interface 802 may be designed such that it is a wireless interface, a radio interface or an optical fiber interface for optical or electrical connection, which transmits the information 112 generated by the indicators 404, 406. The interface 802 may be bidirectional. The electronic device 800 may be used in the original sense for another application. The electronic device 800 may be temporarily or permanently connected to the interface with a musical instrument. The electronic device 800 may become part of a new larger system through the connection. The indicators 404, 406 may be fabricated by a MEMS process and may temporarily become part of a sound producing system 102. The indicators 404, 406 may be acceleration and / or rotation rate sensors 404, 406 or pressure sensors. The indicators 404, 406 can detect several or all degrees of freedom in space depending on or independent of movements. The signals 112 may be further processed for the purpose of influencing sensory impressions. The signals 112 may be further processed by devices 104 or devices 104 for the purpose of indirectly influencing sensory impressions. The signals 112 may be further processed for the purpose of influencing secondary effects. The signals 112 can be used to further process devices 104 or devices 104, which can trigger subsequent reactions with one another. The Electronic device 800 may be a smartphone 800 or a similar device corresponding to the function. The electronic device 800 can exchange unidirectional or bidirectional information with the string instrument 102 via the interface 802. The string instrument 102 may be an electric guitar or an electric bass, violin, etc.

The embodiments described and shown in the figures are chosen only by way of example.

Furthermore, method steps according to the invention can be repeated as well as carried out in a sequence other than that described.

If an exemplary embodiment comprises a "and / or" link between a first feature and a second feature, then this is to be read so that the embodiment according to one embodiment, both the first feature and the second feature and according to another embodiment either only first feature or only the second feature.

Claims (8)

1. Musical instrument (102) for remotely controlling a process (106) in the environment of a musical instrument (102), wherein the musical instrument (102) has the following features:

   a sensor device (108) for sensing an event (110), initiated by a user, on the musical instrument (102), wherein the sensor device (108) is designed to sense the event (110), to map it in a signal (112) and to provide it for an interface; and

   the interface for transmitting the signal (112) to an apparatus (104) for remotely controlling the process (106),

   characterized in that

   the sensor device (108) has a position sensor and a signal transmitter (600), wherein the position sensor is designed to sense a position of the musical instrument (102) in the room and to map it in the signal (112), and the signal transmitter (600) is designed to sense an action by a user of the musical instrument (102) and to map it in a confirmation signal, wherein the sensor device (108) is designed to provide the signal (112) if the position and the confirmation signal meet predetermined parameters, wherein the signal transmitter (600) is in the form of a sound analysis device (600), wherein the sound analysis device (600) is designed to analyze a piece of musical information (702) from the musical instrument (102) and to provide the confirmation signal if the piece of musical information (702) satisfies at least one predetermined criterion.
2. Musical instrument (102) according to Claim 1, in which the sensor device (108) has a mobile sensor carrier (800) and a detachable interface (802) to the sensor carrier (800), wherein the sensor carrier (800) has a multiaxis acceleration sensor (404) and/or a multiaxis rotation rate sensor (406) that is rigidly couplable to the musical instrument (102) via the detachable interface (802), and is designed to sense the movement of the musical instrument (102) as an event (110) and to map it in the signal (112).
3. Music system (100) for remotely controlling a process (106) using a musical instrument (102), wherein the music system (100) has the following features:

   the musical instrument (102) for remote control according to either of Claims 1 and 2; and

   an apparatus (104) for remotely controlling the process (106) using the musical instrument (102), wherein the apparatus (104) has the following features:

   a device (114) for receiving the signal (112) that represents an event (110), initiated by a user, on the musical instrument (102), wherein the device (114) for reception is designed to receive the signal (112) from the interface of the musical instrument (102);

   a device (116) for associating the event (110) with the process (106) in the environment of the musical instrument (102) using a stored link (120) between the event (110) and a control sequence (122) for the process (106); and

   a device (118) for controlling the process (106) using the control sequence (122).
4. Music system (100) according to Claim 3, in which the apparatus (104) is in the form of a mobile data unit (800) that is mountable on the musical instrument (102).
5. Music system (100) according to either of Claims 3 and 4, in which the apparatus (104) has an interface (802) for receiving a piece of musical information (702) from the musical instrument (102), wherein the apparatus (104) is designed to alter the piece of musical information (702), as a process (106), using a program code and the event (110), in order to obtain an altered piece of musical information (716), and is designed to provide the altered piece of musical information (716).
6. Music system (100) according to one of Claims 3 to 5, in which the device (118) for control is further designed to communicate with a network and to respond to the control sequence by requesting a music file from the network and providing it as musical information for a peripheral area of the musical instrument (102) and/or processing the piece of musical information (702) from the musical instrument (102) to form a music file and storing it in the network.
7. Method for remotely controlling a process (106) in the environment of a musical instrument (102), wherein the method comprises the following steps:

   an event (110), initiated by a user, on the musical instrument (102) is sensed, the event (110) is mapped in a signal (112) and the signal (112) is provided for an interface; and

   the signal (112) is transmitted to an apparatus (104) for remotely controlling the process (106),

   characterized in that

   the step of sensing entails a position of the musical instrument (102) in the room being sensed and being mapped in the signal (112), and an action by a user of the musical instrument (102) being sensed and being mapped in a confirmation signal, wherein the signal (112) is provided if the position and the confirmation signal meet predetermined parameters, a piece of musical information (702) from the musical instrument (102) being analyzed and the confirmation signal being provided if the piece of musical information (702) satisfies at least one predetermined criterion.
8. Computer program product having a program code for performing the method according to Claim 7 when the program product is executed on an apparatus.

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