CA2227286C - Cpu controlled metronome - Google Patents
Cpu controlled metronome Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2227286C CA2227286C CA 2227286 CA2227286A CA2227286C CA 2227286 C CA2227286 C CA 2227286C CA 2227286 CA2227286 CA 2227286 CA 2227286 A CA2227286 A CA 2227286A CA 2227286 C CA2227286 C CA 2227286C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- beat
- metronome
- accented
- data
- controller
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04F—TIME-INTERVAL MEASURING
- G04F5/00—Apparatus for producing preselected time intervals for use as timing standards
- G04F5/02—Metronomes
- G04F5/025—Electronic metronomes
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electrophonic Musical Instruments (AREA)
- Digital Computer Display Output (AREA)
Abstract
A metronome utilizing a micro-controller for the entry, production and storage of beat frequency, beat pattern and accented beat data with audio and visual beat presentation means, an integral power supply and a readily programmable user interface which allows for the efficient entry of beat related data.
Description
CPU CONTROLLED METRONOME
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to metronomes and in particular to metronomes using a micro-controller which can be programmed with a wide variety of beat frequencies, beat patterns and accented beat data.
A metronome is a an instrument which marks time at a selected rate. The rate is usually based on a musical composition which a user musician is attempting to learn. The musician attempts to synchronize their playing with the beat generated by the metronome. The ability to vary the rate at which the beat is produced (i.e. the tempo) is a desirable metronome feature. As well, the ability to generate particular beat patterns in which key beats are accented (i.e. the rhythm) is also desirable so that musical compositions incorporating unusual rhythms can be repeated f'Dr training purposes.
Electronic metronomes which can provide some or all of the above functionality are known in the art. For example, US Patent 4,193,257 details a programmable metronome which allows variable beat frequencies to be programmed. This device incorporates the following components: a variable rate time pulse generator; a visual transducer and an audio transducer which co-operates with a tone generator, for presenting accented beat patterns; front panel selector switches for setting and varying the beat frequency desired. US Patent 3,534,649 discloses a device which also allows, the beat frequency to be programmed, but in addition allows se=Lected beats to be accented. An oscillator in combination with a variable resistor and amplifier provides a means for generating and varying beat frequencies. The signals which are outputted are applied to flip-flop circuits associated with selec1.or switches, which allow for the generation of high and low frequency tones which reflect the desired beat pattern.
The accented and normal beats are audibly and visually presented to the user through a speaker and neon bulb respectively.
Finally, U!3 Patents 3,554,073 and 3,406,604 disclose metronomes which allow a variety of rhythms and/or tempos to be programmed.
However, none of the devices cited are microprocessor controlled, so that a variety of accented beat patterns and associated frequencies cannot be stored for later retrieval and play.
US Patent 46,733,593 is an example of a micro-processor controlled metronome which overcomes the storage deficiency. The beat frequency, beat pattern and accented beat data can be entered and stored inte a programmable memory, along with any changes which may be required if the particular musical composition being programmed calls for it. After the individual beat sequences have been programmed into memory, one or several of them in sequence can then be played back by the user on demand. Data is inserted using a keyboard mounted on the face of the device, and the accented beat pattern generated is acoustically presented through a speaker which is also mounted on the face of the device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to metronomes and in particular to metronomes using a micro-controller which can be programmed with a wide variety of beat frequencies, beat patterns and accented beat data.
A metronome is a an instrument which marks time at a selected rate. The rate is usually based on a musical composition which a user musician is attempting to learn. The musician attempts to synchronize their playing with the beat generated by the metronome. The ability to vary the rate at which the beat is produced (i.e. the tempo) is a desirable metronome feature. As well, the ability to generate particular beat patterns in which key beats are accented (i.e. the rhythm) is also desirable so that musical compositions incorporating unusual rhythms can be repeated f'Dr training purposes.
Electronic metronomes which can provide some or all of the above functionality are known in the art. For example, US Patent 4,193,257 details a programmable metronome which allows variable beat frequencies to be programmed. This device incorporates the following components: a variable rate time pulse generator; a visual transducer and an audio transducer which co-operates with a tone generator, for presenting accented beat patterns; front panel selector switches for setting and varying the beat frequency desired. US Patent 3,534,649 discloses a device which also allows, the beat frequency to be programmed, but in addition allows se=Lected beats to be accented. An oscillator in combination with a variable resistor and amplifier provides a means for generating and varying beat frequencies. The signals which are outputted are applied to flip-flop circuits associated with selec1.or switches, which allow for the generation of high and low frequency tones which reflect the desired beat pattern.
The accented and normal beats are audibly and visually presented to the user through a speaker and neon bulb respectively.
Finally, U!3 Patents 3,554,073 and 3,406,604 disclose metronomes which allow a variety of rhythms and/or tempos to be programmed.
However, none of the devices cited are microprocessor controlled, so that a variety of accented beat patterns and associated frequencies cannot be stored for later retrieval and play.
US Patent 46,733,593 is an example of a micro-processor controlled metronome which overcomes the storage deficiency. The beat frequency, beat pattern and accented beat data can be entered and stored inte a programmable memory, along with any changes which may be required if the particular musical composition being programmed calls for it. After the individual beat sequences have been programmed into memory, one or several of them in sequence can then be played back by the user on demand. Data is inserted using a keyboard mounted on the face of the device, and the accented beat pattern generated is acoustically presented through a speaker which is also mounted on the face of the device.
2 Although all of the devices described above operate effectively, no device described in the prior art uses a micro-controller for the prograniming and processing of beat data. As well, the prior art does r..ot disclose any device which combines all of the features which have been outlined i.e. a computer controlled metronome i=or the entry, production and storage of beat data, which can be readily programmed and which has both visual and acoustic presentation of normal and accented beats. Further, no device reviewed contains a portable power source allowing stand alone operation or a data input interface which requirers minimal user skill to operate.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present: invention seeks to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art. The primary object of the invention is therefore to provide a metronome utilizing a micro-controller which can be readily and easily adjusted to accommodate any desired beat frequency, beat pattern and accented beats. It is a further object of this invention is to provide a metronome which provides both visua]. and audio output of the desired beat frequency, beat pattern and accented beats. It is yet another object of this invention to provide a portable and lightweight metronome which is battery operated.
In accordance with the objectives outlined above, the invention provides a metronome using a micro-controller comprising:
data entry means for selecting and entering beat frequency, beat pattern anci accented beat data;
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present: invention seeks to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art. The primary object of the invention is therefore to provide a metronome utilizing a micro-controller which can be readily and easily adjusted to accommodate any desired beat frequency, beat pattern and accented beats. It is a further object of this invention is to provide a metronome which provides both visua]. and audio output of the desired beat frequency, beat pattern and accented beats. It is yet another object of this invention to provide a portable and lightweight metronome which is battery operated.
In accordance with the objectives outlined above, the invention provides a metronome using a micro-controller comprising:
data entry means for selecting and entering beat frequency, beat pattern anci accented beat data;
3 processing means electronically coupled to said data entry means, for recording, producing and storing said beat frequency, beat pattern and accented beat data; output means for visually and audibly displaying said beat frequency, beat pattern and accented beat data; an internally mounted power source; said processing means comprising a clock oscillator, non-volatile memory and a micro-controller, said micro-controller containing random access memory (RAM),Read Only Memory (ROM) containing metronome specific programming code, and timing circuits for the recording and production of beat frequency, beat pattern and accented beat data.
Preferably, the processing means comprises a clock oscillator (e.g. a crystal, ceramic resonator or the like), non-volatile memory (e.g. electrically erasable programmable read only memory or the like) for the storage of said beat frequency, beat pattern and accented beat data, and a micro-controller, the micro-controller containing random access memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM) containing metronome specific programming code and timing circuits for the recording and production of beat frequency, beat pattern and accented beat data.
More preferably, the data entry means comprises a rotary encoder with momentary push button switch, a manually actuable push button control pad, a display multiplexer and display means comprising alpha numeric display selected from the group consisting of liquid crystal display (L.C.D.), light emitting diodes (L.E.D.), vacuum florescents and plasma displays.
Conveniently, the output means comprises: an audio driver which receives input from the processing means and provides output to an audio transducer integrally connected to a volume controller (e.g.
a potentiometer), the audio transducer generating high and
Preferably, the processing means comprises a clock oscillator (e.g. a crystal, ceramic resonator or the like), non-volatile memory (e.g. electrically erasable programmable read only memory or the like) for the storage of said beat frequency, beat pattern and accented beat data, and a micro-controller, the micro-controller containing random access memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM) containing metronome specific programming code and timing circuits for the recording and production of beat frequency, beat pattern and accented beat data.
More preferably, the data entry means comprises a rotary encoder with momentary push button switch, a manually actuable push button control pad, a display multiplexer and display means comprising alpha numeric display selected from the group consisting of liquid crystal display (L.C.D.), light emitting diodes (L.E.D.), vacuum florescents and plasma displays.
Conveniently, the output means comprises: an audio driver which receives input from the processing means and provides output to an audio transducer integrally connected to a volume controller (e.g.
a potentiometer), the audio transducer generating high and
4 low frequency tones denoting accented and normal beats respectively; and a light driver, receiving input from the processing means and providing output to either an accent beat light or a normal beat light, wherein the lights are either light emitting diodes or filament bulbs.
More conver.Liently, the internally mounted power source comprises 4 AA cells. Optional adaptor means can be included in the output means to feed signals describing accented and normal beats to external, utility or non-utility powered lights.
The present: invention provides the following advantages over the prior art: the use of a micro-controller reduces the size and manufacture time of the invention; the data entry means is easily operated by a non-technical user, allowing fast and efficient entry of beat frequency, beat pattern, or accented beat data; the combined v=_sual and audio display means provides the user with a choice for following the beat frequency, beat pattern and accented b=ats; and the direct current power source allows for maximum portability as the invention need not be used in associatioii with an alternating current power source. In short, the preserLt invention advances the prior art by combining, streamlinirig and improving existing features into a simpler, more user friencily device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other purposes and advantage of the invention will become apparent as it is now described in detail with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram of the preferred embodiment is disclosed. The preferred embodiment generally fits in a casing six inches long, four inches wide and two inches deep and consists of four functionally related parts: power supply 13, processing means 14, input means 15 and output means 16, each of which will be described. The power supply 13 preferably consists of 4 AA cells housed in the casing. The processing means comprises a micro-controller (labelled as CPU) 8, which cooperates with a clock oscillator and non-volatile memory 9.
The input means includes a two bit rotary encoder 1, a programming pad 4, a display multiplexor 3 and three, seven segment red light emitting diode (L.E.D.) displays 2. The output means 16 comprises an LED driver 6, an audio driver 5, a volume controller 12, and an audio transducer 7. The programming pad has four manually actuable push button control switches:
run/stop; mode; store/erase; and accent. It is important to note that the accent encoder need not be placed on the programming pad. It could also be integrated into the rotary encoder shaft so that by pushing the shaft, accenting can be selected or de-selected.
The operation of the preferred embodiment is best defined by way of example. Assume that a Bulerias rhythm is to be programmed.
The user turns the unit on using the run/stop push button contained in the programming pad 4. The unit defaults to beat patten input mode. In the case of the Bulerias rhythm, the user would turn the rotary encoder 1 until a 12 appeared on the L.E.D.
display 2. i:7sing the mode switch contained in programming pad 4, t:he user would then select the accented beat option. Using the rotary encoder 1, each beat in the previously programmed beat pattern woul_d be called up and displayed on the L.E.D. display 4.
F'or each beat, accenting is either selected or de-selected by pushing the accent button on the programming pad 4 (or alternatively, by pushing in on the rotary encoder 1). When the accent button is pushed, the green L.E.D. (accented) 10 or red L.E.D. (unaccented) 11 integral to the output means 16 will light to indicate which selection has been made. In the case of the Bulerias rhythm, the 3rd, 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th beat would be accented. Next, using the mode selector on the program pad 4, the beat frequer.Lcy option is selected. The rotary encoder 1 is then rotated until the desired frequency is indicated on the L.E.D.
display 2. The desired beat frequency would be a function of the musician's proficiency or the manner in which the musician wished to play a piece of music. Finally, the user simply pushes the run/stop button on the program pad 4 to play back the programmed sequence. If the user wishes to either store or erase the pre-programmed se~quence, the user than engages the store/erase button on the progriam pad 4 to make the desired selection. If store is selected, the data is placed in non-volatile memory 9 integral to the processiizg means 14. Up to three entries (one entry being defined as a combination of a beat frequency, beat pattern and accented beats) can be stored for later retrieval.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that a micro-controller is significantly different than a micro-processor. A
micro-controller is a highly sophisticated device which integrates on-board memory, timers, counters, and communication devices among other things. A micro-controller serves to reduce the size and ease of manufacture of the present invention due to t:he integraLtion of various functions which are performed by separate components in a micro-processor controlled system.
As well, the description has made reference to musicians in outlining the manner in which the preferred embodiment is operated. It. will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention may also be used to assist dancers and other users that require a user programmed beat. The present invention is, not therefore restricted to use by musicians.
More conver.Liently, the internally mounted power source comprises 4 AA cells. Optional adaptor means can be included in the output means to feed signals describing accented and normal beats to external, utility or non-utility powered lights.
The present: invention provides the following advantages over the prior art: the use of a micro-controller reduces the size and manufacture time of the invention; the data entry means is easily operated by a non-technical user, allowing fast and efficient entry of beat frequency, beat pattern, or accented beat data; the combined v=_sual and audio display means provides the user with a choice for following the beat frequency, beat pattern and accented b=ats; and the direct current power source allows for maximum portability as the invention need not be used in associatioii with an alternating current power source. In short, the preserLt invention advances the prior art by combining, streamlinirig and improving existing features into a simpler, more user friencily device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other purposes and advantage of the invention will become apparent as it is now described in detail with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram of the preferred embodiment is disclosed. The preferred embodiment generally fits in a casing six inches long, four inches wide and two inches deep and consists of four functionally related parts: power supply 13, processing means 14, input means 15 and output means 16, each of which will be described. The power supply 13 preferably consists of 4 AA cells housed in the casing. The processing means comprises a micro-controller (labelled as CPU) 8, which cooperates with a clock oscillator and non-volatile memory 9.
The input means includes a two bit rotary encoder 1, a programming pad 4, a display multiplexor 3 and three, seven segment red light emitting diode (L.E.D.) displays 2. The output means 16 comprises an LED driver 6, an audio driver 5, a volume controller 12, and an audio transducer 7. The programming pad has four manually actuable push button control switches:
run/stop; mode; store/erase; and accent. It is important to note that the accent encoder need not be placed on the programming pad. It could also be integrated into the rotary encoder shaft so that by pushing the shaft, accenting can be selected or de-selected.
The operation of the preferred embodiment is best defined by way of example. Assume that a Bulerias rhythm is to be programmed.
The user turns the unit on using the run/stop push button contained in the programming pad 4. The unit defaults to beat patten input mode. In the case of the Bulerias rhythm, the user would turn the rotary encoder 1 until a 12 appeared on the L.E.D.
display 2. i:7sing the mode switch contained in programming pad 4, t:he user would then select the accented beat option. Using the rotary encoder 1, each beat in the previously programmed beat pattern woul_d be called up and displayed on the L.E.D. display 4.
F'or each beat, accenting is either selected or de-selected by pushing the accent button on the programming pad 4 (or alternatively, by pushing in on the rotary encoder 1). When the accent button is pushed, the green L.E.D. (accented) 10 or red L.E.D. (unaccented) 11 integral to the output means 16 will light to indicate which selection has been made. In the case of the Bulerias rhythm, the 3rd, 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th beat would be accented. Next, using the mode selector on the program pad 4, the beat frequer.Lcy option is selected. The rotary encoder 1 is then rotated until the desired frequency is indicated on the L.E.D.
display 2. The desired beat frequency would be a function of the musician's proficiency or the manner in which the musician wished to play a piece of music. Finally, the user simply pushes the run/stop button on the program pad 4 to play back the programmed sequence. If the user wishes to either store or erase the pre-programmed se~quence, the user than engages the store/erase button on the progriam pad 4 to make the desired selection. If store is selected, the data is placed in non-volatile memory 9 integral to the processiizg means 14. Up to three entries (one entry being defined as a combination of a beat frequency, beat pattern and accented beats) can be stored for later retrieval.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that a micro-controller is significantly different than a micro-processor. A
micro-controller is a highly sophisticated device which integrates on-board memory, timers, counters, and communication devices among other things. A micro-controller serves to reduce the size and ease of manufacture of the present invention due to t:he integraLtion of various functions which are performed by separate components in a micro-processor controlled system.
As well, the description has made reference to musicians in outlining the manner in which the preferred embodiment is operated. It. will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention may also be used to assist dancers and other users that require a user programmed beat. The present invention is, not therefore restricted to use by musicians.
Claims (8)
OR PRIVILEGED IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A metronome using a micro-controller comprising data entry means for selecting and entering beat frequency, beat pattern and accented beat data;
processing means electronically coupled to said data entry means, for recording, producing and storing said beat frequency, beat pattern and accented beat data;
output means for visually and audibly displaying said beat frequency, beat pattern and accented beat data;
an internally mounted power source;
said processing means comprising a clock oscillator, non-volatile memory and a micro-controller, said micro-controller containing random access memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM) containing metronome specific programming code, and timing circuits for the recording and production of beat frequency, beat pattern and accented beat data.
processing means electronically coupled to said data entry means, for recording, producing and storing said beat frequency, beat pattern and accented beat data;
output means for visually and audibly displaying said beat frequency, beat pattern and accented beat data;
an internally mounted power source;
said processing means comprising a clock oscillator, non-volatile memory and a micro-controller, said micro-controller containing random access memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM) containing metronome specific programming code, and timing circuits for the recording and production of beat frequency, beat pattern and accented beat data.
2. The metronome of claim 1 wherein the data entry means comprises a rotary encoder with momentary push button switch, a manually actuable push button programming pad, a display multiplexer and display means.
3. The metronome of claim 2 wherein the display means comprises an alpha, numeric or alpha-numeric display.
4. The metronome of claim 3 wherein the alpha, numeric or alpha-numeric display is selected from the group consisting of liquid crystal diodes (L.C.D.), light emitting diodes (L.E.D.), vacuum florescent and plasma displays.
5. The metronome of any one of claims 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein the output means comprises: an audio driver which receives input from said processing means and provides output to an audio transducer integrally connected to a volume controller, said audio transducer generating high and low frequency tones denoting accented and normal beats respectively; and a light driver, receiving input from said processing means and providing output to either an accent beat light or a normal beat light.
6. The metronome of claim 5 wherein the audio transducer comprises a piezo speaker, the volume controller comprises a potentiometer and the lights are selected from the group consisting of light emitting diodes (L.E.D.) or filament bulbs.
7. The metronome of claim 5 or 6 wherein the internally mounted power source comprises 4 AA cells.
8. The metronome of claim 5 or 6 wherein adaptor means are included in said output means to feed signals describing accented and normal beats to external, utility or non-utility lights.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2227286 CA2227286C (en) | 1998-01-16 | 1998-01-16 | Cpu controlled metronome |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2227286 CA2227286C (en) | 1998-01-16 | 1998-01-16 | Cpu controlled metronome |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2227286A1 CA2227286A1 (en) | 1999-07-16 |
| CA2227286C true CA2227286C (en) | 2007-10-02 |
Family
ID=29409101
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2227286 Expired - Fee Related CA2227286C (en) | 1998-01-16 | 1998-01-16 | Cpu controlled metronome |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2227286C (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7385128B2 (en) | 2004-12-06 | 2008-06-10 | Tailgaitor, Inc. | Metronome with projected beat image |
| ES2332342B1 (en) * | 2007-05-23 | 2010-11-29 | Joseba Andoni Aramayo Irueta | SENOIDAL METRONOME. |
| CN115128935A (en) * | 2022-07-25 | 2022-09-30 | 韩金龙 | V-shaped digital metronome |
-
1998
- 1998-01-16 CA CA 2227286 patent/CA2227286C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2227286A1 (en) | 1999-07-16 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US4089246A (en) | Musical rhythm-tempo tutoring device | |
| US5515764A (en) | Harmonic metronome | |
| US4733593A (en) | Mixed meter metronome | |
| US7227075B2 (en) | Lighting controller | |
| US4867028A (en) | Music synthesizer especially portable drum synthesizer | |
| US5275082A (en) | Visual music conducting device | |
| JP3858899B2 (en) | Stringed electronic musical instrument | |
| JPH044598B2 (en) | ||
| JPS6157640B2 (en) | ||
| EP0070293B1 (en) | Signal emitting device with adjustable beat frequency | |
| JPH09292878A (en) | Performance supporting device | |
| CA2227286C (en) | Cpu controlled metronome | |
| US4297934A (en) | Display device for automatic rhythm performance apparatus | |
| WO2004049078A1 (en) | Electronic apparatus for indicating beat and correcting tone and control method thereof | |
| US5214228A (en) | Electronic metronome | |
| JPH0346793B2 (en) | ||
| US4481853A (en) | Electronic keyboard musical instrument capable of inputting rhythmic patterns | |
| WO2003052528A1 (en) | Digital metronome | |
| JPH044599B2 (en) | ||
| KR100817475B1 (en) | An electronic metronome with a metronome output signal setup and replaying function by the note input method | |
| JP2670945B2 (en) | Automatic performance device | |
| JP2663506B2 (en) | Automatic performance device | |
| JPS636786Y2 (en) | ||
| JP2827497B2 (en) | Electronic musical instrument | |
| JPH0727381B2 (en) | Automatic accompaniment device |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |