FR2628225A1 - Box-shaped electronic metronome - has key-pad for selecting pre-programmed timings of beat - Google Patents

Abstract

The metronome (1) is transportable and is located in a housing (2). A keyboard (6) is fed from a set of batteries (7), from this keyboard (6) one can select the rhythm and tonality of sound signals fed to a loudspeaker (10) and to an indicating lamp (12). A display indicates the elapsed time during a time interval. The sound signals emitted by the loudspeaker may be in the form of sequenced rhythms or in the form of a musical chord at a given frequency. The device includes a memory containing several programmes for measuring tempo. USE/ - As multiple function metronome combined for study and teaching or music.

Description

(i) FRENCH REPUBLIC Publication no .: 2,628,225 (to be used only

  for NATIONAL INSTITUTE reproduction orders)

OWNERSHIP = TI = INDUSTRIAL

  OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY National registration number 88 03740 PARIS

Q Int Ci4 G 04 F 5/02.

@ A1 PATENT APPLICATION

  ) Date of filing: March 7, 1988. Q Applicant (s): René DESCHAUD. - FR.

) Priority

(Inventor (s): René Deschaud.

  Date of public availability of the

  application: BOPI "Patents" n 36 of September 8, 1989.

  ) References to other national documents appearing

rentés: rn Holder (s)

  Agent (s): Jean Maisonnier.

  (i Multifunction metronome device, in particular for the practice and study of music.

  The device 1 is transportable, housed in a case 2.

  The battery door 7 supplies the keyboard 6 where the rhythm and the tone of the sound signals (loudspeaker 10) or light signals (light 12) are chosen. The display 11 indicates the time elapsed in

timing course.

  Application: multifunction metronome, combined 10.

  with a tuner and a programmer, especially for

  the study and teaching of music.

! N N N e N a:

  ... ..... N ... DTD: The present invention relates to an apparatus

  multi-function handset, intended for use in particular

  by a musician when playing or studying.

  We know that to study, a musician commonly uses a metronome device which indicates the rhythm to him. We know that the functions of a metronome of known type are limited, namely in particular the user can choose from three types of measurement (two-stroke, three-stroke or four-stroke); - the user can choose the speed of the rhythm (for example at 60; at 80, at 90); - the device indicates the rhythm by successive sound signals; - the device often indicates the rhythm also visually, thanks to the adjustable oscillations of a balance wheel. In any case, the possible functions of a

  metronome of known type is limited to indicating the rhythm.

  If he wishes to obtain other information, the user must have another type of device. In particular, if the instrumentalist plays on a string instrument, we know that he must frequently tune in. For this, it usually uses a tuning fork or all

other equivalent accessory.

  The object of the present invention is to provide a combined apparatus with multiple functions which ensures that

  minus the metronome and tuner functions.

  A multi-function device according to the

  vention comes in the form of a one-piece box - characterized in that:

  - on the one hand, one of the sides of the box has a pan-

  display and control via keyboard; - on the other hand inside the box is an electronic assembly whose input is controlled by the keyboard while its output actuates at least one speaker and a digital display; - whereas finally, according to the sequence chosen on the keyboard by the user, the loudspeaker emits sound signals or else in the form of rhythmic sequences, or

  zibien in the form of a musical sound dkccrdà fxofe d "ée-.

  According to another characteristic of the invention, the electronic circuit comprises - at least one memory for storing various programs, among which at least the following two: a - Program 1 - A number N of measures at a given tempo X1, followed by the same number N of measures at another beat X2, in turn followed by the same number N of measures at a new tempo X3, etc. b - Program 2 - A number N1 of measures on a tempo X1, follows another number N2 of measures on another tempo X2, then a new number N3 of measures on a new

tempo X3, and so on.

  According to another characteristic of the invention, the

  electronic circuit includes at least one oscillator allowing

  both choose the frequency of the musical sound emitted at the output

(for example the La 3, or the Mi 4).

  According to another characteristic of the invention, the ap-

  similar has a headphone jack allow the user

  to connect headphones of a type known per se.

  According to another characteristic of the invention, the ap-

  similar includes an indicator light emitting a succession of light signals synchronized with electronic signals

indicating the rhythm.

  According to another characteristic of the invention, the ap-

  similar includes a timekeeping electronic circuit connected to the digital display to display the elapsed time for

  a duration during timing.

  The attached drawing, given by way of non-limiting example

  tif, will allow a better understanding of the invention and the advantages

  that it is likely to provide.

  Figure 1 shows a first possible form for the external box of a multifunction device according to the invention.

  Figure 2 shows a second possible form.

  Figure 3 illustrates a first possible arrangement

  display and control panel.

  Figure 4 is a diagram of the electronic wiring.

  Figures 5 and 6 show two possible variations for

  the layout of the display and control panel.

  Figures 7 and 8 show in operation the variants

Figures 1 and 2 respectively.

  Figure 9 illustrates another variant.

  The device illustrated in Figures 1 and 7 is in the form of a one-piece box 1 with six flat faces, including: - an oblique front face 2;

  - a lower face 3 square or rectangular.

  In the variant of Figures 2 and 8, the box 4 has a pyramidal shape comprising a lower face 3 of the aforementioned type, and oblique upper faces 5; on the control and display face 3 illustrated in Figure 3 there are: - a twelve-key keyboard 6 (Figures 5, 7, 8, 9) or 30 (Figures 3 and 6); - a hatch 7 housing electric batteries; - an "ON-OFF" power inverter 8; - a dial 9 for adjusting the sound volume of the signals emitted by a loudspeaker 10; - a digital display 11, for example with liquid crystal; - an indicator light 12 for emitting rhythmic light pulses;

- a headphone jack 30.

  Inside the box 1 or 4 is a type electronic circuit illustrated in Figure 4. This circuit includes: - a central unit 13 on the input of which are connected a permanent power supply 14, a chronometric quartz 15, and the contactor "ON-OFF" 8; - A double link 16 connecting the keyboard 6 to the "INPUTS-OUTPUTS" stage 17 of the central unit 13; - An interface 18 connecting the stage 17 to the display 11; - an amplifier 19 connecting the stage 17 with speaker 10;

  - a link 20 between stage 17 and the indicator 12.

  The control unit 13 can be divided into several stages, namely: - a microprocessor 21; - a calculation and clock unit 22; -ode oscillators 23; - a supply control 24; - a calibration stage oy "reset" 25; - a rest mode 26; - a working memory 27; a memory 28 for saving the sequences; - a program memory 29;

- the "input-output" stage 17.

  These various functions are controlled by the keyboard 6 illustrated in FIG. 5, which can be considered as a keyboard for a simplified variant.

of the device.

  By cons, with a keyboard 30 of the kind illustrated in Figures 3 and 6, the device becomes a device

with multiple functions.

  In particular: A - We can provide a "tuning fork" function with

  keys, each of which controls transmission from above

  speaker 10 of a given frequency, to allow tuning of an instrument. Thus, it has been assumed in Figures 3 and 6 that the keyboard 50. has six chord keys 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 each corresponding to the notes MI, LA, RE, SOL, SI, MI of the six strings of the

guitar.

  B - One can foresee on these same keys 31 to 33 a

symbolic indication -

  referenced 37, 38, 39, making it possible to indicate the strong and weak times by emission of low and treble sounds, namely: - 37 for a two-beat measurement; - 38 for a three-beat measurement;

  - 39 for a four-beat measure.

  C - On the keys 34, 35 and B6, symbols 40, 41, 42 can also be provided to indicate the rhythm by emission of repetitive sounds, namely: - 40 for a binary rhythm; - 41 for a ternary rhythm;

- 42 for a quaternary rhythm.

  Of course, we can combine the functions

  B and C, depending on the nature of the piece of music to be studied.

  In general, the different functions

  can be combined and mixed together at will.

  This allows arrangements and combinations to be made.

  rhythm sounds. You can even program Compound Measurements ", such as for example: - a three-beat measurement; - one to two beats; - three beats; - two beats; - three beats;

- etc ...

  or again: - two times; - four stroke; - two times; - four stroke;

- etc ...

  FIG. 9 shows a suitable variant

  particularly good for a pocket device. In this case, the loudspeaker 10 and the hatch 7 are placed on the rear face 43, while the other members (keyboard 6, display 11, inverter 8, dial 9, indicator 12, headphone jack 30) are placed on the oblique front face 2i In this case, the device is used upright, in the position illustrated

in Figure 9.

Claims (6)

  1 - Multi-function metronome device housed in a monobloc box (1), (4), characterized in that: - on the one hand, one of the faces (3), (2) of the box (1), ( 4) has a display and control panel with a keyboard (6), (50);   - on the other hand, inside the box (1), (4), is   ve an electronic assembly whose input is controlled by the keyboard (6), (50), while its output actuates at least one loudspeaker (10), and a digital display (11); - whereas finally, according to the sequence chosen by the user, the loudspeaker (10) emits sound signals, either in the form of rhythmic sequences, or else in the form of a   its musical chord at a given frequency.   2 - Multifunction metronome device   according to claim 1, characterized in that the circuit   electronic baking comprises at least one memory (29), for storing various programs, among which at least the following two: a) Program 1 - A given number (N) of bars at a first tempo (Xl), then (N) bars at another tempo (X2), then (N) measures at a tempo (X3), and so on; b) Program 2 - A number (N1) of measures on a tempo (XlM then another number (N2) of measures on another tempo   (X2), then another number (N3) of measurements on another be tempo (X3), and so on.   3 - Multifunction metronome device   according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that it includes a headphone jack (30).   4 - Multifunction metronome device -   according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the electronic circuit comprises at least one oscillator (23) making it possible to choose the frequency of the sound   musical output from the speaker (10) to tune an instrument.   - Multi-function metronome device   according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that it includes an indicator light (12) emitting   both a succession of light signals synchronized with the   electronic signals indicating the rhythm.   6 - Multi-function device according to any one   of the preceding claims, characterized in that the   electronic circuit comprises a chronometric stage (22) connected to the digital display (11) to display the elapsed time for a duration during timing. 7- Multi-function device according to any one of   previous claims, characterized in that the circuit-   electronics includes at least one oscillator allowing   choose the frequency of the musical sound emitted at the output, including ment La 3 or Mi 4.   8 4 Multi-function device according to any one   of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes a headphone jack (30).   9 - Multi-function device according to any one   of the preceding claims, characterized in that it   comprises an indicator light (12) emitting a succession of light signals synchronized with the electronic signals indicating the rhythm. PL. 1/3 36 1112 6i 8 5 Fig. 8 L PL. 2/3 I I- - m an Fe t, 12 l'il I TUOUNt50 I I I I, 7 Fig 33 '30 9 8 I 3 It t 3 I11 27 "Fi9.7 9 Fig9.30 PL. 3/3 17 6 13x I * 25 2.6_ f l Fig. 4 37 _3 4i 31 \ ax, 3 6 _ 0_34 '_ _ 36 '--- 35 Fig. 5 Fia. 6