GB2485411A

GB2485411A - Musical instrument controllable illumination system

Info

Publication number: GB2485411A
Application number: GB1019271.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Neil Stone
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-11-13
Filing date: 2010-11-13
Publication date: 2012-05-16
Also published as: GB201019271D0

Abstract

A musical instrument light system comprises: a plurality light emitting diodes (LEDs) 2, which are preferably mounted on at least one face of the instrument, to illuminate the instrument. The system is particularly suited to use with an electric guitar and also includes: a digital interface 3 such as a USB port for communication of externally provided programmes which control the LEDs, particularly the patterns and configurations in which the LEDs are lit; a display screen 4 such as a liquid crystal display (LCD); and a control mechanism, for control and monitoring of the programmes. The invention preferably allows a user to upload programmes to the musical instrument and implement these programmes in real-time as appropriate during use of the instrument.

Description

PATENT APPLICATION

OF

NEIL STONE

FOR

A MUSiCAL INSTRUMENT LIGHT SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a musical instrument light system, more particularly a controllable light emitting diode (LED) system for a musical instrument.

Background

The most commonly encountered musical instrument in western society is the electric guitar, although the invention may relate to a wide range of musical instruments, including bass guitars, banjos and violins.

Electric guitars have been common since the early days of rhythm and blues. An electric guitar is a guitar that uses the principle of electromagnetic induction to convert vibrations of its metal strings into electric signals In live performance or on stage they provide more effect than acoustic guitars even amplified, by means of the amplified sound that may be produced, the variety of sound possible, and the greater possibility in shape of manufacture as there is no need to provide acoustic space within a hollow body of the guitar.

Live performance is becoming more important to musicians and performers in general as copyright royalties are diminished, and live performance remains an important revenue stream and means of connecting with an audience.

As a result of this live performances are preferably maximised and the importance and impact of a live performance on an audience is of much relevance to many.

Prior Art

Granted United States patent US 7 381 878 (COOK) discloses a guitar teacher or musical instrument training system, comprising: a musical instrument having a plurality of strings, a fingerboard having an array of finger positions, and a body; a single display extending over at least a portion of said fingerboard, wherein said display is capable of simultaneously selectively identifying which of a user's fingers are to be placed at said finger positions to achieve a desired musical effect, and indicating information about said desired musical effect adjacent to said finger positions; and a control circuit connected to said display for receiving input signals and for controlling said display in response to said input signals.

United States patent application US 4 745 837 (RIMSA) discloses an internally illuminated electric guitar, comprising: an electric guitar with body cast of solid transparent plastic resin consisting of:-multiple layers of optically clear plastic resin,-multiple layers of optically clear plastic resin tinted with coloured dyes, alternately tinted layers of transparent plastic resin, with a multiplicity of internal illumination sources encased in the transparent body such that:-said illumination sources are encased at various depths and an integral part of the guitar body with light emitted from said sources distributed throughout the entire volume of the guitar body; having electronic circuitry and interconnections necessary to activate said internal illumination sources.

International patent application PCT/US82/00883 (KIM) discloses a dynamically illuminated guitar for producing visual and sequential lighting effects on the guitar body caused by spontaneous or deliberate hand and body movements of the guitarist and by external light sources. A plurality of light-emitting diodes embedded into the guitar face and arranged in aesthetically pleasing designs serve as the display medium. A variety of different light display modes is selected by changing the orientation of the guitar to cause a group of mercury tilt switches to control the digital pulse format of an electronic pulse-forming circuit. Light-dependent resistors embedded on the guitar face further cause the guitar visual lighting display to be controlled by external variable lighting Advantageously therefore in contrast the present invention provides an externally mounted LED light system that is able to upload and implement a large variety of externally designed patterns and styles of lighting, under control of the user in real-time.

Sum mary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a musical instrument light system including on said instrument: light emitting diodes, user display screen, digital memory and digital interface.

The light emitting diodes or lights are ideally distributed across the majority of at least the face of the instrument and are capable of being lit and controlled individually and/or in combination. In preferred embodiments the colour of the lights is variable.

Ideally the digital interface allows the system to be connected to personal computer or other electronic digital device. This interface to an external device permits the transfer of light patterns, combinations or programmes to the system in order that the lights can be programmed to light up as required.

In addition the interface may allow for the updating of software or firmware used in or for the system.

Light shows can therefore be downloaded (or uploaded) to the instrument and activated, changed or modified whilst the instrument is in use. Light shows could include colour patterns and/or moving pictures such as flames.

Ideally the system includes some form of data processing capability or central processing unit (CPU).

Ideally the interface is via a universal serial bus (USB) device. Such an interface would permit the use of USB drives for transfer of new light programmes or software and in addition is currently a digital standard for use with many computers, allowing easy connection by lead, cable and/or provision of external data storage and transfer drives. It is envisaged that further interfaces may be more appropriate at different times.

The digital interface may in further embodiments comprise Bluetooth (R), infra-red, radiowave, or other wireless capability. In the alternative or in addition dedicated wires may be used the digital interface or combined with existing arrangements such as a power lead for the instrument.

The electronic control on the system ideally allows control of the lights, preferably and in particular the activation and control of programs or patterns made by the combination of lights. In this way a large variety of patterns can be programmed externally by the user or other persons. Programmes may also be commercially available and programmed.

In the alternative or in addition the user control allows activation and deactivation, speed controls, strength controls, colour controls, luminescence controls and other system controls. Buttons, switches and dials may be provided or other input methods.

The LED light shows are activated using the display screen, which is preferably a liquid crystal display (LCD). This LCD screen is typically positioned on the top of the instrument and allows the user to navigate through the light shows and select the one they want. A cover may be provided for the screen and/or input, and in further embodiments the screen and/or input may be detachable, revealable such as by swivelling out of the instrument body, or extendible. In yet further embodiments a screen and/or input may be separately and remotely provided, such as connecting to the system via infra-red.

In further embodiments other display devices or screens may be utilised. In addition in some embodiments the display screen and control may be integrated and touch screen control may be utilised.

Programs of light combinations, patterns and displays may be designed, either in the system or on external hardware.

Preferably the user input may involve touch sensitive or pressure sensitive inputs, such as at the strings.

The display screen ideally allows a user to monitor and control the system at the instrument. This is typically after programs have been downloaded through the digital interface although internal memory facilities may be provided such as a flash memory capability, or other digital memory provision. This may allow storage of programs as well as the provision of a set number of standard programmes on purchase of the system.

Brief Description of Fiqures

Figure 1 shows a front isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the system in use on a guitar; Figure 2 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the system in use on a guitar; and Figure 3 shows a reverse side view of the preferred embodiment of the system in use on a guitar.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiment of the Invention The preferred embodiment shows the system in use on a guitar 1. The guitar I that has been used is formed of a transparent material, and shows the LEDs (2) largely covering the guitar 1. The digital interface is shown at 3 and comprises a Universal Serial Bus (USB) socket, situate alongside or in combination with the guitar's output jack to the amplifier (not shown).

The display screen 4 is situate on the uppermost face of the guitar in use, such that a user may refer to it in use. Controls are ideally provided alongside the screen 4. ln alternate embodiments the display screen may have touch screen functionality. In yet further embodiments the controls may be alongside or incorporated with the guitar controls, such as volume and tone controls of the guitar (5).

Further embodiments may combine, utilise, incorporate or cooperate with the strings (7), frets (8) and/or tuning pegs (9) of the guitar.

The system may be provided with a power cell (6) which may be rechargeable. This power cell may be combined with digital memory facilities and digital processing unit.

As many LEDs are provided an effective power source is need. This may be combined with the rechargeable cell or be a direct input into the system. A transformer may also be needed to change the current from AC into DC. This may be placed within the instrument or externally provided on the power cable or elsewhere.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.