GB2530117A - Electronic drum and cymbal with spider web-like sensor - Google Patents

Electronic drum and cymbal with spider web-like sensor Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2530117A
GB2530117A GB1500074.8A GB201500074A GB2530117A GB 2530117 A GB2530117 A GB 2530117A GB 201500074 A GB201500074 A GB 201500074A GB 2530117 A GB2530117 A GB 2530117A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
vibration resonance
electronic
percussion
vibration
resonance member
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1500074.8A
Inventor
Gwo-Hsiung Wei
Ming-Shan Shih
Hsien-Tang Wang
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
AL MUSICS TECHNOLOGY Inc
Original Assignee
AL MUSICS TECHNOLOGY Inc
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Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US14/484,071 external-priority patent/US9099070B2/en
Application filed by AL MUSICS TECHNOLOGY Inc filed Critical AL MUSICS TECHNOLOGY Inc
Publication of GB2530117A publication Critical patent/GB2530117A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
    • G10H3/00—Instruments in which the tones are generated by electromechanical means
    • G10H3/12—Instruments in which the tones are generated by electromechanical means using mechanical resonant generators, e.g. strings or percussive instruments, the tones of which are picked up by electromechanical transducers, the electrical signals being further manipulated or amplified and subsequently converted to sound by a loudspeaker or equivalent instrument
    • G10H3/14—Instruments in which the tones are generated by electromechanical means using mechanical resonant generators, e.g. strings or percussive instruments, the tones of which are picked up by electromechanical transducers, the electrical signals being further manipulated or amplified and subsequently converted to sound by a loudspeaker or equivalent instrument using mechanically actuated vibrators with pick-up means
    • G10H3/146—Instruments in which the tones are generated by electromechanical means using mechanical resonant generators, e.g. strings or percussive instruments, the tones of which are picked up by electromechanical transducers, the electrical signals being further manipulated or amplified and subsequently converted to sound by a loudspeaker or equivalent instrument using mechanically actuated vibrators with pick-up means using a membrane, e.g. a drum; Pick-up means for vibrating surfaces, e.g. housing of an instrument
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10D—STRINGED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; WIND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACCORDIONS OR CONCERTINAS; PERCUSSION MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; AEOLIAN HARPS; SINGING-FLAME MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10D13/00—Percussion musical instruments; Details or accessories therefor
    • G10D13/01—General design of percussion musical instruments
    • G10D13/02—Drums; Tambourines with drumheads
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10D—STRINGED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; WIND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACCORDIONS OR CONCERTINAS; PERCUSSION MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; AEOLIAN HARPS; SINGING-FLAME MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10D13/00—Percussion musical instruments; Details or accessories therefor
    • G10D13/10—Details of, or accessories for, percussion musical instruments
    • G10D13/26—Mechanical details of electronic drums
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
    • G10H2220/00—Input/output interfacing specifically adapted for electrophonic musical tools or instruments
    • G10H2220/461—Transducers, i.e. details, positioning or use of assemblies to detect and convert mechanical vibrations or mechanical strains into an electrical signal, e.g. audio, trigger or control signal
    • G10H2220/525—Piezoelectric transducers for vibration sensing or vibration excitation in the audio range; Piezoelectric strain sensing, e.g. as key velocity sensor; Piezoelectric actuators, e.g. key actuation in response to a control voltage
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
    • G10H2230/00—General physical, ergonomic or hardware implementation of electrophonic musical tools or instruments, e.g. shape or architecture
    • G10H2230/045—Special instrument [spint], i.e. mimicking the ergonomy, shape, sound or other characteristic of a specific acoustic musical instrument category
    • G10H2230/251—Spint percussion, i.e. mimicking percussion instruments; Electrophonic musical instruments with percussion instrument features; Electrophonic aspects of acoustic percussion instruments, MIDI-like control therefor
    • G10H2230/275—Spint drum
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
    • G10H2230/00—General physical, ergonomic or hardware implementation of electrophonic musical tools or instruments, e.g. shape or architecture
    • G10H2230/045—Special instrument [spint], i.e. mimicking the ergonomy, shape, sound or other characteristic of a specific acoustic musical instrument category
    • G10H2230/251—Spint percussion, i.e. mimicking percussion instruments; Electrophonic musical instruments with percussion instrument features; Electrophonic aspects of acoustic percussion instruments, MIDI-like control therefor
    • G10H2230/321—Spint cymbal, i.e. mimicking thin center-held gong-like instruments made of copper-based alloys, e.g. ride cymbal, china cymbal, sizzle cymbal, swish cymbal, zill, i.e. finger cymbals
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
    • G10H3/00—Instruments in which the tones are generated by electromechanical means
    • G10H3/12—Instruments in which the tones are generated by electromechanical means using mechanical resonant generators, e.g. strings or percussive instruments, the tones of which are picked up by electromechanical transducers, the electrical signals being further manipulated or amplified and subsequently converted to sound by a loudspeaker or equivalent instrument
    • G10H3/14—Instruments in which the tones are generated by electromechanical means using mechanical resonant generators, e.g. strings or percussive instruments, the tones of which are picked up by electromechanical transducers, the electrical signals being further manipulated or amplified and subsequently converted to sound by a loudspeaker or equivalent instrument using mechanically actuated vibrators with pick-up means
    • G10H3/143—Instruments in which the tones are generated by electromechanical means using mechanical resonant generators, e.g. strings or percussive instruments, the tones of which are picked up by electromechanical transducers, the electrical signals being further manipulated or amplified and subsequently converted to sound by a loudspeaker or equivalent instrument using mechanically actuated vibrators with pick-up means characterised by the use of a piezoelectric or magneto-strictive transducer

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Electrophonic Musical Instruments (AREA)

Abstract

An electronic percussion musical instrument, such as an electronic drum, comprises: a percussion member 110 that generates vibrations when struck; a vibration resonance member 120; and a vibration damping member 130. The vibration resonance member, which may be plastic or metal and is preferably round, includes a central hub portion, a plurality of radial portions extending radially from the hub portion, and a plurality of ring portions. Each of the radial portions traverses through and connects at least some of the plurality of ring portions, to form an arrangement similar to a spider web. The vibration damping member is disposed between and in direct contact with the percussion member and the vibration resonance member, to propagate the vibrations generated by the percussion member to the vibration resonance member. The vibration damping member may comprise several foam or silicone pads located on the ring and/or radial portions of the vibration resonance member. An electronic sound generation unit 140, comprising a piezoelectric sensor and circuitry, is preferably included with the instrument.

Description

ELECTRONIC DRUM AND CYMBAL WITH SPIDER WEB-LIKE SENSOR
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part (CIP) application of U.S. Patent Application No. 13/612,508, filed on 12 September 2012, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of electronic musical instruments and, more particularly, to electronic percussion instruments.
BACKGROUND
[0003] There are various types of electronic musical instruments, including electronic percussion instruments. Electronic drums, also known as digital drums, are a common type of electronic percussion instruments and are typically categorized as drum pads and cymbals. In general, a drum pad is comprised of either a rubber pad or a mesh-type pad.
[0004] In a conventional drum pad with a rubber pad, a thin metallic plate is adhered to the rubber pad with a piezoelectric sensor disposed in or near the center of the metallic plate. In a conventional cymbal, the piezoelectric sensor is directly disposed on the rubber pad. Figure 12 is a diagram of a conventional electronic drum pad and Figure 13 is a diagram of a conventional electronic cymbal. As shown in Figure 12 and Figure 13, the range of signal detection of the piezoelectric sensor is small, especially when compared to the size of the percussion area of the drum pad and cymbal. This may not be a significant issue if and when the size of the percussion area of the drum pad or cymbal is also small. However, an electronic drum pad or cymbal in a 1:1 scale relative to a non-electronic drum or cymbal has a relatively larger percussion area and, consequently, sensitivity of the piezoelectric sensor with respect to percussions on the peripheral region of the percussion area may be diminished. Further, vibrations caused by percussions on the percussion area as sensed by the piezoelectric sensor and a signal generated by the piezoelectric sensor for generation of an electronic percussion sound may be unstable. An electronic sound thus generated tends to be less than ideal.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present disclosure provides various embodiments of an electronic percussion instrument, such as an electronic drum or an electronic cymbal. Compared with existing electronic percussion instruments, an electronic percussion instrument according to the present disclosure produces signals with improved stability for electronic sound generation. Additionally, an electronic percussion instrument according to the present disclosure offers an increased range of signal detection with respect to the size of percussion area.
[0006] In one aspect, an electronic percussion instrument may comprise a percussion member that generates vibrations when percussed, a vibration resonance member, and a vibration damping member. The vibration resonance member may comprise a hub portion centrally located in the vibration resonance member, a plurality of radial portions extending radially from the hub portion, and a plurality of spiral portions. Each of the radial portions may traverse through and connect at least some of the plurality of ring portions. Ring portions of the plurality of ring portions may be concentrically arranged with each ring portion adjacent to one another. The vibration damping member, disposed between and in direct contact with the percussion member and the vibration resonance member, may propagate the vibrations generated by the percussion member to the vibration resonance member.
[0007] In at least some embodiments, a width of at least one of the radial portions of the vibration resonance member, as measured at two or more points along a radial direction with respect to the hub portion, may increase gradually from the hub portion toward a distal end of the at least one of the radial portions that is away from the hub portion.
[0008] In at least some embodiments, a radius of a first ring portion of the plurality of ring portions may be less than a radius of a second ring portion of the plurality of ring portions, and a width of the first ring portion may be less than the a width of the second ring portion.
[0009] In at least some embodiments, a shape of the vibration resonance member may be generally round.
[0010] In at least some embodiments, a diameter of the vibration resonance member may be between approximately 8 inches and approximately 16 inches.
[0011] In at least some embodiments, a thickness of the vibration resonance member may be between approximately 0.3 millimeters and approximately 5.0 millimeters.
[0012] In at least some embodiments, a contour of a primary surface of the vibration resonance member that faces the percussion member may be shaped to approximately match a contour of a portion of a primary surface of the percussion member that faces the vibration resonance member.
[0013] In at least some embodiments, the vibration resonance member may comprise a plastic material.
[0014] In at least some embodiments, the vibration resonance member may comprise a metallic material.
[0015] In at least some embodiments, the vibration damping member may comprise a plurality of damping pads, and at least some of the damping pads may be disposed between the percussion member and at least some of the ring portions, some of the radial portions, or some of the ring portions and radial portions of the vibration resonance member.
[0016] In at least some embodiments, the vibration damping member may comprise a plurality of damping pads, and at least some of the damping pads may be disposed between the percussion member and at least some of the radial portions of the vibration resonance member.
[0017] In at least some embodiments, the vibration damping member may comprise a foam material.
[0018] In at least some embodiments, the vibration damping member may comprise a silicon-based material.
[0019] In some embodiments, the electronic percussion instrument may further include an electronic sound generation unit. The electronic sound generation unit, connected to the vibration resonance member, may sense the vibrations of the percussion member through the vibration damping member and the vibration resonance member to output a signal used in generation of an electronic percussion sound.
[0020] In at least some embodiments, the electronic sound generation unit may comprise a sensor and a circuit coupled to the sensor. The sensor may sense the vibrations and generate an electronic signal based on the vibrations.
The circuit may receive the electronic signal and generate the electronic percussion sound.
[0021] In at least some embodiments, the sensor may comprise a piezoelectric sensor.
S
[0022] In at least some embodiments, the sensor may be at least partially disposed on the hub portion of the vibration resonance member and on a surface of the hub portion that faces the percussion member.
[0023] In at least some embodiments, the sensor may be at least partially disposed on the hub portion of the vibration resonance member and on a surface of the hub portion that faces away from the percussion member.
[0024] In at least some embodiments, the percussion member may comprise a metallic plate.
[0025] In at least some embodiments, the percussion member may further comprise a rubber pad, and the metallic plate may be disposed between the rubber pad and the vibration resonance member.
[0026] In at least some embodiments, the electronic percussion instrument may further comprise a hoop and a holder. The percussion member, the vibration resonance member, the vibration damping member, and at least a portion of the electronic sound generation unit may be disposed between the hoop and the holder.
[0027] This summary is provided to introduce concepts relating to an electronic percussion instrument with a spider web-like sensor. Some embodiments of the electronic percussion instrument are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of the present disclosure. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. It is appreciable that the drawings are not necessarily in scale as some components may be shown to be out of proportion than the size in actual implementation in order to clearly illustrate the concept of the present
disclosure.
[0029] Figure 1 is an exploded view of an assembly of an electronic percussion instrument in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0030] Figure 2 is a bottom view of a vibration resonance member of the electronic percussion instrument of Figure 1.
[0031] Figure 3 is a side view of a vibration resonance member of the electronic percussion instrument of Figure 1.
[0032] Figure 4 is a bottom view of an assembly of the electronic percussion instrument of Figure 1.
[0033] Figure 5 is a top view of a vibration resonance member of an electronic percussion instrument in accordance with another embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0034] Figure 6 is a top view of a vibration resonance member of an electronic percussion instrument in accordance with yet another embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0035] Figure 7 is a top view of a vibration resonance member of an electronic percussion instrument in accordance with still another embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0036] Figure 8 is an exploded view of an assembly of an electronic percussion instrument in accordance with another embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0037] Figure 9 is a bottom view of an assembly of the electronic percussion instrument of Figure 8.
[0038] Figure 10 is a graph of signal sensitivity versus radius of a percussion area in a conventional electronic percussion instrument.
[0039] Figure 11 is a graph of signal sensitivity versus radius of a percussion area in an electronic percussion instrument in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0040] Figure 12 is a top view of a conventional electronic drum.
[0041] Figure 13 is a top view of a conventional electronic cymbal.
[0042] Figure 14 is a top view of a vibration resonance member of an electronic percussion instrument in accordance with one embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0043] Figure 15 is a top view of a vibration resonance member of an electronic percussion instrument in accordance with another embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0044] Figure 16 is a top view of a vibration resonance member of an electronic percussion instrument in accordance with yet another embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0045] Figure 17 is a top view of a vibration resonance member of an electronic percussion instrument in accordance with still another embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0046] Figure 18 is a top view of a vibration resonance member of an electronic percussion instrument in accordance with a further embodiment of
the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
OVERVIEW
[0047] An electronic percussion instrument according to the present disclosure utilizes a novel vibration resonance member. The vibration resonance member senses resonates in response to sensing, via a resonance damping member, vibrations generated by a percussion member of the electronic percussion instrument when the percussion member is beaten, struck or otherwise percussed by a user. The vibration resonance member comprises a hub portion, a plurality of radial portions extending radially from the hub portion, and a plurality of spiral portions. Each of the spiral portions is disposed between and connects respective two of the radial portions. Each of the radial portions is connected to a respective adjacent one of the radial portions by one or more of the spiral portions. Accordingly, the vibration resonance member has a configuration that generally resembles a spider web, and acts as an effective sensor of vibration with its spider-web like configuration. The profile of the vibration resonance member may be adopted to fit the particular shape and size of the percussion member, e.g., a metallic plate or a combination of a metallic plate and a rubber pad, of the electronic percussion instrument. The resultant range of signal detection of a piezoelectric sensor of the electronic percussion instrument of the present disclosure is thus relatively large, i.e., covering most of the area of the percussion member, and the signal for generation of an electronic percussion
sound is stable.
EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0048] Figures 1 -4 illustrate various views of an electronic percussion instrument 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figures 5 -7 illustrate a top view of various embodiments of a vibration resonance member of an electronic percussion instrument in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figures 1 -4, the electronic percussion instrument 100 comprises a percussion member 110, a vibration resonance member 120, a vibration damping member 130, and an electronic sound generation unit 140.
[0049] The percussion member 110 is configured to generate vibrations when percussed. For instance, the percussion member 110 may be a metallic plate such as, for example, a steel plate (e.g., when the electronic percussion instrument 100 is an electronic drum). In some embodiments, when the electronic percussion instrument 100 is an electronic drum, as depicted in Figure 1, the percussion member 110 may be a metallic plate such as, for example, a steel plate and further comprising a rubber pad 115. In such case the metallic plate may be disposed between the rubber pad 115 and the vibration resonance member 120.
[0050] The vibration resonance member 120 is configured to sense and resonate with the vibrations generated by the percussion member 110. As shown in Figure 1, the vibration resonance member 120 has a spider web-like configuration or shape and comprises a hub portion (i.e., the central portion), a plurality of radial portions extending radially from the hub portion, and a plurality of spiral portions. More specifically, as shown in Figure 1, each of the spiral portions of the vibration resonance member 120 is disposed between and connects respective two of the radial portions. Additionally, each of the radial portions of the vibration resonance member 120 is connected to a respective adjacent one of the radial portions by one or more of the spiral portions.
[0051] A profile of the vibration resonance member 120 may take on a variety of shapes. Figures 5 -7 illustrate some of the examples and, therefore, it is appreciated that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
Figure 5 illustrates an electronic percussion member 500 that comprises a percussion member 510, a vibration resonance member 520, a vibration damping member 530, and an electronic sound generation unit 540. As shown in Figure 5, a profile of a primary surface of the vibration resonance member 520 that faces the percussion member 510 is generally polygonal-shaped. Figure 6 illustrates an electronic percussion member 600 that comprises a percussion member 610, a vibration resonance member 620, a vibration damping member 630, and an electronic sound generation unit 640.
As shown in Figure 6, a profile of a primary surface of the vibration resonance member 620 that faces the percussion member 610 is generally fan-shaped.
Figure 7 illustrates an electronic percussion member 700 that comprises a percussion member 710, a vibration resonance member 720, a vibration damping member 730, and an electronic sound generation unit 740. As shown in Figure 7, a profile of a primary surface of the vibration resonance member 720 that faces the percussion member 710 is generally round-shaped.
[0052] In some embodiments, to maximize the range of detection, a contour of a primary surface of the vibration resonance member 110 that faces the percussion member 120 is shaped to approximately match a contour of a portion of a primary surface of the percussion member 110 that faces the vibration resonance member 120.
[0053] In some embodiments, the vibration resonance member 120 comprises a plastic material. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the vibration resonance member 120 comprises a metallic material.
[0054] The vibration damping member 130 is disposed between and in direct contact with the percussion member 110 and the vibration resonance member 120, and is configured to propagate the vibrations generated by the percussion member 110 to the vibration resonance member 120. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 1, the vibration damping member 130 comprises a plurality of damping pads made of a soft material that are disposed between the percussion member 110 and the spiral portions of the vibration resonance member 120. In some other embodiments, the vibration damping member 130 may comprise a plurality of damping pads made of a soft material that are disposed between the percussion member 110 and the radial portions of the vibration resonance member 120. Alternatively, the vibration damping member 130 may comprise a plurality of damping pads made of a soft material that are disposed between the percussion member and some or all of the radial portions as well as some or all of the spiral portions of the vibration resonance member 120.
[0055] In some embodiments, the vibration damping member 130 comprises a foam material. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the vibration damping member 130 comprises a silicon-based material. In some embodiments, a thickness of the vibration resonance member 120 is between 0.3mm and 5.0mm approximately.
[0056] The electronic sound generation unit 140 is connected to the vibration resonance member 120 and is configured to sense the vibrations of the percussion member 110 through the vibration damping member 130 and the vibration resonance member 120 and output an electronic signal that is used in the generation of an electronic percussion sound. In some embodiments, the electronic sound generation unit 140 comprises a sensor such as, for example, a piezoelectric sensor. In some embodiments, the electronic sound generation unit 140 comprises the sensor and a circuit 145 that is coupled to the sensor to generate a signal that causes one or more speakers to output the electronic percussion sound.
[0057] In some embodiments, the sensor of the electronic sound generation unit 140 is at least partially disposed on the hub portion of the vibration resonance member 120 and on a surface of the hub portion that faces the percussion member 110. For example, the sensor may be disposed on the vibration resonance member 120 and between the percussion member and the vibration resonance member 120, as shown in Figures 5 -7. In some other embodiments, the sensor of the electronic sound generation unit is at least partially disposed on the hub portion of the vibration resonance member 120 and on a surface of the hub portion that faces away from the percussion member 110. For example, the sensor may be disposed on the vibration resonance member 120 but not between the percussion member and the vibration resonance member 120, as shown in Figures 1 -4.
[0058] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 1, the electronic percussion instrument 100 further comprises a hoop 150 and a holder 160 such that the percussion member 1101 the vibration resonance member 120, the vibration damping member 130, and at least a portion of the electronic sound generation unit 140 are disposed between the hoop 150 and the holder 160. The hoop 150 may be, for example, a rubber hoop made of rubber. The holder 160 may be, for example, a plastic holder made of plastic.
[0059] Figures 8 -9 illustrate various views of an electronic percussion instrument 800 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figures 8 -9, the electronic percussion instrument 800 comprises a percussion member 810, a vibration resonance member 820, a vibration damping member 830, and an electronic sound generation unit 840.
[0060] The percussion member 810 is configured to generate vibrations when percussed. For instance, the percussion member 810 may be a metallic plate such as, for example, a steel plate (e.g., when the electronic percussion instrument 800 is an electronic cymbal).
[0061] The vibration resonance member 820 is configured to sense and resonate with the vibrations generated by the percussion member 810. As shown in Figure 8, the vibration resonance member 820 has a partial spider web-like configuration or shape and comprises a hub portion (i.e., the central portion), a plurality of radial portions extending radially from the hub portion, and a plurality of spiral portions. More specifically, as shown in Figure 8, each of the spiral portions of the vibration resonance member 820 is disposed between and connects respective two of the radial portions. Additionally, each of the radial portions of the vibration resonance member 820 is connected to a respective adjacent one of the radial portions by one or more of the spiral portions.
[0062] A profile of the vibration resonance member 820 may take on a variety of shapes, such as those shown in Figures 5 -8. In the interest of brevity, detailed description of Figures 5-7 will not be repeated.
[0063] In some embodiments, to maximize the range of detection, a contour of a primary surface of the vibration resonance member 810 that faces the percussion member 820 is shaped to approximately match a contour of a portion of a primary surface of the percussion member 810 that faces the vibration resonance member 820.
[0064] In some embodiments, the vibration resonance member 820 comprises a plastic material. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the vibration resonance member 820 comprises a metallic material.
[0065] The vibration damping member 830 is disposed between and in direct contact with the percussion member 810 and the vibration resonance member 820, and is configured to propagate the vibrations generated by the percussion member 810 to the vibration resonance member 820. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 8, the vibration damping member 830 comprises a plurality of damping pads made of a soft material that are disposed between the percussion member 810 and the spiral portions of the vibration resonance member 820. In some other embodiments, the vibration damping member 830 may comprise a plurality of damping pads made of a soft material that are disposed between the percussion member 810 and the radial portions of the vibration resonance member 820. Alternatively, the vibration damping member 830 may comprise a plurality of damping pads made of a soft material that are disposed between the percussion member 810 and some or all of the radial portions as well as some or all of the spiral portions of the vibration resonance member 820.
[0066] In some embodiments, the vibration damping member 830 comprises a foam material. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the vibration damping member 830 comprises a silicon-based material. In some embodiments, a thickness of the vibration resonance member 820 is between 0.3mm and 5.0mm approximately.
[0067] The electronic sound generation unit 840 is connected to the vibration resonance member 820 and is configured to sense the vibrations of the percussion member 810 through the vibration damping member 830 and the vibration resonance member 820 and output an electronic signal that is used in the generation of an electronic percussion sound. In some embodiments, the electronic sound generation unit 840 comprises a sensor such as, for example, a piezoelectric sensor. In some embodiments, the electronic sound generation unit 840 comprises the sensor and a circuit 845 that is coupled to the sensor to generate a signal that causes one or more speakers to output the electronic percussion sound.
[0068] In some embodiments, the sensor of the electronic sound generation unit 840 is at least partially disposed on the hub portion of the vibration resonance member 820 and on a surface of the hub portion that faces the percussion member 810. For example, the sensor may be disposed on the vibration resonance member 820 and between the percussion member 810 and the vibration resonance member 8208. In some other embodiments, the sensor of the electronic sound generation unit 840 is at least partially disposed on the hub portion of the vibration resonance member 820 and on a surface of the hub portion that faces away from the percussion member 810.
For example, the sensor may be disposed on the vibration resonance member 820 but not between the percussion member 810 and the vibration resonance member 820, as shown in Figure 8.
[0069] Figure 10 is a graph of signal sensitivity versus radius of a percussion area in a conventional electronic percussion instrument. Figure 11 is a graph of signal sensitivity versus radius of a percussion area in an electronic percussion instrument in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The horizontal axis of each of the graphs in Figures 10 and 11 represents the radius of the percussion member 110 or 810, measured from the center (i.e., 0cm) to the rim of the percussion member 110 or 810. The vertical axis of each of the graphs in Figures 10 and 11 represents the signal strength of the signal sensed by the sensor of the electronic sound generation unit 140 or 840. As shown in Figure 10, the signal strength in a conventional electronic percussion instrument not using the spider web-like vibration resonance member of the present disclosure is relatively unstable, as the signal strength appears to be strong near the center and the rim of the percussion member but weak anywhere between the center and the rim of the percussion member. In contrast, the signal strength in an electronic percussion instrument of the present disclosure is relatively stable and more linear (stronger towards the center and weaker towards the rim of the percussion member 110 or 810).
[0070] Each of Figures 14-18 illustrates a top view of a respective vibration resonance member of an electronic percussion instrument in accordance with a respective embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 14 illustrates a vibration resonance member 1400, Figure 15 illustrates a vibration resonance member 1500, Figure 16 illustrates a vibration resonance member 1600, Figure 17 illustrates a vibration resonance member 1700, and Figure 18 illustrates a vibration resonance member 1800.
[0071] As shown in each of Figures 14 -18, each of the vibration resonance members 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700 and 1800 includes a hub portion centrally located in the vibration resonance member, a plurality of radial portions extending radially from the hub portion, and a plurality of ring portions. Each of the radial portions traverses through and connects at least some of the plurality of ring portions. Ring portions of the plurality of ring portions are concentrically arranged with each ring portion adjacent to one another.
[0072] In at least some embodiments, a width of at least one of the radial portions of the vibration resonance member 1400/1500/1600/1700/1800, as measured at two or more points along a radial direction with respect to the hub portion, may increase gradually from the hub portion toward a distal end of the at least one of the radial portions that is away from the hub portion.
[0073] In at least some embodiments, a radius of a first ring portion of the plurality of ring portions may be less than a radius of a second ring portion of the plurality of ring portions, and a width of the first ring portion may be less than the a width of the second ring portion.
[0074] In at least some embodiments, a shape of the vibration resonance member may be generally round.
[0075] In at least some embodiments, a diameter of the vibration resonance member may be between approximately 8 inches and approximately 16 inches. For example, the diameter of vibration resonance member 1400 may be approximately 8 or 10 inches, the diameter of vibration resonance member 1500 may be approximately 12 inches, the diameter of vibration resonance member 1600 may be approximately 13 inches, the diameter of vibration resonance member 1700 may be approximately 14 inches, and the diameter of vibration resonance member 1800 may be approximately 16 inches.
[0076] In at least some embodiments, a thickness of the vibration resonance member may be between approximately 0.3 millimeters and approximately 5.0 millimeters.
[0077] Compared to vibration resonance members 120, 620, 720 and 820, each of the vibration resonance members 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700 and 1800 has more radial portions, or stems. Advantageously, the increase in the number of radial portions, or stems, allows denser sound waves and more samples to be taken by the electronic sound generation unit within a given period of time, thus minimizes the likelihood of misjudgment of the force striking the percussion member.
[0078] Moreover, as the width of the ring portions increases, from a ring portion closer to the hub portion to a ring portion farther away from the hub portion, a downward sloped curve of sound waves from striking of the rim of the percussion member may be obtained, thus minimizing double trigger.
ADDITIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE IMPLEMENTATION NOTES
[0079] The above-described techniques, devices and apparatuses pertain to electronic percussion instruments, such as electronic drums and electronic cymbals, with a spider web-like sensor. Although the techniques have been described in language specific to certain applications, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or applications described herein. Rather, the specific features and applications are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing such techniques.
[0080] In the above description of exemplary implementations, for purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials configurations, and other details are set forth in order to better explain the invention, as claimed.
However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the claimed invention may be practiced using different details than the exemplary ones described herein. In other instances, well-known features are omitted or simplified to clarify the description of the exemplary implementations.
[0081] The inventors intend the described exemplary implementations to be primarily examples. The inventors do not intend these exemplary implementations to limit the scope of the appended claims. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed invention might also be embodied and implemented in other ways, in conjunction with other present or future technologies.
[0082] Moreover, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts and techniques in a concrete fashion. The term "techniques," for instance, may refer to one or more devices, apparatuses, systems, methods, articles of manufacture, and/or computer-readable instructions as indicated by the context described herein.
[0083] As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or." That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, "X employs A or B" is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then "X employs A or B" is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean "one or more," unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.
[0084] For the purposes of this disclosure and the claims that follow, the terms "coupled" and "connected" may have been used to describe how various elements interface. Such described interfacing of various elements may be either direct or indirect.

Claims (20)

  1. CLAIMSWhat is claimed is: 1. An electronic percussion instrument, comprising: a percussion member that generates vibrations when percussed; a vibration resonance member that resonates with the vibrations, the vibration resonance member comprising a hub portion centrally located in the vibration resonance member, a plurality of radial portions extending radially from the hub portion, and a plurality of ring portions, wherein: each of the radial portions traverses through and connects at least some of the plurality of ring portions, and ring portions of the plurality of ring portions are concentrically arranged with each ring portion adjacent to one another; and a vibration damping member, disposed between and in direct contact with the percussion member and the vibration resonance member, that propagates the vibrations generated by the percussion member to the vibration resonance member.
  2. 2. The electronic percussion instrument of Claim 1, wherein a width of at least one of the radial portions of the vibration resonance member, as measured at two or more points along a radial direction with respect to the hub portion, increases gradually from the hub portion toward a distal end of the at least one of the radial portions that is away from the hub portion.
  3. 3. The electronic percussion instrument of Claim 1, wherein a radius of a first ring portion of the plurality of ring portions is less than a radius of a second ring portion of the plurality of ring portions, and wherein a width of the first ring portion is less than the a width of the second ring portion.
  4. 4. The electronic percussion instrument of Claim 1, wherein a shape of the vibration resonance member is generally round.
  5. 5. The electronic percussion instrument of Claim 4, wherein a diameter of the vibration resonance member is between approximately 8 inches and approximately 16 inches.
  6. 6. The electronic percussion instrument of Claim 1, wherein a thickness of the vibration resonance member is between approximately 0.3 millimeters and approximately 5.0 millimeters.
  7. 7. The electronic percussion instrument of Claim 1, wherein a contour of a primary surface of the vibration resonance member that faces the percussion member is shaped to approximately match a contour of a portion of a primary surface of the percussion member that faces the vibration resonance member.
  8. 8. The electronic percussion instrument of Claim 1, wherein the vibration resonance member comprises a plastic material.
  9. 9. The electronic percussion instrument of Claim 1, wherein the vibration resonance member comprises a metallic material.
  10. 10. The electronic percussion instrument of Claim 1, wherein the vibration damping member comprises a plurality of damping pads, and wherein at least some of the damping pads are disposed between the percussion member and at least some of the ring portions, some of the radial portions, or some of the ring portions and radial portions of the vibration resonance member.
  11. 11. The electronic percussion instrument of Claim 1, wherein the vibration damping member comprises a plurality of damping pads, and wherein at least some of the damping pads are disposed between the percussion member and at least some of the radial portions of the vibration resonance member.
  12. 12. The electronic percussion instrument of Claim 1, wherein the vibration damping member comprises a foam material.
  13. 13. The electronic percussion instrument of Claim 1, wherein the vibration damping member comprises a silicon-based material.
  14. 14. The electronic percussion instrument of Claim 1, further comprising: an electronic sound generation unit, connected to the vibration resonance member, that senses the vibrations through the vibration resonance member and outputs a signal used in generation of an electronic percussion sound.
  15. 15. The electronic percussion instrument of Claim 14, wherein the electronic sound generation unit comprises: a sensor that senses the vibrations and generates an electronic signal based on the vibrations; and a circuit, coupled to the sensor, that receives the electronic signal and generates the electronic percussion sound.
  16. 16. The electronic percussion instrument of Claim 15, wherein the sensor comprises a piezoelectric sensor.
  17. 17. The electronic percussion instrument of Claim 15, wherein the sensor is at least partially disposed on the hub portion of the vibration resonance member and on a surface of the hub portion that faces the percussion member.
  18. 18. The electronic percussion instrument of Claim 15, wherein the sensor is at least partially disposed on the hub portion of the vibration resonance member and on a surface of the hub portion that faces away from the percussion member.
  19. 19. The electronic percussion instrument of Claim 1, wherein the percussion member comprises a metallic plate and a rubber pad, and wherein the metallic plate is disposed between the rubber pad and the vibration resonance member.
  20. 20. The electronic percussion instrument of Claim 1, further comprising: a hoop; and a holder, wherein the percussion member, the vibration resonance member, the vibration damping member, and at least a portion of the electronic sound generation unit are disposed between the hoop and the holder.
GB1500074.8A 2014-09-11 2015-01-05 Electronic drum and cymbal with spider web-like sensor Withdrawn GB2530117A (en)

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TW201610979A (en) 2016-03-16
DE102015100270A1 (en) 2016-03-17
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JP2016057596A (en) 2016-04-21
TWI643182B (en) 2018-12-01

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