US3577824A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Music teaching machine
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1969-05-13
•
Granted: 1971-05-04
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Expires: 1989-05-13
Abstract
Abstract A music teaching machine produces small lighted areas on a screen having musical notations in response to depressions of the keys of an associated musical instrument. The lights are color coded and physically positioned to indicate the sets of notes constituting major thirds and minor thirds. A movie picture projector, lens system, and a mirror are arranged to project notes, to be played, on the same screen.
Inventors
- 👤 Lawrence P Lavan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 13:38
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09B; G09B15/00; G10; G10G; G10G3/00; G10G3/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
217 words
A system for the teaching of music, including a plurality of electrical switches adapted to be associated with and closed by the depression of keys of a musical instrument, circuit means connecting the switches in a series with an electrical source, a plurality of light means connected to the switches, a screen for viewing said light means, means for indicating the musical staff on said screen, each light means individually becoming illuminated by the closing of its respective switch, wherein said light means are placed in a predetermined position with respect to said musical staff such that when a particular key is depressed, the light means corresponding to such key appears in the proper position on said screen in relation to said staff, said light means being grouped into two colors with the first group of one color and the second group of a different color, one of said groups being connected to switches associated with those Keys which when played together and located a third apart form a major third, a projector associated with said screen adapted for projecting musical notes on said screen such that there is a superposition of the projected notes with said light means when the light means are actuated whereby it is immediately apparent whether the proper keys have been depressed.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
217 words
A system for the teaching of music, including a plurality of electrical switches adapted to be associated with and closed by the depression of keys of a musical instrument, circuit means connecting the switches in a series with an electrical source, a plurality of light means connected to the switches, a screen for viewing said light means, means for indicating the musical staff on said screen, each light means individually becoming illuminated by the closing of its respective switch, wherein said light means are placed in a predetermined position with respect to said musical staff such that when a particular key is depressed, the light means corresponding to such key appears in the proper position on said screen in relation to said staff, said light means being grouped into two colors with the first group of one color and the second group of a different color, one of said groups being connected to switches associated with those Keys which when played together and located a third apart form a major third, a projector associated with said screen adapted for projecting musical notes on said screen such that there is a superposition of the projected notes with said light means when the light means are actuated whereby it is immediately apparent whether the proper keys have been depressed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
A system as in claim 1 wherein said projector is offset from said screen and further comprising a lens system associated with said projector for projecting an image on the said screen.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as in claim 2 wherein a mirror is positioned between the lens system and the screen.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A system as in claim 1 wherein the light means are arranged in two vertical rows in a fixture positioned behind the screen.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
A system as in claim 1 adapted for a piano in which the first row is connected to switches of the black keys and the second row is connected to switches of the white keys.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system as in claim 1 wherein said light means are positioned adjacent said screen.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system as in claim 1 wherein said means for indicating the musical staff includes printing said staff directly on said screen.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-05-03 | 1974-11-02 | 1975-05-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-05-03 | 1978-11-02 | 1979-05-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-05-03 | 1982-11-02 | 1983-05-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |