US3771406A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Musical instrument with digital data handling system and lighting display
Assignee: TWCA CORP
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Filing: 1971-08-10
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Granted: 1973-11-13
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Expires: 1991-08-10
Abstract
Abstract A data handling system has an arrangement in which input data may be recorded and/or displayed in analog form while at the same time the data is encoded in digital form on a storage or memory medium, such as magnetic tape. When the memory medium is operated for retrieval of the encoded data, the data is converted to one analog form for display while at the same time the originally recorded analog form may also be displayed, whereby two analog displays result. The system is described as embodied in an electronic organ and may be used as a teaching device wherein a series of electric lamps are mounted respectively above a series of organ keys. A key may be depressed causing the audio to be heard. At the same time audio is recorded along with data in digital coded form representing the key. Upon playback the audio is reproduced to constitute one analog form and the decoding circuitry causes the lamp associated with the key to be illuminated to provide the second analog form.
Inventors
- 👤 R Wheelwright
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 17:05
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63J; A63J17/00; G; G10; G10H; G10H1/00; G10H1/0008; G10H1/0016; G10H1/0033; G10H1/0041; G10H1/005; G10H2220/00; G10H2220/021; G10H2220/026; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S84/00; Y10S84/29
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
108 words
In a musical instrument having a keyboard, the keys of which are operable to produce selected audio tones, a series of electric lamps adjacent to the keyboard, each lamp corresponding to a key, first means operable responsive to aCtuation of a selected key for encoding data in digital form representing the selected key, a storage medium for said data, second means for processing the data from the first means and delivering the processed data to said storage medium, third means for retrieving said data from said storage medium, and fourth means for processing said retrieved data and delivering a signal to the lamp associated with the selected key.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
108 words
In a musical instrument having a keyboard, the keys of which are operable to produce selected audio tones, a series of electric lamps adjacent to the keyboard, each lamp corresponding to a key, first means operable responsive to aCtuation of a selected key for encoding data in digital form representing the selected key, a storage medium for said data, second means for processing the data from the first means and delivering the processed data to said storage medium, third means for retrieving said data from said storage medium, and fourth means for processing said retrieved data and delivering a signal to the lamp associated with the selected key.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
In an instrument according to claim 1, means for recording the audio tone for the selected key upon actuation thereof, and means for reproducing the audio tone upon retrieval of said data and actuation of said lamp by the signal delivered thereto.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
51 words
In an instrument according to claim 1, said first means including a binary coding matrix for coding the key-indicating data in para lel bit form, and second means including a parallel-to-serial converter for converting said data to serial form, whereby the data is stored on said storage medium in serial form.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
In an instrument according to claim 3 further including pulse generating means forming part of said first means and operable responsive to actuation of said selected key for enabling the loading of data into said parallel-to-serial converter.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
In an instrument according to claim 4 further including means forming part of said first means and providing a signal derived from the audio tone for clocking the operation of said parallel-to-serial converter.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
In an instrument according to claim 5 further including means for adding data bits of predetermined logic states in said converter to the data represented by the selected key whereby the data sent to said storage medium includes said added data bits.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
53 words
In an instrument according to claim 1, fifth means forming part of said second means for adding additional bits to the data representing the key, and sixth means forming part of said third means for utilizing said additional bits as a control for the flow of the remaining bits to said fourth means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
50 words
In an instrument according to claim 7 further comprising a latching network also forming part of said fourth means and controlled by said sixth means such that the loading of said remaining bits in said latching network is ascertained by the presence of said additional bits in said sixth means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
63 words
In an instrument according to claim 7 further comprising a decimal coder also forming part of said fourth means for combining some of the data bits sent from said latching network, and BCD to decimal converter means also comprising part of said fourth means that receive data bits in parallel form from said latching network and said decimal coder for driving said lamp.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
In an instrument according to claim 5 in which said storage means comprises a multi-channel magnetic tape in which the data is stored on one channel, and said audio tone is stored on the other channel.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
In an instrument according to claim 4 including means for clocking said parallel-to-serial converter independently of said audio tone, the data and clock signal being recorded on a single channel of the storage medium.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
In an instrument according to claim 11, said third means including means for detecting said clock signal from the data output from said storage medium.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-11-12 | 1977-05-14 | 1977-11-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-12 | 1981-05-14 | 1981-11-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-12 | 1985-05-14 | 1985-11-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |