US5773737A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Visual display for digital aural musical instrument tuning
Assignee: Reyburn Piano Service Inc
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Filing: 1997-06-10
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Granted: 1998-06-30
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Expires: 2017-06-10
Abstract
Abstract Methods and apparatus determine tuning frequencies for an instrument, such as a piano, by sounding at least three musical notes of the instrument. The sounded notes are recorded and digitally filtered to generate directly partial ladders representative of the sounded notes. The partial ladders are equalized with respective to a reference frequency or one another to determine tuning frequencies for the sounded notes. Tuning frequencies for the remaining notes of the instrument are then determined from the equalized partial ladders. Tone generators which produce the musical notes, such as strings on a piano, are then adjusted to conform the musical notes which they generate to the tuning frequencies. Preferably, the tone generators are adjusted using a display which provides highly accurate macro and micro tuning information in a single display by graphically and dynamically displaying pitch differences of the musical notes generated by the tone generators relative to pitches of the tuning frequencies. Reference to the display facilitates adjustment of the tone generators to make the pitch differences substantially zero. Automatically note switching is preferably performed as is pitch raise tuning using a table of pitch raise overpull percentages for the musical notes of an instrument to be tuned.
Inventors
- 👤 Dean Laurence Reyburn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 14:22
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10G; G10G7/00; G10G7/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 33
Claim 1
Independent Claim
221 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch, said method comprising the steps of: determining an unknown pitch; comparing said unknown pitch to a desired pitch to determine a pitch difference; displaying a spinner at a center of a display if said pitch difference is within a first defined pitch window relative to said desired pitch; maintaining said spinner stationary if said pitch difference is equal to zero; rotating said spinner clockwise if said pitch difference is greater than zero but less than an upper boundary of said first defined pitch window; rotating said spinner counterclockwise if said pitch difference is less than zero but greater that a lower boundary of said first defined pitch window; setting the rate of rotation in proportion to the extent said unknown pitch is different than zero; moving said spinner in a first direction off of said center if said pitch difference exceeds said upper boundary of said first defined pitch window; moving said spinner in a second direction off said center if said pitch difference exceeds said lower boundary of said first defined pitch window; and setting the amount of movement of said spinner proportional to the extent said unknown pitch exceeds said upper and lower boundaries of said first defined pitch window.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
221 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch, said method comprising the steps of: determining an unknown pitch; comparing said unknown pitch to a desired pitch to determine a pitch difference; displaying a spinner at a center of a display if said pitch difference is within a first defined pitch window relative to said desired pitch; maintaining said spinner stationary if said pitch difference is equal to zero; rotating said spinner clockwise if said pitch difference is greater than zero but less than an upper boundary of said first defined pitch window; rotating said spinner counterclockwise if said pitch difference is less than zero but greater that a lower boundary of said first defined pitch window; setting the rate of rotation in proportion to the extent said unknown pitch is different than zero; moving said spinner in a first direction off of said center if said pitch difference exceeds said upper boundary of said first defined pitch window; moving said spinner in a second direction off said center if said pitch difference exceeds said lower boundary of said first defined pitch window; and setting the amount of movement of said spinner proportional to the extent said unknown pitch exceeds said upper and lower boundaries of said first defined pitch window.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
52 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch as claimed in claim 1 further comprising the step of modifying said spinner toward a solid image as said unknown pitch increasingly exceeds said upper and lower boundaries of said first pitch window.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
69 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch as claimed in claim 2 further comprising the step of forming said spinner to comprise at least one sector of a circle and wherein said step of modifying said spinner comprises filling said circle as said unknown pitch increasingly exceeds said upper and lower boundaries of said first pitch window.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch as claimed in claim 3 further comprising the step of shrinking said spinner as it is moved from said center.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch as claimed in claim 3 further comprising the step of fully filling said circle as said unknown pitch exceeds upper and lower boundaries of a second pitch window.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch as claimed in claim 5 wherein said second pitch window is approximately 100 cents in width.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch as claimed in claim 5 wherein said first pitch window is approximately 4 cents in width.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch as claimed in claim 1 further comprising the step of selectively setting the speed of rotation of said spinner in proportion to the pitch difference in hertz or cents.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
71 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch, said method comprising the steps of: determining an unknown pitch; comparing said unknown pitch to a desired pitch to determine a pitch difference; moving a macro-tuning pitch spinner linearly to positions indicating macro-tuning of said pitch difference; and controlling motion of a micro-tuning pitch spinner to indicate micro-tuning of said pitch difference.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
71 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch, said method comprising the steps of: determining an unknown pitch; comparing said unknown pitch to a desired pitch to determine a pitch difference; moving a macro-tuning pitch spinner linearly to positions indicating macro-tuning of said pitch difference; and controlling motion of a micro-tuning pitch spinner to indicate micro-tuning of said pitch difference.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch as claimed in claim 9 further comprising the step of displaying a work area including said positions.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch as claimed in claim 9 wherein said step of controlling motion of a micro-tuning pitch spinner comprises the step of moving said micro-tuning pitch spinner along a path.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch as claimed in claim 9 wherein said step of controlling motion of a micro-tuning pitch spinner comprises the step of moving said micro-tuning pitch spinner at varying speeds.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch as claimed in claim 9 wherein said step of controlling motion of a micro-tuning pitch spinner comprises the step of moving said micro-tuning pitch spinner about a given location.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch as claimed in claim 9 wherein said step of moving said micro-tuning pitch spinner about a given location comprises the step of rotating said micro-tuning pitch spinner.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
59 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch as claimed in claim 9 wherein said step of controlling motion of a micro-tuning pitch spinner comprises the steps of: moving said micro-tuning pitch spinner along a path; and moving said micro-tuning pitch spinner about locations located along said path.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch as claimed in claim 9 further comprising the step of combining said macro-tuning pitch spinner and said micro-tuning pitch spinner.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
117 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch, said method comprising the steps of: determining an unknown pitch; comparing said unknown pitch to a desired pitch to determine a pitch difference; indicating macro-tuning of said pitch difference within macro-tuning pitch limits by performing the steps of: displaying a work area spanning said macro-tuning pitch limits; and moving a macro-tuning pitch spinner linearly to positions within said work area which positions indicate macro-tuning of said pitch difference; and indicating micro-tuning of said pitch difference within micro-tuning pitch limits by performing the step of controlling motion of a micro-tuning pitch spinner to indicate micro-tuning of said pitch difference.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
117 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch, said method comprising the steps of: determining an unknown pitch; comparing said unknown pitch to a desired pitch to determine a pitch difference; indicating macro-tuning of said pitch difference within macro-tuning pitch limits by performing the steps of: displaying a work area spanning said macro-tuning pitch limits; and moving a macro-tuning pitch spinner linearly to positions within said work area which positions indicate macro-tuning of said pitch difference; and indicating micro-tuning of said pitch difference within micro-tuning pitch limits by performing the step of controlling motion of a micro-tuning pitch spinner to indicate micro-tuning of said pitch difference.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch as claimed in claim 17 further comprising the step of selecting said macro-tuning pitch limits to be approximately 55 cents flat to 55 cents sharp.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch as claimed in claim 17 further comprising the step of selecting said micro-tuning pitch limits to be approximately 25 cents flat to 25 cents sharp.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch as claimed in claim 17 wherein said step of controlling motion of a micro-tuning pitch spinner comprises the step of moving said micro-tuning pitch spinner along a path.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch as claimed in claim 17 wherein said step of controlling motion of a micro-tuning pitch spinner comprises the step of moving said micro-tuning pitch spinner at varying speeds.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch as claimed in claim 17 wherein said step of controlling motion of a micro-tuning pitch spinner comprises the step of moving said micro-tuning pitch spinner about a given location.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch as claimed in claim 22 wherein said step of moving said micro-tuning pitch spinner about a given location comprises the step of rotating said micro-tuning pitch spinner.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
59 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch as claimed in claim 17 wherein said step of controlling motion of a micro-tuning pitch spinner comprises the steps of: moving said micro-tuning pitch spinner along a path; and moving said micro-tuning pitch spinner about locations located along said path.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
128 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch, said method comprising the steps of: determining an unknown pitch; comparing said unknown pitch to a desired pitch to determine a pitch difference; displaying a macro-tuning indication representative of said pitch difference within macro-tuning pitch limits by performing the steps of: displaying a macro-tuning window; displaying a macro-tuning pitch spinner; and moving said macro-tuning pitch spinner linearly and said macro-tuning window relative to one another to indicate macro-tuning of said pitch difference; and displaying a micro-tuning indication representative of said pitch difference within micro-tuning pitch limits by performing the steps of: displaying a micro-tuning pitch spinner; and moving said micro-tuning pitch spinner to indicate micro-tuning of said pitch difference.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
128 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch, said method comprising the steps of: determining an unknown pitch; comparing said unknown pitch to a desired pitch to determine a pitch difference; displaying a macro-tuning indication representative of said pitch difference within macro-tuning pitch limits by performing the steps of: displaying a macro-tuning window; displaying a macro-tuning pitch spinner; and moving said macro-tuning pitch spinner linearly and said macro-tuning window relative to one another to indicate macro-tuning of said pitch difference; and displaying a micro-tuning indication representative of said pitch difference within micro-tuning pitch limits by performing the steps of: displaying a micro-tuning pitch spinner; and moving said micro-tuning pitch spinner to indicate micro-tuning of said pitch difference.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
54 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch as claimed in claim 25 wherein said step of moving said macro-tuning pitch spinner and said macro-tuning window relative to one another comprises the step of moving said macro-tuning pitch spinner within said macro-tuning window.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch as claimed in claim 26 further comprising the step of combining said macro-tuning pitch spinner and said micro-tuning pitch spinner.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
74 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch, said method comprising the steps of: determining an unknown pitch; comparing said unknown pitch to a desired pitch to determine a pitch difference; and moving a macro-tuning pitch spinner linearly to positions indicating macro-tuning of said pitch differences; and controlling motion of a micro-tuning pitch spinner to indicate micro-tuning of said pitch difference in cents.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
74 words
A method for graphically and dynamically displaying a pitch difference of an unknown pitch relative to a desired pitch, said method comprising the steps of: determining an unknown pitch; comparing said unknown pitch to a desired pitch to determine a pitch difference; and moving a macro-tuning pitch spinner linearly to positions indicating macro-tuning of said pitch differences; and controlling motion of a micro-tuning pitch spinner to indicate micro-tuning of said pitch difference in cents.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3876936A
Cited
US3952625A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-06-29 | 2001-12-29 | 2002-06-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-06-29 | 2005-12-29 | 2006-06-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-06-29 | 2009-12-29 | 2010-06-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |