US6420641B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multimedia keyboard with instrument playing device
Assignee: Behavior Technical Computer Corp
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Filing: 2001-07-06
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Granted: 2002-07-16
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Expires: 2021-07-06
Abstract
Abstract A multimedia keyboard with instrument playing device comprising a case, a connector and flexible protruding plate mounted on one end of the case. A protruding plate can be inserted into an available slot in the multimedia keyboard, providing a signal connection and a flexible clip. Playing elements such as guitar strings, piano keys, or a drumhead are mounted on the exterior of the case. Several series of flexible conducting elements connected to the playing elements are mounted within the case. When the playing elements are struck or plucked, the conducting elements will deform in direct proportion to the amount of force that has been applied. One signal pickup circuit board including several carbon film resistance plates is mounted on the top or bottom of each flexible conducting elements. When a flexible conducting elements deforms, the changing area of contact between its deformed portion and the carbon film resistance plates can be used to generate analog signals in direct proportion to the amount of force applied to the playing elements. These signals allow the computer to generate sound length, tone, and volume corresponding to those of the playing elements.
Inventors
- 👤 Yen-Liang Kuan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 13:30
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10H; G10H1/00; G10H1/32; G10H1/34; G10H2220/00; G10H2220/155; G10H2220/221; G10H2220/231
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
144 words
A multimedia keyboard with an instrument playing device used for instrument playing in conjunction with said multimedia keyboard, the instrument playing device comprising a case, a signal connector mounted on one end of the case, the signal connector inserted into a slot formed on the multimedia keyboard, the signal connector joins with a connector on the multimedia keyboard and allows the transmission of electrical signals, several series of playing elements mounted on the exterior of the case to serve as simulated instrument playing components, a signal pickup circuit board mounted within the case, and one surface of the signal pickup circuit board having mounted thereon several carbon film resistance plates, several flexible conducting elements connected that the carbon film resistance plates to return to their original shape, one end of each flexible conducting element contacting with the surface of the carbon film resistance plate.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
144 words
A multimedia keyboard with an instrument playing device used for instrument playing in conjunction with said multimedia keyboard, the instrument playing device comprising a case, a signal connector mounted on one end of the case, the signal connector inserted into a slot formed on the multimedia keyboard, the signal connector joins with a connector on the multimedia keyboard and allows the transmission of electrical signals, several series of playing elements mounted on the exterior of the case to serve as simulated instrument playing components, a signal pickup circuit board mounted within the case, and one surface of the signal pickup circuit board having mounted thereon several carbon film resistance plates, several flexible conducting elements connected that the carbon film resistance plates to return to their original shape, one end of each flexible conducting element contacting with the surface of the carbon film resistance plate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
A multimedia keyboard with instrument playing device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the flexible protruding plate is mounted on the case and an opening forms a slot in the multimedia keyboard to allow the case to be inserted into the multimedia keyboard and be joined as a single unit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A multimedia keyboard with instrument playing device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the playing element comprises guitar strings.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
A multimedia keyboard with instrument playing device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a plurality of the fastening rings are attached to the two ends of the playing elements.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A multimedia keyboard with instrument playing device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the playing element comprises piano keys.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A multimedia keyboard with instrument playing device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the playing element comprises a drumhead.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
A multimedia keyboard with instrument playing device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a groove is installed in one end of the flexible conducting elements to enable connection with the playing elements.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
A multimedia keyboard with instrument playing device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a plurity of the contact areas are mounted formed on the signal pickup circuit board.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
A multimedia keyboard with instrument playing device as claimed in claim 8 , wherein the contact areas are hemispherical in shape.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
A multimedia keyboard with instrument playing device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the flexible conducting elements are connected to the signal pickup circuit board by a pair of fastening pegs.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
A multimedia keyboard with instrument playing device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the flexible conducting elements are made of conducting rubber.
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) | 2005-07-15 | 2006-01-14 | 2006-07-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-07-15 | 2010-01-14 | 2010-07-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-07-15 | 2014-01-14 | 2014-07-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |