Electroglottograph-driven controller for a MIDI-compatible electronic music synthesizer device

An apparatus comprising:

• an electroglottograph EGG means for producing an electroglottograph signal containing pitch information generated in response to a movement cycle of a user's vocal cords to produce sound;
• a microphone for generating a microphone signal indicative of the volume of the sound;
• means for combining the EGG and microphone signals and converting the combined signal into a Music Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) signal, the converting means including an analog signal processor for normalizing the electroglottograph signal, an analog-to-digital processor for converting the normalized electroglottograph signal into a digital signal, a MIDI interpreter for translating the digital signal into a MIDI format signal;
• and
• a voice synchronous serial transmitter for transmitting the MIDI signal to a MIDI device.

A method for controlling a digital musical instrument with an electroglottograph signal, said signal being generated at the end of a user's glottal cycle, comprising the steps of:

• generating an electroglottograph signal;
• amplitude normalizing the electroglottograph signal;
• digitizing the normalized signal;
• formatting the digitized signal into a computer music code;
• and
• transmitting the formatted signal to a compatible digital music generating real time serial digital interface.

In an electroglottograph, a neckband composed of a pliable substance which, when in place, contacts a user's neck, characterized in that:

• the neck band includes four electrodes for contacting the user's neck;
• two of said electrodes are located at either side of the user's thyroid cartilage;
• the third of said electrodes is located on one side of the user's neck;
• and
• the fourth of said electrodes is inactive and is located on the opposite side of the neck as the third electrode;
• wherein said first, second and third electrodes detect electrical changes in the impedance of the user's neck and transmit information on such changes to the electroglottograph.