Optoelectric transducer system for stringed instruments
AssigneeAudio Optics, Inc.
InventorsBradley W. Curtis, Bruce L. Kennedy, Christopher R. Willcox
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Abstract
A pick-up apparatus for a string instrument comprising an array of supports for positioning an array of detectors, each of which monitors strings' vibrations and generates electrical signals, each of the supports straddling a string of the stringed instrument. The detectors include a sensor mount, a divergent light source, and first and second optical sensors which receive light simultaneously when the light source is illuminated and generates an electrical analog output signal.
Claims29
A pick-up apparatus for stringed instruments having strings which vibrate, comprising:
- an array of supports for positioning an array of detectors which monitor said string's vibrations and generates electrical output signals, each of said supports for straddling a string of said stringed instrument, each of said detectors comprising:
- (a) a sensor mount having first, second and third walls such that a string at rest can be positioned approximately along its axis;
- (b) a divergent light source mounted on said first wall of said sensor mount;
- (c) a first optical sensor capable of detecting light, said first sensor mounted on said second wall of said sensor mount;
- (d) a second optical sensor capable of detecting light, said second sensor mounted on said third wall of said sensor mount;
- and
- wherein said first optical sensor and said second optical sensor receive light simultaneously from said light source when said light source is illuminated and generates an electrical analog output signal.
A stringed instrument pick-up apparatus for a stringed instrument which produces high range, mid-range and low range output frequency components, comprising:
- (1) an optical transducer to receive said stringed instrument's output and generate an analog electrical output signal comprising:
- (a) a sensor mount having first, second and third walls in a triangular configuration such that a string of said stringed instrument can be positioned approximately along its axis;
- (b) a divergent light source mounted on said first wall of said sensor mount;
- (c) a first optical sensor capable of detecting light, said first sensor mounted on said second wall of said sensor mount;
- (d) a second optical sensor capable of detecting light, said second sensor mounted on said third wall of said sensor mount;
- and
- (2) a piezoelectric transducer positioned to receive said stringed instrument's output and generate an electrical output signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.