An integrated transducer-processor unit for use with a stringed instrument having one or more strings. When the instrument is played, the unit produces electrical output signals for conversion into musical sounds. A transducer converts mechanical vibrations of each of the strings into corresponding electrical signals, and a processor processes the electrical signals to produce selected analog or digital output signals for conversion into musical sounds. The unit processor is integrated with the transducer into a pickup, for mounting on the instrument in proximity to the strings without modification of the instrument. In addition, a gesture pad-processor system provides an interface for a user to send control signals to a device to control at least one function of the device. A touch pad receives positional and pressure inputs entered by the user making a selected predefined manual gesture for conversion into a control signal by the system processor.

Methods and systems for assembling customizable solderless cables for direct current (DC) transmission of electricity to an electronic device. The systems and methods utilize shielded co-axial cable defining first and second opposed ends which may be cut to a desired length as selected by the user. Connectors, which may have a conventional 2.1 mm×5.5 mm DC plug design, include a barrel portion defining a threaded axial passageway. In use, the threaded passageway of the plug is twisted upon a respective end of the cable such that the end of the cable becomes threadedly seated thereinto and in electrical contact with the plug to form two dedicated electrical connections. A respective other plug is mounted on the other respective end of the cable in the same manner to thus define the customizable cable. A single length of cable or a plurality of wire segments and plugs may be sold as a pre-packaged unit for use in making a plurality of customizable DC cables.

An electronic portable keyboard instrument includes: a lower casing that includes a plurality of supporting members that support the fulcrums of a plurality of hammers, and a plurality of reinforcing members arranged in the first direction, each reinforcing member having a shape of rib that is erected upward from the lower casing and that is running in a length direction of the keys, wherein each of the plurality of supporting members sandwiches, from sides in the first direction, the corresponding hammer at the fulcrum so as to restrict movement of the hammer in the first direction, and wherein each of the reinforcing members is disposed in a gap between adjacent hammers, and a portion of the reinforcing members that corresponds to the weights of the adjacent hammers in position is lower than any other portions of the reinforcing member to avoid contacting the weights of the adjacent hammers.

A musical instrument activity monitoring system having a tracking and monitoring assembly including a microcontroller with non-volatile memory, an accelerometer, at least one sensor, and an antenna each in communication with the microcontroller, a power source, and a coupler. In-use parameters of musical instrument activity is tracked and monitored by the tracking and monitoring assembly. The microcontroller with non-volatile memory stores data. The data relates to values and timestamps retrieved from use of the at least one musical instrument and environmental conditions at least one musical instrument is in to analyze performance of the at least one musical instrument.

A power system on an electric guitar may include a cover plate covering a standard cavity in the electric guitar. A rechargeable power source may be contained within the standard cavity and may not extend beyond an external surface of the cover plate. Other instruments or configurations may be used.

A power system on an electric guitar may include a cover plate covering a standard cavity in the electric guitar. A rechargeable power source may be contained within the standard cavity and may not extend beyond an external surface of the cover plate. Other instruments or configurations may be used.

Vibratory motors are used to generate a haptic language for music or other sound that is integrated into wearable technology. The disclosed system enables the creation of a family of devices that allow people with hearing impairments to experience sounds such as music or other auditory input to the system. For example, a “sound vest” or one or more straps comprising a set of motors transforms musical input to haptic signals so that users can experience their favorite music in a unique way, and can also recognize auditory cues in the user's everyday environment and convey this information to the user using haptic signals.

Vibratory motors are used to generate a haptic language for music or other sound that is integrated into wearable technology. The disclosed system enables the creation of a family of devices that allow people with hearing impairments to experience sounds such as music or other auditory input to the system. For example, a “sound vest” or one or more straps comprising a set of motors transforms musical input to haptic signals so that users can experience their favorite music in a unique way, and can also recognize auditory cues in the user's everyday environment and convey this information to the user using haptic signals.

A system encourages experimentation with audio frequency and speaker technologies while causing an inanimate figure to appear to dance. The system applies a bandpass filter to an incoming audio stream (e.g., in a low frequency bass band). The system monitors the magnitude of the audio content in a frequency band of interest. When an amplitude peak or other threshold magnitude is detected, a controller injects a short pulse (e.g., 3 cycles) of a sub-audible low frequency sine wave to a platform. Preferably, the sub-audible low frequency sine wave is at a resonance frequency of the platform to maximize its movement. The figure is positioned on the platform and appears to dance to the beat of the music.

A system encourages experimentation with audio frequency and speaker technologies while causing an inanimate figure to appear to dance. The system applies a bandpass filter to an incoming audio stream (e.g., in a low frequency bass band). The system monitors the magnitude of the audio content in a frequency band of interest. When an amplitude peak or other threshold magnitude is detected, a controller injects a short pulse (e.g., 3 cycles) of a sub-audible low frequency sine wave to a platform. Preferably, the sub-audible low frequency sine wave is at a resonance frequency of the platform to maximize its movement. The figure is positioned on the platform and appears to dance to the beat of the music.