Different aspects of the invention implement a multimedia transporter system configured to accommodate a disassembled modular piano keyboard, and at the same time, configured to enhance the sound and user experience once the modular piano keyboard is assembled and played. Thus, the system comprises a multimedia transporter and a modular piano keyboard, optionally with pedals. A corresponding method is implemented in a multimedia transporter, as well as in the system, in addition to a computer program and a computer-readable medium, both comprising instructions that, once executed on a processor, carry out the method in the multimedia transporter system.

An input device for operating a musical instrument having musical behavior of string instruments, which comprises a key plate unit containing a set of input keys to be pressed by a player, in order to generate a first set of electric input signals, which emulate a combination of pressed keys of a musical instrument or a combination of pressed strings; a stick unit with variable tension of displacement including a stick to be moved by the player between predetermined discrete positions, which emulate a combination of strummed strings of a musical instrument.

An input device for operating a musical instrument having musical behavior of string instruments, which comprises a key plate unit containing a set of input keys to be pressed by a player, in order to generate a first set of electric input signals, which emulate a combination of pressed keys of a musical instrument or a combination of pressed strings; a stick unit with variable tension of displacement including a stick to be moved by the player between predetermined discrete positions, which emulate a combination of strummed strings of a musical instrument.

A portable piano keyboard is configured to be separable into multiple keyboard sections.

A controller, method, system, and computer-readable medium, for producing control signals. The controller comprises a pressure sensor, a hinged input mechanism configured to receive input forces and direct them towards the sensor, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive a signal from the pressure sensor indicating that the hinged input mechanism is being depressed or released and, based on the received signal, to determine, during a time interval, a rate of change of pressure detected at the sensor. The processor also generates a control signal associated with the hinged input mechanism, wherein the control signal comprises a velocity characteristic representing a speed at which the hinged input mechanism is depressed or released, and the velocity characteristic is based at least partly on the determined rate of change of pressure. In one example embodiment, the control signal is an audio control.

The present disclosure relates to double-ended keyboard devices and methods. In one embodiment, a device includes a first housing having a first keyboard section and control surface, with input keys arranged in a first direction and a second housing having a second keyboard section and control surface, with input keys arranged in a second direction. The device includes a joint securing the first housing and the second housing to provide rotation of the housings along an axis. The device also includes a control unit configured to detect input to housing and to generate output. The device includes an output interface coupled to the control unit. Processes are described including generating output based on detected input to the first and second keyboard sections and controlling output. Operations and devices configurations allow for a wearable control device that may be operated or played like an instrument.

The present disclosure relates to double-ended keyboard devices and methods. In one embodiment, a device includes a first housing having a first keyboard section and control surface, with input keys arranged in a first direction and a second housing having a second keyboard section and control surface, with input keys arranged in a second direction. The device includes a joint securing the first housing and the second housing to provide rotation of the housings along an axis. The device also includes a control unit configured to detect input to housing and to generate output. The device includes an output interface coupled to the control unit. Processes are described including generating output based on detected input to the first and second keyboard sections and controlling output. Operations and devices configurations allow for a wearable control device that may be operated or played like an instrument.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a haptic instrumental device comprising an electronic device having a display screen, one or more keys provided along the display screen, and one or more brackets coupled with the one or more keys and secured to the electronic device. Further, the one or more keys may include one or more capacitive nibs that, when pressed against the display screen, cause the electronic device to receive an input.

A floor effect unit for actuating a musical effect device is provided. The floor effect unit includes a base plate having at least one electrode configured to collect electric charges; a conductive plate having at least one pressable portion configured to collect electric charges having a polarity opposite to the polarity of charges collected on the electrode, pressable portion being configured such that pressing thereon reduces the distance between the at least one pressable portion and the at least one electrode changing thereby the capacitance therebetween; and a spacer disposed between the base plate and the conductive plate and being configured to provide dielectric gap therebetween, a printed circuit board coupled to the at least one electrode and the conductive plate and being configured to generate an output signal for operating the musical effect device in response to a change in the capacitance.

The present invention is directed to tactilated electronic music systems (TEMS) for sound generation. These novel electronic music systems are self-contained and computer-independent to afford full functional portability, and offer physical interfaces with wide variability in music creation and production. In particular embodiments, the TEMS of the present invention are expandable. Furthermore, particular embodiments of the present invention include the methods of producing music using a tactilated electronic music system (TEMS) of the present invention.