A device for detecting the grip pattern when playing a bowed instrument, having a sensor film arrangeable on the fingerboard for detecting the grip pattern. The sensor film is formed from at least one resistance layer, a conductive layer and a spacer layer arranged in-between, and having an evaluation circuit, by which evaluation circuit the resistance changes of the sensor film caused by the grip pattern are able to be detected. The resistance layer is divided into a number of resistance tracks corresponding to the number of strings of the bowed instrument. The width of each resistance track is formed increasing from one end of the sensor film to the other end of the sensor film, and the upper layer of the sensor film is formed by the conductive layer, and the sensor film has a curvature, corresponding to the arch of the fingerboard.

A haptics signal generator configured to generate a haptics signal for driving a haptics transducer by amplitude modulating and frequency modulating a carrier signal based on an input audio signal.

Different aspects of the invention implement a sensor module that can be configured as a keyboard module or as a pedal module, allowing to connect a plurality of keyboard and pedal modules to assemble a configuration to the user’s liking, such as, for example, the usual configuration of an 87-key piano together with two pedals. The sensor module transmits information about detected key or pedal strokes to a computer application for playback, either aural or visual. At the same time, the sensor module allows, both in the keyboard module and pedal module configuration, to transmit the feeling of playing a real piano.

Provided a method for playing audios. The method includes: acquiring vibration control information corresponding to a target audio, wherein at least one vibration period and vibration attribute information corresponding to the at least one vibration period are recorded in the vibration control information, and each vibration period corresponds to a beat period of a target percussive instrument in the target audio; synchronously playing the target audio and the vibration control information; and when any vibration period of the at least one vibration period is played, controlling a terminal to vibrate based on vibration attribute information corresponding to the vibration period.

A method for training vibrotactile speech perception in the absence of auditory speech includes selecting a first word, generating a first control signal configured to cause at least one vibrotactile transducer to vibrate against a person's body with a first vibration pattern based on the first word, sampling a second word spoken by the person, generating a second control signal configured to cause at least one vibrotactile transducer to vibrate against the person's body with a second vibration pattern based on the sampled second word, and presenting a comparison between the first word and the second word to the person. An array of vibrotactile transducers can be in contact with the person's body. A method for improving auditory and/or visual speech perception in adverse listening conditions or for hearing-impaired individuals can also include sampling a speech signal, extracting a speech envelope, and generating a control signal configured to cause a vibrotactile transducer to vibrate again a person's body with an intensity that varies over time based on the speech envelope.

Enhanced stringed instrument learning is provided by a wearable device. A control unit comprising a processor and a memory device is integrated with a frame, of the wearable device, formed to fit over a hand of a user while playing a stringed instrument. A finger assembly is provided each finger of the hand and is coupled to the frame to immobilize a finger of the hand while playing the stringed instrument. A sensor array is coupled to each finger assembly and to the control unit to determine at least a positioning of fingers on the stringed instrument. The sensor also sends user performance data to the control unit. The control unit analyzes the user performance data and outputs feedback to the user based on the performance data analysis.

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.

Described are methods and devices for modulating the tempo of music in real time based on physiological rhythms.

A toroidal actuator is responsive to a teleoperator for providing haptic feedback responsive to a curvature or articulated movement applied to a gripped object. The toroidal actuator surrounds an operator member such as a finger, and is responsive to pneumatic pressure for increasing telepresence force defined by resistance encounter against a teleoperated robotic claw. As the teleoperated claw grips an object, increased pneumatic pressure in the toroidal actuator tends to elongate the toroidal shape in a linear manner and oppose a curvature force applied by an inserted operator finger. Resistive force is based on soft sensing of the gripped object, thus the toroidal actuator applies an increasing resistive force to curvature as the robotic claw closes around a gripped object by solenoid regulated air pressure. A typical assembly includes at least 3 toroidal actuators for two digits and a thumb of an operator.

A haptic controller including a base, a plurality of actuators, each actuator being mounted pivotally relative to the base along a pivoting axis perpendicular to the main direction, a plurality of damping elements, each being positioned so as to dampen a rotation movement of an actuator, the damping elements being elastically deformable between an initial configuration and a final configuration, each damping element including a body of deformable material, the body having at least one recess, wherein, each of the actuators have a protrusion suitable for coming into contact with the associated damping element, and each protrusion has a free end defining a contact with the associated damping element in its initial configuration.