JPS6357749B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method for displaying metronome signals, and more particularly to a method for obtaining silent mechanical and electrical impulses without acoustic interference.

Conventional metronome devices transmit signals to the user by the eyes, ears, or both. For this purpose, devices of this type can be used as an audible guide, such as a regularly repeated ticking sound, or as a visible metronome signal, by means of a flashlight or a pendulum. Then,
I try to clearly indicate the exact time signature.

However, both of these audible (acoustic) and visible (optical) types of metronome signals
It has the disadvantage that it can interfere with the user's concentration. For example, while composing music, the tone and tone of an audible metronome signal can be distracting. In addition, a visible metronome signal may interfere with reading the notes.

An important object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of conventional metronome signals and to obtain a method for transmitting noise-free mechanical movement impulses to multiple users simultaneously, which is completely silent.

The metronome signal display method of the present invention generates a silent beat signal from a metronome signal generation circuit when driven by a conductor, variably controls this beat signal, and then transmits the beat signal to a plurality of soundproof transmission means. , converting it into a mechanical movement impulse, and thereby transmitting this impulse to a plurality of users, so that the plurality of users simultaneously receive the direction of the beat by silently sensing the said impulse. This is a characteristic feature.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto and within the scope of the invention. This allows various design changes to be made.

The apparatus used to carry out the method of the invention (FIGS. 1 and 2) is preferably sized and shaped so that it can be carried by the user. For this purpose, the device has a generally square base body 11 of durable plastic material. This basic body 11 has a cover 12 which can be removed in a snap-like manner. For this purpose, the rim flange 13 with an inwardly projecting edge 14 engages elastically with the locking shoulder 15 inside a fitting groove 17 forming an upwardly directed shoulder in contact with the end face of the flange. engage.

In the case space 18 formed by the assembled base body 11 and cover 12, a mechano-electrical device is provided which generates a silent but physically perceptible metronome signal impulse without acoustic interference. The device has a pair of counterbalanced, cooperating electromagnets 19 mounted in diametrically opposed bosses 20 on the base 11. It is preferably formed inside an integral thickened part 22 and located at the edge of a cavity 21 forming an opening of the case.

The arrangement and relationship of the electromagnets 19 described above are as follows. That is, when the electromagnets are energized, they attract the arm 23 of the metronome impulse transducer, which is normally across an air gap. The transducer has a disc-shaped member 24 of magnetic material, such as soft iron, which is actuated by an electromagnet 19 in the tangential direction of an arm 23 integral with the member from diametrically opposed edge positions. protrude to be seen. Said transducer member 24 is preferably supported by a soundproof, relatively flexible, curved pad 25.
The outer surface of the member 24 is fixed to most of the inner surface of this pad 25. On the other hand, the arm 23 protrudes from the edge of the inner surface of the member 24. Although any suitable material may be used for the pad 25, soft rubber or rubber-like elastomer is preferred.
The outer surface of this pad 25 preferably has a row of protrusions 27 having a cloth-covered surface. Padded 2
5 has an attachment part on its periphery for attaching the pad to the base body 11. This attachment preferably comprises an integral peripheral flange 28, which flange has an outwardly open annular shape concentric with said open cavity 21 formed in the thickened portion 22 of the basic body. It is pressed firmly against the truncated conical shoulder 29 of the cavity 31 of. The clamping ring 31 is screwed into the base body 11 in an annular cavity by a screw 32 and has a frusto-conical clamping surface 33.
Then, firmly tighten the flange 28 of the pad 25 against the shoulder 29.

The pulsing motion of the electromagnet 19 is provided by an electrical device having an electrical circuit 34, the elements of which are mounted on a circuit board 35 supported by a thin mounting panel 37 on the top inner surface of the cover 12. (first, second and third
figure). Devices such as a pulse cycling transistor 38, a capacitor 38a (digital circuitry may alternatively be used) are connected to a power source such as an electromagnet 19 and a battery 39. Circuit open/close switch 4
0 has a suitable actuating device conveniently mounted on the cover 12. The pulse frequency or pulse rate controller 41 in the circuit is adjusted by a knob 42 conveniently located on the cover 12 and is provided with an indicator 43 so that the status of adjustment is indicated by a scale 44 for the rate or pulse repetition rate. is desirable. With this device, when the circuit is closed, the electromagnet 19 is energized and deenergized at a frequency determined by the adjustment of the time controller 41. During the respective energization of the electromagnet 19 in each cycle, the arm 23 of the impulse signal display device is attracted to the electromagnet, but is prevented from coming into contact with the electromagnet by the sufficiently elastic pad 25, and then when the electromagnet is deenergized. He will be restored. For this reason, the impulse converter member 24
pushes pad 25 outward, simultaneously creating a slight counterclockwise torque as shown in FIG. 1, and then returning to its original position due to the elastic return action of pad 25. As a result, the protrusion 27 transmits an impulse to the user's skin S (FIG. 2) that is in contact with the pad surface provided with the cloth. This allows the user to count beats by sensing the impulses through the skin. In FIG. 1, double-headed arrow 45 indicates the vibration cycle of transducer member 24 when actuated by electromagnet 19 in alternating pulse and return cycles. The double-headed arrow in FIG. 2 indicates the axial impulse and return cycle of the transducer member 24. As a result, the user is given a dual sensation of distinct twisting and pushing upon the impulse. This is particularly effective when a cloth is interposed between the device 10 and the user.

For convenience of use, the device 10 is sized to fit into a clothing pocket and has an impulse patch 25 for contact with the user's body. If desired, the device 10 may be attached to the arm, leg or other convenient part of the user's body; for this purpose, the device 10 is attached to ears 49 at suitable locations on either side of the base 11 of the device. A string 48 may also be attached.

A device is provided for connecting a plurality of signal display devices 10 together in order to count beats for a plurality of people simultaneously. For this purpose, the device can be provided with one or more jacks 50. This jack is connected to circuit 34 in parallel with electromagnet 19, as best seen in FIG. In such a device, since the attached metronome signal display device operates in a dependent relationship, the metronome signal display device consisting of the electromagnet 19 and the member 24 having the pad 25 and the arm 23 is all that is needed; Since this additional metronome signal display device can be connected in parallel with the device 10, this additional metronome signal display device may be a subordinate type of the device 10 and the other parts may be removed.

A parallel arrangement of slave devices 53 for carrying out the method of the invention for simultaneously transmitting beat pulses to a plurality of users is shown in FIG. All slave devices 53 are connected in a dependent manner to one control unit 54 common to them all. Each slave device has a thin flexible fixed or plug-in lead connection 55 to the respective unit 54 and has a metronome impulse conversion and transmission device as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 or a device simultaneously therewith. Anything is fine. The control unit 54 uses the circuit 34' of FIG.
It may be equipped with a metronome impulse signal generating device similar to the device shown in FIG. 1, but the power supply capacity is increased to accommodate the plurality of slave devices 53. This additional capacity is supplied from a suitable power source by means of an adapter 57.

The control unit 54 further includes an on/off switch 58
and a handheld frequency or beat controller 59 similar to control device 41.

Additionally or alternatively, the control unit 54 may include a handle 62, such as a manual pulse impulse generator, adapted to override or bypass the metronome impulse signal generating circuit 34' of the controller 59. A conductor's baton 60 having a conductor 61 may be connected. A thin flexible lead 63 connects the baton 60 with the controller 59. As can be seen from the above description, the apparatus of FIG. 3 can be used by a single conductor to direct the beats of multiple players in an orchestra.

FIG. 5 shows a circuit diagram of the apparatus for implementing the method of the invention shown in FIG. To this end, the desired number of slave devices 53 are made selectively connectable to a metronome signal generating circuit 34' which operates similarly to circuit 34 of FIG. Electric energy is
It may be supplied by a power source such as a battery 39' or, if extra capacitance is required, by an adapter 57 for connection to a suitable external power source. When the pulse repetition rate controller 59 is set to the desired beat and the switch 58 is closed, the circuit 34' is energized and performs the beat pulse generation operation at the rate of the beat indicated by the controller 59. Relay 64 preferably of silent type depending on each pulse
is closed and this relay accordingly closes the pulse generating circuit 65 in parallel with the power supply 39' (or 57) and simultaneously activates the slave solenoid 19'. In this way, all slave devices are actuated to transmit a stable and desired metronome pulse impulse through these slave devices.

When the conductor is faced with music that requires a fast, slow, or flexible time signature, he can manually control the time signature via the slave device 53 by opening the on/off switch 58. In this manner, the conductor can be activated by pressing a normally open switch 62 supported on his baton. As shown in the figure, each time the manual normally open switch 62 is closed, the pulse generating circuit 65 is closed and all slave devices 53 are closed.
is connected to the pulse generating circuit 65 so that it is activated. Conducting with silent time signatures, whether mechanical or manual, allows the conductor to use his baton more freely to perform his own interpretation of the musical expression of the work, but without pressing the switch 62. allows you to use your baton normally. When conducting is based on mechanical timing, the conductor can monitor the beat himself using one of the slave devices 53. Of course, the controller may be placed near the conductor during use so that the conductor can access the control knobs. When musical activities are not limited to a certain place,
The metronome signal may be transmitted from the control unit 54 to the slave device 53 by radio waves or wireless control; such an embodiment is readily available from the current state of electronic technology.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the apparatus used to carry out the method of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a partially sectional side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. A schematic diagram of the embodiment, FIG. 4 shows a circuit diagram of the device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and FIG. 5 shows a circuit diagram of the device shown in FIG. 3. 19, 19'...Electromagnet, 23...Arm, 2
4... converter member, 25... pad, 41... controller, 53... slave device, 54... control unit, 59... controller.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A metronome signal generation circuit generates a silent beat signal when driven by the conductor, variably controls this beat signal, and then converts the beat signal into mechanical movement impulses by a plurality of soundproof transmission means. , whereby this impulse is transmitted to a plurality of users, and the plurality of users silently sense the impulse so that they simultaneously receive the direction of the beat.