HK1229519B - Musical sound generator - Google Patents

Description

Musical sound generating device

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to a musical tone generating device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a musical tone generating device for generating musical tones under the action of gravity without the intervention of a musician.

Background Art

One benefit of listening to music is that it can calm the listener and help people fall asleep, both in indoor and outdoor environments. Therefore, having non-intrusive background noise in an environment can be beneficial for those in that environment. For example, people who suffer from autism or tinnitus have seen relief from symptoms by using white noise machines that produce sounds like rushing water or birdsong. Furthermore, non-intrusive background noise can help mask intrusive background noise in work environments, such as between rooms.

There are some known devices that can generate random musical tones over a long period of time. One such device is disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,225,616. This document discloses a device having an adhesive tape that delays the drop of beads from an elevated position onto a plurality of positioned acoustic bars under the action of gravity to randomly generate a number of different musical notes.

A disadvantage of this device is that the adhesive tape readily loses its adhesive properties due to drying out from exposure to air and contact with other particles such as dust. The adhesive tape also leaves residue on the beads with which it comes into contact. These two disadvantages reduce the efficiency of the device disclosed in this document within a relatively short period of time and require regular maintenance to keep the device operational.

Furthermore, for the device to continue producing notes over an extended period of time, the device must be periodically turned upside down so that beads that have landed on the bottom of the device are now positioned at the top of the device so that they can fall through the device again to produce more notes.

Another known device for producing sound and visual displays is disclosed in US 4844447. The device comprises a centrally located auger that conveys beads from a reservoir to an elevated position within the device so that they fall under gravity through a series of acoustic spokes back into the reservoir for recovery.

One disadvantage of this device is the lack of efficiency in loading the auger with beads, undesirable noise resulting from excessive contact of objects with the auger, and a lack of reliability of the device.

Furthermore, there is no way to control the speed at which the device's beads fall, and therefore the speed at which the musical tone is produced.

Purpose of the Invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a musical tone generating device that solves at least some of the problems in the prior art, such as those discussed above.

Alternatively, it is an object of the invention to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Summary of the Invention

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the words "comprises," "comprising," and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense rather than an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is, to mean "including but not limited to."

In a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a musical tone generating device comprising:

a tube forming a resonant cavity, the tube comprising a plurality of sound producing chimes for producing audible sound when at least one object strikes at least one chime;

Storage, used to store multiple objects; and

a transfer mechanism for transferring the object from the reservoir to an elevated position within the resonant cavity;

wherein, after being transported by the transport mechanism, the object falls from an elevated position within the resonant cavity due to gravity, striking the plurality of sound-generating vibrators, thereby producing a continuous cycle of musical tones at random intervals; and

The position of the reservoir relative to the conveying mechanism is configured to move according to the accumulation level of objects stored in the reservoir to improve the efficiency of the conveying mechanism in retrieving objects from the reservoir.

Preferably, the objects are plastic beads.

Preferably, the conveying mechanism is a driven belt, provided with a plurality of blades to catch the object and convey it to the top of the tube.

Preferably, the tube is arranged to be rotated by an electric motor.

In this manner, the tone generating device can generate random sounds and have an aesthetically pleasing appearance by the rotation of the tone vibration within the resonance cavity of the tube.

Preferably, the position of the storage relative to the conveying mechanism is moved by at least one sensor for sensing the accumulation level of objects in the storage and at least one actuator for moving the position of the storage according to input from the at least one sensor.

Preferably, the musical sound generating device further comprises an ion generator for generating electrostatic charge on the object and/or the storage to attract the object to the conveying mechanism, so as to improve the efficiency of conveying the object through the conveying mechanism.

Preferably, the musical sound generating device further comprises a microphone located in the resonant cavity to convert the sound to be loaded and reproduced through at least one speaker.

Preferably, the musical tone generating device further comprises at least one LED for illuminating the resonant cavity when an object strikes a musical vibration.

While all of the novel aspects of this invention should be considered, other aspects of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following description which provides at least one example of a practical application of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG1 shows a cross-sectional view of a musical tone generating device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG2 shows a front view of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG1 ;

FIG3 shows a flow chart of the components of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG1 ; and

FIG4 shows a cross-sectional view of a musical tone generating device according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one preferred form of the present invention, the arrangement of the tone generating device is generally indicated by arrow 100 .

1 and 2, a musical sound generating device (100) includes a reservoir (1) on the bottom of the device (100) configured to store a number of solid objects in the form of plastic beads (2); a resonant cavity defined by a tube (3) and including a plurality of sound-generating vibrators (4) located on the inner surface of the tube (3), for generating an audible sound when the plastic beads (2) strike at least one of the vibrators (4), and the tube (3) is rotated by a motor (3A). The rotation speed of the tube (3) can be adjusted by the user through a control button (6) via the motor (3A) to generate randomized sounds and to generate an aesthetically pleasing appearance by the vibrators (4) as the tube (3) rotates. A ring gear (3B) is configured to rotate the tube (3) via the motor (3A) via a shaft (3C) and a gear (3D).

The device (100) includes at least one light emitting diode (LED; 5) configured to illuminate the resonant cavity of the tube (3). The light output of the LED (5) can be electronically controlled by a user via at least one control button (6). The LED light (5) can be used to illuminate and project still or moving images directly onto the tube (3). The sound vibrator (4) can optionally have associated electronic control circuitry in a control unit (110) configured to cause the LED (5) to illuminate when the sound vibrator (4) is struck by a bead (2).

The musical tone generating device (100) comprises a transmission mechanism in the form of a belt (7) driven by a motorized pulley (8) and caused to move by a pair of upper pulleys (8A). The belt (7) comprises a number of paddles (7A) configured to collect and transfer beads (2) from a reservoir (1) to the top of the device (100), where the beads fall to the open end (120) of the tube (3) and fall to the bottom of the tube (3) by gravity, thereby striking the sound vibrator (4), thereby generating a continuous cycle of musical tones at random time intervals. The motorized pulley (8) is driven by a power source (9) such as a battery. The height of the reservoir (1) can be electronically adjusted by an actuator in the form of a reservoir lift solenoid (10), via a reservoir sensor (11) such as a photodetector and a control unit (110), so that when the accumulation level of the beads (2) in the reservoir (1) is below a predetermined level, the reservoir (1) is moved towards the belt (7) so that the paddle (7A) can obtain the beads (2); or, if the accumulation level of the beads (2) is too close to the belt (7), the reservoir (1) is moved away from the belt (7) to reduce unnecessary noise caused by excessive contact between the belt (7) and the beads (2).

The device (100) further includes an ion generator (12) for generating negative ions to purify or condition the air around the device (100). In addition, the ion generator (12) can be used to provide an electrostatic charge to the reservoir (1) and/or the beads (2), thereby attracting the beads (2) to the conveyor belt (7) and/or agitating the beads (2) in the reservoir (1) to improve the loading efficiency of the beads (2) and/or reduce the friction of the beads (2) loading and the undesirable noise caused by the contact between the beads (2) and the belt (7).

The device (100) has a cover (13) mounted on the tube (3) and the conveyor belt (7) to prevent debris such as dust from falling. The cover (13) of the device (100) can be designed in an aesthetically pleasing form using different materials such as organic wood or more modern Perspex. For example, a transparent outer cover will show the movement and workings of the device inside, which can increase the calming effect of the device (100) by promoting visual interest to the user.

The device (100) has an LCD display (14) to display the settings of the device (100), such as the speed of rotation of the tube (3) and the speed of the belt (7).

The device (100) has a microphone (15) located in the tube (3) to capture the sound of the acoustic vibration (4) when it is struck by the beads (2), which is reproduced by a pair of speakers (16). The device (100) may also optionally include an audio effects unit and a loudspeaker (not shown) to adjust the sound produced by the acoustic vibration that produces the sound and recorded by the microphone (15) and produce sound effects such as reverberation, delay and/or deformation, which are reproduced by the speakers (16). Such a microphone may optionally have associated electronic circuitry (not shown) configured to illuminate the LED (5) when the sound is reproduced by the speakers (16). A rack (17) delivers the beads (2) from the top of the belt (7) to the top of the tube (3). By passing through the tube (3), the beads (2) hit the base (18), which redelivers the beads (2) to the reservoir (1).

Another optional component is an alarm clock and radio (not shown) that can output audio and USB/Bluetooth connections (not shown) to charge external electrical devices and receive audio and video signals.

The device (100) may be sold as a complete unit or as a kit of parts for easy assembly.

Referring to Figure 3, the power supply (9) provides power to the control board (110). Inputs are provided in the form of user input buttons (6), reservoir sensor (11) and microphone (15). Outputs to the control board (110) are in the form of user LCD display (14), speaker (16), LED display light (5), bead lift belt motor (8), ion generator (12), resonant tube motor (3A) and reservoir lift solenoid (10).

The device (100) continuously generates random musical notes of good sound quality for a sustained period of time without human interference and can be powered by an energy source such as a battery and/or by mains power. The device (100) is intended to create a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere in an aesthetically and acoustically pleasing manner in indoor and outdoor environments. The device (100) can be located in different indoor and outdoor spaces such as a lounge, bedroom, bathroom, waiting room, treatment room or outdoor garden.

It will be appreciated that various modifications may be made without departing from the embodiments provided by the present invention. For example, the sound-producing vibrator may be in the form of a rod that is struck by an object under the action of gravity to produce a note. The transport mechanism may also take the form of an actuator, such as a spring-loaded piston, configured to propel the object upward along a tube to an elevated position within the resonant cavity. Alternatively, the transport mechanism may utilize pressurized air or liquid to propel the object to an elevated position within the resonant cavity. In other alternative embodiments, the transport mechanism may be another tool, step, or other means by which the beads may be moved to the top of the device after landing in the resonant cavity.

The optional musical sound generating means may also include a decorative water display selected from the group consisting of a fountain, a pool, a cascade, a waterfall and a stream, adding further visual and sonic qualities to the apparatus of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention may exhibit any one or more of the following significant advantages:

Improved sound quality in random tone generation;

A greater level of user control over the frequencies of musical sounds and the sonic characteristics of those sounds;

Enhance the user's entertainment experience through a combination of sound, visual experience, and audio quality; and

Improved efficiency in transferring sound-generating objects from the bottom to the top of the resonant cavity, and noise cancellation operation; and

Reduce wear and tear on sound-generating objects by reducing friction during transport.

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, wherein a musical tone generating device according to the alternative embodiment is generally indicated by arrow 200. The device (200) continuously generates random musical notes of good sound quality over a sustained period of time without human intervention and is powered by a mains power supply (not shown).

The musical sound generating device (200) comprises a reservoir (21) at the bottom of the device (200) configured to hold a number of solid objects in the form of plastic beads (22); a resonant cavity (23) comprising a plurality of rods (24) and a sound generating vibrator in the form of a reed string (25), wherein an audible sound is generated when the plastic beads (2) strike at least one string (5).

The device (200) includes at least one light emitting diode (LED; 26) integrated into a base (27) and configured to illuminate (26A) an outer body (28) and/or act as a lamp. The rod (24) and string (25), optionally with associated electronic circuitry (not shown), are configured to illuminate the LED (26) when the bead (22) strikes the string (25).

The musical tone generating device (200) further includes a transmission mechanism including a pair of actuators in the form of pistons (29), the pistons (29) having a spring-loaded (29a) and configured to push a bead (22) up a pair of tubes (210) to the top of a resonance cavity (23), wherein the bead falls from the open end (210a) of each tube to the bottom of the resonance cavity (23) by gravity to strike the string (25), thereby generating a continuous cycle of musical tones at random intervals. The pair of pistons (29) are actuated by an electric motor (211) driven by a power source (not shown).

The device includes a fixing clip associated with each tube (210) to prevent the beads (22) from falling back into the tube (210) to relieve the load on the piston (29) and improve the efficiency of the transfer mechanism.

The device (200) further includes a cover (not shown) mounted on the top of the resonant cavity (23) to prevent debris such as dust from falling.

The outer body (28) of the device (200) can be designed in an aesthetically pleasing form using different materials such as organic wood or more modern Perspex. For example, a transparent outer cover will reveal the movement and workings of the device, which can increase the calming effect of the device (200) by promoting visual interest to the user.

The device (200) may optionally include a microphone (not shown) located within the resonant cavity to convert the sound to be loaded and reproduced by at least one speaker (not shown). The device (200) may also optionally include means for adjusting the sound produced, such as volume and/or sound effects such as reverberation and/or delay. Such a microphone may optionally have associated electronic circuitry (not shown) for illuminating the LED (26) when the sound is reproduced by the at least one speaker. In addition, the musical sound generating device (200) may optionally include a decorative water display selected from the group consisting of a fountain, a pool, a cascade, a waterfall, and a stream of water. The device (200) may be sold as a complete unit or as a kit of parts that can be easily assembled.

The present invention can also be broadly described as including the parts, elements and components mentioned or indicated in the specification of this application, either individually or collectively, and any or a combination of two or more of the above parts, elements or components.

Where in the foregoing description, integers or components having known equivalents thereof have been mentioned, these integers are hereby incorporated as if individually set forth.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Therefore, it is intended that such changes and modifications be encompassed by the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only, and it will be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof.

Claims (12)

1. A musical sound generating device comprising: a tube forming a resonant cavity, the tube comprising a plurality of sound-generating vibrators for producing audible sound when at least one object strikes at least one of the vibrators; Storage, used to store multiple objects; a transfer mechanism for transferring the object from the reservoir to an elevated position within the resonant cavity; Energy source; and a loading efficiency device, powered by the energy source, for improving the efficiency of the conveying mechanism in acquiring objects from the storage, The loading efficiency device is characterized in that the loading efficiency device is in the form of a mobile storage device or an ion generator; the mobile storage device adjusts the position of the storage device relative to the conveying mechanism and is used to move according to the horizontal position of the object stored in the storage device to improve the efficiency of the conveying mechanism in obtaining the object from the storage device; the ion generator is used to generate electrostatic charge on the object and/or the storage device to attract the object to the conveying mechanism, thereby improving the efficiency of conveying the object through the conveying mechanism; After being transported by the transport mechanism, the object falls from the elevated position within the resonant cavity due to gravity, striking the plurality of sound-generating vibrations to produce a continuous cycle of musical tones at random intervals. 2. The musical sound generating device according to claim 1, wherein the object is a plastic bead. 3. The musical sound generating device according to claim 1, wherein the conveying mechanism is a drive belt provided with a plurality of blades to capture the object and convey it to the top of the tube. 4 . The musical sound generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the pipe is configured to be rotated by a motor. 5. The musical sound generating device as described in claim 1 is characterized in that the loading efficiency device is used to move the position of the storage relative to the conveying mechanism according to the stacking level of the objects stored in the storage to help the conveying mechanism to obtain the objects from the storage. 6 . The musical sound generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the energy source is an electric power source. 7. A musical sound generating device as described in claim 6, characterized in that the loading efficiency device is used to move the position of the storage relative to the conveying mechanism through at least one sensor and at least one actuator, the sensor is used to sense the stacking level of objects in the storage, and the actuator is used to move the position of the storage through the input of at least one sensor. 8. The musical sound generating device according to claim 6, wherein the loading efficiency device is configured to cause the object to be attracted to the conveying mechanism. 9. The musical sound generating device according to claim 6, wherein the loading efficiency device is used to stir the objects in the storage. 10. The musical sound generating device according to claim 6, wherein the loading efficiency device comprises an ion generator for generating electrostatic charge on one or more objects and/or the reservoir. 11. The musical sound generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a microphone located in the resonant cavity to convert sound to be loaded and reproduced through at least one speaker. 12. The musical sound generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising at least one LED for illuminating the resonant cavity when an object strikes a musical vibration.