PORTABLE SOUND-INTERFACING DEVICE

DISPOSITIF D'INTERFACE SONORE PORTATIF

English Abstract

A sound reproduction and interfacing device that is quickly, and non-
permanently affixed
onto an acoustic musical instrument or other resonant object. The device
converts audio signal
inputs from an external audio source, such as a portable electronic device,
into vibrations, which
are translated into sound by the resonant object's intrinsic sound-conductance
and amplifying
properties. It comprises a receptacle body which encloses the electronic and
mechanical
components that transmit and process an input audio signal, and ultimately
convert the signal to
vibrations. Importantly, the device comprises mechanisms that allow quick and
simple mounting
and removing of the device onto/from the resonant object and that provide a
contact surface
between the device and the object's resonant surface, without requiring
permanent modification
to the object. The device can comprise components that capture audio produced
by the
resonant object and transmit the captured signal back to the original audio
device or another
device.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS
1. An audio interface device comprising:
a. A support for temporarily, yet strongly, affixing the device to a resonant
surface of
a resonant object quickly, with minimal physical effort.
b. A vibrating transducer that converts an electrical audio signal to
mechanical
vibrations.
c. An electrical circuit that captures an electrical audio signal from an
external audio
source.
d. An audio or vibration capture device that converts vibrations on, or near,
a
resonant surface into an electrical signal and transfers the signal to an
external audio device.
e. A structural encasement that contains and supports some or all of the
functional
components.
f. A construction that is compact, and easily stored or transported.
2. The device in claim 1, wherein an electrical or electronic audio signal is
a. transferred to the device from an external audio source,
b. converted into mechanical vibrations,
c. transmitted to a resonant surface of a resonant object, such as (but not
limited to)
a musical instrument body,
d. amplified and projected by the object's intrinsic acoustic properties.
3. The device in claim 1, wherein the support
a. is achieved by a surface or surfaces that grip a resonant surface, such as
(but
not limited to) the body of a musical instrument,
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b. holds the device firmly in place,
c. allows the device to be attached to the surface without permanent
modification or
damage to the device or the surface,
d. allows the device to be installed and/or removed quickly, with a simple
action,
without specialized knowledge or training,
e. transmits vibrations from the vibrating transducer to the resonant surface.
4. Embodiments of the device in claim 1, wherein the support surface
a. achieves grip by pinching a thin surface of a resonant object, such as the
border
of a musical instrument sound aperture, between surfaces pushed together by
mechanical force, such as the elastic force from a spring, or pressure from a
clamp,
b. achieves grip by a suction cup attached to an outer surface of a resonant
object,
such as a musical instrument,
c. is constructed of a non-abrasive material that conducts vibration, such as
wood,
metal, bone, plastic or hard polymer.
5. Embodiments of the device in claim 1, wherein the electrical circuit
comprises
a. an (or multiple) analog or digital signal converter(s) to modify the input
audio
signal to a format to be used by the device, such as converting a stereophonic
audio signal to a monophonic audio signal, or converting a digital electronic
signal to an analog audio signal,
b. a (or multiple) digital or analog signal processing component(s) to
optimize the
audio signal frequencies for use by the device,
c. a (or multiple) signal amplifier(s) to increase the power of the electric
audio signal
driving the vibrating transducer,
d. a power supply, such as a battery, for any active electronic components,
e. a control component to adjust the output signal intensity.
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6. Embodiments of the device in claim 1, wherein the device includes a, or
many, control
interface(s), such as a control knob or switch, to control various functions
of the device,
such as output signal intensity.
7. Embodiments of the device in claim 1, wherein the input audio signal
a. is transmitted from an electronic signal source, such as a cellular
telephone or
digital music player, by an electrical cable, and enters the device by an
electrical
connector, such as a 3.5 mm miniature phone connector,
b. is transmitted wirelessly from an electronic signal source, and enters the
device
by a wireless receiver.
8. Embodiments of the device in claim 1, wherein the device
a. comprises an audio or vibration capture device, such as a microphone, or a
piezoelectric or optical pickup, to capture sound produced by the resonant
surface, and convert it to a captured audio signal,
b. can transmit captured audio signals to an electronic device, such as a
cellular
telephone, computer or digital music player by the same methods as mentioned
in claim 7.
9. Embodiments of the device in claim 1, wherein
a. the support surface is integrated into the structural encasement,
b. the structural encasement possesses a removable panel to allow access to
inner
components, such as a battery,
c. the structural encasement is made of a durable material, such as plastic,
wood or
metal,
d. the structural encasement is built with a compact shape, to avoid
interfering with
musical instrument playing technique, or to allow easy handling and transport.
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Description

CA 02876596 2015-01-06
PORTABLE SOUND-INTERFACING DEVICE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to audio reproduction and interfacing devices,
and more
specifically, to a device for amplifying sound signals generated by an
external audio signal
source, using the acoustic properties of a resonant object, such as a musical
instrument, and for
capturing sound from a resonant object, and returning it to an external audio
device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Musicians training with the help of backing tracks or simply wishing to play
along to a
pre-recorded musical piece have traditionally had to use pieces of equipment
such as
amplifiers, professional audio or high-fidelity audio systems and loudspeakers
to do so. In
many circumstances; however, the use of such devices is impractical as they
are often
costly, bulky, cumbersome, and their portability is greatly reduced by their
reliance on
an external power source.
Stringed instruments typically couple strings and a hollow resonating chamber,
a
soundboard or a combination of the two. The striking or plucking of the
strings causes the solid
body to vibrate and to displace air, effectively amplifying the sound
generated by the vibration
of the strings. Novel sounds can be artificially produced from any resonant
surface using the
same principle; a vibrating transducer, which can produce mechanical
oscillations, similar to
the oscillations of the vibrating strings of a guitar, can be brought into
contact with a
resonant body, allowing the vibrations to be acoustically amplified and
projected. A handful
of inventions currently exploit the natural sound-amplifying properties of
stringed instruments to
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generate or amplify a sound signal coming from an external source. One should
however note
that these proposed inventions have limitations that make them unlikely to be
used by
musicians. For example, some devices are limited to percussive sounds as the
primary signal is
translated into the mechanical striking of the solid body of the instrument
(United States of
America patent US5900573 A). Other patents allow for the amplification of
melodic and
percussive sounds, but can be difficult to install or may damage the body of
the instrument
(United States of America patent applications US20140224099 Al, US20140202320
Al).
The lack of an easy and quick method to affix these devices onto an
instrument's body
has hindered their usage by musicians. Clip-on instrument tuners (United
States of America
patent US7265282 B2), which are popular among guitar players, utilize non-
invasive methods
to removably affix electronic components to musical instruments, and allow
vibration
conduction, by simply gripping the exterior of the instrument. The present
invention is a
significant improvement of such devices, using a removable clamp-on contact
for the
communication of audio signals between a resonant object, such as a musical
instrument,
and an external audio device.
Speakers that transfer mechanical vibrations to a resonant surface to amplify
the sound
have previously been invented (Portable Vibration Speaker: United States of
America patent
application US20130170683 Al; Rock-It Portable Vibration Speaker (OrigAudio, a
division of
Forty Four Group, LLC., 2014)) however, such systems are not sufficiently
practical for use as a
musical practice and teaching tool, since these systems either do not possess
a system to
immobilise the device onto a surface (US20130170683 Al), or immobilise the
device by the use
of adhesives, which are not easily removed, and could potentially damage the
surface to which
it is affixed (Rock-It Portable Vibration Speaker). Additionally, these
devices do not possess the
ability to capture sound and transmit it to an external device as an audio
signal. The present
invention is an improvement on previously invented systems, and distinguishes
itself by
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_
providing a simple, reversible, reliable, and non-damaging method for affixing
itself to resonant
objects, and by providing a simple means for two-way communication between the
resonant
object and an electronic audio device.
The use of a strong, yet non-permanent, mechanism for affixing this device to
the
surface of a resonant object is a significant improvement over the prior art,
because it conveys
many benefits to the audio interfacing device. Firstly, a mechanism for
temporarily affixing the
device to a surface without damage to that surface allows the device to be
installed on a wide
variety of surfaces such as (but not limited to) surfaces on objects that do
not possess a flat,
horizontal surface, surfaces that are non-stationary, or surfaces on objects
of value that the user
does not wish to damage. Secondly, the temporary affixing mechanism allows the
same device
to be used in several different contexts, for example, a musician that
purchases an embodiment
of this device to use to learn how to play violin could affix the same device
to his/her bathroom
mirror to listen to music while getting ready in the morning. Finally, the
strong affixing
mechanism conveys a functional role, since vibrations are transmitted more
effectively between
separate bodies when these bodies are more strongly coupled, the support
mechanism which
strongly affixes the device to a resonant object effectively enhances the
sound transmission
between the device and the object.
A System for Remotely Generating Sound from a Musical Instrument has
previously
been disclosed in United States of America patent application US20140196593
Al, however
this system is focused on playing musical instruments remotely, to replicate
the sound which
would have been achieved by that instrument, if a musician was playing it.
This device does not
focus on playing pre-recorded audio (such as playing pre-recorded drums, bass,
vocals and
organ all simultaneously, through an acoustic guitar), which originates from
an electronic device,
such as a portable music player, without altering the sound with the
instrument's intrinsic
acoustic characteristics, and while allowing the musician to continue playing
the instrument, as
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does the present invention. The present invention can be employed as an audio
capture device
for interfacing with an electronic device, such as a cellular telephone or a
computer. The
present invention distinguishes itself by having broad applications, as it
does not require the
resonant surface to which it is coupled to necessarily be a musical
instrument, and will function
as desired on any resonant object, such as a table or a picture frame. Without
significantly
altering the design, the present invention can be employed as a teaching and
performance tool
for any acoustic musical instrument; a compact business tool to allow a
cellular phone to be
used for conference calling without the need to carry microphones, speakers
and wires; a
scaled-up version could even be used as a temporary high-performance public
address and
communication system that can be employed during disaster-relief situations,
by being installed
on debris or other resonant surfaces, which can be found in the aftermath of a
natural
disaster. The main innovative aspects for the present invention, as compared
to prior disclosed
inventions is that it is a device for audio interfacing between a resonant
object and an electronic
device that can be swiftly affixed or removed in a matter of seconds with a
simple physical
action; the present invention can thus be seen as being distinct from the
invention disclosed in
US20140196593 Al.
Musicians will benefit from an inexpensive, portable, ergonomic and user-
friendly audio
interfacing device that can be affixed to instruments in a matter of seconds,
without permanent
modification to the instruments then readily removed when not in use. Non-
musicians will also
benefit from a portable audio interfacing device that can, in conjunction with
their electronic
devices, amplify and capture sound without the need for extra equipment or an
inconvenient
power source.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an inexpensive, portable, ergonomic and user-friendly
device
that uses the natural sound amplifying properties of a resonant object, such
as an acoustic
musical instrument to convert an audio signal into sound. The device is easily
and swiftly
mounted onto a musical instrument (guitar, violin, acoustic piano, cello,
drum, trumpet, banjo,
etc.), or other resonant surface (table, dresser, chair, picture frame, etc.)
via a clip, or fastening
structure, carefully designed to maximize audio signal transmission, to
minimize vibration
dampening and unwanted audible artifacts, and to prevent damage to the object.
An audio signal generated by an external audio device, such as a portable
music player
is received by the device. The device, which comprises a small vibrating
motor, processes the
signal and translates it into mechanical vibrations which are representative
of the desired
output audio. These vibrations are transferred to the resonant object's body
via vibration
conduction through the area of contact between the clip, or fastening
structure, and the object's
vibrating surface. The vibration of the resonant object's body produces and
projects the desired
sounds without the need for external power sources. In addition, the area of
contact between
the device and the resonant surface allows vibrations produced by the resonant
surface,
namely while a musical instrument is being played, to be conducted in the
opposite direction
allowing the vibrations to be captured by a microphone, piezoelectric, or
optical pickup and
converted to an audio signal which can be transmitted to the above-mentioned,
or a
different, external audio device.
The present invention provides a convenient and inexpensive method to convert
an
audio signal into sound using the intrinsic sound amplifying properties of an
acoustic instrument
such as, but not limited to, a guitar, a banjo, a violin, a drum, a trumpet or
an acoustic piano; or
a resonant object such as a table, a dresser, a picture frame, or a chair. The
device addresses
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the need experienced by musicians who wish to play along or listen to pre-
recorded musical
tracks or audio, but for whom the usage of bulky and expensive external
equipment and a
power source is impractical, and yet a musical instrument is still readily
available, such as while
camping.
The device is mounted on a resonant surface with minimal effort. The audio
signal sent
by the portable music player is received and processed by the device. The
processed signal is
converted into vibrational motion by a small vibrating transducer. Those
skilled in the art of
acoustics will appreciate that the vibrations are transmitted to the resonant
surface of the
instrument or other resonant object via a reversible and non-intrusive support
mechanism, such
as a clip or a suction cup, resulting in the transmission of vibration to the
object's resonant body
and ultimately, in the creation and projection of sound. This device transmits
sound by vibration
conduction, using a method of action similar to that seen in sound
transmitting toothbrushes
(United States of America patent number US6115477 A). The resonant surface of
the body
effectively acts as a speaker and projects sound using the object's natural
acoustic properties,
without the use of an external power source. The device is easily detached and
stored when the
user is not using it. An important distinguishing feature for the present
invention is that it
uses a simple support mechanism which allows it to be affixed non-permanently
and non-
intrusively to any resonant surface, in seconds with minimal physical effort.
In some embodiments, the device comprises an internal microphone,
piezoelectric or
optical pickup, and the required electrical components to allow for the sound
generated or
captured on the resonant surface to be sent back to the audio source (such as
a portable music
player) and further processed by a software application. This embodiment may
benefit
musicians who want to record their instrument. It also provides a way for
musicians of all levels
to keep track of their progress. Furthermore, interactive tutorials that allow
for feedback on the
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playing by the application may be implemented, as two-way communication
between the device
and the audio source is possible.
The device allows a musician to be accompanied in a wide variety of contexts
and
places, as it is compact, portable and powered by batteries housed inside the
small device's
casing, or in some embodiments, passively, driven solely by the audio source.
The device
eliminates the need for costly and cumbersome professional audio systems or
loudspeakers
and can be carried around in a small pocket or bag. Additionally, while the
achieved sound
output may not be ideal, this device can function when affixed to any resonant
surface, and is
not necessarily exclusive to use with musical instruments. Further, variations
of the present
invention could be employed for uses such as conference calling, as a portable
speaker and
microphone peripheral for cellular telephones, or to create a temporary home
theatre
system by affixing a plurality of units onto various objects in a room,
producing a surround-
sound effect.
Additionally, a variant of the present invention could be employed as a
temporary
high-performance public address and communication system for use during
disaster-
response situations, essentially acting as an extremely portable and power
efficient
loudspeaker and communication device, which can be deployed quickly, without
specialised
training, and without requiring an external power source. In the event of a
natural disaster,
large resonant debris such as broken sewage pipes, shipping trailers, or empty
barrels are
abundant; an enlarged version of the present device equipped for wireless
communication
could be quickly deployed by an untrained first responder by affixing the
device to any
convenient piece of debris, thus allowing messages transmitted from
satellites, aircraft, or
radio towers to be broadcast to the public. Audio capture capabilities would
allow these
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devices to listen for people in need of rescue, or to be employed as
telephones to
communicate with aid workers.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this device used for converting
an audio signal
into sound via a resonant object, such as an acoustic musical instrument:
1. is easily affixed to almost any resonant surface, and removed in a matter
of seconds,
and without the need for special skills or tools;
2. does not damage the instrument or require permanent modifications to the
resonant
object;
3. is compact and portable, allowing it to be transported with minimal effort;
4. has a simple "one-size-fits-all" design that allows it to be mass-
manufactured at low cost,
and sold in a variety of markets;
5. is powered by batteries located within the device itself, or is passively
driven, and does
not require the user to be in proximity of an electrical outlet or any other
inconvenient
power source;
6. allows audio to be transferred from an electronic audio device to a
resonant object; and
for sound to be transferred from a resonant object, to an electronic audio
device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG 1 is a sketch of a guitar with an embodiment of the invention mounted on
the rim of
the sound aperture, and connected to a portable music player by an audio
cable, illustrating the
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG 2 is a top-view of an embodiment of the invention clipped to the sound
aperture of a
guitar, illustrating some embodiments of the present invention.
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FIG 3 is a view from the perspective of the user of the device-guitar
configuration shown
in FIG 1.
FIG 4 is a side view an embodiment of the invention, with a clothespin-type
securing clip,
illustrating some embodiments of the present invention.
FIG 5 is the device shown in FIG 4, the clothespin-type securing clip is shown
fastening
the device to a thin, flat surface, such as the rim of a guitar sound
aperture, illustrating some
embodiments of the present invention.
FIG 6 is a front-view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG
4.
FIG 7 is a rear-view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG
4, showing
a possible location for a battery access panel.
FIG 8 is a top-view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG 4.
This
illustration shows an audio cable connected to the device.
FIG 9 is a block-flow diagram showing the audio signal path in some
embodiments of the
present invention.
FIG 10 is a top-view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG
4, with the
top panel removed, showing a possible layout for the electronic components in
embodiments of
the present invention with active electronic circuits.
FIG 11 is a top-view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG
4, with the
top panel removed, showing a possible layout for the electronic components in
embodiments of
the present invention with passive electronic circuits (ie: not requiring a
power supply).
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FIG 12 is a sketch of a guitar with an embodiment of the invention mounted on
the guitar
top, using a suction cup, and connected to a portable music player by an audio
cable, illustrating
a possible embodiment of the present invention.
FIG 13 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention, with a suction-cup-
type
securing feature, illustrating some embodiments of the present invention.
FIG 14 is the device shown in FIG 11, the suction-cup-type securing feature is
shown
fastening the device to a smooth, flat surface, such as the top of a guitar
body, illustrating some
embodiments of the present invention.
FIG 15 is a top-view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG
11. This
illustration shows an audio cable connected to the device, and illustrates the
relative position
and size of the support suction cup.
FIG 16 is a sketch of a table, with the embodiment of the present invention
shown in FIG
4 mounted on the edge, and connected to a portable music player by an audio
cable, illustrating
a possible alternative use of the present invention.
FIG 17 is a block-flow diagram showing the audio signal path in some
embodiments of
the present invention, where the device contains an audio capture device, and
can act as a two-
way audio interfacing device between an electronic device and a resonant
object.
FIG 18 is a top-view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG
4, with the
top panel removed, showing a possible layout for the electronic components in
embodiments of
the present invention with active electronic circuits, where the device acts
as a two-way audio
interfacing device.

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FIG 19 is a sketch of an embodiment of the present invention, adapted for use
as a
public address system during disaster-response situations. The device is
shown, affixed to a
large broken sewage pipe, and is in wireless communication with an overhead
satellite.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to FIGS 1-3, the illustrated embodiment of the invention 10
comprises a
rectangular prism shaped receptacle body 11 which may be constructed of a
material such as,
but not necessarily limited to, polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene (ABS),
polycarbonate (PC) or polylactic acid (PLA). The receptacle body 11 has a
total of six (6) faces
including a top face 22, a bottom face 21, a front face 50, a back face 52,
and two lateral faces
32 and 33. In the preferred embodiment, the invention 10 is attached to the
rim of a sound
aperture 16, which belongs to the resonant surface 14 of an acoustic musical
instrument 12.
The device is connected to the audio source 20 with a cable 18 that comprises
a male
connector 26 compatible with a female connector 28 whose end is embedded
within the lateral
side 32 of the receptacle body 11. This same lateral side comprises a volume
control wheel 24.
In some embodiments, the connection between the audio device 20 and the
present
invention 10 can be achieved by a wireless digital connection.
The preferred mounting location and positioning of the invention, in the
particular
situation where it is used in conjunction with an acoustic guitar, which
minimizes obstruction of
the instrument's playing surface for the instrument user, is depicted on FIGS
1-3. The
invention 10 is mounted just below the strings with the front side 50 of the
receptacle body 11
pointing away from the sound aperture 16. The longitudinal axis of the
receptacle is parallel to
the instrument's strings and the lateral side containing a female connector 28
and the volume
control wheel 24. However, due to the device's support mechanism versatility,
the user can
place the device 10 in whichever position on the instrument 12 is most
convenient for him/her.
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FIGS 4 and 5 depict the invention viewed from the lateral sides. The lateral
side 32 of
the receptacle body 11 comprises a rugged volume control wheel 24 which is
only partially
contained inside the device. Its protrusion towards the outside of the
receptacle body 11 allows
its manipulation by the user. An opening allowing access to a female connector
28 contained
within the receptacle body 11 is also located on that same lateral surface.
The bottom face 21
comprises a structure for affixing the device to an instrument's resonant
surface. The support
structure possesses a construction similar to that of a standard spring-
clothespin (United States
of America patent number US365755 A). Similar constructions can be observed in
electronic
devices intended to clip onto surfaces, such as the Holding Structure for a
Paging Receiver
Having Extra Functions disclosed in Canadian patent CA1318940 C. The interface
between the
support structure and the bottom face 21 comprises an adaptor protrusion 36.
The supporting
force for the structure is provided by spring structure 40 made of elastic
material, such as coiled
metal wire. This spring structure 40 pushes a flat, longitudinally-oriented
lever 34 towards the
device. The lever pushes and clamps together two support surfaces, 46 and 48,
connected to,
respectively, the lever structure 34 and the receptacle body 11, made of a
vibration-conducting,
non-abrasive material, such as synthetic ivory, wood or hard polymer. This
construction is held
together by anchor holes 42 and 44, which affix the ends of the spring
structure 40 to,
respectively, the lever structure 34 and the adaptor protrusion 36, and
support grooves 38 which
hold the coil of spring structure 40. FIG 5 shows how support surfaces 46 and
48 affix the
device to the rim of a sound aperture 16 by gripping parallel surfaces on
either side of the
rim. The device can be swiftly installed and removed by pinching the back end
of the lever 34
and the top face 22 of the device, to separate the support surfaces 46 and 48,
allowing the
sound aperture rim 16 to be placed between the sound-conducting surfaces; the
device is then
immobilized by releasing the lever 34, allowing the spring structure 40 to
push together the
support surfaces 46 and 48, which grip the sound aperture rim 16. Sections, or
the entirety of
the bottom surface of the lever structure 34 and/or the top face 22 of the
device may be
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given a rugged texture to allow greater precision and increased frictional
finger-grip by the
user during positioning of the device 10.
FIGS 6 and 7 illustrate one embodiment of the invention 10 as viewed from the
front and
the back, respectively. The front side 50 of the receptacle body 11 is
featureless and serves the
purpose of enclosing the internal electrical components, and providing overall
structural support
to the body. The back panel of the invention 52 is locked in place with a
clasp structure 54.
Upon application of pressure on the clasp structure 54, the back panel 52
detaches, allowing
the user to access internal components of the device such as the batteries.
FIG 8 presents a top-view of the embodiment of the invention 10. This view
shows the
relative location of the volume control wheel 24, and where the cable 18
connects to the female
connector 28. The top face 22 is shown as featureless; however this face,
along with the
front face 50 and the side face 33 could support branding-related images, or
components
and interfacing devices, such as, but not limited to, buttons, knobs, lights,
switches and
display screens. These featureless faces could also be used to support useful
structures
such as a guitar plectrum holder.
FIG 9 illustrates, in the form of a block diagram, the path taken by the audio
signal in
provenance of the signal source 20 in the preferred embodiment of the
invention. Those skilled
in the art of electronic circuits will appreciate that various configurations
of specific electronic
components which comprise this signal path can be implemented to achieve the
disclosed
effect. The signal is first converted to the signal format to be used by the
subsequent electrical
components, such as the conversion of a stereophonic signal to a monophonic
signal, by a
signal converter 56. The converted signal is then processed by a signal
modulator 58, which
may comprise a digital signal processor (DSP) chip. This element in the signal
path can act as
an audio equalizer (EQ). The use of an EQ allows the signal to be processed in
a way that
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cancels out the acoustic artifacts imparted to the sound by the natural
acoustic properties of the
instrument. The frequency spectrum of the sound produced and projected by the
instrument is
therefore more representative of the frequency spectrum of the incoming audio
signal. The
signal is subsequently received by a signal amplifier 62 which may comprise
transistors or other
electrical components capable of augmenting the amplitude of an input signal.
In one
embodiment, the signal amplifier is powered by a power source 60 which may
consist of, for
example, disposable or rechargeable batteries. A power control 64 that
comprises a volume
wheel 24 allows the user to turn the signal amplifier on or off and to
manipulate the signal gain
which is directly proportional to the intensity of the sound ultimately
emitted by the instrument.
Finally, the signal reaches a vibrating transducer 66 that converts the signal
into mechanical
vibrations and transmits them to the instrument resonant surface 14. In the
preferred
embodiment of the invention, the vibrating transducer 66 is a small, coin-
shaped vibrating
component (such as the motor described United States of America patent
application number
US20110193429 Al) firmly coupled to the inner surface of the receptacle body
11, by glue or
other permanent and/or semi-permanent attachment means. It is these vibrations
with a specific
frequency, amplitude, and waveform that are transmitted to the instrument or
resonant object
through support surfaces 46 and 48, and cause the resonant surface 14 to
vibrate and the
instrument 12 to emit sound.
FIG 10 presents one of the possible layouts of the electronic components in
embodiments of the invention, wherein the electrical circuit inside the
receptacle body 11 is
active. In this particular embodiment, the male connector 26 inserts into the
female connector
28 through an opening in the lateral side 32 of the receptacle body 11. In
some embodiments
of the present invention, some and/or all of the electronic components may be
integrated
into an (or multiple) integrated circuit(s) or a printed circuit board.
14

CA 02876596 2015-01-06
FIG 17 illustrates, in the form of a block diagram, the path taken by the
audio signal in
provenance of the signal source 20 in a variation on the preferred embodiment
of the invention,
in which the device 10 acts as a two-way interface between the instrument 12
and the audio
device 20. FIG 18 illustrates a possible component layout diagram of this
version of the
preferred embodiment of the invention. The signal path from the signal source
20 to the
instrument body 12 is substantially equivalent to the path described in FIG 9;
however, the
illustrated embodiment includes an audio capture device 67, such as a
piezoelectric or optical
pickup or a microphone which can capture the vibrations produced by the
instrument 12 during
normal playing, and transduce them into an electrical signal. This electrical
signal is transmitted
to a signal converter 57, which converts and modulates the signal from the
audio capture device
67 to a format best suited for reception by the audio device 20. The captured
signal can be
returned to the audio source by the same path taken by entering input audio.
For example, in
embodiments where the audio source 20 is a portable electronic device, such as
a cellular
telephone, connected by an audio cable 18 the female connector 28 could
comprise a 3.5 mm
TARS (stereo-plus-mic) socket (Universal audio jack and plug, United States of
America
patent US7241179 B2); audio originating from the audio device 20 can enter as
stereophonic
sound, while audio originating from the audio capture device 67 can return to
the audio device
as monophonic sound by the microphone line in the audio cable 18, which can be
received
by many modern portable electronic devices. Upon arriving at the audio device
20, the audio
20 signal can be further processed and interpreted by software applications
within the
device. Additionally, electronic components could be included to allow
processing of the
captured audio signal within the device 10; for example, the necessary
components to allow the
device to act as an instrument tuning device.
FIG 11 presents one of the possible layouts of the electronic components in
embodiments of the invention where the electrical circuit inside the
receptacle body 11 is

CA 02876596 2015-01-06
passive, meaning the device is powered exclusively by the incoming audio
signal, without any
additional power source 60. The audio signal is thus transmitted from the male
connector 26, to
the female connector 28, then through passive signal processing 56 and 58,
before driving the
vibrating transducer directly.
FIGs 12-15 depict an alternate embodiment of the present invention 13. This
embodiment possesses a similar construction to the Microphone Pickup for
Musical Instruments
described in United States of America patent U54495641 A. This embodiment is
identical to the
embodiment described above, except that the structure for temporarily affixing
the device to an
instrument's resonant surface 14, on the bottom face 21, is a suction-cup-type
construction. This embodiment possesses a curved, circular, suction cup
membrane 68 (United
States of America patent number US82629 A), built of a flexible, elastic
polymer, such as
silicone, which is connected to the bottom face 21 by a connector joint 70,
which is integrated
into the device body 11. This embodiment allows the device 13 to be mounted
directly onto the
instrument's resonant surface 14, without the need for a thin protrusion 16 to
clip onto. In this
embodiment, the suction cup structure 68 assumes the role of support surfaces
46 and 48, of
affixing the device in place, and transmitting vibrations produced by the
vibrating transducer 66
to the instrument 12.
FIG 16 depicts the preferred embodiment of the invention 10 affixed to the
edge of a
table 15, which illustrates that, in the absence of a musical instrument 12,
any resonant object
can be used as a resonant surface, and the device will achieve an audible
output.
FIG 19 depicts a possible alternate use of the present invention 17, in an
embodiment
that is adapted for use as a temporary public address system to quickly allow
communication
with a large number of people during disaster response situations. This
embodiment of the
invention 17 is substantially similar to the preferred embodiment 10 described
above, except
16

CA 02876596 2015-01-06
that it is built to a larger scale, with a larger overall construction, and a
more powerful power
supply 60 and vibrating transducer 66. In this embodiment, following a natural
disaster, this
device can be quickly affixed to any large resonant piece of debris, or other
large resonant
surface, here illustrated by a large broken sewage pipe 78. This embodiment
comprises a
wireless antennae 74, which allows it to communicate with an overhead
satellite 72 (or other
communication relay, such as a land antennae, or an overhead aircraft), via
electromagnetic
waves 76, such as radio or microwaves. Such a device could employ solar panels
or wind
turbines as a power supply 60 to allow more versatility in disaster stricken
areas. (Note that the
satellite 72 depicted is not to scale with the remainder of the illustration).
The structures and component layouts described and depicted do not necessarily
represent the full range of variations of embodiments included in the scope of
variations that
could be considered obvious to those skilled in the art after consulting the
present disclosure.
17

CA 02876596 2015-01-06
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
PATENT CITATIONS
Barnes, Owen R. "Percussion accompaniment device." Patent US5900573 A. 4 May
1999.
Chennakeshu, Sandeep. "Universal audio jack and plug." Patent US7241179 B2. 10
July 2007.
Fib, Andrew S. and Capper, David G. "Denta-mandibular sound-transmitting
system."
Patent US6115477 A Al. 5 September 2000.
Langberg, Eric A. "System for remotely generating sound from a musical
instrument." Patent Application US20140196593 Al. 17 July 2014.
Matsumoto, Takeshi et al. "Holding structure for a paging receiver having
extra
functions." Patent CA1318940 C. 8 June 1993.
Mei, Qingkai. "Portable vibration speaker." Patent US20130170683 Al. 4 July
2013.
Membreno, Agustin J. and Wilson, Mark L. "Universal tuner mount with spring-
loaded link." Patent US7265282 B2. 4 September 2007.
Moore, Solon E. "Clothes-pin." Patent US365755 A. 28 June 1887.
Needham, Orwell H. "Knob." Patent US82629 A. 29 September 1868.
Vernino, Raymond. "Microphone pickup for musical instruments." Patent
US4495641
A. 22 January 1985.
18

CA 02876596 2015-01-06
Webman, Ofer. "System and method for sound augmentation of acoustic musical
instruments." Patent Application US20140224099 Al. 14 August 2014.
White, Andrew J. and White, Daniel. "Musical instrument device and method."
Patent
Application US20140202320 Al. 24 July 2014.
NON-PATENT CITATIONS
OrigAudio, a division of Forty Four Group, LLC. (2014). White Rock-It 3.0
(Ships January
15, 2015). Retrieved 2015-01-04, from OrigAudio:
https://www.origaudio.com/shop/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=2977
8
19

Representative Drawing