- Rockin’ Patent: US Patent No. 9,812,107
- Filed: 12 February 2016
- In the name of: Artiphon Inc
- Title: Ergonomic Electronic Musical Instrument With Pseudo-strings
- What’s claimed: ”A musical device comprising: a body having a plurality of triggers and ergonomic features correlating to at least two-stringed instruments that are played using different playing techniques, the ergonomic features further comprising a neck having an underside, the underside having a smaller neck outline inset from a larger neck outline, wherein the smaller neck outline provides a thumb-rest that approximates the width of violin’s neck and the larger neck outline approximates the width of a guitar’s neck; a plurality of sensors; at least one trigger that is associated with at least one of the plurality of sensors for tactile user input; a switch to toggle the device between the at least two playing techniques, wherein each of the at least two playing techniques comprises receiving different tactile user input; and wherein the ergonomic features of the body of the device allow the user to hold the device in positions familiar to musicians of the at least two stringed instruments.”
- Why this patent rocks: This patent appears to relate to Ariphon Inc’s ‘Instrument 1’; a MIDI controller that allows you to strum, bow, tap, slide, and drum any sound on a single interface. It appears that the device is pressure- and force-sensitive and can be held and handled consistently with playing techniques of multiple instruments. It also appears to connect directly to MIDI devices and amplifiers. If you’re curious to watch the Instrument 1 in action, see here.
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The information above is for general interest and information only and does not constitute legal advice.
