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A guitar is disclosed which is adapted for use with a battery power source and having a CPU and a memory including preprogrammed chord tables and melody tables. The guitar provides electro conductive strings and frets and a system for recognizing finger positioning by a user. The vibration of the strings is picked up by piezo elements and amplified. By making use of the piezo elements the intensity of the vibration by its velocity can be preserved and the envelope of sound for a note/chord remain commensurate with the intensity intended by the user.
1. A musical instrument, comprising:
an instrument body having strings mounted thereon;
string vibration sensing means for sensing vibration of said strings and creating an envelope of vibration of said strings;
a central processing unit;
an elongate fingerboard having a finger position recognition system for recognizing finger position;
memory means for storing preprogrammed notes and chords;
output means for transmitting vibration information from said memory means; circuit means connected to said output means, said string vibration sensing means, said central processing unit, said finger recognition system and said memory means for determining said envelope of vibration of said strings whereby note or chord intensity intended by a user is conveyed to transducer means; and
analyzing means in said circuit means for analyzing string vibration for string velocity, status and sequence of notes played.
2. The musical instrument as set forth in claim 1, wherein said instrument body comprises a solid body guitar.
3. The musical instrument as set forth in claim 1, wherein said instrument body comprises a body with a sound board.
4. The musical instrument as set forth in claim 3, wherein said sound board is made of wood.
5. The musical instrument as set forth in claim 1, wherein said instrument body comprises an acoustic guitar.
6. The musical instrument as set forth in claim 1, wherein said instrument body comprises a classical guitar.
7. The musical instrument as set forth in claim 1, wherein said st ring vibration sensing means comprises piezo activated pick ups.
8. The musical instrument as set forth in claim 1, wherein said string vibration sensing means comprises optically activated pick ups.
9. The musical instrument as set forth in claim 1, wherein said string vibration sensing means comprises magnetically activated pick ups.
10. The musical instrument as set forth in claim 3, wherein said output means comprises an element selected from the group consisting of a piezo element, an audio speaker, external amplifier, headphones or an actuator connected to said sound board.
11. The musical instrument as set forth in claim 1, wherein said elongate fingerboard includes individual frets for sensing the position of a user's finger.
12. The musical instrument as set forth in claim 11, wherein said frets are wired frets.
13. The musical instrument as set forth in claim 11, wherein each fret has isolated segments corresponding to a string or group thereof.
14. The musical instrument as set forth in claim 1, wherein said strings are electro conductive.
15. The musical instrument as set forth in claim 1, wherein said instrument includes a self contained battery system.
16. The musical instrument as set forth in claim 2, wherein said guitar includes a neck, said neck having visual display means for displaying chords, notes or a root string to a user.
17. A guitar, comprising:
a body and fret board;
a plurality of electro conductive frets mounted to said fret board;
a plurality of electro conductive strings;
a string vibration sensing means for sensing vibration of said strings;
a central processing unit and memory means for storing preprogrammed chords or notes;
output means including a soundboard with at least one piezo electric activator means secured thereto;
circuit means connected to said string vibration sensing means, frets and said strings means for determining the position of user's finger on said fret board and accessing said memory means for a preprogrammed note or chord; and
analyzing means in said circuit means for analyzing string vibration, string velocity, status and sequence of notes played for determining an envelope of vibration of said strings whereby note intensity and chord note sequence intended by a user is conveyed to said output means by playing notes from said memory means.
18. The guitar as set forth in claim 17, wherein said guitar has a neck, said neck having visual display means for at least one of said frets or strings for indicating finger position on said fret board.
19. The guitar as set forth in claim 18, wherein said display comprises one of an LCD, LED or an electro luminescent display.
20. The guitar as set forth in claim 18, wherein each fret and string includes said display means.
21. The guitar as set forth in claim 17, wherein said strings are mounted to a bridge, said bridge mounted adjacent a sound board.
22. The guitar as set forth in claim 21, further including bridge movement means for selectively moving said bridge relative to said sound board to reduce string vibration sensing.
23. The guitar as set forth in claim 22, wherein said bridge movement means includes a strut member mounted to said bridge and a deformable arm mounted to said strut member.
24. The guitar as set forth in claim 23, wherein said deformable arm is mounted internally of said body of said guitar for resilient deformation.
25. A method of electronically generating sound from a guitar, comprising the steps of:
providing a guitar including:
signal pick ups and a fret board;
memory means having sampled chords, notes or a chord map;
electro conductive strings and frets on said guitar; and
finger position recognition means for recognizing finger positioning on said fret board;
analyzing string vibration for string velocity, status and sequence of notes played;
comparing said notes played with notes in said memory means;
determining said status and velocity of said strings;
forming a signal based on determined velocity and compared notes;
transmitting said signal to an output for audible execution of said signal.
26. The method as set forth in claim 25, wherein an envelope of said notes are formed by said determined velocity.
27. The method as set forth in claim 25, including forming a chord by activation of said electro conductive frets by at least one of said strings.
28. The method as set forth in claim 25, wherein said step of forming a signal includes amplifying said signal with amplifier means.
29. A musical instrument, comprising:
an instrument body having electro conductive strings mounted thereon and a sound board mounted thereto;
string vibration sensing means for sensing vibration of said strings and creating an envelope of vibration of said strings,
a central processing unit; transducer means for transmitting vibration information from said string vibration sensing means to an output means;
a fret board having a plurality of electro conductive frets;
memory means for storing preprogrammed notes and chords;
fret board switching means for determining the position of a user's finger on said fret board and accessing said memory means for a preprogrammed note or chord; and
circuit means connected to said transducer means and said fret board for determining the envelope of vibration of said strings whereby note or chord intensity intended by a user is conveyed to said transducer means said circuit means including ON/OFF signal analysis means for determining whether a string has been plucked, said signal analysis means comprising a rectified envelope of string vibration, said envelope of said vibration being processed by a low pass filter and diferentiator for producing said ON/OFF signal for a note and velocity of said note.
30. The musical instrument as set forth in claim 29, wherein said string vibration sensing means comprises a piezo-electric pick-up saddle.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 60/118,525 filed on Feb. 2, 1999.
The present invention relates to musical stringed instruments, and more particularly the present invention relates to those able to play chords and more specifically guitars. This invention can also be associated with MIDI input devices and in addition relates to the methods of operating a guitar controller for an electronic music synthesizer.
The fret board of a guitar, for example, is normally used as a some sort of switching device and the strings are used as triggers for initiating specific notes or groups of notes in accordance with the fingerboard switches. The instrument may have on board electronic micro processing unit/s, a scanning device for fingerboard switches and synthesizer and/or MIDI compatible output. Some devices include an internal amplifier and a speaker that allows one to play the instrument without an external audio system.
Other devices allow the player to create chords by simply plucking and strumming allocated string and pressing the fret as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,668, issued to Segan et al., Jun. 16, 1992. Such devices, although useful, cannot produce natural sounding chords, when played in the desired sequence of the strings, or strummed or finger picked.
In order to reduce the loudness of the sound of the strings when used as a triggering device, many of the existing designs employ mechanical means for string damping made in a form of soft rubberlike foams or gel contacting strings directly near the bridge. A typical arrangement is discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,956,962, issued to Fields, May 18, 1976. These dampers can significantly reduce the audio output of the vibrating string. The disadvantage of such devices is that having mechanically damped the string, its normal oscillations are distorted and have to be recreated by the electronic means for producing appropriate pitches.
The wired fret concept for creating a switching fingerboard is also well known from the prior art. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,635,518, issued to Meno, Jan. 13, 1987, having segmented frets with resistors installed between the frets along the string with strings used as ground wires is disclosed. There also are designs employing resistive strings and frets scanned in a specific manner that allow the determination of an exact position of the finger on the fingerboard, and the operation of an electronic micro processor.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,585, issued to Starr, Mar. 21, 1995, provides a guitar having a switch placed along the neck. In other cases, the switches are placed beneath the strings, so when the string is depressed the switch goes on such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,351, issued to Nomura, Jul. 23, 1991. Some switches change their resistance under the pressure of the finger in order to emulate different velocities of the MIDI signal or the variation of other parameters. These concepts are set forth in U.S. '585.
The use of switches creates difficulties in playing the guitar, especially applying bar chords. Further, these instruments cannot be played as a normal acoustic or electric guitar.
One of the earliest attempts to create a simple fingering device for chord creation was the Guitarola. This included a mechanical device attachable to a guitar neck above the strings. Using just one finger, the player could create a variety of chords predetermined by the design. This device was generally difficult to use and it offered a limited number of chords. In addition, the guitar required tuning on a regular basis.
There are also devices known from the prior art which provide an audio signal by means of internal speakers. In view of the limited space and weight considerations for these devices, speaker quality normally is severely compromised with concomitant degraded sound quality.
Also well known are electro-acoustic guitars which allow one to play in a normal acoustic mode or with an external amplifier-speaker system. These guitars do not offer electronic chord creation by fret depression means for reproducing a sound in the electronic mode.
The present invention addresses all of these issues and provides for a significantly improved device.
It is an object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a playable, high quality and self-contained acoustic guitar able to produce, in its electronic mode, a wide variety of chords by simply depressing frets by one or more fingers.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the guitar feels and looks like an ordinary acoustic or electric solid body guitar. It has a wooden body and strings, and, in fact, can be played normally by a guitar player. Advantageously, anyone without previous guitar playing experience or training, can play chords and melodies. The sounds have been sampled from some of the very finest instruments available and are reproduced with the latest sample playback technology.
Selecting one chord after another from a wide palette of choices is straight forward. A display along the fingerboard indicates chord roots, and a display in the sound hole indicates specific chords selected.
In terms of the sampled sounds, an acoustic 1977 LoPrinzi custom dreadnaught steel string flattop, an 1867 Martin New Yorker parlor guitar, a Fender Stratocaster, a Fender Telecaster, a 1937 Gibson Charlie, Christian, a Gibson Heritage Les Paul, and a Gibson ES 335 were sampled.
Advantageously, a low cost self-contained musical stringed instrument able to create chords, melody, or sequences of played back notes by pressing one or more fingers on the fingerboard is realized by the present invention.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a MIDI controller in the form of a stringed instrument, for example, a guitar.
It is still another object of the invention to eliminate need for a speaker inside the acoustic guitar body.
Another feature of the invention provides for an electronic musical instrument which will be visually and sonically undetectably similar to a high quality acoustic instrument in terms of its �forgiveness� to the player.
One object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a musical instrument, comprising:
an instrument body having strings mounted thereon;
string vibration sensing means for sensing vibration of the strings;
a central processing unit;
an elongate fingerboard having a finger position recognition system for recognizing finger position;
memory means for storing preprogrammed notes and chords;
output means for transmitting vibration information from the memory means; and circuit means connected to the output means, the string vibration sensing means, the central processing unit, the finger recognition system and the memory means for determining the envelope of vibration of the strings whereby note or chord intensity intended by a user is conveyed to the transducer means.
Additional features of the invention include a neck display which will indicate the position of a chord played or melody note, nut display which will indicate a string with the chord root and an additional display in the sound hole for the indication of the chord presently played and other information like current mode of use, status of the system, and the result of self-diagnostic tests.
As a convenience, the instrument according to the present invention has the capability of generating chord sequences using a chord table consisting of basic triad chords and a chord map modifying these chords into other guitar chords. Slash chords may be played by simply depressing a root chord and a bass note to be played.
The arrangement discussed herein allows play in several modes including the capo mode, melody mode, chord mode, melody and chord mode.
A further object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a guitar, comprising:
a guitar having a body and fret board;
a plurality of electro conductive frets mounted to the fret board;
a plurality of electro conductive strings;
a string vibration sensing means for sensing vibration of the strings;
a central processing unit and memory means for storing preprogrammed chords and/or notes;
output means including a soundboard with at least one piezo electric activator means secured thereto;
circuit means connected to the string vibration sensing means, frets, the strings, means for determining the position of user's finger on the fret board and accessing the memory means for a preprogrammed note or chord; and
analyzing means for determining an envelope of vibration of the strings whereby note intensity and chord's note sequence intended by a user is conveyed to the output means by playing notes from the memory means.
In terms of other features, it is possible to mechanically separate the bridge from the acoustic guitar sound board with the possibility of bringing it back into contact with the sound board. It is also desirable that when the bridge is separated from the sound boards, the strings are lifted in order to provide higher action and its tension is simultaneously lowered.
The invention provides the user for instance with a diatonic scale where pressing one fret creates a diatonic note (C, D, E, F, G, A, B, etc.) and pressing the two frets creates an accidental note. As an example, pressing C and D will create C♯ or Db. As an additional feature it can only provide pressure sensitive pad/s (for example pick guard pad) which will produce specific signal/s upon touch by the finger or with a pick and will change specific parameters or settings of the electronic instrument (like vibrato, pitch bending, etc.).
It is an object of the present invention to provide a split between strings or frets or both which will be used for playing melody and playing chords. For example, certain strings can be dedicated solo strings and the rest of the strings will be used for chord playing.
As a further convenience, the invention may be used as a self contained musical instrument as well as in combination with head phones, external amplifier and/or speaker, external MIDI device and/or synthesizer, computer, etc.
A still further object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a method of electronically generating sound from a guitar, comprising the steps of:
providing a guitar including:
signal pick ups and a fret board;
memory means having sampled chords, notes or a chord map;
electro conductive strings and frets on the guitar;
finger position recognition means for recognizing finger positioning on the fret board;
analyzing string vibration for string velocity, status and sequence of notes played;
comparing the notes played with notes in the memory means;
determining the status and velocity of the strings;
forming a signal based on determined velocity and compared notes;
transmitting the signal to an output for audible execution of the signal.
In one embodiment, the device consists of an acoustic or solid guitar body, the neck with a fingerboard, nut and frets, the machine head, the strings, and a bridge. Generally speaking electro conductive vibes-frets comprise a device for the determination of finger position. Frets and strings are made of electro conductive material and together possess a matrix of switches. Along the neck the LCD displays or any other type of displaying device are placed near each fret so the user can easily associate an appropriate fret to be depressed. Optionally, the device may include a display mounted inside the acoustic guitar body below the sound board and inside the sound hole allowing visiblity through the sound hole. The instrument has a rechargeable battery and power supply, control panel with an on-off switch, volume, treble, pitch control knob, and bass control knobs, the external power supply and recharging socket, MIDI In and MIDI Out sockets, the audio output line and head phones socket.
In a preferred embodiment, the sound board has one or several piezo actuators discreetly inside the guitar body. These piezo elements are attached to the soundboard and electrically connected to each other in parallel or in another desirable order, and their polarity is chosen in such a way that they provide desirable bending of the sound board when the electrical current is applied.
It is an option that the bridge or its middle portion with the strings' saddle and anchors be mechanically connected to the internal tail piece, directly connected to the rear portion of the guitar and more precisely to the rear block. This element has a mechanical device which can bring the bridge and saddle into contact with the sound board or to mechanically separate them from each other.
In greater detail, the piezo saddle has a number of (five for a six string guitar for instance) slots separating portions (segments) of the saddle for each string. Each of these portions of the saddle have piezo elements sensitive to the mechanical bending or compression of the saddle segments and are preferably compressed under the action of the string tension. Each of these piezo elements are connected to a distinct amplifier and rectifier with a filter for the frequencies out of the string's normal oscillation range. The output of this system is fed to the logical triggering device which is preset to the specific amplitude of the signal to produce an �On� signal passed further to the CPU to produce a distinct note or a note belonging to a distinct MIDI channel associated with that string.
All chords and single notes are stored in several tables corresponding to the specific mode of the use (melody, chord, capo, etc.). The instruction of which chord or note to play comes from the fingerboard depending on the specific fingering and selected mode. Chords and notes are memorized in such a way that upon plucking a specific string, an allocated note from the chord or note table is sent to the synthesizer to produce that note. The velocity of the note played depends on the current or initial velocity of the particular string plucked or strummed. Velocity split may be employed to create a more natural sound, like buzzes, etc.
A further option that an envelope of the note synthesized is shaped by the actual output from the corresponding and naturally oscillating string which makes available all possible manipulations with the string (like muting, specific plucking techniques, etc.) fully reflected by the CPU or a MIDI system and synthesizer.
Chord tables contain different voicings depending on the position of the capo and the musical scale chosen.
The immediate content of the chord table or note table is released upon the specific string trigger and it turns ON. This instruction, along with information about initial/current velocity of the signal is then being passed to the synthesizer which has a variety of memorized notes allocated to the instrument chosen to play. Examples include a nylon string classical guitar, jazz guitar, electric guitar, etc. The output of the synthesizer is connected to an internal amplifier which is able to produce a high voltage (100-130 Volts for instance). The output is then directed to the piezo actuators. It is an option that an output transformer could be used in order to get higher voltage or a high voltage audio amplifier.
The neck display may be solid state or consist of LCDs placed on its side and directed toward the player. Each display can have an alpha-numerical character to specify the note or the chord root played, a �♯�-sharp sign and a �b� -flat sign and some specific character/s to indicate other conditions (for instance). This display is confirming the scale that was chosen and the capo position. The display may be LCD, LDE, electro-luminescent or any other suitable type. The electronic unit of the device consists of one or several microprocessors which are able to scan the fret board switching device and decode the combination of fingers versus frets pressed and allocate specific chords or notes to be played from the tables. Another function of the microprocessor is to operate the displays through the appropriate drivers, analyze the output of the string triggers, control and optimize the power consumption of the unit, run self-diagnostic tests, etc.
A synthesizer is provided and has a memory where all notes related to chosen instruments, voicings for different modes are stored, and other devices needed to produce envelopes of the pitches. The synthesizer may comprise for instance a CPU and a standard codic soundport.
The device may also include a nut display showing the root string in a chord played and a sound hole display for the indication of current chord or note played and other functional information.
Ancillary advantages ascribable to one embodiment of the present invention, include:
a) play as either an acoustic guitar or an electronic guitar;
b) high-quality sounds;
c) the inclusion of an extensive library of rich voicings, which is easily accessible; and
d) a capo feature having twice the ordinary range, while remaining easy to play.
Generally, the device includes a computer program created first as a high-level simulation and later ported to an embedded-system. A typical selection of chord voicings played by guitarists were analyzed and devised as a system whereby voicing choices and voice leading are automated as a guitar player might play, but with the most rudimentary indication by the player. This provides the guitar with a very guitar-like musical movement from chord-to-chord without any special effort, experience, or understanding.
This arrangement is in contrast with the prior art which consisted of, for the most part, mechanical assemblies that fit over physical string arrays. Such arrays were limited by the physical arrangement of mechanical levers and buttons. The guitar in accordance with the present invention has no such limitation; it allows mapping of decoded fingerings in a completely abstract and novel way.
Having thus described the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings illustrating preferred embodiments.
FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in a form of acoustic guitar;
FIG. 2 illustrates the present invention in a form of a solid body guitar;
FIG. 3 shows a partially cut away side view of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of the device;
FIG. 5 illustrates a mapping of the soundboard with respect to different frequencies produced;
FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 illustrate soundboard vibrations produced by piezo actuators;
FIG. 8 illustrates a cross section of the preferred embodiment with piezo elements attached to a sound board;
FIG. 8a is an enlarged illustration of the device of FIG. 8;
FIG. 9 illustrates a cross section of one embodiment with an internal tail piece;
FIG. 9a illustrates an enlarged view of the tail piece in a further embodiment;
FIG. 10 illustrates an enlarged view of the tail piece with parallel arms;
FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of the preferred embodiment with a portion of the sound board removed for clarity;
FIG. 12 illustrates the mechanism of string tension releasing by an internal piece with unparallel arms;
FIG. 13 illustrates a cross section of the device with an internal speaker obstructing the sound hole;
FIG. 14 illustrates a design of piezo saddle;
FIG. 15 illustrates a molded fingerboard with segmented frets and windows for neck displays;
FIG. 16 illustrates a detailed look of the transparent nut and LEDs comprising a nut display;
FIG. 17 illustrates a cress section of the neck with molded fingerboard and PCB with components;
FIG. 18 is a longitudinal cross section of the fingerboard of FIG. 17;
FIG. 18a is a cross section of FIG. 18 with parts removed;
FIGS. 19-21 illustrates a general design of the neck and fingerboard with wired frets;
FIG. 22 illustrates a piezo saddle with independent channels for each string in more detail;
FIG. 23 is a cross section of FIG. 22;
FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of FIG. 23;
FIGS. 25 through 30, illustrate schematic illustrations of the fingerboard switching devices associated with the wired fret concept;
FIG. 31 illustrates a schematic finger position recognition circuit with a resistor ladder between frets;
FIG. 32 illustrates a schematic finger position recognition circuit with electro conductive resistive strings;
FIG. 33 illustrates a schematic diagram of the piezo pick up pre-amplifier;
FIG. 34 illustrates the method of MIDI synthesizer output signal shaping by a real oscillating string;
FIG. 35 illustrates a diagram of the MIDI note shaping;
FIGS. 36 through 38, schematically illustrate a string triggering algorithm;
FIG. 39 illustrates algorithm of note ON and OFF generation, pitch bending and velocity of the note; and
FIG. 40 is a schematic illustration of a detailed algorithm of switching between a melody and chord mode.
Similar numerals in the figures denote similar elements.
Referring now to the figures, a typical guitar is shown in FIG. 1 having a body 10, sound hole 12, fingerboard 14, frets 16, neck 18 (FIG. 3), strings 20, head 22 and tuning pegs 24. The strings 20 terminate at bridge 26. An electric version of the guitar 10 is shown in FIG. 2, where the sound hole is replaced by pick ups 28 as is know in the art.
The bridge 26 is connected to the sound board 30, shown in FIG. 5. The figure illustrates the sound hole wall of the guitar 10 with parts removed for clarity. Generally speaking, the string vibration is transmitted through the bridge 26 with sound production at sound board 30. In the embodiment shown, a series of piezo actuators 32 fixed to the sound board 30 impart stress to the sound board 30 thereby causing the latter to bend and produce sound. Deflection of the sound board is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The mounting of the piezo actuators is illustrated in FIG. 8 and enlarged in FIG. 8a. The piezos, of which only one is shown in FIG. 8a , each include an electrode 36 (dashed line) mounted to a metal plate 40 which, in turn, is fixed to the sound board 30.
With reference to FIG. 14, the piezo actuators 32 receive vibration signals from strings 20, the signals being transmitted by piezo elements 44 connected to saddle 48.
It is possible to employ any of the known guitar pick ups including magnetic, optical or piezo, etc. In the present invention, it is preferable to use the piezo pick up saddle 48 made in the form of a flat flexible PCB with at least one electro conductive-layer such as copper. Slots 52 in saddle 48 separate it into segments 56 associated with each string 20. On each segment 56, preferably compressed by the action of the string tension, separate piezo elements 44 are attached to it. The vibration of the string creates variations of the string tension and an according variation of the bending moment in the PCB segment with piezo element 44. Thus, the electrical signal in the piezo elements 44 is produced. In this manner, the piezo actuators 32 receive electrical signals from elements 44 and induce flexure of the sound board 30. Amplification of the signals will be discussed hereinafter.
FIGS. 22 and 23 more clearly illustrate the relationship between the strings 20, piezo elements 44 and sound board 30. Circuit connections 60 electrically connect the piezo elements 44 to a ribbon cable 64 discussed herein after. As illustrated, strings 20 are tensioned over the PCB saddle 48 and terminate in a conventional plug or pin 68 frictionally retained in bridge 26.
FIG. 24 illustrates an enlarged view of the saddle 48 and string 20 tensioned on the saddle 48 and includes a string contact 76 positioned for contact with string 20.
FIG. 13 illustrates a longitudinal section of the guitar according to one example. A source of power denoted by numeral 80 is provided in the body 10 of the guitar. The source is a battery system which may be rechargeable to supply power to the components of the guitar. Any of the suitable arrangements well known in the battery art may be used. A cable 84 extends from the power source 80 to supply power to the main board 88 mounted within the body 10 as shown. A second cable 64, discussed previously, extends from saddle 48 to main board 88, while a third cable extends from fingerboard 14 to main board 88. A speaker 96 is shown positioned adjacent sound hole 12 and functions as a transducer for generated sound as one possibility. Electrical communication between speaker 96 and main board 88 is achieved by cable 100.
Returning to the fingerboard 14, the same provides a plurality of selector switches for selecting a chord or note. A cross section of the fingerboard 14 is shown in FIG. 17, where electro conductive rubber members 104 and 108 flank the arrangement of frets 16. FIG. 18 illustrates in greater detail the fret system. A PCB 112 underlies the frets 16 and includes electrical components 116 for interpretation/transmission of signals received from the frets 16. Connection between the individual frets 16 and PCB 112 is facilitated by electrical connectors 120.
The frets may be continuous or segmented as illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 18a, and represented by numeral 124. In order to convey what note/chord is being selected, a visual display 128 is mounted adjacent fingerboard 14, also shown in FIG. 19. The display 124 in the example is an LCD display.
Turning to FIGS. 19 through 21, the display 128 includes a series of individual windows 132 adjacent the frets 16 down the length of the fingerboard 14 to display the notes or chords to be played when the strings(not shown in this Figure) contact the frets 16. The frets 16 are connected to the selector switches 104 and to the main board 88 by wires 136 via the PCB 112.
In a further embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIG. 9 through 13, there is provided a U-shaped tail piece 100′ suitable for disengaging the strings 20 from the sound board 30 mounted within guitar body 10. The tail piece 100′ provides a resiliently deformable long arm 102′, a base 104′ and a further arm 106′. Base 104′ is fastened by fasteners 108′ to a rear internal support block 10′ of body 10. A vertical strut 110′ is fixedly mounted to an end of arm 102′ and is mounted for selective slidable movement through a guide 112′ connected at a terminal end of arm 106′. Strut 110′ may be frictionally retained in a position selected (FIG. 10) where the strings 20 are free of sound board 30 or alternatively, a selectively engageable lock (FIG. 9a) may be employed. In FIG. 9a, a diagonal brace member 114′ is shown clearly with parts of the tail piece 100′ removed for purposes of clarity. The brace member 114′ is pivotally connected at one end to arm 102′ and in the embodiment of FIG. 9a, the opposed end threaded nut 116′ to receive a blot member 118′ thereon. Bolt member 118′ extends through support block 10′ and when turned either moves nut 116′ towards or away from block 10′. This motion, in turn, is transmitted to brace member 114′ which urges strut 110′ up or down as the case may be. FIG. 13 illustrates that string tension may be lowered simultaneously with lifting the bridge 26. When the bridge 26 is lifted, the vibration of the strings 20 is not sensed by soundboard 30 and the feedback between string vibration sensing means (pick-ups) (not shown) and an output means, piezo activated soundboard (not shown) can be greatly reduced.
FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of the overall system. The fingerboard switching device is represented by numeral 140 and communicates with a scanner and encoder circuit 144. Microprocessor 148 receives signals from these and communicates with chord 152 and melody 156 tables. The tables 152 and 156 are switchable by switch 160, the latter operable with a chord-melody recognition device 164 associated with microprocessor 148. The strings block 168 has the signals picked up by pick ups block 172 also in connection with block 164 and string trigger system 176. A synthesizer shaper 180, shapes the signals from block 172 and the signals are further shaped by a synthesizer 184 and 188. A mixer block 192 is provided and connects an amplifier 196 which, in turn, is modifiable by control block 200. A transducer 204 translates the signal into an audible signal by speaker 208 or piezo elements 212. The power supply block 216 provides the requisite power to the system and for the lamps 220, displays 224 etc.
In greater detail with respect to the string triggering systems according to the present invention, FIGS. 25 through 30 illustrate various embodiments for the trigger systems. Regarding FIG. 25, the embodiment illustrated provides solid frets 16 and strings 20. The signals from interactive between the frets 16 and strings 20 are forwarded to a fret scanner shown in FIG. 4 as element 144. Regarding FIG. 26, this embodiment provides for the segmented frets 16, previously referenced with respect to the discussion for FIG. 17a. For the segmented frets 16, a plurality of individual diodes 210 are provided with the signals being forwarded to scanner 144 in a similar manner to that set forth with respect to FIG. 25.
FIG. 27 sets forth a further embodiment for the string signal formation between the frets 16 and the strings 20. In this embodiment, the frets 16 provide for a plurality of individual resistors 214. FIG. 28 provides a further variation where the resistors 214 of FIG. 27 are replaced with capacitors 218. FIG. 29 illustrates a string and fret system where the strings 20 are resistive strings 20. With respect to FIG. 30, shown is a string making contact with two frets when depressed.
FIGS. 31 and 32 more clearly illustrate the resistors 214 between the strings 20 and the disposition of the resistors 214 relative to the frets 16. FIG. 31 illustrates the schematic diagram for the circuit and references the capacitor and resistor tolerances. FIG. 32 similarly illustrates a schematic diagram showing the circuit for the resistive strings 20 referenced in FIG. 29.
Turning now to FIG. 33, and with additional reference to FIG. 14, the circuit diagram 222 for the piezo element bearing saddle 48 is illustrated. The circuit 222 provides a conventional resistor capacitor sequence with an operational amplifier and diode. This circuit 222 functions as a pre-amplifier for signals eventually forwarded to the trigger system 176, shown in FIG. 4.
FIG. 34 provides a schematic illustration of the MIDI note envelope former. The illustration shows the string 20, the piezo element 52 positioned on saddle 48. Signals received from the piezo element 52 are transmitted to the pre-amplifier circuit 222 referenced in FIG. 39 and passed to the trigger circuit 176. These signals are transmitted to the central processing unit 148 and the MIDI synthesizer 184. The signals are subsequently passed to gate 188 and finally, as an output.
FIG. 35 illustrates a series of graphical representations of time as a function of output for the string oscillations. The figure depicts the envelope of string oscillations as a function of time and as an output of the pre-amplifier circuit 222. In the illustration, the output is shown as a rising curve which slowly decays over time; also illustrated gate 188 output as a function of time together with the formation of the MIDI note as a function of time having passed through the gate circuit 188.
FIG. 39 shows a sequence of graphical representations of amplified output as a function of time for a rectified signal, event, the MIDI on and the MIDI off, differentiated signal velocity and pitch deviation.
FIG. 40 provides two graphical illustrations where the chord recognition system is illustrated. In this specification, the strings have been previously referenced as strings 1 through 6. String 1 is the lowermost string on the guitar in its disposition as it would be played by a user. String 6 is the uppermost string. FIG. 40 shows signal amplitude as a function of time for strings 6 through 1 and corresponding time frames for the corresponding MIDI signals.
The chord recognition system employs mathematical algorithms examples of which include the following for a downstroke.
If t1 is <t then a chord is generated for the rest of the strings where t is a specified time frame. If t1 is approximately the same as t2 then a chord is generated for the rest of the strings. If t is ≦tdelay then the upstroke is recognized as a chord. If t is >tdelay the guitar is converted into a melody mode and awaits instructions from low strings 6, 5, etc.
The melody recognition system of the instant invention is based on the algorithm that unless the chord mode is recognized by the sequence of strings strung, at least string numbers 1 through 5 or other specified strings are in a melody mode. FIGS. 36 through 40 illustrate algorithms.
Having generally delineated the overall circuitry and elements of the invention, reference to greater detail of the elements will now be made.
With respect to the trigger circuitry 176, due to the complexity of this component, two parallel solutions for note On and Off detection were employed. Signals from the pick up were either buffered and sent directly to an analog input on the central microprocessor element 88 (FIG. 13 and block 148, FIG. 4), or processed with analog circuitry designed to extract trigger (note On) and note Off information from the signal of a plucked string 20, then routed to analog inputs (not shown) on the central processor 88. LEDs 128 for each string indicate chord roots. The display may be made of transparent material such as PVC, glass, etc., and its shape chosen in such a way that it will direct the light from the LEDs toward the player.
The guitar is a chord-oriented guitar and pressing a single finger onto one fret 16 selects a diatonic chord from one of six families; two fingers selects the accidentals or chord modifiers; and a third finger may select one of six or eight variations on each chord. Additional operating modes programmed and accessible by depressing switches 104 allow for ornamentation of chords with melody notes, bass notes, or operation as a standard (electronic) guitar. Like a normal guitar, fretting selects notes or chords that strumming or plucking will sound.
In use, notes are played by strumming or plucking the strings 20. Each string 20 has a note it will play, determined by the current chord or note in a melody mode. The chord is set by pressing one or more fingers onto finger positions (fingering). Optionally, cords may be �sticky� i.e. chords that sustain (the default mode). In this case, the chord is stored and will continue to sound until the next chord is fingered.
The instrument senses frets, but a player normally puts the fingers between frets. It is referred to as finger position or fingering. On a normal guitar, the fret closer to the guitar body determines the length of the string and its pitch. In the case of the present invention, both the left and right frets are important. The instrument senses electrical contact between a fret 16 and a string 20 (FIG. 30). When a single finger presses a string 20, two frets 16 should make contact with that string 20. At the ends of the string, there is only a single fret to contact. This is compensated by software.
When two fingers pass a string, the two frets 16 surrounding each finger should make contact, but also any or all of the frets in between may make contact. Thus, at most only two fingers can be reliably detected on one string 20.
Chords are stored in the memory of the processor 88 as six notes, one for each string 20, and an optional seventh note for bass notes. Twelve chords are distributed along the guitar neck, for each harmonic pitch in an octave. The chords may repeat along the neck or they can belong to two octaves of chords. The current chord may be displayed in the sound hole. The basic note names for each finger position are displayed along the neck in the neck display.
There are two possible algorithms of chord distribution. The first option is to store all possible chords in the complete chord table 152 and play it back in a sequence determined by strumming or plucking strings on a current fingering. Another option is to use chord generation from the root chords using the chord map. In this case, the 12 chords are typically generated from 5 root chords, using a chord map. Chord maps 1,2,3,4,5,6 and 12 root chords are preprogrammed.
Each string 20 has a different family of chords assigned to it. In the standard chord table, the strings may have the following chord families:
1. Major
2. 7th
3. Minor 7th
4. Minor
5. 7th Altered
6. Minor 7th flat 5
Pressing a second finger selects one of several modified versions of the basic chord. For instance, there may be 8 modifiers per chord, currently arranged as:
Several arrangements of the chords in an octave are possible. Currently, the 7 notes of a diatonic scale are repeated along the neck, as C, D, E, F, G, A, B, as if they were the white notes on a piano. Another option is to use the so-called �cycle 5� system, where the 12 notes of an harmonic scale were arranged as F, C, G, D, A, E, B, Gb, Db, Ab, Eb, Bb or C, C♯/Db, D, D♯/Eb, E, F, F♯/Gb, G, G♯/Ab, A, A♯/Bb, B, etc. With the current arrangement, a diatonic scale occupies 7 finger positions, but the accidentals (harmonic notes that aren't diatonic) are not present. To reach those notes, two adjacent finger positions are pressed simultaneously, (in analogy with the black notes on a piano). Note that mod1 and mod2 cannot modify an accidental.
In a solo mode, single notes may be played along with chords, so that melodies can be played. One option is that single notes are played for example on strings 1 and 2. When no finger is down on a solo note string, the appropriate chord note will be played by that string. Solo mode is entered by pressing a root (plus accidental and modifier, if desired) and the same position on the next string. One exits the solo mode by pressing a root (plus accidental and modifier, if desired) and the same position on the second string over.
A further option, is that any string 20, except the 6th, can be played in melody mode and, switching to chord mode is produced when the strings are strummed downward, starting from the 6th string. In this case, the 6th string always produces the note as a part of the chord determined by the finger position and, the rest of the strings are reassigned to that chord as soon as the 6th string is strummed.
The microprocessor 88 analyzes the time delay between trigger events coming out of two or more strings 20 and, if that time is less than some predetermined level, the strings 20 are reassigned to chords.
In order to allow a player to continue with down and up strokes while playing the chords, the high strings (1-5) are kept in a chord mode for a specific time after a down stroke. After that time elapses or when all strings are muted, (no trigger events from the strings) the high string automatically switches to a melody mode.
One of the modes is that all strings are in a melody mode and produce the notes determined by a normal guitar fingering. The strings themselves can be out of tune, but the synthesizer will produce proper pitches. With respect to keys, any key can be selected on the instrument. By default, the key of C or E, for example, is selected. Pressing any finger position on string 1, and the same position for example on string 5, puts the selected note closer to the nut and displays the notes along the neck. Pressing any finger position on string 1, and the same position for example on string 6, puts the selected note closer to the nut but does not change the display of notes along the neck.
Settings are made by pressing the next to last finger position on a string, or switches placed between strings. There are 6 main setting type available.
A capo can be set in a manner similar to an actual guitar, by pressing for example the last finger position on string 6 and any finger position except the last one or may be set by an electro mechanical switch or selector.
A further mode is the solo guitar mode. In guitar mode, solo guitar mode, or on any string assigned as a guitar string, fretting behaves as on a conventional guitar, allowing normal guitar fingering and play, including hammer-downs for sounding strings. In guitar mode, open strings are also playable.
An example of chord tables is given below:
The timer ISR provides a general heartbeat to the instrument, keeping track of the elapsed time, and triggering required IO actions. It operates as quickly as the fastest action, which is expected to, be the ADC for String Triggering, at 1000 . . . 4000 samples/sec for each of the 6 strings. The timer runs at a fixed rate. The various actions it controls happen at submultiples of that rate.
The ADC on the HC16 has eight inputs. It is expected that six of these will be used as String Trigger inputs, from the Piezo string sensors. The other two would go to 28-input analog multiplexers, to provide six pairs of inputs for resistive fret sensing, and four remaining inputs for Whammy and MIDI volume control.
The present invention is made in a form of an acoustic or solid body electric guitar with some custom features: a raised action at the nut and an optional internal tail piece for an acoustic version, wiring for the frets, grooves to hold the neck displays and nut LEDs, and a cutout through which to install the battery compartment and control panel. It is expected that the guitar will have 18 to 19 active frets.
The slightly raised action is improving necessary for sensing two fingers down on a string with wired frets. On a normal guitar, in order to reduce the amount of pressure needed to hold a string against a fret, the strings are kept as close as possible to the fret board at the nut end, but raised at the bridge so that the vibrating strings will not vibrate against the frets between the pressed fret and the bridge. In order to properly sense two fingers down on a string, a raised nut and increased pressure is needed to hold a string against a fret in order to ensure that the string will not touch any extra frets in either direction.
As an alternative, each string could act as a fibre-optic waveguide. When pressed against a (transparent plastic) fret, some of the light would leak across the boundary because of the similar refractive indices of the string and fret. That light would be detected as a fret press. To operate in the presence of ambient light, a code signal or infrared/ultraviolet light source with filters could be used.
When the guitar is turned on, it opens in the guitar �default� mode. �Default� simply means that the instrument opens with the same set of preselected conditions every time it is turned on. The guitar has a choice of five different modes with the guitar mode chosen as the default mode. The diatonic scale using the standard �do re mi scale� has been chosen as the default scale. The key of �C� (DO) has been chosen as the default key and has automatically been installed in the (8th) master fret. The master fret 16 is situated approximately in the middle of the neck. It serves as a kind of roundhouse where different keys rotate according to need. There are seven frets to its left, and twelve to its right. The last fret, the nineteenth, is used exclusively for switching between different modes, leaving eighteen frets for musical performance purposes. The neck display 128 accommodates fourteen root chord symbols beginning from the left extreme of the neck, to where the neck meets the body. In the default mode, the neck display will look like this:
The master fret is indicated by C (in italics), and the symbols C D E F (also in italics) represent the frets above where the neck meets the body. Though the root chord symbols C D E F (frets 15 to 18) do not appear on the neck display, they are active frets nonetheless, and one can use them as one would any other fret. If one ever forgets what the root chord symbols are, they have only to remember that they are the same as the first four root chord symbols on the neck display, starting with the master fret. This holds true no matter what key one is in. The eighth fret will indicate the default key of �C�.
For those familiar with the DO RE MI system, the following is the equivalent in the A B C system.
Normally, a chord symbol that has no indication as to whether it is major or minor is meant to be understood as being a major chord. Example: �F�, �C�, �F♯� etc., are all Major chords. A capital �M� is used to indicate Major chords for which the abbreviation is Major M. A lower case �m� is used for minor chords, for which the abbreviation is min or m. Sharps ♯ raise the pitch of a note by a semitone, and flats ♭ lower the pitch by a semitone. 3/4 means three (3) beats to the measure, 4/4 means four (4) beats to the measure.
In order to play chords on the guitar one has only to depress any individual string 20 in any fret and then strum away. One can finger-pick, but will probably get better results with a pick because of being more certain of strumming all of the six strings.
Though one can play in any key one chooses, it will be much easier to play in the key that has been installed in the master fret. As stated earlier, the default key on the guitar is the key of �C�, but one can install any of the twelve keys of the chromatic scale in the master fret. One of the several advantages of installing a key (root chord) in the master fret is that no matter what key one chooses to play in the relative positions of the chords and fingering will always be the same. The key of �C�, the guitar default key, is considered to be the easiest to play in because there are no sharps or flats in this key. When one installs a key, any key, in the master fret, it will always be as though they were playing in the key of �C�. In other words, the fingering for playing in �G♭�, �C♯�, �A♭�, �F�, or any other of the twelve keys, is exactly the same as that of playing in the key of �C�. One will never have to modify their fingering in order to accommodate any number of sharps or flats in any key or scale. The guitar microprocessor performs this function. In the default mode, the neck display indicates where seven of the twelve chord roots (keys) are located, C, D, E, F, G, A, and B. These seven keys are the ones that are likely to be used most often. All of the twelve keys can be installed in the master fret using the same method as described below.
The installation into the master fret is accomplished in the following manner: momentarily depressing strings one and three within the same fret that is adjacent to the �A� symbol in the neck display. The key of �A� will now install itself in the master fret. The neck display will now show the diatonic �A� major scale: �A�, �B�, �C♯�, �D�, �E�, �F♯�, �G♯�, �A�. This is the key in which one will now be singing and playing. If one wants to return to the default key of �C�, one has only to install it as described above, just as any other key.
There is only one reason to use the two step installation. It is to be able to read chord symbols in one key while actually playing in another. This need could arise where the key in which a piece of sheet music has been printed is not suitable to one's singing voice. The two step installation allows one to install the key in which the sheet music was printed, into the master fret so that one can read the chord symbols, but actually have the instrument play in a different key. This example uses the sheet music of Amazing Grace. The song is in 2♯♯ (sharps), the key of �D�. The first of two steps is to install the key of �D� in the master fret exactly as described two paragraphs earlier. The neck display will now show the diatonic �D� major scale: �D�, �E�, �F♯�, �G�, �A�, �B�, �C♯�, �D�. Having done this, a more desirable key may be selected, described hereinafter. As an example, the key of �F� may be chosen. The second step, is to momentarily depress strings one and six within the same fret that is adjacent to the �F� symbol on the neck display. In this case, the key of �F� will maintain its original position on the neck display, but a dot will appear next to its symbol indicating that �F� is the active key. Though the master fret still indicates the key of �D�, one actually be in their chosen key of �F�. The result of all this, is that one will be able to read the chord symbols that were printed in the key of �D� on the sheet music but will be actually playing and singing the song in their chosen key of �F�.
The following are the chord families as they appear at the end of the fingerboard, right next to the sound hole. Each chord family is assigned a particular string. If one is searching for particular chords, one can find them by using the guitar grid system. They only need to line up a root chord indicated on the neck display with one of the six chord families indicated at the end of the fingerboard, depress the string where the axes converge, and then strum. In FIG. 7, C minor 7th is shown as an example of such a convergence. If one wants to be sure of the chord played, one only has to glance at the soundhole display. Once one depresses a string in order to obtain a chord, one doesn't have to hold it down. This is a tremendous advantage, as it allows one more time to position oneself for the upcoming chord, while continuing to strum the previous one.
When one depresses a root chord a light will come on in the nu/root indicator. This indicates the string which has the root note. This is the string one should play first if one is using the bottom strings as bass notes.
With one finger of the left hand, it has been possible to access six chords per note, that is, six different C chords, C Major, C 7th, C minor 7th, etc.), six different D chords, six different E chords and so on. By using two fingers of the left hand, one can access nine additional chords per root chord. In order to access these chords, one must depress and hold a root chord plus an additional fret position to the right of the root chord. These additional fret positions are called positive modifiers and the chords obtained through this process are called modified chords. The root chord must be depressed before the positive modifier, but only by a matter of milliseconds. The modified chords are available in conjunction with any root chord throughout the whole fingerboard with the exception of the last (19th) fret. Since there are 12 tones in the music tonal system, and six strings on the guitar, it would require 72 different graphics to display the system entirely.
This graphic display uses R as a representative symbol for all the different root chords and is meant to show that the relationship of the modified chords to the root chords, whatever and wherever they are, are the same throughout the system.
The key signature (a number of sharps ♯ or flats ♭ and meter, 3/4, 4/4, etc.) is found in the first bar of sheet music. An easy way to determine whether a key signature indicates a major or minor key is by determining which appears more often; major or minor chords. With a key signature of two ♯♯ for instance, mostly �D� major chords are found. This indicates a key of �D�. If mostly �B� minor chords are found, the key is �B� minor.
As previously stated, the chromatic deviations are always accessed in the same way. By depressing and holding down two adjacent frets on the same string which yield the chromatic deviation that is between them. Example: C & D=(C♯/D♭), D & E or D & E♭ (E or E♭) depending on the scale being used. Four different, scales are offered:
In order to enter the melody mode, one must depress a root chord in conjunction with a neighboring string within the same fret. If one plucks the first string of the root chord it will play a single note. This note will be the tonic, (the keynote). Examples are: C for any �C� root chord, F for any �F� root chord etc. This will allow one to choose, and play a specific note upon entering the melody mode One can enter the melody mode in any of the scales offered, and the neck display will show the notes of the scale that is being played.
In the melody mode, the master (8th) fret will flicker while the seven displays to its left, and the twelve displays to its right will remain stable. This table/flicker situation is exactly opposite of what is found in the guitar chord mode. This will always remind one as to which mode they are in.
The guitar offers two standard guitar modes, mode G1 and mode G2.
In mode G1, the guitar reverts to a standard guitar with the exception of the following:
1) the guitar sound is generated and amplified electronically;
2) the strings are in low tension; and,
3) the neck display, nut/root indicator, and sound hold display are still active.
Other than this the instrument behaves like a standard guitar. One must use standard guitar fingering to obtain chords and scales. In order to enter mode G1 one must simultaneously depress strings one and two of the nineteenth fret.
In mode G2, the guitar reverts to a standard guitar. Actuate the lever to deactivate the string damper. Next, one must tune the strings to E A D G B E. The guitar has a built-in standard guitar tuning aid. Depress strings one and four of the 19th fret (last fret). This will put the instrument in tuning mode 2.
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KGGR, the AM urban contemporary gospel radio station that serves the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, airing only during the Daytime hours because this station shares the same frequency with "clear channel" station WHO-AM in Des Moines, Iowa
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Holy snow-banks! Winter rolling vid over Loveland Pass
Another couple vids from the GoPro Camera of young Caleb Christner, son of Don Christner, the Reed Hurst Trucking driver whose dispatches from the road you've become familiar with over the last year or two.
Dispatcher no-brainer and on-highway lemons
It's not the really good dispatchers causing truckers to stick around -- it's those who embody the "dispatcher brains" slang making them leave. And: A bet on a light load for one driver after a ...
One driver and one emergency load — to flooded Boulder, Colo.
Don Christner recounts a recent critical haul to a water treatment facility in Boulder, Colo.
Gale Banks / Mike Ryan Racing super-turbo rig at Pike's Peak
"Attending the Pike's Peak hill climb needs to be on everyone's bucket list!" says reader Don Christner -- more here on Class 8 racer Mike Ryan's performance at the June 30 event.
More GoPro trucking-vid magic from Caleb Christner
The young driver's son turned his camera eye on Colorado's Loveland Pass this time around. Watch the vid here.
Trucking brings out the best
Bringing the kids along for the haul can serve several purposes -- here's an example of a truck-trip fueling creative experimentation.
Coffee, costs, photos, repairing CSA: Reader roundup
Rounding up reader views both serious and whimsical as 2013 heats up -- or cools down, as the case may be.
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Gunvor Said to Expand Into Spot LNG Trading as Supply Increases
Sept. 2 (Bloomberg) -- Gunvor Group Ltd., the world's fourth-biggest oil trader, plans to expand into short-term buying and selling of liquefied natural gas as global supply rises, two people with direct knowledge of the matter said.
The Cyprus-based trading house will charter vessels for spot agreements and sell cargoes in Asia and the Atlantic basin, tapping into supply from Nigeria, Australia and Southeast Asia, the people said, asking not to be identified because the plan is confidential. Seth Pietras, a spokesman for Gunvor in Geneva, declined to comment by e-mail yesterday.
Gunvor follows Vitol SA, Trafigura Beheer BV, Glencore Plc, global energy companies and utilities in competing for spot cargoes as new projects boost LNG supply, first from Australia and later from the U.S. The company, which has so far focused on long-term contracts, has an agreement to liquefy natural gas at the planned Magnolia LNG project in the U.S. as well as an accord to supply Panama with the fuel.
Gunvor is also considering a tie-up with OAO Novatek for the sale of fuel from the proposed Yamal LNG project in the Russian Arctic, Leonid Mikhelson, chief executive officer of Tarko-Sale, Siberia-based Novatek, said in January.
Gunvor hired Ksenia Babenkova as an LNG trader for its Geneva office from Gazprom Marketing & Trading Ltd., while Kalpesh Patel from BG Group Plc will start in Singapore, according to the people. They will focus on short-term trading.
LNG trade will rise by 40 percent to 450 billion cubic meters (16 trillion cubic feet) by 2019, the International Energy Agency said in its medium-term gas market report in June. Spot and short-term LNG contracts accounted for 27 percent of total trade last year, compared with 25 percent in 2012, according to the International Group of Liquefied Natural Gas Importers, a Paris-based lobby group.
Almost 70 million metric tons of LNG capacity, or 20 percent of global capacity, is poised to come online in the next few years in Australia, Neil Beveridge and Oswald Clint, analysts at Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., said in an Aug. 22 report.


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Jeff State Fall 2012 - page 9
I noticed there were threads for the other semesters, so I thought I would get this one started. There's another week until the deadline, but I've finished everything I can do. Now it's just waiting. I'm hoping to start the... Read More
- 0Jun 18, '12 by n.igmatic1Thanks kngsbard (love that name, I majored in Theatre a gazillion years ago, and the Bard holds a special place in my heart). Congratulations to everyone who has heard good news. And to everyone waiting, good luck!!
- 0I got accepted to the full time program on the Jefferson Campus on Friday !!! I am so excited!! I was expecting a letter but got a call on Friday I was very excited and caught off guard lol. The ones who got accepted on Friday for the Jefferson Campus, have yall recieved your email for the background check website? I was told an email would be sent but haven't recieved one yet but I don't want to call to interrupt other hopefuls being notified . So anyone know the website, and do you have the info for orientation. I have it if you need it.
- 0Jun 18, '12 by nbrakefieldKaesmith2011, she said to give her until Tuesday for the emails to be sent out. Orientation is July 17th at 1:30 for the Jefferson Campus students.
- 1Nbrakefield thank you . I'm glad to know she is still sending the emails out. and, I'll see you at orientation lol
- 0Jun 18, '12 by kngsbardI went to the Jefferson campus today and asked about the emails. She said if she finishes calling today that she will send the emails this evening. But she may not finish the calls until tomorrow. She still had a sizable stack of files on her desk. I'm entirely too excited for orientation to still be a month away.
Glad you like the name n.igmatic1. Most people don't catch that. I'm rather puzzled by yours.
Good luck to anyone who hasn't heard yet. And I look forward to meeting you all in class.
- 0Jun 18, '12 by n.igmatic1Hi kngsbard, my name is a play on something my boyfriend said on our first date, "You are an enigmatic one my friend, a mystery wrapped in a riddle." It just kind of stuck
- 0Jun 18, '12 by rachfitz44I haven't heard anything yet, either call or email, but I had 205 points and my major under pipeline has changed from pre-RN to RN. Maybe this is a good sign? I hope so!
- 0Rachfitz44 my major changed also and I received my acceptance call on Friday. I had I think 220 points and some others got their acceptance calls with less points than you. I was told our points would rank us in getting in so I am hopeful for you !! Let us know what happens


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Report: how big ships deal with big storms
How do big ships fare in big storms?
Forbes contributor gCaptain interviewed a captain about the peril storms like Sandy create for the world's big commercial ships. (Full story)
"The term Safe Harbor doesn't pertain to storms the size of Hurricane Sandy," says Captain John Konrad, who has experienced hurricanes first hand. "The safest place for a ship is out to sea and as far away from the storm as possible."
Ships are built with hardened steel, but if left tied up to the dock, they can be easily damaged as waves push them against concrete pilings. If a ship were to break loose from the dock, it would turn into a floating wrecking ball.
For this reason, the United States Coast Guard recently closed most ports along the hurricane path and ordered all ships to leave port and head east at the best possible speed.Copyright © 2014, Daily Press


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text: Queensferry Road Nearby PlacesAirport | Gyle RegionEdinburgh Queensferry Road Events Forth Bridges Festival The Forth Bridges Festival will draw over 100,000 local, national and international visitors over a 10 day period. The festival in celebration of the 50th birthday of the iconic Forth Bridge. Local Restaurants Bar Roma A family run Italian food restaurant that has been pampering the diners with good quality food for over 30 years. Mather's Mathers bar, situated at the far West End of Princes street is a traditional drinking pub with a good range of cask ales and over 100 whiskies on offer. Halo Fantastic staff and lively settings make halo a favorite hang out spot in Edinburgh for a smart, groovy crowd. The menu is small, with a good line in urban tapas to go with your drinks. Home made dishes is the main attraction. Image Gallery View the discussion thread. blog comments powered by Disqus


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Arts > Upper School Arts
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MS Students Foster Relationship with School in Belize
Monday, January 07, 2013
This March will be the third consecutive year that BB&N Middle School students embark on an eight-day service-learning trip to Belize during spring break.
Middle School Celebrates the Season with WinterFest Concert
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
Middle School musicians dazzled the crowd Wednesday night at the annual Winterfest concert.
BB&N Students Participate in Statewide Chess Competition
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
Seventeen BB&N students competed in the Massachusetts State Chess Association's Third Spiegel Cup Qualifier held at the BB&N Upper School Campus in January.
Students Wow Audience at US Winter Concert
Friday, January 18, 2013
The talent level at the annual Winter Concert earlier this month was impressive as Upper School student musicians and singers took the stage at Grace Episcopal Church in Newton.
Students and Families Celebrate MLK Day
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
January 21st marked BB&N's 29th annual Martin Luther King Day Brunch held at the Upper School.
US Students Sing & Dance in Spring Musical
Thursday, March 07, 2013
Upper School actors once again impressed the audience in this spring's production of Pipe Dream.
Middle School Delights in Spring Play
Thursday, May 02, 2013
"Bob: A Life in Five Acts," allowed Middle Schools a platform from which to stretch their acting and storytelling muscles with wonderful results.
US Concert Kicks off the Spring
Friday, May 03, 2013
The 2013 spring concert included performances by the orchestra, chorale, Voices of the Knight, and Knightingales.
BB&N Celebrates 62nd Annual Circus!
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
For over six decades the Circus has been offering family fun to students, parents, and alumni of all ages and this year was no different.
MFA Day Celebrates 20-Year Tradition
Monday, May 20, 2013
This Mother's Day, BB&N families were invited to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts to enjoy the 20th Annual MFA Day.
New School Year Kicks Off On All Three Campuses
Monday, September 02, 2013
The 2013-14 school year is officially in session at BB&N!
Faculty Travel Far and Wide with Grants
Friday, September 27, 2013
Each year BB&N awards several faculty members summer travel grants or faculty enrichment grants (paid for by the Gordon-Rowe fund) to provide resources for travel and to explore areas of interest. This summer eight teachers from all three campuses ventured to Hong Kong, Iceland, Scotland, Italy, and beyond.
Introducing the 2013-14 Head's Speaker Series!
Friday, November 01, 2013
The Head's Speaker Series debuts this year with Alexandra Robbins on Tuesday, November 19, at the Upper School Theater. Ms. Robbins is the author of "The Overachievers: The Secret Lives of Driven Kids," among other books.
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Transportation Library
The Transportation Library was founded in 1958 to support the curricula and research programs of the Transportation Center and the Center for Public Safety of Northwestern University, including the School of Police Staff and Command.
Containing over 500,000 items, the Transportation Library of Northwestern University is one of the largest transportation information centers in the world, encompassing information on all transportation modalities, including: air, rail, highway, pipeline, water, urban transport and logistics. It includes a significant collection on law enforcement, police management and traffic enforcement. Its collection of environmental impact statements is one of the most complete in the world.
The Transportation Library's staff produce TRANweb, a web based periodical index of transportation and law enforcement articles and conference proceedin
Researchers from around the world, in the fields of transportation, law enforcement and environmental impact assessment are encouraged to use the Transportation Library in accordance with our policies and procedures.
For more information on the Transportation Library, please refer to our brochure.
NEW AND NOTABLE: New E-Resource at Northwestern:
ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global
ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Full Text has been expanded to Dissertations & Theses Global.
ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global is the world's most comprehensive collection of dissertations and theses from around the world, spanning from 1743 to the present day and offering full text for graduate works added since 1997, along with selected full text for works written prior to 1997. It contains a significant amount of new international dissertations and theses both in citations and in full text.


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Barotse Activists Demand Commonwealth Court
Three Barotseland activists appeared in court today in Kaoma and demanded that the matter be transferred to a Commonwealth court as the Zambian government had no jurisdiction to try them.
Appearing before Mongu Magistrate Court sitting as Kaoma Magistrate were Nayoto Mwenda, 32, Sikwimelo Wasilota, 33 and Borison Ziba, 36 who applied that the matter could not proceed to trial because the court did not have the jurisdiction to preside over it.
The trio argued that the offence was committed in Barotseland where the Zambia government does not have jurisdiction. The trio applied that the matter be applied to a Commonwealth court because it involved two sovereign states Barotseland and Zambia.
They added that it is a violation of international law for Zambia to be a complainant and prosecutor at the same time.
Magistrate Malata said Zambia had jurisdiction to preside over matters within its boundaries. He advised the trio to seek the transfer through other means and not through his court.
The trio is charged with distributing flyers that said that the Zambian government planned a coup d'état.
Magistrate Malata adjourned the matter to April, 8 for continued trial.
Outside the court, pro-secession activists wore T-shirts bearing printings Barotseland ki naha (Barotseland is a nation).
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Concerts in the Park - Six Foot Midget
Event Details
Date(s) & Time(s)::
August 7, 2014 at 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM
Location: Springs Park, Massena
Phone: 315-769-3525
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Link: http://www.massenachamber.com
Event Description
Classic rock by one of NNY's most famous bands! Free and open to the public. Donations appreciated. Please bring a chair. Picnic area and playground. Rain location - Massena Volunteer Fire Department.Return to event list.
Sunday, December 21, 2014, Watertown, NY


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Math has no favorites. Dave Ramsey breaks down the MATH behind Obamacare premiums. (Video)Submitted by Sethster82 on Wed, 10/16/2013 - 17:41
- Login to post comments
Ramsey may be right about this, but he is 100% WRONG on gold.
wow he went all the way back to 1833
whose investment portfolio stretches that far? and the fact that he calls gold an investment does show his ignorance on the topic.
He knows that gold WAS stable up until the Fed was created.
HISTORICAL GOLD PRICES- 1833 to Present
I'm not a Ramsey fan--
what do other DPers think of this?
The bottom line is that insurance companies, the entire MIC is a racket--as is government.
I want to have the freedom NOT to have insurance and NOT to use government 'help'--
do *you* have any idea how unusual that is?
"Everyone" wants some kind of insurance, and yet those with insurance still frequently have medical debts and bankruptcy; it doesn't 'insure' anything--
oh well--
it's hard to be awake; it's easier to dream--
I though it was a good, dispassionate look at some of the
numbers on Obamacare.
I will admit that I don't know much about Dave Ramsey as I have not taken any of his courses, nor do I listen to his show. Seems like a decent guy.
What happens if you miss
What happens if you miss your Obamacare payments? Do you lose your health insurance?
I'm sure
I'm sure there's a tax buried in there somewhere that will get you for that.


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main index
Super Mario Bros. + Sonic the Hedgehog + Dragon Ball Z = this series.Super Mario Bros Z is a flash animation series by Alvin-Earthworm. The series is a cross over between the Mario and Sonic universes in a plot that bears great similarity to Dragon Ball Z, in which DBZ-style abilities are granted to each character — their strength, speed, stamina, etc have all gotten a massive upgrade from what is seen in their respective games, shows, comics and other media. Their abilities relative to each other remain largely intact, though (Sonic still runs faster than anybody else, Mario is highly versatile, etc.).Combining references to games both old and new, physical comedy (mostly at Luigi's expense), and some rather spectacular battle sequences, the series has gained quite a following.Hosted on Newgrounds, eight episodes were made, with a 9th one left unfinished. There was a 45 episode saga (3 seasons of 15 episodes each) planned, but the series was discontinued in March 2012 after nearly two and a half years since the release of Episode 8.The official site housed a guide, timeline, and other sundry details along with the episodes proper, before its closure.As of March 26, 2012, there was an official announcement that Alvin had discontinued the series. The only official footage of the now forever-lost episode 9 can be seen here. Though at the time he referred to the series as being "on indefinite hiatus" rather than permanently done for.Interactions between flash animator Juga Juga (Trevor Nestor) and Alvin suggested that Alvin may have planned on continuing work on the series (rebooting it), meanwhile Juga Juga instated an official kickstarter project to bring the series to some sort of closure... which was quickly pulled, due to Kickstarter's rules.Juga Juga commented:"I was looking to contact Alvin, but was unable to because all of his accounts seemed to be shut down. A fan from one of the official SMBZ facebook groups sent me Alvin's contact info, and, it turns out he has an alternate deviantart account (not sure if he wants this information publicly available, so I'm not sure I should post it). I think that he made the post [the post about continuing with the SMBZ series on a reboot] on Newgrounds very soon after messaging me about possibly coming back, so perhaps this project influenced him?"In one reply from Alvin to Juga Juga shortly before his public announcement, Alvin messaged:"I have been sporadic with my artwork in the past, so it's not an impossibility that I would someday like to work on it again. I would like to rework the series from the ground up. Change up some key scenes. Improve the story and dialogue. Rework the fight scenes and choreography, etc etc. Obviously I cannot stop you from working on your movie if you really want to."In October 2013, Alvin released an updated version of Episode 1's opening sequence, along with ideas for a remake, but clarified that the video didn't guarantee that he would be remaking the series.
This series has examples of:


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Tử Thần Chi Tiễn
100 - 500 downloadsAdd this app to your lists
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Visiting Dealers and Show Promoters, add your free listing in this Directory & get on the map - literally!
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Earlier this year I started working on a project in Burton, Texas, for Holly Kuhn owner of Old Glory Antiques in Denver. I first blogged about it here and here....Read more
Texas Antique Shows Twice a year, thousands of people travel to the small towns of Warrenton, Round Top & Carmine, Texas to visit one of the largest Antique shows in...Read more
I think I have finally recovered from the week and a half long junk'n extravaganza that my my friend Katie from Sacred Heart Studios and I went on. We traveled...Read more
Round Top Texas Antique week Here are so me clips and pictures of 2 weekends ago when we went Round top Texas Antique week! We found some yummy wines by...Read more
Well another Round Top Antiques show has come and gone! It was fun and productive and yes exhausting! I am trying to get myself together to tackle computer work and...Read more
What a feast for the eyes this week! I have been in wonderful Warrenton, Texas for what is known as Texas Antiques Week. If you have never been- well let...Read more
Country Accents & Antiques Behind-the-scenes look at setting up the booth for Country Accents Antiques at the 47th Annual Round Top Antiques Show. The Original Round Top Antiques Fair at...Read more
Bar W Field, Warrenton © 2013 David Stall Photography Round Top Antiques fairs shoppers, this is it . . . The BIG Show Week is Here! The second weekend of the...Read more
photo by Buff Strickland 09-27-2014 09:07:15 Country Living's Guide to the Round Top Antiques Show Style Director Jami Supsic shares her insider tips for shopping one of the country's largest antiques shows. Blog...Read more
Texas Antique Weekend is in full swing, and I couldn't be more excited about it! I went this past weekend for the a quick 'pre-preview' to get a lay of...Read more
It's Fall Y'all!!! Not sure where you are but round these parts the weather has actually been pleasant the past two days- Thank the Lord for Fall weather!!!This... READ MORE (...Read more
We are ready!!!! The pumpkins are out and chandeliers hung! The pickled french hotel walls are up! A new shipment of antique signs have arrived and been installed! The beds...Read more
As many of you know one of my favorite stores in Texas is Leftovers Antiques & Home Mercantile in Brenham. Texas. And one of the best times to visit the...Read more
It is time for Texas Antiques Week or Round Top Antiques Week as it has been referred to for 43 years. One of the number one questions I am asked...Read more
Texas Quilt Museum has two new exhibits on display that are inspired by both the rich history of quilting and cutting-edge, contemporary works. "Quilts from the Thomas Contemporary Quilt...Read more
The Round Top Area Chamber of Commerce will have 3 air-conditioned Trolley's running 6 days during the Fall Antique Show. Dates are September 25, 26 & 27 and October...Read more
In exactly one week I will will be hitting the road with my good friend Katie from Sacred Heart Studios. We are making an epic road trip to Texas for...Read more
I've always considered the Round Top/Warrenton Antique Showas my "soul vacation". I first heard this term used by the Junk Gypsies and for many years when I worked full-time this...Read more
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The Best Cheerleading Scandals
This week brings the premiere of The CW's new show "Hellcats," which is based on the book Cheer!: Inside The Secret World of College Cheerleaders, by The Frisky's own Kate Torgovnick. To get you pumped up and ready to shake your pom-poms, we're bringing you cheer-related content all week. This post is an oldie, but a goodie. Enjoy, and make sure to watch the premiere Wednesday at 9pm (EST). Catching politicians in a scandal is fun. A Hollywood starlet losing it is better. But there's nothing quite like a story involving cheerleaders gone wild to capture the American cultural imagination. Here's a look back at our favorite cheerleading scandals—from hitmen-for-hire to nudie photos.
A Brief History Of Cheerleading
This week brings the premiere of The CW's new show "Hellcats," which is based on the book Cheer!: Inside The Secret World of College Cheerleaders written by The Frisky's own Kate Torgovnick. To get you pumped up and ready to shake your pom-poms, we're bringing you cheer-related content all week. Enjoy, and make sure to watch Wednesday at 9pm (EST).
Cheerleading is an iconic American phenomenon, on par with apple pie and the bald eagle. But, uh, where did it come from? Good question. Most people don't know this, but cheerleaders were originally men. Cheerleading goes back to the very first college football game, between Princeton and Rutgers University. Princeton students started chanting, "Rah rah rah! Tiger tiger tiger! Sis sis sis! Boom boom boom! Ahhhhh!" It became a student tradition, and soon the school appointed "yell leaders" who sat in the audience and lead said chants. The idea spread across the country, and in 1898 a University of Minnesota yell leader ran in front of the crowd to lead his chants. Cheerleading was born. Keep reading »
Quotable: Ian Ziering Disappointed No "90210″ Reunion On 09/02/10
"About six or seven months ago, I had my entire cast together. I wanted to put together a reunion special to run on this day and the CW dropped the ball."
—Ian Ziering tells us what could have been on yesterday's once-in-a-lifetime date, 09/02/10. Sigh. Oh, well. At least we did some good "Beverly Hills, 90210" reminiscing? [NYMag.com] Keep reading »
"Dancing With The Stars" Contestants Start Rehearsals
Rehearsals have begun for season 11 of "Dancing with the Stars" and ABC has released images of some of our fave contestants. Here, Bristol Palin is shown some moves by her partner, Mark Ballas. Can he turn Alaska's former first daughter from preggers prom queen into a ballroom dancer? Personally, I think it's cute that they're in socks. [Zap2It]
After the jump, more photos. Keep reading »
A Senate Candidate Who Is Anti-Masturbation
Christine O'Donnell has all the makings of an East Coast Sarah Palin. She's a candidate running for the Senate in Delaware. More specifically, she's a Tea Party member who is challenging Republican Mike Castle in the upcoming primary. For a while, she looked like a longshot, but all of a sudden, she's picked up a bit of steam. Which has folks very worried because let's just say that O'Donnell has some pretty extreme views. Years ago, O'Donnell made an appearance on the MTV series "Sex in the '90s." The point she wanted to make: masturbation is evil. Keep reading »
"Hellcats" To Set A Guinness World Record
For the past, oh, 20 years, I have wanted few things more than to set a Guinness World Record. Last year, I determined that the most likely way to do this is by gathering a mass group of people to do an activity together, à la getting the most people dressed as Smurfs to one place. It looks like The CW's new show "Hellcats" has read my mind. (Which is doubly meta since the show about the rough-and-tumble world of college cheerleaders is based on my book, Cheer!.) To promote the show, which stars Aly Michalka and Asley Tisdale, The CW is holding a world record attempt. TOMORROW. Keep reading »


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So What's on your Bucket List? — My 2014 Bucket List
As a person I like to live life to its fullest… like running my first marathon in 2013. As a college student my resources are limited. However I do not let my financial limitations limit my life dreams… it just means … Continue reading
Posted in backyard farm, Bucket List, family, italy, marathon, olympics, thesis, writing Tagged 2012 Bucket List, Bucket List, free college, italy, marathon, olympics, Philippines, The Irish Rovers 2 Comments
Chicken in a Snowy Tree
In the upper middle of the tree you can see one of our chickens. Today we have two chickens climbing in the trees, and the snow continues to fall. Hopefully we won't have "frozen" chicken tomorrow morning!! If this was … Continue reading
Posted in backyard farm, chickens, farming, Funny, Humor Tagged blizzard, chicken stuck in a tree, humor, snow 1 Comment
More adventures with opossums, or, this is how marriage works
Originally posted on Ranting About Rectangles:
This morning started out like any other morning. I was half awake, in my pajamas, outside feeding the rabbits and chickens. And then my husband shouted from the garage door "There's an opossum in the cat…
Posted in animals, backyard farm, farming, Funny, Pets, Photo, Self sufficient living, urban farm Tagged animals, family, Happy Mother's Day, humor, marriage, photos 2 Comments
Originally posted on Grist:
French people might enjoy horse meat every now and again, but the British, as a rule, do not. Nor do the Irish. And they certainly do not enjoy the idea that their juicy cow hamburger is…
Posted in animals, backyard farm, Farming, news, Organic foods, Self sufficient living, urban farm Tagged animals, backyard farm, farming, horse meat found in hamburger Leave a comment


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Nascar race tonight channel Reviewed by Thefirstrow on . Rating: 4.5
What TV channel is the NASCAR Nationwide Race on tonight? ChaCha Answer: ESPN2 will be broadcasting tonight's race! It begins at 7 PM...
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Primare Systems A30.2 Amplifier - SWEET! [Expired]
Listing ID: LIS4GG51
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* Primare A30.2 Amplfier - MSRP $1995
Read any reviews and you'll find this Swedish component to be one of the finest amps out there for the price. It works and sounds incredible. I don't have the original box but I do have a safe replacement. I am a shipping expert. Original owner.
This ad is for the amplifier only.
Rate 8/10 to under promise and over deliver.
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