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Adaptive Percussion Instrument Tuning System

Abstract: An adaptive percussion instrument tuning system comprises of a plurality of motors 106 provided on a drum 103 to adjust tension of a leather membrane 102 by means of strings 104 connected with tuning pegs 105, a tension sensor 107 coupled with strings 104 to detect a tension in the string as applied onto the membrane 102, a pitch sensor 108 positioned on the drum 103 to detect a pitch of the membranes 102 of the instrument 101, an ambient sensing unit 109 adapted to be arranged on the body to detect temperature and humidity in vicinity of the membrane 102, a control unit configured with a tuning module for adjusting tension applied to the membrane 102, a touch interactive display panel 110 mounted on the body to enable user input of pre-set tuning parameters for tuning of the membrane 102.

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Patent Information

Application #
Filing Date
26 April 2025
Publication Number
20/2025
Publication Type
INA
Invention Field
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Status
Email
Parent Application

Applicants

Marwadi University
Rajkot - Morbi Road, Rajkot 360003 Gujarat, India.

Inventors

1. Harshvardhan Soni
Department of Information and Communication Technology, Marwadi University, Rajkot - Morbi Road, Rajkot 360003 Gujarat, India.
2. Chandrasinh D Parmar
Department of Information and Communication Technology, Marwadi University, Rajkot - Morbi Road, Rajkot 360003 Gujarat, India.
3. Vijay Dubey
Department of Information and Communication Technology, Marwadi University, Rajkot - Morbi Road, Rajkot 360003 Gujarat, India.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adaptive percussion instrument tuning system that is capable of automatically managing tuning of a percussion instrument by adjusting the tension of its strings and also detects environmental factors to adjust the tuning in real-time to counteract their effects. Additionally, the system allows users to manually adjust the pitch according to suitable preferences, offering a flexible and responsive facility for instrument tuning.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Tuning of percussion instruments is essential for producing an optimal musical sound, as the pitch and resonance of these instruments directly influence their tonal quality. Unlike melodic instruments, which have fixed pitches, percussion instruments like drums, cymbals, and tambourines rely heavily on precise adjustments to achieve the desired sound. The tension of the instrument's skin, drumheads, or strings determines the pitch, and small variations in tension can lead to noticeable differences in sound. These adjustments are critical not only for musical harmony but also for the instrument’s ability to blend with other instruments in an ensemble or orchestra. Environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, and air pressure can impact the material properties of the percussion instrument, causing its pitch to shift over time. These factors can make it difficult to maintain consistent tuning, especially in outdoor performances or varying climates. As a result, regular tuning is required to ensure that the instrument produces a clear, precise sound, contributing to the overall musical performance. Without proper tuning, a percussion instrument may sound off-key, muddy, or out of sync with other instruments, negatively affecting the overall sound of the ensemble. Therefore, effective and accurate tuning is crucial to achieving the best musical expression and performance.

[0003] Tuning percussion instruments for optimal sound involves various specialized equipment designed to achieve the desired pitch, tone, and resonance. Common tools include tuners, pitch pipes, tuning forks, drum key, and mallets with varying hardness. Electronic tuners are often used for precision, providing a visual display of pitch and helping percussionists tune instruments like timpani, xylophones, or marimbas. Drum keys are essential for adjusting the tension of drum heads to ensure accurate pitch and tone. Mallets also play a crucial role, as their hardness and shape affect the sound produced, especially in instruments like vibraphones or glockenspiels.

[0004] However, these tools come with limitations. Electronic tuners may not always provide accurate readings for every percussion instrument, particularly those with complex tones or lower frequencies, such as bass drums. Tuning forks and pitch pipes are more traditional but may not offer the level of precision required for professional performance. Additionally, adjusting drum heads can be time-consuming, and small changes in tension can result in significant tonal shifts, making tuning a delicate process. Finally, mallet selection requires expertise, as the wrong type can negatively impact the instrument’s sound or cause unwanted overtones. Therefore, achieving optimal sound often requires a combination of tools, experience, and patience.

[0005] KR101637956B1 discloses an automatic drum tuner and an automatic drum tuning method and, more specifically, to an automatic drum tuner and an automatic tuning method, in which, when the frequency of a drum wanted by a user is set, the entire step of tuning the drum is fully automated by using a microprocessor and a fast Fourier transform (FFT) library software. The automatic drum tuner comprises: a detection unit which receives sound generated by hitting a drum head; and a drum rotation tuning device which rotates the drum to automatically tune tension of the drum head by sequentially fastening or releasing each captive screw. The automatic drum tuner includes a micro-controller which repeatedly drives the drum rotation tuning device such that the set frequency and input frequency reach an error range by using the FFT (fast Fourier transform) library software with respect to the sound input from the detection unit, and controls the detection unit and the drum rotation tuning device, and an FFT library software control.

[0006] US5973252A discloses a device and method is disclosed to correct intonation errors and generate vibrato in solo instruments and vocal performances in real time. The device determines the pitch of a musical note produced by voice or instrument and shifts the pitch of that note to produce a very high quality, high fidelity output. The device includes a pitch detector that automatically recognizes the pitch of musical notes quickly. The detected pitch is then used as an input to a pitch corrector that converts the pitch of the input to an output with a desired pitch. The corrected musical note is then in tune with the pitch standard. The device and method employ a microprocessor that samples the signal from a musical instrument or voice at regular intervals using an analog-to-digital converter and then utilizes data derived from an auto-correlation function of the waveform to continuously determine the period of the waveform. The period of the waveform is then compared to a desired period or periods (such as found in a scale). The ratio of the waveform period and the desired period is computed to re-sample the waveform. This ratio is smoothed over time to remove instantaneous output pitch changes. The ratio is used to resample the input waveform. The resulting output waveform is processed through a digital-to-analog converter and output through audio interfaces.

[0007] Conventionally, many systems have been developed in order to tune drum, however the systems mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to detect environmental influences and tune the instrument in real time, neutralizing any external impact of detuning.

[0008] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the existing art to develop a system that is required to be capable of autonomously handling tuning of a percussion instrument by modifying string tension. In addition, the system features the ability to detect environmental influences and tune the instrument in real time, neutralizing any external impact, while allows user to adjust the pitch as per preference, providing a customizable and efficient tuning process.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of managing tuning of a percussion instrument in an automated manner by adjusting tension of strings of the instrument.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of detecting environmental factors and accordingly tune the instrument on real time basis in order to negate effect of environmental factors over the instrument.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of allowing user to adjust pitch of the instrument as per requirement.

[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention relates to an adaptive percussion instrument tuning system that is capable of automatically adjust string tension of a percussion instrument for tuning purposes and incorporates the ability to monitor and respond to environmental factors in real time, ensuring accurate tuning despite external changes.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an adaptive percussion instrument tuning system comprises of a plurality of motors provided on the drum and mechanically coupled with the tuning pegs to adjust tension in the strings by rotation of the tuning pegs, a tension sensor coupled with each of the strings to detect a tension in the string as applied onto the membrane, a pitch sensor positioned on the drum to detect a pitch of the membranes of the instrument, an ambient sensing unit adapted to be arranged on the body to detect a temperature and humidity in vicinity of the membrane, a control unit configured with a tuning module, provided with the body, in communication with the tension sensors, the pitch sensors and the ambient sensing unit to receive input regarding instant tension and pitch of the membrane.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the present invention further comprises of the motors adjusting tension applied to the membrane in produce a desired pitches, instant ambient condition detected by the sensing unit is factored to negate detuning of the membrane caused by changes in temperature and humidity.The tension sensor is a load cell, the pitch sensor is selected from a contact microphone, piezoelectric sensor, a laser vibration sensor and a combination thereof, and a touch interactive display panel is mounted on the body and connected with the control unit to enable input of pre-set tuning parameters and display a progress of tuning of the membrane.

[0017] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an adaptive percussion instrument tuning system; and
Figure 2 illustrates a workflow of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0020] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0021] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0022] The present invention relates to an adaptive percussion instrument tuning system that is capable of providing a facility for automatic percussion instrument tuning by adjusting the string tension. The system also includes real-time environmental monitoring to compensate for any external influences, ensuring consistent tuning.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an adaptive percussion instrument tuning system is illustrated, comprises of a percussion instrument 101 including a leather membrane 102 tensioned on to a drum 103 by means of strings 104 connected with tuning pegs 105 provided with the body, a plurality of motors 106 provided on the drum 103 and mechanically coupled with the tuning pegs 105, a tension sensor 107 coupled with each of the strings 104, a pitch sensor 108 positioned on the drum 103, an ambient sensing unit 109 adapted to be arranged on the body, and a touch interactive display panel 110 mounted on the body, and the leather membrane 102 configured on each lateral sides i.e. drumheads 111 of the drum 103.

[0024] The present invention is adapted to be configured with a dual membrane 102 percussion instrument 101 such as Pakhawaj, Mridangam, Dhol etc. specifically instrument 101 s having leather membrane 102.

[0025] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a percussion instrument 101 is a Pakhawaj having a leather membrane 102 made to vibrate for producing musical sound. The instrument 101 is preferably in a shape of drum 103 incorporating various components associated with the system. The leather membrane 102 is developed to be positioned on lateral ends of the drum 103 i.e. drumheads 111 by means of strings 104. The tension in the membrane 102 is regulated by tuning pegs 105 connected with the strings 104. A padding is lined along the edge of the drum 103 to enable non-damaging mounting of the membrane 102 with the drum 103.

[0026] A user is required to access and presses a push button arranged on the drum 103 to activate the system for associated processes of the system. The push button when pressed by the user, closes an electrical circuit and allows currents to flow for powering an associated control unit of the system for operating of all the linked components for performing their respective functions upon actuation. The control unit, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino control unit to control the overall functionality of the linked components.

[0027] After the activation of the system, the user accesses a touch interactive display panel 110 installed over the body for providing input regarding tuning of the instrument 101 along with required tuning parameters. When the user touches the surface of the touch interactive display panel 110 to enter the input details, then an internal circuitry of the touch interactive display panel 110 senses the touches of the displayed option and synchronically, the internal circuitry converts the physical touch into the form of electric signal. The control unit processes the received signal from the display panel 110 in order to process the signal and determine the user selection and store the user response to a linked database for further associated functions related to the user input.

[0028] The membrane 102 is positioned over the lateral ends of the drum 103. The membrane 102 is secured circumferentially by the strings 104. The strings 104 are equidistant from each other and are looped around the perimeter of the membrane 102 to constitute a stretched condition of the membrane 102 across the drumhead 111. The stretching of the membrane 102, plays keen role in production of a resonant sound referred to as musical sound upon hitting to the membrane 102 by an external force. The tension in the strings 104 is controlled by the tuning pegs 105. The alteration in the tension of the strings 104, regulates condition of stretching of the membrane 102.

[0029] The stretching of the leather membrane 102 is crucial for the instrument’s 101 tonal quality. The change in tension of the strings 104 consequently results in adjustment of pitch and tonal qualities of the instrument 101. The precise tension and quality of the leather membrane 102 are essential for achieving the desired musical sounds, making the process of securing and stretching the membrane 102 a crucial aspect of tuning the instrument 101. The user is required to continuously play the instrument 101 during the execution of tuning process of the instrument 101. Each of the tuning peg of the drum 103 incorporates a motor 106 which is mechanically coupled with the tuning pegs 105 for alerting the tension in the strings 104.

[0030] A tension sensor 107 is coupled with each of the strings 104 to detect a tension in the string as applied onto the membrane 102. The tension sensor 107, which is a load cell, is embodied to precisely measure the tension applied to each string that is connected to the membrane 102 of the drum 103. The load cell works by detecting the force exerted on the string, which is directly related to the tension of the string. The load cell consists of a metal element that deforms slightly when a force, such as the tension from a string, is applied to it. This deformation is captured by strain gauges attached to the metal body of the load cell. As the string is tensioned, the metal body of the load cell experiences a small strain, causing the strain gauges to change their resistance. This change in resistance is proportional to the amount of tension applied to the string.

[0031] The electrical resistance change is then converted into an electrical signal that is measured by the system’s control unit. The tension sensor 107 continuously monitors the force exerted on the strings 104, providing real-time feedback on the tension status. This information is critical as it allows the control unit to detect any variations in string tension that affect the performance of the instrument 101.

[0032] For tuning the instrument 101, the control unit adjusts the tension of the membrane 102 by controlling the motors 106 of the tuning pegs 105. When the system detects that the membrane’s 102 pitch deviates from the desired pitch of the pre-set parameters fetched from the database, the control unit activates the motors 106 of the tuning pegs 105, which are mechanically linked to the tuning strings 104. These motors 106 are responsible for rotating the tuning pegs 105 in clockwise/anti-clockwise direction for tightening or loosening the strings 104 that are stretched over the membrane 102.

[0033] When the strings 104 are tightened, the tension on the membrane 102 increases, making it stretch more tightly, which raises the pitch of the instrument 101. Conversely, loosening the strings 104 reduces the tension, allowing the membrane 102 to become less taut, thereby lowering the pitch. By continuously monitoring the feedback from the tension sensor 107 s and the pitch sensor 108 s, the control unit makes real-time adjustments to achieve the desired sound. The motorized adjustment of the tuning pegs 105 ensures that the stretching condition of the membrane 102 is accurately controlled, maintaining the pitch stability and providing precise tuning.

[0034] The motors 106 rotate the tuning pegs 105 for improving tension in the strings 104. The control unit ensures that the tuning pegs 105 are selectively rotated in pair of opposite sides of the circumference of the both of the membranes 102, positioned on either sides of drumheads 111. This ensures equal stretching of the membrane 102.

[0035] A pitch sensor 108 is positioned on the drum 103 to detect a pitch of the membranes 102 of the instrument 101. The pitch sensor 108 works by detecting the vibrations of the membrane 102 of the drum 103 and translating these vibrations into data that corresponds to the pitch produced by the membrane 102. The pitch sensor 108 is selected from a contact microphone, piezoelectric sensor, a laser vibration sensor and a combination thereof, each contributing uniquely to the detection process.

[0036] In case of a contact microphone is attached to the drum 103 detects the vibrations directly from the surface of the membrane 102. When the user strikes the membrane 102 to produce sound, the membrane 102 vibrates, generates sound waves that are picked up by the microphone. These sound waves are converted into electrical signals, and the frequency of the signal corresponds to the pitch produced by the membrane 102. The contact microphone provides real-time feedback to the control unit, allowing to determine the exact frequency and thus the pitch.

[0037] In case the pitch sensor 108 is a piezoelectric sensor, which works on the principle of the piezoelectric effect, where certain materials generate an electrical charge in response to mechanical stress or vibrations. When the membrane 102 vibrates, the stress is transferred to the piezoelectric material, causing the membrane 102 to generate a charge. The piezoelectric sensor then converts this charge into an electrical signal, which is analyzed by the control unit to determine the vibration frequency of the membrane 102. The frequency is directly related to the pitch of the sound produced.

[0038] In case the pitch sensor 108 is a laser vibration sensor, which works by shining a laser beam onto the surface of the membrane 102. When the membrane 102 vibrates, causes small movements in the surface, which are detected as changes in the reflection of the laser beam. The laser vibration sensor measures these tiny displacements and converts them into frequency data. This type of pitch sensor 108 is non-contact type to measure highly precise detection of minute vibrations of the membrane 102.

[0039] The pitch sensor 108 is a combination of the aforementioned sensors. The combination of these sensors are used to enhance the accuracy and reliability of pitch detection. In an exemplary embodiment, a contact microphone captures the overall sound, while a piezoelectric sensor provides more precise data about the membrane’s 102 surface vibration. The laser vibration sensor is used for additional feedback on the membrane’s 102 motion, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the pitch.

[0040] Once the pitch sensor 108 detects the vibrations, the data is sent to the system’s control unit, which processes the frequency. The control unit compares the detected pitch of the membrane 102 with the pre-set parameters of the linked database or desired pitch. In case of mismatching of the pitch, the tension of the strings 104 is required to be adjusted through the motors 106 to bring the membrane’s 102 pitch into alignment with the target pitch. This ensures the instrument 101 is tuned accurately, taking into account the real-time vibrations and frequency changes.

[0041] The tuning of the instrument 101 according to preset parameters is displayed over the display panel 110. This enables the user to be informed about the ongoing progress of the tuning operation of the membrane 102. While the user is also enabled to tune the instrument 101 with set of pitch and tonal quality by means of manual tuning. The user is required to access the display panel 110 to provide input for manual tuning operation. Accordingly, the display panel 110 displays options for selection of user to alter the pitch and tonal quality as per preference.

[0042] The control unit processes the user’s selection and accordingly regulates the actuation of the tuning pegs 105 for changing the quality of musical sound from the instrument 101 such as high pitch sound or low pitch sound.

[0043] The instrument 101 incorporates automated tuning feature in relation to adjustment for environment conditions. The drum 103 is configured with an ambient sensing unit 109 to monitor environmental factors that influence the tension and pitch of the membrane 102 in real time basis. The leather membrane 102 has a property of getting affected in accordance to the temperature and humidity variations.

[0044] The sensing unit 109 consists of a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, both of which are crucial for maintaining the stability and accuracy of the tuning process. The temperature sensor measures the temperature in the vicinity of the membrane 102, as temperature fluctuations cause the leather membrane 102 to expand or contract. These changes in the membrane’s 102 material properties directly impact the stretching condition / tension of the membrane 102 and, consequently, the pitch produced by the membrane 102.

[0045] The humidity sensor, of the sensing module measures the level of moisture in the air around the membrane 102. Humidity levels also play a major role in the behavior of the membrane 102, as leather is sensitive to moisture. High humidity cause the membrane 102 to absorb moisture, making the membrane 102 more flexible and lowering the stretching condition / tension, while low humidity dry out the leather, causing the membrane 102 to stiffen and potentially increase the stretching condition / tension. The detected humidity data is sent to the control unit for further processing. The control unit analyses the collected data of the ambient sensing unit 109 to detect environmental condition in vicinity of the membrane 102 related to ambient temperature and humidity levels.

[0046] The detected instant ambient environmental condition is analysed and processed by a tuning module, provided with the body to negate the detuning of the membrane 102 caused by changes in temperature and humidity. The control unit works in conjunction with the tuning module, the tension sensor 107 s, and the pitch sensor 108 s. The control unit accordingly actuate the motors 106 to adjust tension applied to the membrane 102 in produce desired pitches.

[0047] The tuning module ensure precise and stable tuning of the instrument 101 by utilizing both Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control. The FFT is a mathematical protocol that processes the detected sound data from the instrument 101 and breaks it down into its frequency components. This allows the control unit to analyze the actual pitch of the membrane 102 in real-time. The control unit compare the detected pitch of the membrane 102 with pre-set tuning parameters from the linked database.

[0048] The FFT identifies any deviation between the target and actual frequency, highlighting whether the membrane’s 102 pitch needs adjustment. To fine-tune this adjustment, the PID control protocol comes into play. The PID controller uses the difference between the desired pitch and the actual pitch (the error) to determine how much to adjust the tension. The PID controller takes into account the cumulative past error (integral), the current error (proportional), and the rate of change in the error (derivative). By continuously calculating these parameters, the PID control ensures that the motors 106 acting on the tuning pegs 105 are adjusted gradually and smoothly, providing a controlled response to any pitch discrepancy. This method guarantees that the tuning process is both accurate and stable, avoiding overshooting and ensuring the membrane 102 maintains the desired pitch even in the presence of environmental changes or other disturbances.

[0049] In addition, the membrane 102 is incorporated with a plurality of contact sensors embedded along edges of the drum 103 to determine a secure mounting of the membrane 102 onto the drum 103. The contact sensors work like a switch, such that when there's contact, touch, or pressure on the surface of the member, the contact sensors close an electrical circuit and allows currents to flow through it, the touch sensors then transmit signal to the control unit for processing in order to detect positioning of the membrane 102 over the drumheads 111.

[0050] The control unit evaluates the signals of the touch sensors to identify proper secured positioning of the membrane 102 over the drum 103. In case of the manual tuning operation result in misalignment of the membrane 102, the control unit reset the tension in the stings via the tuning pegs 105 and synchronously alerts the user to balance out the positioning of the membrane 102 over the drumheads 111 via the display panel 110. Post correcting the alignment of the membrane 102 over the drumheads 111, the user is required to select option from the display panel 110 to restart automated tuning of the instrument 101.

[0051] The tuning of the instrument 101 is related to both of the membranes 102 of the drum 103 present at the drumheads 111. The tuning of both of the membranes 102 is done in similar fashion as mentioned above to receive optimal performance form the instrument 101 as per the user’s requirement.

[0052] In an embodiment of the present invention, the drum 103 incorporates a series of physical buttons and knobs for preset commands of parameters such that enabling the user to press the buttons or knobs for automated tuning of the instrument 101 based upon preset parameters for tuning.

[0053] The method for tuning the instrument 101 involves a series of steps that work together to adjust and calibrate the membrane 102 in order to fine tune the instrument 101 for the desired pitch:

(a) Receiving Desired Pitch: The process begins by receiving the desired pitch of the membrane 102 as input from the user, typically via a control unit or touch panel interface. This input represents the specific frequency that the user wants the instrument 101 to produce.
(b) Validating the Input: Once the desired pitch is received, the system validates it to ensure the input is within an acceptable range. This validation step ensures that the desired pitch aligns with the instrument’s 101 capabilities and avoids any potential errors in the tuning process.
(c) Detecting Tension of the Membrane: After validation, the system proceeds to detect the current tension of the membrane 102 using tension sensor 107 s. This step is crucial because the tension of the membrane 102 directly affects the pitch of the membrane 102. The system assesses the current tension to determine if any adjustments are needed for proper calibration.
(d) Determining Pitch of the Membrane 102: Simultaneously, the system measures the current pitch of the membrane 102 via a pitch sensor 108 that detects the frequency of the sound produced by the membrane 102 when struck. By comparing the produced frequency with the desired pitch, the system assesses whether the current tension and pitch are aligned with the user’s input.
(e) Sensing Temperature and Humidity: The system also measures the environmental conditions around the membrane 102, including temperature and humidity, using an ambient sensing unit 109. These factors impact the membrane’s 102 tension and pitch, accordingly, it is crucial to account environmental factors in the tuning process.
(f) Analyzing Pitch and Calibration Using FFT: The system then processes the pitch and tension data through a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis. This allows the system to break down the pitch into frequency components and compare them with the desired input to identify any discrepancies or areas requiring adjustment.
(g) Actuating Motors to Adjust Tension: Based on the analysis, the control unit actuates the motors 106 to rotate the tuning pegs 105. This rotation adjusts the tension of the membrane 102, either tightening or loosening the strings 104, to bring the pitch and calibration in line with the validated desired pitch.
(h) Fine-Tuning with PID Control: The fine-tuning of the motors 106 is regulated by a Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control. Continuous feedback from the tension, pitch, temperature, and humidity sensors ensures that the adjustments are precise and stable, further refining the membrane’s 102 tension and pitch to the exact desired state.

[0054] Through the above mentioned steps, the system achieves a precisely tuned membrane 102, accounting for environmental factors and ensuring that the pitch remains accurate and stable for optimal performance during usage of the instrument 101 by the user (as illustrated in figure 2).

[0055] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the system to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the system.

[0056] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the present invention includes the leather membrane 102 tensioned onto the drum 103 using strings 104 connected to tuning pegs 105 on the drum 103 body. The drum 103 features multiple motors 106 coupled with the tuning pegs 105, enabling automatic adjustment of the string tension. Tension sensor 107 s, such as load cells, are attached to each string to detect the applied tension, while the pitch sensor 108, which can be the contact microphone, piezoelectric sensor, or laser vibration sensor, monitors the pitch of the membrane 102. The ambient sensing unit 109, consisting of temperature and humidity sensors, is positioned to detect environmental conditions around the membrane 102. The control unit is equipped with the tuning module, processes data from the tension and pitch sensor 108 s, as well as ambient conditions, to adjust the motors 106 and maintain the desired tension, thus producing the required pitch. The tuning module utilizes FFT to analyze sound frequency components and PID control to adjust tension for pitch accuracy, factoring in environmental changes to prevent detuning caused by temperature and humidity fluctuations. Additionally, the touch interactive display panel 110 allows for preset tuning parameters and shows the tuning progress. The drum 103 also features contact sensors embedded along the edges of the drum 103 to ensure secure membrane 102 mounting, and padding is placed around the edges to prevent damage during mounting.

[0057] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An adaptive percussion instrument tuning system is including a leather membrane 102 tensioned on to a drum 103 by means of strings 104 connected with tuning pegs 105 provided with said body, said system comprising:

a) a plurality of motors 106 provided on said drum 103 and mechanically coupled with said tuning pegs 105 to adjust tension in said strings 104 by rotation of said tuning pegs 105;
b) a tension sensor 107 coupled with each of said strings 104 to detect a tension in said string as applied onto said membrane 102;
c) a pitch sensor 108 positioned on said drum 103 to detect a pitch of said membranes 102 of said instrument 101;
d) an ambient sensing unit 109 adapted to be arranged on said body to detect a temperature and humidity in vicinity of said membrane 102; and
e) a control unit configured with a tuning module, provided with said body, is in communication with said tension sensor 107, said pitch sensor 108 and said ambient sensing unit 109 are to receive input regarding instant tension and pitch of said membrane 102 and accordingly actuate said motors 106 to adjust tension applied to said membrane 102 to produce a desired pitches, wherein instant ambient condition detected by said sensing unit 109 is factored to negate detuning of said membrane 102 caused by changes in temperature and humidity.

2) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tension sensor 107 is a load cell.

3) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pitch sensor 108 is selected from a contact microphone, piezoelectric sensor, a laser vibration sensor and / or a combination thereof.

4) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a touch-enabled display panel 110 is mounted on said body and connected with said control unit to enable input of pre-set turning parameters and display a progress of tuning of said membrane 102.

5) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tuning module includes FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) for detected sound data into frequency components and determine deviation from desired pitch and a PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) control for tension adjustment by actuation of said motors 106, ensuring accuracy and stability by determining difference between target and actual pitch, cumulative past error and rate of change in error.

6) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said ambient sensing unit 109 comprises a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor.

7) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of contact sensors is embedded along edges of said drum 103 to determine a secure mounting of said membrane 102 onto said drum 103.

8) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a padding is lined along said edge of said drum 103 to enable non-damaging mounting of said membrane 102 with said drum 103.

9) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a method for tuning the instrument 101, comprises steps of:

a) receiving a desired pitch of said membrane 102 as input;
b) validating said received input;
c) detecting tension of said membrane 102 to ascertain calibration of said membrane 102;
d) determining pitch of said membrane 102;
e) sensing temperature and humidity in vicinity of said membrane 102;
f) analysing pitch and calibration of said membrane 102 by FFT; and
g) actuating said motors 106 to rotate said pegs 105 to adjust pitch and calibration of said membrane 102 to said validated input.

10) The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein fine-tuning of said motors 106 is done if regulated by Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control based on continuous feedback of said tension, pitch, temperature and humidity.

Documents

Application Documents

# Name Date
1 202521040536-STATEMENT OF UNDERTAKING (FORM 3) [26-04-2025(online)].pdf 2025-04-26
2 202521040536-REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION (FORM-18) [26-04-2025(online)].pdf 2025-04-26
3 202521040536-REQUEST FOR EARLY PUBLICATION(FORM-9) [26-04-2025(online)].pdf 2025-04-26
4 202521040536-PROOF OF RIGHT [26-04-2025(online)].pdf 2025-04-26
5 202521040536-POWER OF AUTHORITY [26-04-2025(online)].pdf 2025-04-26
6 202521040536-FORM-9 [26-04-2025(online)].pdf 2025-04-26
7 202521040536-FORM FOR SMALL ENTITY(FORM-28) [26-04-2025(online)].pdf 2025-04-26
8 202521040536-FORM 18 [26-04-2025(online)].pdf 2025-04-26
9 202521040536-FORM 1 [26-04-2025(online)].pdf 2025-04-26
10 202521040536-FIGURE OF ABSTRACT [26-04-2025(online)].pdf 2025-04-26
11 202521040536-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI(FORM-28) [26-04-2025(online)].pdf 2025-04-26
12 202521040536-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI [26-04-2025(online)].pdf 2025-04-26
13 202521040536-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION(S) [26-04-2025(online)].pdf 2025-04-26
14 202521040536-DRAWINGS [26-04-2025(online)].pdf 2025-04-26
15 202521040536-DECLARATION OF INVENTORSHIP (FORM 5) [26-04-2025(online)].pdf 2025-04-26
16 202521040536-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [26-04-2025(online)].pdf 2025-04-26
17 Abstract.jpg 2025-05-14
18 202521040536-FORM-26 [03-06-2025(online)].pdf 2025-06-03