1. An automatic apparatus to fine-tune a pitch of a flute, the apparatus comprising: a pitch detection module configured to: capture each note played on the flute; and detect the pitch for each note; a control module communicably coupled to the pitch detection module, wherein the control module is configured to: receive the detected pitch for each note from the pitch detection module; analyse the received pitch for each note; and determine an amount of adjustment required to fine-tune the pitch; and a tuning mechanism operably coupled to the flute and the control module, wherein the tuning mechanism is configured to make the required adjustment to fine-tune the pitch of the flute and wherein the tuning mechanism comprises: a perforated cylindrical insert movably disposed within a body of the flute, wherein the perforated cylindrical insert: comprises multiple perforations disposed in a specific pattern; and is moved along a length of the body to provide a modification to the pitch; a threaded rod extending through the body, wherein the threaded rod is: operably coupled to the perforated cylindrical insert; and configured to be rotated to move the perforated cylindrical insert along the length of the body to provide the modification for fine-tuning the pitch of the flute.

2. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pitch detection module comprises a microphone to capture each note played on the flute.

3. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control module comprises a digital signal processing (DSP) module to analyse the received pitch for each note.

4. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the DSP module is configured to host an algorithm to detect a fundamental frequency associated with each note.

5. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to host a machine learning algorithm to: determine a variation in the received pitch for each note, wherein the variation is associated with a musical temperament; and determine the amount of adjustment required to correct the variation in the received pitch based on the musical temperament.

6. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tuning mechanism comprises a actuator arrangement operably coupled to the threaded rod and wherein the actuator arrangement is activated to rotate the threaded rod.

7. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pattern is selected based on the modification to be provided to fine-tune the pitch.

8. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the threaded rod comprises a pitch indicator and wherein the pitch indicator is configured to indicate the amount of adjustment required to fine-tune the pitch.

9. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the automatic apparatus comprises: a user interface having: a display configured to show: the received pitch for each note; and the amount of adjustment required to fine-tune the pitch; an input unit configured to receive an input from a user of the automatic apparatus for changing a setting associated with the automatic apparatus.

10. A method of fine-tuning a pitch of a flute, the method comprising: capturing each note played on the flute; analysing a pitch for each captured note; determining an amount of adjustment required to fine-tune the pitch; operating a tuning mechanism to fine-tune the pitch, wherein the tuning mechanism comprises: a perforated cylindrical insert movably disposed within a body of the flute, wherein the perforated cylindrical insert: comprises multiple perforations arranged in a specific pattern; and is moved along a length the body to provide a modification to the pitch; a threaded rod extending through the body, wherein the threaded rod is: operably coupled to the perforated cylindrical insert; and configured to be rotated to move the perforated cylindrical insert along the length of the body to provide the modification for fine-tuning the pitch of the flute. AUTOMATIC FINE-TUNING OF FLUTE PITCH Abstract The present disclosure provides an automatic apparatus to fine-tune a pitch of a flute. The apparatus comprises a pitch detection module configured to capture each note played on the flute and detect the pitch for each note. The apparatus further comprises a control module configured to receive the detected pitch, analyse the received pitch and determine an amount of adjustment required to fine-tune the pitch. Moreover, the apparatus comprises a tuning mechanism configured to make the required adjustment to fine-tune the pitch. The tuning mechanism comprises a perforated cylindrical insert. The perforated cylindrical insert comprises multiple perforations disposed in a specific pattern. The tuning mechanism also comprises a threaded rod operably coupled to the perforated cylindrical insert and configured to be rotated to move the perforated cylindrical insert along a length of the body to provide the modification for fine-tuning the pitch of the flute. , C , C , Claims:Claims :

1. An automatic apparatus to fine-tune a pitch of a flute, the apparatus comprising: a pitch detection module configured to: capture each note played on the flute; and detect the pitch for each note; a control module communicably coupled to the pitch detection module, wherein the control module is configured to: receive the detected pitch for each note from the pitch detection module; analyse the received pitch for each note; and determine an amount of adjustment required to fine-tune the pitch; and a tuning mechanism operably coupled to the flute and the control module, wherein the tuning mechanism is configured to make the required adjustment to fine-tune the pitch of the flute and wherein the tuning mechanism comprises: a perforated cylindrical insert movably disposed within a body of the flute, wherein the perforated cylindrical insert: comprises multiple perforations disposed in a specific pattern; and is moved along a length of the body to provide a modification to the pitch; a threaded rod extending through the body, wherein the threaded rod is: operably coupled to the perforated cylindrical insert; and configured to be rotated to move the perforated cylindrical insert along the length of the body to provide the modification for fine-tuning the pitch of the flute.

2. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pitch detection module comprises a microphone to capture each note played on the flute.

3. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control module comprises a digital signal processing (DSP) module to analyse the received pitch for each note.

4. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the DSP module is configured to host an algorithm to detect a fundamental frequency associated with each note.

5. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to host a machine learning algorithm to: determine a variation in the received pitch for each note, wherein the variation is associated with a musical temperament; and determine the amount of adjustment required to correct the variation in the received pitch based on the musical temperament.

6. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tuning mechanism comprises a actuator arrangement operably coupled to the threaded rod and wherein the actuator arrangement is activated to rotate the threaded rod.

7. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pattern is selected based on the modification to be provided to fine-tune the pitch.

8. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the threaded rod comprises a pitch indicator and wherein the pitch indicator is configured to indicate the amount of adjustment required to fine-tune the pitch.

9. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the automatic apparatus comprises: a user interface having: a display configured to show: the received pitch for each note; and the amount of adjustment required to fine-tune the pitch; an input unit configured to receive an input from a user of the automatic apparatus for changing a setting associated with the automatic apparatus.

10. A method of fine-tuning a pitch of a flute, the method comprising: capturing each note played on the flute; analysing a pitch for each captured note; determining an amount of adjustment required to fine-tune the pitch; operating a tuning mechanism to fine-tune the pitch, wherein the tuning mechanism comprises: a perforated cylindrical insert movably disposed within a body of the flute, wherein the perforated cylindrical insert: comprises multiple perforations arranged in a specific pattern; and is moved along a length the body to provide a modification to the pitch; a threaded rod extending through the body, wherein the threaded rod is: operably coupled to the perforated cylindrical insert; and configured to be rotated to move the perforated cylindrical insert along the length of the body to provide the modification for fine-tuning the pitch of the flute.

Description:

AUTOMATIC FINE-TUNING OF FLUTE PITCH
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention generally relates to musical instruments and specifically to an automatic apparatus for fine-tuning pitch of flutes.
Background
[0002] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] The flute is a musical instrument that has been around for centuries, and over time, various modifications have been made to improve its playability and sound quality. The tuning of musical instruments has been a topic of interest for musicians and instrument makers for centuries. The flute is no exception, and efforts to improve its tuning have resulted in various modifications to the instrument over time. One area of improvement is tuning, which is the process of adjusting the pitch of the flute to match the desired standard pitch. Flute fine tuning refers to the process of making small adjustments to the pitch of a flute to achieve optimal intonation and sound quality. While tuning devices and methods for altering the length of the flute's head joint or body can help achieve a basic level of tuning, fine tuning is necessary to ensure that each note played on the instrument is in tune with itself and with other instruments in an ensemble.
[0004] One area of interest in the field of flute pitch tuning is the use of technology to aid in the tuning process. For example, the use of digital tuners to measure the pitch of individual notes on the flute can help players and technicians make more precise adjustments to the instrument. Additionally, the development of smartphone apps specifically designed for tuning the flute may provide a convenient and accessible way for players to fine-tune their instruments.
[0005] Another area of interest is the development of new materials and manufacturing techniques that may improve the overall tuning and sound quality of the flute. For example, the use of carbon fiber or other composite materials in the construction of the flute may result in a more consistent and stable instrument that is less affected by changes in temperature and humidity.
[0006] While some of these modifications have been partially successful in achieving a more in-tune instrument, there is still room for improvement in the fine tuning of the flute.
[0007] Therefore, there is a need to improve the fine-tuning of the flute to allow flutists to achieve optimal intonation and sound quality in a wide range of musical contexts.
Summary of the Invention
[0008] Various objects, features, and advantages of the disclosed subject matter can be more fully appreciated with reference to the following detailed description of the disclosed subject matter when considered in connection with the following drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like elements.
[0009] The present invention generally relates to musical instruments and specifically to an automatic apparatus for fine-tuning pitch of flutes.
[00010] As per one aspect of the invention, there is provided an automatic apparatus to fine-tune a pitch of a flute. The apparatus comprises a pitch detection module configured to capture each note played on the flute and detect the pitch for each note. The apparatus further comprises a control module communicably coupled to the pitch detection module. The control module is configured to receive the detected pitch for each note from the pitch detection module, analyse the received pitch for each note and determine an amount of adjustment required to fine-tune the pitch. Moreover, the apparatus comprises a tuning mechanism operably coupled to the flute and the control module. The tuning mechanism is configured to make the required adjustment to fine-tune the pitch of the flute. The tuning mechanism comprises a perforated cylindrical insert movably disposed within a body of the flute. The perforated cylindrical insert comprises multiple perforations disposed in a specific pattern and is moved along a length of the body to provide a modification to the pitch. The tuning mechanism also comprises a threaded rod extending through the body. The threaded rod is operably coupled to the perforated cylindrical insert and configured to be rotated to move the perforated cylindrical insert along the length of the body to provide the modification for fine-tuning the pitch of the flute.
[00011] In one aspect, the pitch detection module comprises a microphone to capture each note played on the flute.
[00012] In another aspect, the control module comprises a digital signal processing (DSP) module to analyse the received pitch for each note.
[00013] In yet another aspect, the DSP module is configured to host an algorithm to detect a fundamental frequency associated with each note.
In still another aspect, the control module is configured to host a machine learning algorithm to determine a variation in the received pitch for each note, wherein the variation is associated with a musical temperament and determine the amount of adjustment required to correct the variation in the received pitch based on the musical temperament.
[00014] In a further aspect, the tuning mechanism comprises a actuator arrangement operably coupled to the threaded rod and wherein the actuator arrangement is activated to rotate the threaded rod.
[00015] In a further aspect, the pattern is selected based on the modification to be provided to fine-tune the pitch.
[00016] In another aspect, the threaded rod comprises a pitch indicator and wherein the pitch indicator is configured to indicate the amount of adjustment required to fine-tune the pitch.
[00017] In yet another aspect, the automatic apparatus comprises a user interface having a display configured to show the received pitch for each note and the amount of adjustment required to fine-tune the pitch. The user interface also has an input unit configured to receive an input from a user of the automatic apparatus for changing a setting associated with the automatic apparatus.
[00018] As per another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of fine-tuning a pitch of a flute. The method comprises capturing each note played on the flute, analysing a pitch for each captured note, determining an amount of adjustment required to fine-tune the pitch, and operating a tuning mechanism to fine-tune the pitch. The tuning mechanism comprises a perforated cylindrical insert movably disposed within a body of the flute. The perforated cylindrical insert comprises multiple perforations disposed in a specific pattern and is moved along a length of the body to provide a modification to the pitch. The tuning mechanism also comprises a threaded rod extending through the body. The threaded rod is operably coupled to the perforated cylindrical insert and configured to be rotated to move the perforated cylindrical insert along the length of the body to provide the modification for fine-tuning the pitch of the flute.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[00019] The features and advantages of the present disclosure would be more clearly understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[00020] FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of an automatic apparatus to fine-tune a pitch of a flute as per one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[00021] FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration of an automatic apparatus (such as the automatic apparatus of FIG. 1) as per one embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[00022] FIG. 3 shown a flowchart of a method of fine-tuning a pitch of a flute according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
Detailed Description
[00023] The following is a detailed description of exemplary embodiments to illustrate the principles of the invention. The embodiments are provided to illustrate aspects of the invention, but the invention is not limited to any embodiment. The scope of the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalent; it is limited only by the claims.
[00024] In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the present discussion may be applied, it should be recognized that the embodiments described herein with respect to the drawing figures are meant to be illustrative only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the claims. Therefore, the techniques as described herein contemplate all such embodiments as may come within the scope of the following claims and equivalents thereof.
[00025] Following are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of, methods, apparatuses, and systems of present disclosure. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways.
[00026] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different instances in the description and the figures may indicate similar or identical items.
[00027] The present invention generally relates to musical instruments and specifically to an automatic apparatus for fine-tuning pitch of flutes.
[00028] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a schematic illustration of an automatic apparatus 100 to fine-tune a pitch of a flute as per one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00029] The present disclosure relates to an automatic apparatus 100 to fine-tune a pitch of a flute. The flute refers to a musical instrument that emits notes (such as musical notes) corresponding to frequencies audible to a human ear. Further, a user (such as a flutist, a producer of flutes and the like) can play multiple note on the flutes, such that the notes vary in frequency depending on a technique of the flutist, an arrangement of a musical piece being played on the flute, configuration or adjustment of the flute and the like. It will be appreciated that to correctly reflect an intention of the flutist, the flute is required to produce notes at proper or expected frequencies. However, during prolonged usage of the flute, such as, for playing different melodies (or musical arrangements) on a regular basis, the flute may become worn. For example, multiple tone holes of the flute may expand over time owing to friction between fingers of the flutist playing the flute and a body of the flute, causing wearing or erosion of the body of the flute along the tone holes. Consequently, the user is required to fine-tune the pitch of a flute prior to every session when the flute is played, such as, to ensure that the flute properly produces notes at the proper or expected frequencies. The automatic apparatus 100 may curb manual intervention by the flutist to fine-tune the pitch of the flute. For example, fine-tuning the pitch of the flute can comprise increasing or decreasing radii associated with multiple tone holes the flute. Such increasing or decreasing the radii can lead to adjustment of a distance between a blowing hole and a corresponding tone hole of the flute. In one example, such an adjustment can be performed employing a tuning slide. The user can move the tuning slide into the flute, such as, to raise the pitch of the flute and make the notes higher. Alternatively, the user can move the tuning slide out of the flute and can lower the pitch of the flute.
[00030] The automatic apparatus 100 comprises a pitch detection module 102, a control module 104 and a tuning mechanism 106 as its functional elements. It will be appreciated by a person ordinarily skilled in the art that the aforesaid functional elements will be functionally interlinked (may be electrically or electronically or by other known means) with each other.
[00031] Throughout the present disclosure, the term “pitch” refers to a quality of a note or sound that may be associated with one or more frequencies of energy involved. Rach note can comprise energy at a specific frequency (can relate to a fundamental frequency) and energy at frequencies that may be an integer multiple of the fundamental frequency (can relate to, yet not limited to harmonics). The note can comprise a waveform that can be periodic. The fundamental frequency of each note can be quasiperiodic or oscillating.
[00032] The pitch detection module 102 is configured to capture each note played on the flute. The pitch detection module 102 can comprise a functional element that is configured to listen to multiple notes played on the flute. For example, the functional element that is configured to listen to the multiple notes played on the flute can be an analogue device. Further, the pitch detection module 102 is equipped to detect the pitch for each note. The pitch detection module 102 can receive information corresponding to the multiple notes played on the flute, such as, in an analogue format. The pitch detection module 102 can be configured to subsequently convert the information in the analogue format to digital format. Thereafter, the pitch detection module 102 is configured to separate each note played on the flute, for example, using gaps between consecutive notes played. In one embodiment, the pitch detection module 102 comprises a microphone to capture each note played on the flute. The pitch detection module 102 can be configured to detect the pitch by determining a period of repetition of a waveform corresponding to each note played. Specifically, the pitch detection module 102 can be configured to determine a frequency associated with the pitch for each note. The pitch detection module 102 may detect a repetition paradigm of the frequency that may be periodic for each note.
[00033] Further, the automatic apparatus 100 comprises a control module 104 communicably coupled to the pitch detection module 102. The control module 104 may be provided by one or more processors such as a general purpose processor (such as, for example, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, a microprocessor implementing other types of instruction sets, or a microprocessor implementing a combination of types of instruction sets) or a specialized processor (such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a network processor). The control module 104 is configured to receive the detected pitch for each note from the pitch detection module 102. Further, the control module 104 is configured to analyse the received pitch for each note and determine an amount of adjustment required to fine-tune the pitch. The control module 104 is configured to receive information associated with the detected pitch for each note and analyse the received pitch, such as, by comparing the detected pitch by a stored table comprising information corresponding to ideal values of various pitches for different types of flutes. Further, the control module 104 is configured to determine information associated with the amount of adjustment required to fine-tune the pitch, such as, based on a required increase or decrease required to be performed to the detected pitch.
[00034] In one embodiment, the control module 104 comprises a digital signal processing (DSP) module to analyse the received pitch for each note. The DSP module can be employed, for example, as a processing element adapted to perform analytical or logical operations or a set of decision-based operations pertinent to analysis of the detected pitch for each note. The DSP module can be implemented as part of a specialised unit comprising the pitch detection module 102, the control module 104 and the like. The DSP module can be implemented as a hardware element, a software element or a combination of hardware and software elements configured to perform fine-tuning of the pitch.
[00035] As per an embodiment, the DSP module may perform one or more pre-processing steps (such as, conversion of analogue data to digital data, compression/ decompression, automatic gain control, filtering/ resampling and other similar data processing operations) on the received detected pitch. For instance, the DSP module can extract frequency information, an amplitude information and other critical information from the detected pitch.
[00036] In one embodiment, the DSP module is configured to host one or more machine learning algorithm (can relate to yet not limited to spectral/temporal pitch detection algorithms, frequency domain, polyphonic detection, average squared mean difference function algorithm and other known examples thereof) to detect a fundamental frequency associated with each note. The machine learning algorithm can be trained such that the machine learning algorithm is capable of determining a lowest frequency associated with a periodic waveform such that the periodic waveform corresponds to the multiple notes played on the flute. The machine learning algorithm can employ a time domain or a frequency domain to determine the fundamental frequency of each note. The machine learning algorithm can measure a distance between zero crossing points of the note. The machine learning algorithm can employ a combination of time domain processing (such as, by using an autocorrelation function such as normalized cross correlation) and frequency domain processing utilizing spectral information to identify the pitch. The machine learning algorithm can accurately track an error in the pitch of each note that can be reduced or adjusted in a fine-tuning process (explained in detail herein later).
[00037] As per one embodiment, the DSP module is arranged to determine a variation in the detected pitch for each note. The variation is associated with a musical temperament. Further, the DSP module is equipped to determine the amount of adjustment required to correct the variation in the received detected pitch based on the musical temperament. The term “musical temperament” as used throughout the present disclosure relates to an accommodation or adjustment of imperfect notes by transferring a part of their defects to more perfect notes. For example, such musical temperament can comprise Pythagorean tuning, just intonation, mean-tone temperament, and equal temperament. In one example, a deliberate use of minor adjustments to enable impractical musical possibilities can be achieved using just intonation. It will be appreciated that the flute can be played in various such musical temperaments. Further, each musical temperament will correspond to different variations in pitch. The DSP module can be configured to determine the pitch interval with regards to the musical temperament. Such a determined pitch interval can relate to ordered or unordered pitch interval indicative of one or more semitones that can separate one pitch from another.
[00038] The automatic apparatus 100 further comprises a tuning mechanism 106 operably coupled to the flute and the control module 104.

The tuning mechanism 106 is configured to make the required adjustment to fine-tune the pitch of the flute. The tuning mechanism 106 comprises a perforated cylindrical insert 106a disposed within the body of the flute and a threaded rod 106b extending through the body. The perforated cylindrical insert 106a can be implemented as an elongate hollow cylindrical member that is configured to be received within the body of the flute. Consequently, the perforated cylindrical insert 106a has an external radius lower than an internal radius of the flute (such as, a radius corresponding to a resonant or hollow cavity of the flute). For example, the flute is a modern flute having an internal radius of 1.9 cm. In such an example, the perforated cylindrical insert 106a has an external radius of 1.8 cm. It will be appreciated that a difference between the external radius of the perforated cylindrical insert 106a and the internal radius of the flute is required to be enough to allow clearance for uninhibited movement of the perforated cylindrical insert 106a through the flute. In one example, the perforated cylindrical insert 106a can be fabricated using a material that would experience less wear and tear as compared to wear and tear experience by the body of the flute. For example, when the flute is fabricated using bamboo or wood, the perforated cylindrical insert 106a can be fabricated using stainless steel, copper, brass, ceramic, polymer and the like.
[00039] Further, the perforated cylindrical insert 106a is movably disposed within the body of the flute. For example, the perforated cylindrical insert 106a is disposed telescopically within the body of the flute. It will be appreciated that such a telescopic disposing of the perforated cylindrical insert 106a within the body of the flute enables compactness to the automatic apparatus 100 and can make it feasible and convenient to carry and transport the automatic apparatus 100. Optionally, the perforated cylindrical insert 106a can be moved into a specific length of the body of the flute (such as, up to 75% of the length). Optionally, the perforated cylindrical insert 106a can be moved completely out of the body of the flute.
[00040] The perforated cylindrical insert 106a comprises multiple perforations disposed in a specific pattern. Each perforation of the multiple perforations of the perforated cylindrical insert 106a corresponds to a tone hole having proper dimensions. The specific pattern of the multiple perforations can be selected based on the modification to be provided to fine-tune the pitch. Optionally, the specific pattern of the multiple perforations is selected based on an amount of wear and tear experienced by the flute. For example, when the tone holes of the flute have experienced substantial wear and tear, the multiple perforations can be arranged linearly along the perforated cylindrical insert 106a such that positions of the multiple perforations substantially align with the multiple tone holes of the flute. Further, the positions of the multiple perforations can be marginally misaligned with the multiple tone holes of the flute. The perforated cylindrical insert 106a can be moved along a length of the body to provide a modification to the pitch. Such a modification to the pitch of the flute can be caused by varying an amount of misalignment between the multiple perforations of the perforated cylindrical insert 106a and the multiple tone holes of the flute. It will be appreciated that by varying such a misalignment, an amount of overlap between a perfection and a corresponding tone hole can be varied, thereby, varying an airflow through the corresponding tone hole when a flutist plays the flute. Consequently, the varying of the airflow through the multiple tone holes of the flute causes modification of the pitch of the flute. In one example, the modification can correspond to an increase or decrease in the pitch based on the movement of perforated cylindrical insert 106a along the length of the body of the flute.
[00041] The tuning mechanism 106 further comprises the threaded rod 106b that extends through the body of the flute such that the threaded rod 106b is operably coupled to the perforated cylindrical insert 106a. The threaded rod 106b is a component of the automatic apparatus 100 that enables manipulation of the perforated cylindrical insert 106a. For example, an opening end of the flute can comprise a threaded ring fixed within the opening such that threads of the threaded rod 106b engage with threads of the threaded ring. Further, rotation of the threaded rod 106b within the threaded ring is converted to linear motion of the threaded rod 106b into and out of the body of the flute. For example, clockwise rotation of the threaded rod 106b within the threaded ring causes movement of the threaded rod 106b into the body of the flute. Similarly, anticlockwise rotation of the threaded rod 106b within the threaded ring causes movement of the threaded rod 106b out of the body of the flute. Moreover, the operable coupling of the threaded rod 106b with the perforated cylindrical insert 106a causes the linear movement of the threaded rod into or out of the body of the flute to be transferred into corresponding movement of the perforated cylindrical insert 106a into or out of the flute. Consequently, clockwise or anticlockwise rotation of the threaded rod 106b within the body of the flute to cause linear movement of the the perforated cylindrical insert 106a along the length of the body enables to conveniently and reliably modify the pitch of the flute, such as, for fine-tuning the pitch of the flute.
[00042] In one embodiment, the tuning mechanism 106 further comprises an actuator arrangement operably coupled to the threaded rod 106b. For example, the actuator arrangement can be implemented as a stepper motor that is operably coupled to the threaded rod 106b. The stepper motor can be rotated in a clockwise direction and anticlockwise direction to cause corresponding rotation of the threaded rod 106b. As discussed in detail hereinabove, the rotation of the threaded rod 106b causes linear movement of the perforated cylindrical insert 106a, thereby, allowing fine-tuning of the pitch of the flute. The actuator arrangement can be activated or energized based on the required amount of adjustment to fine-tune the pitch of the flute. In one example, the actuator arrangement is configured to generate vibrations. Further, quadrature vibrations of the actuator arrangement can change the phase of a standing wave associated with detected pitch to create a “virtual wall” spaced slightly behind or ahead of the actuator arrangement. The actuator arrangement may vibrate substantially at quadrature (such as right angle) to a phase of the pitch of each note. The actuator arrangement can change the pitch, not by introducing a second tone, but by changing the length of the body of the flute.
[00043] In one embodiment, the threaded rod 106b further comprises a pitch indicator. The pitch indicator is configured to indicate the amount of adjustment required to fine-tune the pitch. For example, the pitch indicator may display a reading or a value indicating the amount of adjustment required to fine-tune the pitch to a user of the automatic apparatus 100. The user can employ the reading or value to rotate the threaded rod 106b for moving the perforated cylindrical insert 106a along the length of the body of the flute, thereby, allowing convenient fine-tuning of the pitch of the flute.
[00044] In an embodiment, the automatic apparatus 100 comprises a user interface. The user interface may present one or more functional features to the user for interaction. For example, the user interface may present icons, tabs, section, toggle options and other known means to enable user interaction. The user may physically tap on the icons or tab presented on the display (such as a liquid crystal display). The user interface may comprise a first interactive visualization and a second interactive visualization. The user interface can comprise a display. The term “display” as used herein relates to a display screen that is configured to show or output the received detected pitch for each note and the amount of adjustment required to fine-tune the pitch. For example, user may swipe up and down on the display to access the first interactive visualization and the second interactive visualization. Further, the automatic apparatus 100 can be equipped with an input unit (such as a keypad, a pointer device and the like) configured to receive an input from the user of the automatic apparatus 100 for changing a setting associated with the automatic apparatus 100. In one example, the setting of the automatic apparatus 100 comprises an operating mode. Such an operating mode can comprise, for example, an “automatic” mode associated with completely automatic operation of the automatic apparatus 100, a “semi-automatic” mode associated with user-assisted automatic operation of the automatic apparatus 100 and a “manual” mode associated with completely user-driven operation of the automatic apparatus 100.
[00045] Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a schematic illustration of an automatic apparatus 200 (such as the automatic apparatus 100 of FIG. 1) as per one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the automatic apparatus 200 comprises a stand 202 configured to securely receive the flute 204. Further, the pitch detection module 102, the control module 104 and the tuning mechanism 106 are disposed on the stand. Optionally, the automatic apparatus 100 comprises an air pump 206 operably coupled to the control module 104 such that the control module is configured to control operation of the air pump 206. Further, during operation of the automatic apparatus 100 in the “automatic” mode, the user is required to securely attach the flute on the stand. Subsequently, the air pump 206 is activated by the control module to cause airflow through the flute to enable the control module to capture a note played on the flute. Optionally, the automatic apparatus 100 comprises multiple finger elements 208 that are configured to selectively block tone holes of the flute to produce different notes on the flute when air is blown through the flute by activation of the air pump 206. Moreover, upon detection of the pitch for each note by the pitch detection module 102, the control module 104 determines the amount of adjustment required to fine-tune the pitch and the tuning mechanism 106 causes fine-tuning of the pitch by rotation of the threaded rod 106b and linear movement of the perforated cylindrical insert 106a through activation of actuator arrangement 210. Consequently, the automatic apparatus 100 can conveniently fine-tune the pitch of the flute in a completely automatic manner without necessitating expertise or skills of the user.
[00046] Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a flowchart of a method 300 of fine-tuning a pitch of a flute according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. At a step 302, each note played on the flute is captured. At a step 304, a pitch for each captured note is analysed. At a step 306, an amount of adjustment required to fine-tune the pitch is determined. At a step 308, a tuning mechanism is operated to fine-tune the pitch. The tuning mechanism comprises a perforated cylindrical insert movably disposed within a body of the flute. The perforated cylindrical insert comprises multiple perforations arranged in a specific pattern and is moved along a length the body to provide a modification to the pitch. The tuning mechanism further comprises a threaded rod extending through the body. The threaded rod is operably coupled to the perforated cylindrical insert and configured to be rotated to move the perforated cylindrical insert along the length of the body to provide the modification for fine-tuning the pitch of the flute.
[00047] Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
[00048] Further, while operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Likewise, while several specific implementation details are contained in the above discussions, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the subject matter described herein, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.
[00049] All references to “a/an/the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc.” are to be interpreted as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated. The discussion above and below in respect of any of the aspects of the present disclosure is also in applicable parts relevant to any other aspect of the present disclosure.
[00050] The wordings such as “include”, “including”, “comprise” and “comprising” do not exclude elements or steps which are present but not listed in the description and the claims.
[00051] It also shall be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. This invention can be achieved by means of hardware including several different elements or by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the unit claims that list several means, several ones among these means can be specifically embodied in the same hardware item. The use of such words as first, second, third does not represent any order, which can be simply explained as names.
[00052] Various techniques may be described herein in the general context of software, hardware elements, or program modules. Generally, such modules include routines, programs, objects, elements, components, data structures, and so forth that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The terms “module,” “functionality,” and “component” as used herein generally represent software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof. The features of the techniques described herein are platform-independent, meaning that the techniques may be implemented on a variety of commercial computing platforms having a variety of processors.

Claims
I/we claim:
1. An automatic apparatus to fine-tune a pitch of a flute, the apparatus comprising:
a pitch detection module configured to:
capture each note played on the flute; and
detect the pitch for each note;
a control module communicably coupled to the pitch detection module, wherein the control module is configured to:
receive the detected pitch for each note from the pitch detection module;
analyse the received pitch for each note; and
determine an amount of adjustment required to fine-tune the pitch; and
a tuning mechanism operably coupled to the flute and the control module, wherein the tuning mechanism is configured to make the required adjustment to fine-tune the pitch of the flute and wherein the tuning mechanism comprises:
a perforated cylindrical insert movably disposed within a body of the flute, wherein the perforated cylindrical insert:
comprises multiple perforations disposed in a specific pattern; and
is moved along a length of the body to provide a modification to the pitch;
a threaded rod extending through the body, wherein the threaded rod is:
operably coupled to the perforated cylindrical insert; and
configured to be rotated to move the perforated cylindrical insert along the length of the body to provide the modification for fine-tuning the pitch of the flute.
2. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pitch detection module comprises a microphone to capture each note played on the flute.
3. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control module comprises a digital signal processing (DSP) module to analyse the received pitch for each note.
4. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the DSP module is configured to host an algorithm to detect a fundamental frequency associated with each note.
5. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to host a machine learning algorithm to:
determine a variation in the received pitch for each note, wherein the variation is associated with a musical temperament; and
determine the amount of adjustment required to correct the variation in the received pitch based on the musical temperament.
6. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tuning mechanism comprises a actuator arrangement operably coupled to the threaded rod and wherein the actuator arrangement is activated to rotate the threaded rod.
7. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pattern is selected based on the modification to be provided to fine-tune the pitch.
8. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the threaded rod comprises a pitch indicator and wherein the pitch indicator is configured to indicate the amount of adjustment required to fine-tune the pitch.
9. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the automatic apparatus comprises:
a user interface having:
a display configured to show:
the received pitch for each note; and
the amount of adjustment required to fine-tune the pitch;
an input unit configured to receive an input from a user of the automatic apparatus for changing a setting associated with the automatic apparatus.
10. A method of fine-tuning a pitch of a flute, the method comprising:
capturing each note played on the flute;
analysing a pitch for each captured note;
determining an amount of adjustment required to fine-tune the pitch;
operating a tuning mechanism to fine-tune the pitch, wherein the tuning mechanism comprises:
a perforated cylindrical insert movably disposed within a body of the flute, wherein the perforated cylindrical insert:
comprises multiple perforations arranged in a specific pattern; and
is moved along a length the body to provide a modification to the pitch;
a threaded rod extending through the body, wherein the threaded rod is:
operably coupled to the perforated cylindrical insert; and
configured to be rotated to move the perforated cylindrical insert along the length of the body to provide the modification for fine-tuning the pitch of the flute.

AUTOMATIC FINE-TUNING OF FLUTE PITCH
Abstract
The present disclosure provides an automatic apparatus to fine-tune a pitch of a flute. The apparatus comprises a pitch detection module configured to capture each note played on the flute and detect the pitch for each note. The apparatus further comprises a control module configured to receive the detected pitch, analyse the received pitch and determine an amount of adjustment required to fine-tune the pitch. Moreover, the apparatus comprises a tuning mechanism configured to make the required adjustment to fine-tune the pitch. The tuning mechanism comprises a perforated cylindrical insert. The perforated cylindrical insert comprises multiple perforations disposed in a specific pattern. The tuning mechanism also comprises a threaded rod operably coupled to the perforated cylindrical insert and configured to be rotated to move the perforated cylindrical insert along a length of the body to provide the modification for fine-tuning the pitch of the flute. , C , C , Claims:Claims
I/we claim:
1. An automatic apparatus to fine-tune a pitch of a flute, the apparatus comprising:
a pitch detection module configured to:
capture each note played on the flute; and
detect the pitch for each note;
a control module communicably coupled to the pitch detection module, wherein the control module is configured to:
receive the detected pitch for each note from the pitch detection module;
analyse the received pitch for each note; and
determine an amount of adjustment required to fine-tune the pitch; and
a tuning mechanism operably coupled to the flute and the control module, wherein the tuning mechanism is configured to make the required adjustment to fine-tune the pitch of the flute and wherein the tuning mechanism comprises:
a perforated cylindrical insert movably disposed within a body of the flute, wherein the perforated cylindrical insert:
comprises multiple perforations disposed in a specific pattern; and
is moved along a length of the body to provide a modification to the pitch;
a threaded rod extending through the body, wherein the threaded rod is:
operably coupled to the perforated cylindrical insert; and
configured to be rotated to move the perforated cylindrical insert along the length of the body to provide the modification for fine-tuning the pitch of the flute.
2. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pitch detection module comprises a microphone to capture each note played on the flute.
3. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control module comprises a digital signal processing (DSP) module to analyse the received pitch for each note.
4. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the DSP module is configured to host an algorithm to detect a fundamental frequency associated with each note.
5. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to host a machine learning algorithm to:
determine a variation in the received pitch for each note, wherein the variation is associated with a musical temperament; and
determine the amount of adjustment required to correct the variation in the received pitch based on the musical temperament.
6. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tuning mechanism comprises a actuator arrangement operably coupled to the threaded rod and wherein the actuator arrangement is activated to rotate the threaded rod.
7. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pattern is selected based on the modification to be provided to fine-tune the pitch.
8. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the threaded rod comprises a pitch indicator and wherein the pitch indicator is configured to indicate the amount of adjustment required to fine-tune the pitch.
9. The automatic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the automatic apparatus comprises:
a user interface having:
a display configured to show:
the received pitch for each note; and
the amount of adjustment required to fine-tune the pitch;
an input unit configured to receive an input from a user of the automatic apparatus for changing a setting associated with the automatic apparatus.
10. A method of fine-tuning a pitch of a flute, the method comprising:
capturing each note played on the flute;
analysing a pitch for each captured note;
determining an amount of adjustment required to fine-tune the pitch;
operating a tuning mechanism to fine-tune the pitch, wherein the tuning mechanism comprises:
a perforated cylindrical insert movably disposed within a body of the flute, wherein the perforated cylindrical insert:
comprises multiple perforations arranged in a specific pattern; and
is moved along a length the body to provide a modification to the pitch;
a threaded rod extending through the body, wherein the threaded rod is:
operably coupled to the perforated cylindrical insert; and
configured to be rotated to move the perforated cylindrical insert along the length of the body to provide the modification for fine-tuning the pitch of the flute.