WO2003052528A1

WO2003052528A1 - Digital metronome

Info

Publication number: WO2003052528A1
Application number: PCT/KR2002/001532
Authority: WO
Inventors: Soo-Kwan Kim
Original assignee: Taesung Ins Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2001-12-17
Filing date: 2002-08-09
Publication date: 2003-06-26
Also published as: AU2002323837A1; KR200268454Y1

Abstract

Disclosed is a digital metronome. A digital metronome of the present invention comprises: a function selection unit including: a mode selection unit for selecting one of modes among turn on/off of a power supply, a first metronome mode(beat), a second metronome mode(rhythm), a first tuner mode(tuning), a second tuner mode(silent tuning), and a vibration mode, a beat/rhythm/pitch selection unit for selecting a beat, a rhythm, a pitch, and a tempo/absolute note selection unit for selecting a tempo and an absolute; a recording and playback unit including: a recording/playback selection unit, an execution unit for executing a relevant execution in response to an arbitrary selection of the recording/playback selection unit; a sound signal processing unit for processing an input sound signal; a memory for storing the processed sound; an outputting unit including: a tempo/beat displaying unit, an absolute note displaying unit, a speaker, and a vibration unit. The present invention could effectively support musical activity using the human visual, auditory senses and the sense of touch and, at the same time, realizing diversity in use, convenience in carrying by incorporating each function of performing metronome, tuning, vibration and recording function into one single apparatus.

Description

DIGITAL METRONOME

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a digital metronome, and particularly to a digital metronome for effectively supporting musical activity by serving metronome, tuning, vibration and recording modes.

Background Art

Generally, an instrumental metronome is most widely known up to now. Such instrumental metronome adjusts tempo speed per minute by adjusting a pendulum performing periodic motion. Recently, an electronic metronome is being produced, which could be seen in a product equipped with a LED(Light Emitting Diode) blinking with arbitrary set speed. For specialist in music, a metronome is indispensable product. Further, as tuning should be carried out in order to adjust sound coming out from a vocalist or a musical instrument, a tuner is also one of indispensable items. But, the above-mentioned metronome and tuner should be purchased separately and they are separated mechanically each other, which causes a problem of inconvenience in carrying and using a metronome and tuner together. Therefore, a product incorporating a metronome and a tuner is being manufactured and come out. A metronome incorporating a tuner could provide convenience in carrying and using as well as diversity in functions including metronome function, tuning function, to those who majored in music. But, even in case, after a vocalist or a player performs tuning before he starts practices, a tuner function is not needed any more actually, showing limitations in its functions. Further, there is a problem that accuracy for a note or a tempo performed by oneself during practice cannot be checked. Namely, a metronome of a related art only performs a supplemental role for a vocalist and a player, not providing accurate information regarding practice results, showing limitations. In order to supplement such problem, one should prepare a separate recording apparatus for recording practice activity and check practice results by comparing it with a metronome afterward. Such process, however, was so inconvenient and cumbersome. Further, a metronome of a related art could provide aid to a user using the senses of sight and hearing only. Accordingly, a metronome cannot be used for real performance.

Disclosure of Invention An object of the invention is to solve at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described hereinafter.

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to solve the foregoing problems by providing a metronome capable of recording a sound in metronome and tuning modes, displaying an absolute note upon tuning, combining a metronome function, tuning function, vibration function, recording function so that a vibration mode substituting a vibration for a beat and a rhythm in a metronome mode, is performed, thereby effectively supporting musical activity using the visual, auditory senses and the sense of touch, checking a sound input by a user. The foregoing and other objects and advantages are realized by a digital metronome includes: a power supply providing unit for providing necessary power supply to each unit; a microprocessor for receiving a power source from the power supply providing unit, and performing a main control through input and output of a controlling signal; a function selection unit including: a mode selection unit for applying, on the microprocessor, a selection signal from one of modes selected among turn on/off of a power supply, a first metronome mode for performing a beat-related function, a second metronome mode for performing a rhythm-related function, a first tuner mode for performing tuning with respect to an output sound, a second tuner mode for performing tuning in silent state, and a vibration mode for outputting a vibration substituting for a sound upon turning on of the power supply; a beat/rhythm/pitch selection unit for applying, on the microprocessor, one relevant selection signal for each of the first metronome mode related beat, the second metronome mode related rhythm, the first tuning mode related pitch; a tempo/absolute note selection unit for applying, on the microprocessor, a tempo or an absolute note in response to a mode selection of the first and the second metronome modes, or the first and the second tuner modes; a recording and playback unit including: a recording/playback selection unit for applying, on the microprocessor, one selection signal selected among a recording mode for storing a sound provided from a microphone for tuning and recording, a playback mode for playing a stored sound in arbitrarily response to a selection of the function selection unit; an execution unit for executing a relevant performance in response to an arbitrary selection of the recording/playback selection unit; a sound signal processing unit for amplifying a sound signal provided from the microphone upon performance of the recording mode, or performing control in responsive to excessive input and providing the same to the microprocessor; a memory for storing sounds processed by the sound signal processing unit; and an outputting unit including: a tempo/beat displaying unit for displaying a relevant tempo and beat and, at the same time, displaying a center point of an absolute note input using combination of signals from the function selection unit, an absolute note displaying unit for displaying an absolute note of a sound provided to the microphone and the musical scale of an absolute note output from the digital metronome itself, a speaker for outputting a sound upon playback of a tempo, a rhythm, a beat and recorded data selected above, and a vibration unit for vibrating in response to a beat and a rhythm provided from the tempo/beat displaying unit. Here, the power supply providing unit includes a power supply cutting off unit having a transistor for cutting off a power supply by a low-level signal from the microprocessor for checking whether the sound is inputted or not, is connected to the microphone for performing a sound input in order to perform a power-saving function. Also, the power supply providing unit is further connected to a low-voltage detecting unit for detecting a provided low-voltage.

Brief Description of Drawings

The invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements wherein:

Fig. la and lb are perspective views of a digital metronome according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig.2 is a controlling block diagram of a digital metronome according to one embodiment of the present invention; and Fig.3 is a concrete circuit diagram of a digital metronome according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained as particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

The following detailed description will present a digital metronome according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. la and lb are perspective views of a digital metronome according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. la and lb, the digital metronome 100 has, on its upper portion in a front side, a tempo/beat displaying unit 102 for displaying accuracy with respect to high and low of an absolute note upon tuning and displaying in response to a tempo and a rhythm selected by a user. Below the tempo/beat displaying unit 102, a speaker 104 for outputting a sound upon playback of a selected tempo, rhythm, beat and recorded data, is provided. Beside the speaker 104, a microphone 106 for receiving a sound for tuning and recording is provided. Also, below the speaker 104, an absolute note displaying unit 108 for displaying an absolute note from the digital metronome 100 upon tuning and a relevant absolute note provided from the microphone 106, and below the absolute note displaying unit 108, a tempo/absolute note selection dial 110 on which a tempo and absolute note chart is designed in a rotational manner so that a user may select a tempo and absolute note, for rotating for a user to select a tempo and absolute note, is provided. At the moment, the tempo/beat displaying unit 102 and the absolute note displaying unit 108 are formed with LEDs, i.e., eight LEDs with consideration of a beat and an absolute note.

In the meantime, a mode selection switch 112 of sliding type for selecting one among a power source on/off, a first metronome mode, a second metronome mode, a first tuner mode, a second tuner mode, a vibration mode, is provided on an upper portion in a right side of the digital metronome 100. A volume adjusting dial 114 of rotation type for adjusting a sound level output from the speaker 104, is provided below the mode selection switch 112, and an earphone connecting terminal 116 for receiving an earphone, providing an output sound to the earphone is provided below the volume adjusting dial 114. Also, a DC input terminal 118 into which an adapter jack for converting an AC(alternating current) power source into a DC(direct current) power source, supplying the same, is inserted, is provided below the earphone connecting terminal 116.

Also, a beat/rhythm/pitch selection switch 120 of sliding type for selecting a beat, a rhythm, a pitch in response to an arbitrary mode selection by the mode selection switch 112, is provided on an upper portion in a left side of the digital metronome 100. Below the beat/rhythm/pitch selection switch 120, an execution switch 122 for executing storage of a sound and playback of a stored sound is provided, and below the execution switch 122, a recording/playback selection switch 124 of sliding type for selecting a recording mode for storing a sound and a playback mode for playing a stored sound, is provided. Also, a battery reception groove and a cover 126 for receiving a battery are provided on a lower end in a rear side of the digital metronome 100, and a stand 128 for supporting the digital metronome 100 at upright state is provided.

Fig.2 is a controlling block diagram of a digital metronome according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig.2, the digital metronome 100 is configured such that controlling circuits for performing each function are connected to a microprocessor 130 in a center. First of all, a controlling circuit for input side where an input of a signal into the microprocessor 130 is made, will be described in the following.

The beat/rhythm/pitch selection switch 120 prepared for selection of a beat, a rhythm, a pitch, is connected to the microprocessor 130; the mode selection switch 112 prepared for selection of one of modes among turn on/off of a power supply, a first metronome mode for performing a beat-related function, a second metronome mode for performing a rhythm-related function, a first tuner mode for performing tuning according to a tuning note output from the digital metronome itself 100, a second tuner mode for performing tuning in silent state, and a vibration mode for outputting a vibration substituting for a sound upon turning on of a power supply, is connected to the microprocessor 130; the tempo/absolute note selection dial 110 prepared for selection of a tempo and absolute note is connected to the microprocessor 130; the recording/playback selection switch 124 prepared for recording of a sound and for performing a playback of a stored sound is connected to the microprocessor 130; the execution switch 122 prepared for executing a relevant performance in response to an arbitrary selection of the recording/playback selection switch 124, is connected to the microprocessor 130. Under such configuration, a control corresponding to each input signal can be carried out by the microprocessor 130. Also, the microphone 106 for receiving a sound by an applied bias, and an amplifying unit 132 for amplifying a sound provided to the microphone, outputting a square wave, are connected to the microprocessor 130, respectively.

In the meantime, a battery 134 for providing a power source to the digital metronome 100 of the present invention, is prepared and a voltage controlling unit 136 for transforming a voltage provided from the battery 134 into a predetermined voltage, for example, DC 5N supplying the transformed voltage to each controlling circuit including the microprocessor 130, is connected to the battery 134 and the mode selection switch 112 for performing turning on/off function of a power supply. Further, a power supply cutting off unit 138 is connected to the microprocessor 130, for automatically cutting off a power supply provided through the voltage controlling unit 136 by a power supply cutting off signal from the microprocessor 130, performing a power-saving function in case that a sound input from the microphone 106 is not provided for a predetermined period of time. The power supply cutting off unit 138 is connected between the microphone 106 and the amplifying unit 132, for determination of a sound input. Further, a low- voltage detecting unit 140 for detecting a low-voltage in case that a voltage of the battery 134 is less than a predetermined value, giving a warning, is connected to the voltage controlling unit 136 and the low- voltage detecting unit 140 is connected to the microprocessor, for applying a low- voltage signal on the microprocessor 130. In the meantime, for another method for providing a power supply to the digital metronome of the present invention, a DC input terminal 118 for receiving a power supply through an adaptor receiving an AC power supply provided from the outside, converting the same into a DC power supply, is connected to the voltage controlling unit 136.

A sound signal processing unit 142 connected between the microphone 106 and the amplifier, is connected to the microprocessor 130, for storing a sound signal provided to the microphone 106, performing a control for amplification and excessive input regarding an input sound, delivering the same to the microprocessor 130 in case that the execution switch 122 is pressed in the recording mode. Also, a memory 144 is connected to the microprocessor 130, for storing a sound processed in the sound signal processing unit 142. In the meantime, a controlling circuit for output side where a relevant control is made by an output signal from the microprocessor 130 regarding the input signal, will be described in the following.

First of all, a tempo/beat displaying unit 102 is connected to the microprocessor 130, for displaying a central point of an input absolute note and, at the same time, displaying a tempo and a beat by combination of selected values from the beat/rhythm pitch selection switch 120, the mode selection switch 112, the tempo/absolute note selection dial 110. Also, an absolute note displaying unit 108 is connected to the microprocessor 130, for displaying an absolute note position regarding a sound from the digital metronome 100 and a sound provided to the microphone 106, and a volume adjusting unit 146 connected to the volume adjusting dial 114 adjusted by a user, is connected to the microprocessor 130, and a speaker 104 for outputting a sound, an earphone connecting terminal 116 for outputting an output sound, are connected to the volume adjusting unit 146, respectively. Also, a vibration unit 148 is connected to the microprocessor 130, for vibrating according to a beat and a rhythm in response to a visual output of a beat and a rhythm on the tempo/beat displaying unit 102. For the vibration unit 148, a generally known vibration member using a motor could be used and piezo element for converting an electrical signal into a vibration could also be used. Fig.3 is a concrete circuit diagram of a digital metronome according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig.3, the microprocessor 130 for performing a main control of the digital metronome 100 according to the present invention, has forty four input and output terminals for connecting with each controlling circuit and each control is performed by such controlling circuit. First of all, a controlling circuit where a sound is input, comprises a microphone

106, an amplifying unit 132 for amplifying the input sound, generating a square wave, providing the same to No.40 terminal of the microprocessor 130. Here, No.10 resistance R10 through No.12 resistance R12 for applying a bias for receiving a sound, No.10 capacitor CIO and No.11 capacitor Cll are prepared, and the No.10 resistance R10 through the No.12 resistance R12 and the No.11 capacitor Cll are connected to one end of the microphone 106 whose other end is grounded. Also, the amplifying unit 132 comprises No.11 amplifier IC11, No.12 amplifier IC12 used for an input of the No.11 amplifier IC11, in which an inverted terminal of the No.12 amplifier IC12 is connected to one end of the No.11 capacitor Cll with No.13 resistance R13 intervened and a non-inverted terminal of the No.12 amplifier IC12 is connected to one ends of No.15 resistance R15 and No.13 capacitor C13 for connecting with an inverted terminal of the No.11 amplifier IC11. In the meantime, No.14 resistance R14 and No.12 capacitor C12 are connected in parallel between an output terminal of the No.12 amplifier IC12 and a contact point of the No.13 resistance R13 and the inverted terminal of the No.12 amplifier IC12, for feedback. Also, a contact point of No.16 resistance R16 connected to the output terminal of the No.12 amplifier IC12 and a grounded No.14 capacitor C14, is connected to a non-inverted terminal of the No .11 amplifier IC 11.

In the meantime, a base of No .11 transistor Q 11 is connected to the microprocessor 130, for performing switching by a sound output controlling signal from the microprocessor 130 in order to output a relevant sound according to a controlling signal from the microprocessor 130. A variable resistance VR is connected to an emitter terminal of the No.11 transistor Qll and the variable resistance NR is connected to a base terminal of No.12 transistor Q12, by which a volume adjusting unit 146 for adjusting a sound level output, is formed. Here, a speaker 104 for outputting a sound and an earphone connecting terminal 116 for receiving an earphone are connected to a collector terminal of the No.12 transistor Q12.

Each controlling circuit including the microphone 106 and the speaker 104 performs operation serviced by a power supply. At the moment, service of a power supply is made through a battery 134, a DC power supply, or through a DC input terminal 118 prepared for providing a DC power supply using an adaptor(not shown) for converting an AC power supply into a DC power supply, providing the same. The battery 134 and the DC input terminal 118 is connected to the voltage controlling unit 136 for performing voltage drop down in order to lower a provided power supply to 5V necessary for the digital metronome 100, and to provide the same, with the mode selection switch 112 for performing a turning on/off function of a power supply intervened.

Also, a voltage cutting off unit 138 is prepared at the voltage controlling unit 136, for cutting off a provided power supply, performing a power-saving function by a low- level signal from the microprocessor 130 in case that there is no sound input to the microphone 106, for example, the microphone does not operate for more than two minutes. Such voltage cutting off unit 138 comprises No.10 transistor Q10 whose emitter terminal is connected to the voltage controlling unit 136, whose collector terminal is connected to the microphone 106, whose base terminal is connected to No.43 terminal of the microprocessor 130. Also, the low-voltage detecting unit 140 comprising No.28 resistance R28 and

No.29 resistance R29, is connected between the voltage controlling unit 136 and No.l terminal of the microprocessor 130, for checking a voltage of the voltage controlling unit 136, detecting a low- voltage status.

In the meantime, the mode selection switch of sliding type 112 prepared for selection of one of modes among turn on/off of a power supply, a first metronome mode for performing a beat-related function, a second metronome mode for performing a rhythm-related function, a first tuner mode for performing tuning according to a tuning note output from the digital metronome 100 itself, a second tuner mode for performing tuning in silent state, and a vibration mode upon turning on of a power supply, is connected between the voltage controlling unit 136 and the battery 134. At the moment, the mode selection switch 112 is connected to No.2 terminal through No.6 terminal of the tempo/absolute note selection dial 110 and, at the same time, connected to No.14 terminal through No. 18 terminal of the microprocessor 130. Further, the beat/rhythm/pitch selection switch of sliding type 120 prepared for selection of a beat, a rhythm, a pitch in response to an arbitrary mode selection of the mode selection switch 112, is connected to No.l terminal through No.5 terminal of the tempo/absolute note selection dial 110 and, at the same time, connected to No.13 terminal through No.17 terminal of the microprocessor 130. In the meantime, the tempo/beat displaying unit 102 for displaying a tempo and a beat in response to selections of the mode selection switch 112 and the beat/rhythm/pitch selection switch 120, is arrange in form of matrix type comprising LEDs(L30~L37) between horizontal wirings of No.20 terminal through No.21 terminal and vertical wirings of No.23 terminal through No.30 terminal of the microprocessor 130. At the moment, the LEDs connected to the No.20 terminal and the No.21 terminal of the microprocessor 130, are lighted differently, respectively. Also, the absolute note displaying unit 108 for displaying a relevant absolute note regarding input and output of a sound, is arranged in form of LEDs(L40~L47) on contact points of a horizontal wiring of No.22 terminal and vertical wirings of No.23 terminal through No.30 terminal of the microprocessor 130. Also, a crystal oscillator 150 is connected to No.7 and No.8 terminals of the microprocessor 130, for providing a pulse in order to control operation of the microprocessor 130, and a reset unit 152 is connected to No.12 terminal of the microprocessor 130, for initializing a system in order to reset upon abnormal operation of each control circuit including the microprocessor 130. Further, the vibration unit 148 for generating a vibration corresponding to a selected value of a beat, a rhythm and etc. by a user, is connected to No.19 terminal of the microprocessor 130. More specifically, the vibration unit 148 could be provided within a main machine of the digital metronome 100 of the present invention, in order to vibrate the main machine itself, or a vibration unit 148 including a piezo element connected to the No.19 terminal of the microprocessor 130, could be prepared separately for being touched to a human body.

In the meantime, the sound signal processing unit 142 is connected to the microphone 106, for amplifying a sound input to the microphone 106, or performing a control of an excessively provided sound. More specifically, an input sound is provided to No.20 terminal of the sound signal processing unit 142, where signal processing is performed for the input sound, and the above signal processed sound is output to No.23 terminal and is input to No.24 terminal again. After that, the sound is output to No.17 terminal and is provided, in form of a sound signal, to the speaker 104 for outputting a sound. At the moment, a memory 144 is connected to the microprocessor 130, for storing an input sound signal. Though, in the present embodiment of the invention, the memory 144 is connected to the microprocessor 130, the memory 144 could be directly connected to the sound signal processing unit 142, so that recording and a playback of a sound are performed separately. Here, a recording/playback selection switch 124 is connected to No.5 and No.6 terminals of the sound signal processing unit 142, for recording and a playback, and the execution switch 122 is connected to No.l terminal of the sound signal processing unit 142, for performing operation of the recording/playback selection switch

124. Further, No.50 light emitting diode L50 is connected to No.3 terminal of the sound signal processing unit 142, for being lighted in response to an input of the execution switch 122.

Operation status according to one embodiment of the present invention will be hereinafter described for each mode.

First of all, upon selection of the first metronome mode, a power supply is provided and, at the same time, LEDs are lighted in sequence from left side to right side, or from right side to left side in a constant speed corresponding to a tempo as indicated by the tempo/absolute note selection dial 110. At the moment, the LEDs' lighting moves in a constant speed according to a tempo defined by the tempo/absolute note selection dial 110 as descried above, and LEDs positioned on a right end and a left end output a sound corresponding to a selected beat and, at the same time, light up a red color through the LEDs. The beat is represented by 0, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, which output a beat note where a first beat begins in response to two-two time, three-four time, four-four time, five-four time and six- eight time, respectively. Namely, upon selection of 2, a red color is lighted at an end of a left side where a first beat begins, moves to an end of a right side, then moves back again to the end of a left side, where the red color is lighted again. In other words, two times of a red color lighting up and a beat note, are output. Resultantly, assuming that movement from an end of a left side to an end of a right side, or an end of a right side to an end of a left side, is one period, then 2 means that a same beat note output and a same red color lighting are performed every two periods, 3 means that a same beat note output and a same red color lighting are performed every three periods, 4 means every four periods, 5 means every five periods, 6 means every six periods in the same way.

Next, upon selection of the second metronome mode, LEDs are lighted in sequence from left side to right side, or from right side to left side in a constant speed corresponding to a tempo as indicated by the tempo/absolute note selection dial 110. At the moment, the LEDs' lighting moves in a constant speed according to a tempo defined by the tempo/absolute note selection dial 110 as descried above, and LEDs positioned on a right end and a left end light up a red color and, at the same time, output a relevant rhythm in form of a note during one period. More specifically, for a quarter note, one time of rhythm is output; for an eighth note, two times of rhythm; for a triplet, three times of rhythm; for a sixteenth note, four times of rhythm. Namely, rhythm defined as one beat is output in form of a note according to a relevant tempo.

Next, upon selection of the first tuning mode, an absolute note as indicated by the tempo/absolute selection dial 110 is output. At the moment, a tuning is performed with consideration of a frequency by selection of a pitch within a range between 440 and 445. In the meantime, an absolute note indicated by the tempo/absolute selection dial 110 is displayed by a lighting of a LED on a relevant absolute note's position in the absolute note displaying unit 108. Accordingly, a position of the lighting LED is easy to find, so that an absolute note of a sound currently output could be recognized easily. Further, a relevant absolute note could be recognized without reference to a tempo and absolute chart designed in a little font below the tempo/absolute note selection dial 110, which provides convenience in selection of an absolute note.

At the moment, if a user changes the recording/playback selection switch 124, selecting a recording mode, pressing the execution switch 122 while one modes among the first metronome mode, the second metronome mode, the first tuning mode, is being performed, then a sound input to the microphone 106 is stored in the memory 144, while one modes among the first metronome mode, the second metronome mode, the first tuning mode, is being performed. In such a way, recording including a beat, a rhythm, a tuning absolute note, is realized. After that, if a user changes the recording/playback selection switch 124, selecting a playback mode, pressing the execution switch 122, then the recorded sound could be played, output.

Next, upon selection of the second tuner mode, unlike the above recording mode proceeded while one modes among the first metronome mode, the second metronome mode, the first tuning mode is being performed, a recording of a beat, a rhythm, a tuning absolute note output from one modes among the above three modes, is proceeded without an output of the beat, the rhythm, the tuning absolute note. At the moment, an absolute note of an input sound is displayed on the tempo/beat displaying unit 102 and the absolute note displaying unit 108, simultaneously. Namely, the tempo/beat displaying unit 102 displays, on a center portion, whether an input note conforms to an absolute note, and lights up a LED on right and left, thereby guiding a voice and musical instrument note generated by a user, to an absolute note. At the same time, a range(musical scale) of an absolute note is displayed on the absolute note displaying unit 108 so that a relevant range may be identified.

In the meantime, upon selection of the vibration mode, the function performed by the first metronome mode, is performed in form of a vibration. Namely, a vibration is output instead of an output of a beat note selected by a user. According to the present embodiment, though the vibration mode substitutes for the function of the first metronome mode, application of outputting a rhythm, the second metronome mode in form of a vibration, is also possible.

As is apparent from the foregoing, a digital metronome according to the present invention, makes the utmost use of human visual and auditory senses, effectively supporting musical activity by having a user carry the digital metronome or attaching a vibration unit to feel a beat and a rhythm upon practice under circumstance where nothing could be seen and heard. Further, a user could hear accuracy of a sound input by a user himself through recording. Still further, in case that a beat and a rhythm are supported, as the relevant beat and rhythm are recorded together with an input sound, a user could easily check whether the recorded data conforms to the sound input by a user. In case that a beat and a rhythm are not supported, a user could easily check accuracy of an absolute note of the sound input by a user, whereby accuracy of the sound is improved. Also, in case that no sound is input from the microphone, a power supply is automatically cut off, a power-saving function is performed, whereby battery life could be extended.

Above all, a digital metronome of the present invention has strong points of realizing a diversity in use, convenience in carrying and reduction in costs due to separate purchase of each apparatus by incorporating each function of performing metronome, tuning, vibration and recording function into one single apparatus.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

What Is Claimed Is:

1. A digital metronome comprising: a power supply providing unit for providing necessary power supply to each unit; a microprocessor for receiving a power source from the power supply providing unit, and performing a main control through input and output of a controlling signal; a function selection unit including: a mode selection unit for applying, on the microprocessor, a selection signal from one of modes selected among turn on/off of a power supply, a first metronome mode for performing a beat-related function, a second metronome mode for performing a rhythm-related function, a first tuner mode for performing tuning with respect to an output sound, a second tuner mode for performing tuning in silent state, and a vibration mode for outputting a vibration substituting for a sound upon turning on of the power supply; a beat/rhythm/pitch selection unit for applying, on the microprocessor, one relevant selection signal for each of the first metronome mode related beat, the second metronome mode related rhythm, the first tuning mode related pitch; a tempo/absolute note selection unit for applying, on the microprocessor, a tempo or an absolute note in response to a mode selection of the first and the second metronome modes, or the first and the second tuner modes; a recording and playback unit including: a recording/playback selection unit for applying, on the microprocessor, one selection signal selected among a recording mode for storing a sound provided from a microphone for tuning and recording, a playback mode for playing a stored sound in arbitrarily response to a selection of the function selection unit; an execution unit for executing a relevant performance in response to an arbitrary selection of the recording/playback selection unit; a sound signal processing unit for amplifying a sound signal provided from the microphone upon performance of the recording mode, or performing control in responsive to excessive input and providing the same to the microprocessor; a memory for storing sounds processed by the sound signal processing unit; and an outputting unit including: a tempo/beat displaying unit for displaying a relevant tempo and beat and, at the same time, displaying a center point of an absolute note input using combination of signals from the function selection unit, an absolute note displaying unit for displaying an absolute note of a sound provided to the microphone and the musical

^• scale of an absolute note output from the digital metronome itself, a speaker for outputting a sound upon playback of a tempo, a rhythm, a beat and recorded data selected above, and a vibration unit for vibrating in response to a beat and a rhythm provided from the tempo/beat displaying unit.

2. The digital metronome according to claim 1, wherein the power supply providing unit includes a power supply cutting off unit having a transistor for cutting off a power supply by a low-level signal from the microprocessor for checking whether the sound is inputted or not, is connected to the microphone for performing a sound input in order to perform a power-saving function.

3. The digital metronome according to claim 1, wherein the power supply providing unit is further connected to a low-voltage detecting unit for detecting a provided low-voltage.

4. The digital metronome according to claim 1, wherein the vibration unit comprises a piezo element.