Patent ID: 8431814
Filing Date: 2013-04-30
Classification: G10H

Abstract:
1. A light pick-up for a musical instrument having a string, the light pick-up comprising: a light generation mechanism affixed to the musical instrument, the light generation mechanism generating a light beam toward the string, wherein the light generation mechanism is a laser diode generating a laser beam; and a photodetector affixed to the musical instrument adjacent the light generation mechanism for detecting light from the laser beam; wherein the photodetector having means for converting the detected light into electrical signals, the photodetector being located on a same side of the string as the laser diode relative to the string; wherein the photodetector and laser diode are positioned in a line substantially parallel to the string; and wherein the photodetector is aligned on a same planar surface as the laser diode; wherein the light generation mechanism is positioned to allow at least a portion of the laser beam to reflect off the string onto the photodetector; wherein the photodetector includes an optical filter; whereby the light generation mechanism is positioned on the musical instrument to direct the laser beam toward the string, the laser beam reflecting off the string and received by the photodetector, the photodetector converting the detected light from the reflected laser beam into electrical signals.