Abstract:
A keypad for controlling software, such as disk jockey (DJ) software, includes a plurality of keys, each key being programmable for issuing any desired, predefined sequence of keystrokes and/or mouse commands in response to the key being pressed. At least some of the keys are laid out in a piano-style format, with those keys being programmed to direct the software to produce musical notes. The keypad is constructed to be attached to a phonograph turntable by engaging with physical features on the turntable. The keypad has a top surface that has a rounded edge that runs concentrically with the turntable&#39;s platter. It also has a straight edge, overhanging the side of the turntable, where the piano style keys are positioned. When used by a DJ, the keypad greatly simplifies the task of simultaneously operating the turntable and the DJ software.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/868,713, filed Aug. 25, 2010 (now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,514,106), which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/236,916, filed Aug. 26, 2010, the contents and teachings of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING,” A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to disk jockeying hardware, and, more particularly, to devices used by disk jockeys in connection with computers to produce sounds, sound effects, and other effects. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Recent developments in digital audio have brought many advances to the art of disk jockeying. What began many decades ago with disk jockeys (or “DJs”) playing vinyl records on analog turntables has evolved into a highly computerized process. Today&#39;s equipment typically includes a computer that stores digitally encoded songs and other recordings. The computer runs software for playing selected recordings through one or more amplifiers and loudspeakers. The DJ can control the software using a keyboard and pointer device, such as a mouse or touchpad, for introducing various sound effects and other effects into the performance. 
     As disk jockeying has moved from the analog to the digital domain, an unexpected survivor has been the analog turntable, although its role has been transformed. Rather than being the source of a musical signal for audio playback, it is now more often used as a special effects device. The turntable now typically plays a specially encoded disk, which includes timing and/or pitch information, but no music. The turntable&#39;s analog output signal is converted to digital format and piped into a USB port of the computer. The software links the information from the disk with the music being played and modifies playback in response to movements of the disk by the DJ. The DJ can speed up, slow down, reverse, or “scratch” the music being played by manually controlling the disk on the turntable, with the overall effects being similar to those which would be produced if the DJ were performing the same movements on a vinyl analog music recording. 
     The turntable has thus been transformed into a control device, for inputting signals to the computer for controlling the playback of digital audio. A typical setup may include two turntables, with their outputs combined and sent to the computer over a single USB port. The DJ generally controls one turntable with each hand. The setup also typically includes a microphone, for allowing voice-over, and a mixer for combining outputs from the computer and the microphone. 
     Examples of DJ software currently in use include “Scratch Live” by Serato Audio Research of Auckland, New Zealand, “Final Scratch” by Stanton Magnetics of Hollywood, Fla., “Traktor” by Native Instruments of Los Angeles, Calif., and “Torque” by M-Audio of Irwindale, Calif. Each company provides time and/or pitch encoded records for use with their software, i.e., “Control Vinyl” from Serato, “FS Standard Records” from Stanton, “Time Code Vinyl” from Native Instruments, and “Torque Control Vinyl” from M-Audio. 
     In addition to using a turntable to control playback, the DJ may also use various control functions built into the software. These include setting cue points in the music to which playback can proceed after a command is entered, specifying start and stop points for looping segments of playback, issuing MIDI commands, and other functions. These functions are generally programmed and activated using the computer&#39;s keyboard and pointer device. Often, sequences of commands (macros) can be defined in the software. The DJ can invoke these macros by entering predefined key combinations or clicks of the pointer device. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Although the conventional arrangement provides a great deal of flexibility for enhancing musical playback, we have recognized it is also sometimes difficult to control. Once a song is selected for playback, the DJ&#39;s attention is focused primarily on the turntables. When the DJ then needs to control the software, the DJ may find it difficult to switch attention and the position of his or her hands back to the computer. This is especially the case when the computer is in a different place from the turntables, such as on a different surface, so that the DJ has to swivel and reorient to access the computer. Performances can sometimes suffer on account of the delays involved when the DJ switches focus. 
     What is needed, therefore, is a more convenient way for the DJ to control the computer during playback, which avoids the need for the DJ having continually to refocus his or her attention. 
     In accordance with one embodiment, a keypad for controlling disk jockey software from a location of a turntable includes a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface having a plurality of keys. The keypad further includes a front edge and a back edge, the front edge having the shape of a circular arc. The keypad includes at least one of a hole in the keypad and a vertical member extending down from the keypad, for horizontally stabilizing the keypad with respect to the turntable, and a bracket extending down from the bottom surface of the keypad, for facilitating attachment of the keypad to the turntable. 
     According to another embodiment, a keypad for controlling disk jockey software from a location of a turntable includes a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface having a plurality of keys. The keypad further includes a horizontal anchor, formed within or extending from the keypad, for engaging a top surface of the turntable, and a clamping member extending from the bottom surface of the keypad, for clamping to a side surface of the turntable. 
     According to yet another embodiment, an apparatus for controlling an audio or multimedia performance includes a turntable, a keypad attached to or integral with the turntable, and a computing device, operatively connected to the keypad, for running software that responds to keystrokes from the keypad for controlling the audio or multimedia performance. 
     According to still another embodiment, a turntable includes a platter, a plurality of keys, a processor for determining which of the plurality of keys has been pressed, and a digital communication port for outputting information associated with keystrokes from any of the plurality of keys to a computing device. 
     According to a still further embodiment, a method of controlling an audio or multimedia performance involves a turntable, a keypad attached to or integral with the turntable, and a computing device operatively connected to the keypad. The computing device runs software for playing music in response to time-encoded signals from a time-encoded disk. The method includes playing a time-encoded disk on the turntable, playing a musical selection from the computing device, and pressing keys on the keypad attached to or integral with the turntable to induces elected effects in connection with the music being played. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of a keypad according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom view of the keypad of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of a base to which the keypad of  FIG. 1  is normally attached; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom, perspective view of the base shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a top, perspective view of turntable; 
         FIG. 6  is a top, perspective view of the turntable of  FIG. 5  equipped with a keypad assembly including the keypad of  FIGS. 1 and 2  attached to the base of  FIGS. 3 and 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a side, perspective view of the turntable of equipped with the keypad; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a keypad “stick.” 
         FIG. 9  is a top, perspective view of a hub to which keypads as shown in  FIGS. 1-2  and keypad sticks as shown in  FIG. 8  may be connected; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of both the hub of  FIG. 9  and a keypad interface; and 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic view of a DJ rig including the keypads of  FIGS. 1-2 , keypad sticks of  FIG. 8 , hub of  FIG. 9 , and keypad interface of  FIG. 10 , as well as other equipment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As used throughout this document, the words “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to set forth certain items, steps, elements, or aspects of something in an open-ended fashion. 
       FIG. 1  shows a keypad circuit board  100  according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The keypad circuit board  100  preferably has a top edge  110  in the shape of a circular arc and a straight bottom edge  112 . The keypad circuit board  100  preferably has straight sides  114  and  116 , which are square with the bottom edge  112 . A hole  118  is provided at the upper-right of the keypad circuit board  100 . 
     The keypad circuit board  100  includes a plurality of keys. These preferably include a first group of keys  120 , a second group of keys  122 , and a third group of keys  124 . The first group of keys  120  is provided in the shape of piano keys, including both white and black keys. 
       FIG. 2  is a rear view of the keypad circuit board  100 . As shown, the keypad circuit board  100  further includes an electrical connector  210 , such as a 14-pin DIN connector. Each of the keys on the keypad circuit board  100  is wired to the connector  210 , and the connector  210  presents electrical signals that indicate which of the plurality of keys have been pressed. 
     The keys of the keypad circuit board  100  are preferably arranged in an electrical matrix of rows and columns, wherein each key is positioned at the intersection of one row and one column. When a key is pressed, it electrically connects the row with the column, causing an electrical change of state which can be detected at the electrical signals on the connector  210 . This arrangement is similar to the one commonly used in computer keyboards. 
     The connector  210  includes a plurality of conductors (e.g., fourteen) that convey electrical signals to external hardware. These conductors preferably include one conductor for each row of the matrix and one conductor for each column of the matrix used by the keypad circuit board  100 . 
     The keypad circuit board  100  is preferably implemented with an insulative substrate, such as fiberglass, and conductive traces formed upon or within the substrate. The keys are preferably implemented as membrane switches, which are similar to those commonly used on microwave ovens and other appliances. 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  show a base  300  to which the keypad circuit board  100  is attached. Top and bottom views are shown, respectively. The base  300  rigidly holds the keypad and helps it to withstand repeated use. As seen in  FIG. 3 , the base  300  includes a top surface  310 , which has approximately the same dimensions and shape as the keypad circuit board  100 . The base  300  also includes a hole  312 , which is aligned with the hole  118  of the keypad, and a cutout region  314 , which is aligned with the connector  210 . When the keypad circuit board  100  is attached to the base  300 , the connector  210  extends through the cutout region  314  in the base  300  to provide access from below. 
     As seen in  FIG. 4 , the base  300  has a bottom surface  410  and a member, such as a bracket  412 , which extends perpendicularly from the bottom surface  410 . Stabilizers, such as thumb screws  414  and  416 , are screwed into threaded holes in the bracket  412  and may be advanced and retracted therein. The base  300  also includes a cylindrical protrusion, such as a cylinder  418 , which extends perpendicularly from the bottom surface  410  of the base. 
     Preferably, the base  300  is made of a rigid material, such as steel sheet metal. In the exemplary embodiment, the bracket  412  and cylinder  418  are also made of metal and are welded to the bottom surface  410  of the base  300 . 
     The keypad circuit board  100  is attached to the base  300  to form a keypad assembly  600  (See  FIGS. 6 and 7 ). In the exemplary embodiment, an insulating sheet, such as Mylar, is glued between the bottom surface of the keypad circuit board  100  and the base  300 , to prevent short circuits. The keypad circuit board  100  may be attached to the base using adhesives, screws, or other suitable types of fixation. 
       FIG. 5  shows a conventional phonograph turntable  500 . The specific type of turntable shown is a Technics model SL-1210, available from Panasonic Corporation. The turntable  500  includes a platter  510 , which rotates about a spindle  512 . The turntable also includes a top surface  514 , a post  516 , a depression  518 , and a side surface  520 . Vinyl records are typically spun on the platter  510 . The post  516  is fixedly attached to the surface  514  and houses electronic controls. The depression  518  is unoccupied, but normally holds an adapter for playing 45 RPM records. 
       FIG. 6  shows a keypad assembly  600  attached to a turntable  500 . The keypad assembly  600  is placed over the edge of the turntable  500 , with its piano-style keys  120  facing out. The circular edge  110  of the keypad runs concentrically with the platter  510 , and is slightly offset from the platter to prevent direct contact. The keypad assembly (or simply, “keypad”)  600  is placed so that the bottom surface  410  of the base  300  lies flush against the top surface  514  of the turntable  500 . The post  516  on the turntable extends through the holes  118  and  312  of the keypad circuit board  100  and base  300 , and the cylinder  418  on the base  300  enters the depression  518  of the turntable. The engagement of the post  516  with the holes  118  and  312  forms a horizontal anchor, which resists translation of the keypad  600  along the plane of the top surface  514  of the turntable  500 . Similarly, the engagement of the cylinder  418  with the depression  518  forms a horizontal anchor with the same effect. 
       FIG. 7  shows the side of the turntable  500  with the keypad  600  in place. The connector  210  is accessible from below. The bracket  412  extends down, parallel to the side surface  520  of the turntable, and the thumbscrews  414  and  416  are advanced against the side surface  520 . By tightening the thumbscrews  414  and  416 , the keypad  600  pulls back against the post  516  and the depression  518 , effectively clamping the keypad  600  to the side of the turntable  500 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a keypad “stick”  800 . Like the keypad circuit board  100 , the keypad stick  800  includes an insulative substrate  810 , keys  812 , and a connector  814 . As with the keypad circuit board  100 , the keys  812  of the keypad sticks are preferably membrane switches and are wired, in matrix fashion, to the connector  814 . The keypad sticks  800  are typically small (approximately 20 cm by 2.5 cm) and may be located on or around the turntable, or in any convenient location to provide input to a computer or computing device during DJ performances. 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  show a hub  900  and keypad interface, such as a matrix card  1000 . The hub  900  includes a circuit board  910 , input connectors  912 , phono plugs  914 , and an output connector  916 . In the embodiment shown, there are eight input connectors  912 , each being a 14-pin DIN connector, and six phono plugs. The output connector  916  is preferably a 30-pin DIN connector. In normal use, keypads  600  and sticks  800  are preferably connected to the hub  900  using ribbon cable (i.e., ribbon cables connect between the connectors  210  of the keypads  600  and some of the connectors  912  of the hub, and between the connectors  814  of the sticks and others of the connectors  912  of the hub). Row and column signals from the input connectors  912  and phono plugs  914  are combined at the output connector  916 . Some row and column signals are shared among different connectors  912 , so the mapping between conductors of the input connectors  912  and those of the output connector  916  need not be one-to-one. 
     The matrix card  1000  includes a circuit board  1010 , an input connector  1012 , and an interface connector  1014 . The input connector  1012  on the matrix board preferably mates with the connector  916  on the hub  900 , for receiving row and column signals from the various keypads and switches connected to the hub  900 . The interface connector  1014  is preferably attached to a cable (not shown), such as a USB cable, for allowing the matrix card  1000  to be connected to a computer or other digital device. 
     The matrix card  1000  includes circuitry for scanning row and column signals from its connector  1012  to determine which keys and/or switches have been activated. The matrix card has an internal key map, which associates each switch in its matrix space with a programmed sequence of computer keystrokes and/or pointer commands. When a key on any keypad is pressed, or when any switch connected to the hub  900  is thrown, the matrix card  1000  identifies the stored sequence for that switch and outputs the sequence to a receiving device (e.g., a computer) over its computer interface connector  1014  and cable. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the matrix card  1000  is an X-Keys SE® USB Keyboard Matrix Control Board from P.I. Engineering, Inc. of Williamston, Mich. A The matrix space of the X-Keys SE includes 8 rows and 16 columns. This matrix space supports a total of 8×16=128 different switches. This is large enough to support three keypads  600 , one stick  800 , and five foot petals, or two keypads  600 , eight sticks  800 , and two foot pedals. Many other combinations may be realized. 
     The X-Keys SE is programmable using X-Keys Macro Works software. Using the Macro Works software, arbitrary sequences of keystrokes and/or mouse commands may be associated with any switch in the matrix space of the X-Keys SE and stored in a non-volatile memory within the card. The X-Keys SE outputs those sequences over its output USB cable in response to keystrokes from keypads and other switches connected to the hub  900 . The computer or digital device receiving the sequences interprets them simply as keyboard and/or pointer commands. 
     Different types of matrix cards are available, and the invention is not limited to the X-Keys SE. In addition, the computer interface connector  1014  and cable need not be USB. Other types of connections can be used, such as PS-2, fire-wire, serial bus, or even wireless connections, such as Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi. 
       FIG. 11  shows an example of a DJ rig that employs the components described hereinabove. The DJ rig includes two turntables  500 , each having a keypad  600  attached thereto. Each of the keypads, as well as various sticks  800 , is attached to the hub  900 , e.g., using ribbon cable. Various foot pedals or other switches may also be attached to the hub  900 . The hub  900  is connected to the matrix card  1000 . The matrix card is connected to a computing device, such as a computer  1120 , via line  1136 , which is preferably a USB cable. Pressing a key on any of the keypads or sticks, or depressing any foot pedal or other switch, causes the matrix card  1000  to detect a unique row/column switch closure, which in turn causes the matrix card  1000  to output a predetermined sequence of keyboard and/or pointer commands to the computer. The computer interprets that sequence as native keyboard and/or pointer commands (as if directly entered on the computer), and software running on the computer responds to the sequence according to its own interface programming. 
     The computer  1120  may be any suitable type, but it is generally a PC or a Mac. The computer  1120  preferably includes installed software, such as Scratch Live, Final Scratch, Traktor, or Torque, for controlling DJ performances. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 11  are a conventional mixer  1110 , sound card  1112 , and microphone  1114 . These are operated in the usual fashion. The sound card  1112  is typically specially designed for DJ requirements. Examples include the Serato SL-1 and SL-3 interfaces. The computer  1120  outputs digital audio signals from a musical selection being played on the computer to the sound card  1112 , generally via a USB cable  1134 . The sound card  1112  converts the digital audio signals to analog signals, which are sent to the mixer  1110 . The mixer  1110  combines the analog signals with audio from the microphone  1114  to produce a mixed audio signal, which is then sent to an amplifier and loudspeakers. In addition, the turntables  500  are connected to the sound card  1112  via turntable audio output cables  1130  and  1132 . When the turntables play time-encoded disks, these cables convey time-encoded signals to the sound card  1112 . The time-encoded signals are then sent back to the computer  1120 , via the cable  1134 , for controlling the speed and direction (forward or reverse) of playback. 
     In a typical DJ rig, two turntables  500  are placed side-by-side with the mixer  1110  between them. The turntables  500  are positioned so that the keypads  600  face forward, toward the DJ. With this arrangement, the DJ can manipulate the records (scratch, speed up, slow down, etc.) and press keys on the keypads  600 , which are optimally positioned for this purpose. The DJ does not need to swivel and reorient to control the computer. The controls are directly in front of the DJ and very close to his or her normal hand position. Not only are the keys conveniently located, but also they are always in the same position from one performance to the next. Over time, a DJ can therefore become very skilled at integrating control of the software via the keypad  600  with the normal functions the DJ performs on the vinyl records. The quality of DJ performances is likely to improve as a result of the convenience and consistency of location afforded by the keypads  600 . 
     Keys on the keypads  600  and sticks  800  can be pre-programmed at will to jump to specific points in playback, loop specific segments of audio, set jump points, and perform a myriad of other tasks. These may include non-audio tasks, such as activating strobe lights, fog machines, and other performance equipment. The functionality of the keypads is limited only by the software and hardware to which they connect. 
     The piano-style keys can be programmed to perform any desired function, just as any other keys. However, they are optimally suited for playing musical notes. For example, a DJ can program the piano-style keys using DJ software to play MIDI notes when the keys are pressed. The DJ is thus able to seamlessly integrate his or her own musical input into a performance. 
     Some may question how a keypad can be mounted to a turntable without causing the record to skip whenever a key is pressed. As is known, DJ software commonly provides a “relative mode.” When used with time-encoded disks, relative mode ignores skips and focuses only on the time and/or pitch data read from a time-encoded record. We have recognized and confirmed, that any skipping caused by pressing keys does not affect playback or negatively affect the DJ&#39;s performance when relative mode is used. 
     Having described one embodiment, numerous alternative embodiments or variations can be made. For example, it is not necessary that base  300  of the keypad be made of metal. Other rigid materials may be used, such as plastic. The bracket  412  and cylinder  418  may be formed integrally with the base, rather than being welded to the base. They may also be attached in some fashion other than welding. Although membrane switches on the keypads  600  and sticks  800  are preferred for durability and longevity, they are not required. Other types of switches or keys may be used, such as spring-loaded keys or rubber keys, for example. According to one variant, the keys are translucent or transparent and include LEDs or other backlighting to illuminate when pressed. 
     As shown and described, thumbscrews  414  and  416  are used to clamp the keypad  600  to the turntable  500 . However, other types of stabilizers may be used. These include one or more spring-loaded pins that extend interiorly toward the side  520  of the turntable. The use of a rigid bracket  412  and screws or spring-loaded pins is just examples of a clamping member. Another solution is to make the bracket  412  of a flexible material and to form it to normally tilt or bulge inwardly, toward the side surface  520  of the turntable, so that the bracket elastically bends when installed on the turntable and holds the keypad  600  in place by compression. 
     As shown and described, the keypad  600  is connected to an external hub  900 , which is in turn connected to a matrix card  1000 . However, this arrangement is not required. Alternatively, each keypad  600  can be equipped with its own matrix card, with the output of the keypad  600  being a USB or other type of computer-compatible cable. The keypad is operated simply by plugging its cable into a computer. With a matrix card on each keypad, multiple keypads can still be used, each plugging into a different port on the computer. An external hub (e.g., a USB hub) may be provided if the number of keypads exceeds the number of ports available on the computer or if doing so simplifies cable routing. 
     As shown and described, the hub  900  and matrix card  1000  are separate circuit boards. Alternatively, their functions may be provided on a single circuit board. 
     As shown and described, the keypad  600  is a separate device which may be attached to a turntable. This is not required, however. Alternatively, the keypad  600  may be physically integrated with the turntable itself. For example, the turntable  500  may include keys on its top surface  514  or on some other accessible surface. The keys may be wired to the switching hub  900  for connection to the matrix card  1000 , or the matrix card may be integrated within the turntable. According to one variant, the turntable includes a converter for converting its analog audio output into a digital signal. The digital signal is combined with output from the matrix card and sent to the computer using a single cable, such as a USB cable. 
     It is not essential that the Panasonic SL-1210 turntable be used. Most turntables, even from different vendors, have similar physical features, or can be modified to have features performing similar functions, and the keypad  600  can generally be made to attach to those turntables. 
     As shown and described, the keypad  600  includes a horizontal anchor consisting of both a hole  118 / 312  and a cylindrical protrusion  418 . However, both the hole and the protrusion are not required. Alternatively, only one or the other may be used. In addition, other types of anchors may be used. These include adhesives, screws, and vertical members that extend down from the keypad  600  and/or up from the turntable for anchoring the keypad&#39;s relative horizontal position with respect to the turntable  500 . 
     Although the computing device  1120  is generally a computer, this is not required. It may alternatively be any computing device capable of responding to keyboard and/or pointer commands, including, for example, personal data assistants, smart phones, MP3 players, and tablet computing devices, such as the iPad. 
     The keypad  600  is shown and described in connection with turntables for playing vinyl, time-encoded records. However, it can also be used with CDJ&#39;s, i.e., compact disk players designed to emulate turntables used by DJ&#39;s. Instead of having a platter on top of the unit, CDJ&#39;s have a “jog dial,” which allows DJs to introduce musical effects. An example of a CDJ is the Pioneer CDJ-1000. When the keypad  600  is used with a CDJ, the front, circular arc of the keypad can run concentrically with the jog dial, and the keypad can be attached to the CDJ and operated substantially as described above. Bearing this in mind, the term “turntable” as used herein is therefore intended to include not only vinyl record turntables but also devices designed to emulate vinyl record turntables, including CDJs and similar devices. Similarly, the term “platter” as used herein is intended to include not only the surface upon which a vinyl record is placed on a turntable, but also the jog dial of a CDJ, which has a similar shape and position, and can be operated by a DJ in a similar fashion. 
     Those skilled in the art will therefore understand that various changes in form and detail may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the invention.