Rockin’ Patent – Optek Music Systems Inc’s “Fingering Display For Musical Instrument”

US Patent No. 4,915,005 - Optek Music Systems Inc - Fingering Display For Musical Instrument - Patents Rock - Russell IP
  • Rockin’ Patent®: US Patent No. 4,915,005
  • Filed: 25 August 1988 
  • In the name of: Optek Music Systems Inc
  • Title: Fingering Display For Musical Instrument
  • What’s claimed: ”Analyzing and teaching apparatus to be used in reference to a musical instrument of the type having at least one tone-selecting element manually operable in a range of configurations, comprising: manually operable input means including an electrically powered circuit for entering the conventional musical designation of a predetermined set of tones; said electrically powered circuit including a note-switch means having a first plurality of output lines, said note-switch means being manually operable to cause not more than two of said note-switch output lines to be selected at one time; said circuit also including a mode-switch means having a second plurality of output lines, said mode-switch means being manually operable to cause one and only one of said mode-switch output lines to be selected at one time; said circuit also including a type-switch means having a third plurality of output lines, said type-switch means being manually operable to cause one and only one of said type-switch output lines to be selected at one time; and indicating means coupled to said input means and responsive to the designation entered therein to give simultaneous indications of all the elements and all the configurations thereof corresponding to said predetermined set of tones.”
  • Why this patent rocks: This patent appears to relate to Optek Music Systems Inc’s Advanced Polymer Fretboard with a built-in LED learning system. It is claimed that fingering information for chords, scales, songs, riffs and tablature illuminate on the Fretlight Guitar fretboard where individuals require it most, under their fingers. Optek Music Systems Inc claims that its interactive light system ‘allows the player to learn the guitar quicker and with better retention.’ For more information, see here.

If you’re a patent-savvy music tech business looking for patent help, get in touch with Russell IP here!

The information above is for general interest and information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Share the Post:

Related Posts

A banner for Russell IP’s blog post on EPO Fee Changes 2026

EPO Fee Changes 2026

EPO Fee Changes 2026 – What You Need To Know The European Patent Office (EPO) has announced that its official fees (fees paid to the EPO by applicants) will increase from 1 April 2026. These changes will affect a wide range of fees under the European Patent Convention (EPC), including search, examination, grant and renewal fees. Overview Of The EPO Fee Changes 2026 Our calculations suggest that many core EPO fees (including renewal, search, designation, examination and grant fees) will increase by around 5%. Some fees are unchanged (for example, filing fees, additional fees for divisional applications, the opposition fee,

Read More
Banner for Russell IP article about Accelerating UK Patent Prosecution

Accelerating UK Patent Prosecution

Accelerating UK Patent Prosecution at the UK IPO: A Practical Guide Introduction Securing a UK patent is usually a long game. On a normal timetable, a UK patent application remains pending for several years before it is granted or finally refused. In many situations, that slow and steady pace is absolutely fine; it gives time to refine the technology, explore markets and spread costs. In other situations, there’s a need for the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) to move faster. Perhaps a competitor is gearing up to launch a similar product, an investor is asking to see patent grants

Read More

Gain the Competitive Edge

Let's see how we can help protect your IP

Get in touch using the contact form or the phone number below to see how we can protect your IP.

There’s no obligation to sign up for anything.