CN1761994A - Electronic musical performance instrument with greater and deeper creative flexibility - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic musical performance instrument that provides a user with a wide array of creative choices of operating systems, sound synthesis applications, user interfaces (including those emulating the interface of a conventional musical instrument and electronic control interfaces), supporting infrastructure components such as MIDI cards, sound cards, storage devices thus providing the performance artist with greater and deeper creative flexibility.

Description

The electronic musical performance instrument that bigger and darker original creation dirigibility is arranged

Relevant application

(0001) the application's is that temporary patent application number is 60/440,112 the U.S. Patent application that is entitled as " the electronic music compositor that bigger and darker original creation dirigibility is arranged " in first to file, and the applying date is on January 15th, 2003.

Technical field

(0002) the present invention is relevant with musical instrument.Particularly, relevant with electronic musical instrument.The present invention is an electronic musical performance instrument, and it gives the user bigger darker creation degree of freedom when making audio.

Background technology

(0003) many electronic musical performance instrument can have been bought on market.Fig. 1 has shown a kind of typical common electronic musical instrument.These musical instruments must have artificial input block usually, and it can imitate the main interface that the player uses conventional musical instrument.Modal this class input block outer appearance fingerboard (bond number can change).But other electronic musical instruments have other input medias (as backing plate Pads), and they can being connected in order to imitation people and drum or frame drum or xylophone.Other interfaces as wind instrument and stringed musical instrument, also can provide.

(0004) electronic musical instrument changes into dissimilar tone signal with it after receiving people's input signal.In some cases, these signals are sound equipments that the people can hear.In some cases, these signals are simulating signal or digital signal (it can be converted to analog audio).These electronic musical instruments generally all have program, can produce the sound of one or more musical instruments---as upright piano, grand piano, organ, guitar, electronic guitar etc.

(0005) these electronic musical instruments have generally all adopted proprietary sounding hardware and the software of electronic processors control, so that input signal is converted to voice signal.

(0006) although PC is not a musical instrument, has been used as music synthesizer and has produced music.In fact, many music synthesizer softwares based on PC are arranged on the market.These systems are based on the PC infrastructure device of standard.Operating system of PC operation, and music synthesizer software can move after os starting.These programs have plenty of proprietary, and what have is not proprietary.Input media as the fingerboard style can have been bought, and can be used as the input equipment of personal computer software system.Fig. 2 has shown a kind of like this device.Very typically, these input medias are by a MIDI card in the computer, or by certain other very common communication interface, are connected with PC at the known communication interface of PC and personal computer software industry as USB or live wire etc.

(0007) still, existing electronic musical instrument and PC synthesizer are all having obvious limitation aspect creative and the practicality.Personal computer system is not suitable for live musical performance environment.It is unable to undergo repeatedly to transport and needs and debugs in a large number.It is for fixing debugging designs, and needs the long period to start (boot up) and generation music after having debugged.On the other hand, existing electronic musical instrument also has limitation.For example, belonging to existing musical instrument restriction user can only be with they proprietary sound generator.In addition, they must be connected with a host computer, to obtain sound file and segment.The ability of the hardware instruments of these implanteds aspect art music, inherently and more limited wittingly, because they form around storer, ergonomics and display screen restrictions.And even when they allow repacking, electronic musical instrument also usually is subjected to the restriction of file layout.For considering that with above similar design electronic musical instrument all adopts the proprietary storage format based on standard technique: the floppy drive that the nonstandard file formula is arranged.People thirst for a kind of electronic musical performance instrument that very big original creation dirigibility is arranged.

Description of drawings

(0008) when reading the detailed description that each parts is done, can understand the present invention better with reference to following drawing.Wherein:

Fig. 1 has showed the critical piece (prior art) of conventional electrical music performance musical instrument

Fig. 2 has showed the keyboard of conventional music style, it can with PC coupling (prior art)

Fig. 3 shows that wherein the musical instrument bonnet is turned up through improved electronic musical performance instrument, and this is for the ease of showing

Fig. 4 has showed the another kind of optional structure through improved electronic musical performance instrument

Fig. 5 has showed the critical piece through improved electronic musical performance instrument

Fig. 6 has showed output that performance instrument is connected with external device (ED)/go into to connect

Fig. 7 has showed the another kind of optional structure of electric power system

Fig. 8 has showed the functional part of typical uninterruptible power system

Fig. 9 has showed a kind of optional embodiment of electric power system

Figure 10 has showed a kind of optional embodiment of electric power system

Figure 11 has showed a kind of user selection interface

Figure 12 has showed 2 categorizing selection expander graphs of selecting the dress scheme shown in Figure 11

Figure 13 has showed a kind of Control Component that contains new-type alphabetical control element

Figure 14 has showed the alphabetical control element on the Control Component shown in Figure 13

Figure 15 is a sectional view, has showed the UBS jack of spill, is used to insert USB storage

Figure 16 has showed one through improved control interface, for being used for host application

Figure 17 has showed a kind of system trigger

Figure 18 has showed different starting menus

Figure 19 has showed an audio frequency output precision

Figure 20 has showed a Control Component circuit, and an independent programmable control panel

(0009) though the present invention can have different repackings and alternative form, its specific embodiment has provided by the example on the drawing, and below more detailed description is arranged.But be noted that drawing and description are not intended to the particular form that limit the invention to reveal, and antithesis, all repackings, coordinator and substitute in the spirit and scope of the present invention that are intended to patent is required to be limited are contained all.

Embodiment

(0011) Fig. 1 is a structural drawing, has shown the critical piece of a typical electronic musical performance instrument 10.Main user interface typically is similar to the user interface of fingerboard 12.Conventional electronic musical instrument also comprises other input medias 14, to select different sound, such as the sound of selecting upright piano, grand piano, organ, harpsichord, trombone, drum etc.; Or in order to control the parameter of sound, as trill, tremolo, volume, tone color, waveform and other etc.These examples are explanation just, and electronic musical instrument can have multiple choices on sound.

(0012) these musical instruments contain electronic software and the hardware that specific function is provided in the shell 16.For example, the conventional electrical musical instrument contains circuit 20 and is used for keyboard scan 12 to obtain input signal, reaches other input medias of scanning with acquisition input and debug signal software (not having demonstration on Fig. 1).Scanning hardware 20 and software convert control input signals and debug signal to data, and pass to sound generator 22 by communication on line 24 or 26.In some cases, the data layout of scanning hardware 20 and software generation is based on proprietary agreement.But signal generally all is a midi format.MIDI is the series hardware and the data protocol of a standard, is to be formulated by MIDI AEM (MMA).The electronic musical instrument of many routines all allows the user to turn off local to connect 24 or 26, so that with the relation between hand control keyboard 12 of other device and the control input signals 14, the relation between the another hand control sound generator 22.Except internal communication link 24 or 26, this kind musical instrument also typically provides the MIDI communication to connect 30, for musical instrument 10 is connected (and do not show) with other devices.

(0013) data received of input signal scanning hardware 20 and software can be delivered to sound generator 22.Sound generator 22 is to be made up of the proprietary hardware and software of manufacturer, can handle these data, and produces digital audio and video signals or simulated audio signal.Sound generator 22 can be passed to other devices with these digital audio and video signals and simulated audio signal respectively very typically by connecting 32 and 34.These musical instruments have contains loudspeaker 40, and it has inner the connection with the analogue audio frequency element, can convert simulated audio signal to can hear voice signal (music).The electronic keyboard 50 that also has other types in addition.

(0014) Fig. 2 is a structural drawing, has shown the critical piece of these devices.Although these devices have one to be similar to the input keyboard 52 that supplies the keyboard 1 of compositor 10 usefulness among Fig. 1, and are similar to musical instrument, they are not musical instruments, because they can not produce sound or electroacoustic signal.But they often comprise and aforementioned similar scanning hardware 60 and software.In these devices, be sent to other communications protocol hardware or software such as USB from the data-signal of scanning hardware.USB is the abbreviation of general continuous transfer bus, is the communication connection protocol of personal computer industry standard.These devices also provide a USB to connect, so that this device is connected with other devices except that providing MIDI to connect 70.

(0015) Fig. 3 embodiment has showed through improved electronic musical performance instrument 100.It adopts one 61 key full size keyboard 102, its speed and after touch the sensor key layout player is familiar with.In other embodiment of this device, the quantity of key can be different.Other common key structures have 76 keys, or grand piano 88 keys.But as previously mentioned, the interface of other types also has, and more suitable to some application.For example, want to send the sound of percussion music as the user, it is more suitable to add so once the cover backing plate.For simplicity, this introduction may unrestrictedly refer to user interface with this term of keyboard.The keyboard aspect of the user interface of people expectation is to belong to help to operate the sort of, is similar to the operation of music performance artist to more conventional musical instrument.Musical instrument 100 has also adopted various adjustings and control interface device 104, as procedure Selection or change key 106; Pitch, modified tone and other parameter regulation wheel 108; Volume or other parameter regulation slide rails 110; Stir knob 112; Bottom switch/foot keyboard input; 1/4 inch phono plug at machine rear portion (not showing among this figure).Other control input also is possible---as dial 114 or push-and-pull and back and forth wheel 116 switch handles (and do not show), T handle (and do not show), around sound processor handle (and do not show) or touch pad and knob (and do not show), knob or multinomial adjusting knob (and do not show).In the embodiment shown, compositor also contains an input media 118 and 120, and this is very familiar concerning PC user.Fig. 3 has showed trace ball 118, and it has 4 options buttons.In other embodiments, also available other indicating devices.In the embodiments of figure 3, it comprises an alphanumeric style keyboard, and this is very familiar concerning PC user.Also have loudspeaker 122 can produce sound on this musical instrument.Loudspeaker 122 is not essential parts.If but do not have loudspeaker, this musical instrument should have output to connect (below will more go through), is used to export digital audio signal, or analoging sound signal, or the two is exported simultaneously.

(0016) embodiment of Fig. 3 displaying also comprises 2 displays 124 and 126.Have 2 displays not need, even a display does not need yet.But preferably has a small displays at least, with the current state of reflection device.In addition, especially high-grade musical instrument preferably has at least ability that a display is connected on the musical instrument so that the user can with musical instrument effectively interactive (below will more go through).

(0017) 2 displays of Fig. 3 displaying are in order to show different types of information.Middle part display 124 can be used to show music score, and another display can be used to show regulating and controlling and sonorific other information, or how input signal is handled by sound generator and other electronic units.In an embodiment of the present invention, display is a touch-screen type.The user can directly control the operation of musical instrument by touch-screen.

(0018) Fig. 3 has also showed a removable storage media device 128.In the figure, the CDROM read/write driver displays.Attention: available other mobile storage means replaced C DROM read/write driver, or install additional separately.In addition, mobile storage means is not that the present invention is strict essential.

(0019) still,, just must there be communication to connect,, can downloads or upload e-file from the Internet like this so that musical instrument can connect with a mobile storage means or network if do not adorn mobile storage means.This communication connects such as USB, and FIREWIRE (being IEEE communication protocol standard 1394a), Ethernet or wireless (as IEEE802.11b, 802.11g or bluetooth high-fidelity standard hardware/software) agreement connect.This connection makes the people can be with other wireless artificial interface devices (HID), and as wireless indicator and wireless alpha-numeric keyboard, or dock with musical instrument at other music fingerboard or music interface.These devices can connect through wireless mode (by a wireless protocols), or do wired connection by FIREWIRE or USB.

(0020) another important feature of musical instrument shown in Figure 3 is the assembly type of input block.For example, input module 130 can exchange with other assemblies (as assembly 132 or 134).Equally, other are shown as 104 assembly, and assembly 126,124,122,102 and 121,120,118 (as a unit) all can exchange with miscellaneous part.In some cases, an assembly can be substituted by a plurality of assemblies.For example display 126 can be replaced by two assemblies 128 and 129.Conversely speaking, in some cases, 2 assemblies that slot is interior also can be substituted by an assembly.For example assembly 128 and 129 can be replaced by display module 126 or 124.Many other assemblies are also at the row of plan.For example, be similar to the DJ style CD Player of assembly 128 and 129.Other DJ style input modules (as delineation formula player) all are possible alternatives.In addition, the combination of many different assemblies is also among plan.

(0021) Fig. 4 has showed the embodiment 140 of substituted type.It also comprises piano style keyboard 142.In addition, it also comprises slot 144,146 and 148.These slots can ccontaining above-mentioned assembly shown in Figure 3.Fig. 4 has showed a kind of Pop-up alpha-numeric keyboard 121, and when not needing it, it may be withdrawn in the musical instrument.The present invention also comprises many other mode configurations.For example in certain embodiments, assembly comprises a discrete mimic channel, is used for audio signal.In these embodiments, Control Component has an analogue audio frequency access port, in order to receive simulated audio signal, transfers to discrete analog circuitry processes then.In other embodiments, Control Component has an analogue audio frequency exit, in order to export the sound signal of being crossed by discrete analog circuitry processes.

Other embodiment may also have the audio interface outlet by existing audio interface inlet.These circuit boards may also comprise analog/digital converter, or digital/analog converter, and sound signal is communicated with so that handle with the system miscellaneous part.Other Control Components may have digital input/output end port when the discrete mimic channel.

(0022) in other embodiments, Control Component may comprise the Copy Protection circuit, as has the safety-key in the system.This safety-key can be sought by system, begins to start so that proprietary software is used.For example, in some cases, may be provided for the software of specific function to the user.Only after the user had bought associated hardware module and has been installed in the system, complete function can be operated or have to this software.

(0023) Fig. 5 has showed the inside critical piece of invention 100 shown in Figure 3.The core of circuit is a personal computer processor in the musical instrument, and it is installed on the PC motherboard 150.Among embodiment, motherboard is small-sized ATX motherboard therein.Realize that by scanner hardware/software 152 and motherboard electronics is connected such as keyboard 102 such assemblies, and scanner can scan and detect the state of each key of keyboard.In a preferred embodiment, keyboard components is interchangeable, and scanner hardware/software is integrated with keyboard components 102.Like this, when pulling down keyboard components 102, scanner circuitry has just removed with keyboard elements.Shown in the type, the information that scanner hardware/software 152 is collected can directly pass to motherboard 150 (and do not show), or passes to motherboard 150 by MIDI communication hardware/software 154.MIDI communication hardware/software 154 in embodiment illustrated in fig. 5 also is assembly type, can pull down by an access panel (and do not show) of pusher side, maybe can change different MIDI cards into.In other embodiments, scanner hardware can directly be sent to motherboard 150 with information by circuit.On the motherboard 150 sort circuit is arranged, be intended to support reception this information.In other embodiments, keyboard components can comprise the USB circuit, and it can connect by the USB circuit 156 on USB line 158 and the motherboard 150.Perhaps, these assemblies can connect by the live wire circuit 160 on live wire line 162 and the motherboard 150.In an embodiment, also can be without USB connection, live wire or MIDI, and use other communication protocol.Although do not show that on Fig. 5 similar connection all is suitable for the major part of other assemblies shown in Figure 3.On prototype, the inventor has mainly used the USB connection to most of input module, but monitor videography system (VGA) is connected, because it is the common method of attachment of parts monitor.But monitor is not necessarily non-to be connected by VGA.

(0024) motherboard 150 can move conventional proprietary PC operating system (OS), as Microsoft's Window, UNIX OS or LINUX OS.In an illustrated embodiment, computer processor forwards to once starting shooting on the high-speed boot drive 164.Although any high-speed driver all is fit to this purposes, the inventor has used the random-access memory (ram) system on present embodiment.In the preferred embodiment, high-speed boot drive 164 can be selected some part (OS optimizes version, and for example, toggle speed is optimized an edition windows xp) of OS, so as musical instrument can be after startup at once (or almost being at once) sound.If OS enough big or that select for use is enough little for high-speed boot drive 164, high-speed boot drive 164 can comprise part or all of whole OS or pronunciation program 170.In a single day randon access memory system speed is very fast, and needs repacking, can start the back at device and newly change configuration with newly organized code weight rapidly.If the storage capacity that startup driver 164 contains is not enough, can obtain the remainder of OS sign indicating number from a conventional driver 166 on the motherboard 150 by connection.Non-volatile/MAGNETIC RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY (NV/MRAM) chip extremely is suitable for use as high-speed boot drive 164.Number of chips in the system depends on the size of OS and the size of the software that will call rapidly.In the present embodiment, start driver 164 and hard disk driver 166 and all packed in the casing 101 of musical instrument 100, therefore can change it by access panel 155 and 157 (machine shown in Figure 3 rear portion).

(0025) Fig. 7 has showed the another kind of embodiment of new performance instrument.Wherein contain a uninterrupted power source 250, be the electronic component power supply of musical instrument.Fig. 8 has showed a kind of uninterrupted power supply (ups) Unity of routine.Circuit is arranged in it and have specific function.Fig. 8 has pressed function demonstration these circuit.UPS 252 receives conventional alternating current by input 254 from conventional outlet (and do not show).Power supply is received UPS output 256 by line 255.The electricity of input 254 also enters circuit 258, and transfers direct current to.Direct current is used to battery 260 chargings.Whether circuit 262 is sensed output 256 by circuit 264 has electric current to pass through.In case it senses power failure, get started the direct current in the battery is changed into alternating current, and flow to output 256, and the restriction electricity drains to input 254 from circuit 256 simultaneously.Some UPS is sometimes referred to as continuous UPS, and they can not deliver to output 256 from importing 254 with alternating current.As long as have electricity to be fed to input 254, or battery 260 has enough electricity, these UPS will provide from AC/DC converter 262 always.

(0026) Fig. 7 has showed two kinds of different embodiment of UPS, and difference is that the connection of usefulness is 270 or 272, and UPS 250 is connected with common power 180.In Fig. 7, power supply 180 has 2 parts: AC/DC part 280, and direct current component 282.AC/DC part 280 may be able to change into one or more alternating currents the direct current of one or more different voltages.Direct current component 282 may receive the direct current of different voltages from AC/DC part 280, and delivers to each electronic unit of musical instrument.Direct current component 282 also may be able to partly receive the direct current of same voltage from AC/DC, and it is become the direct current of different voltages, and delivers to each electronic unit of musical instrument.

(0027) have a kind of embodiment to use line 270 between UPS 250 and power supply 180, and UPS 250 also includes AC/DC converter 262, its two kinds of structures are as described in the epimere.Other has a kind of embodiment to use line 272 between UPS 250 and power supply 180, and at this moment AC/DC converter 262 is optional.Directly given the DC component 282 of power supply 180 from the direct current of battery.

(0028) in the embodiment shown in fig. 7, have the assembly slot of a sky to be used for ccontaining UPS 250, and power supply 180 is used to the electronic unit electrical power distribution to musical instrument.In another embodiment, UPS can comprise the circuit that the electricity that power supply 180 is provided is changed and distributed.

Another embodiment sees shown in Figure 9, power supply 180 be not assembly type but include a battery 290, so that electricity is changed over to UPS.In this embodiment, power supply provides direct current by AC/DC converter 292, comes battery charge, directly or by battery 290 delivers to AC/DC converter 294 then.

(0029) another embodiment sees shown in Figure 10ly, and alternating current inputs to AC/DC converter 292 and circuit 296, and the former will become alternating current the direct current of multiple voltage.In the present embodiment, battery also will be connected with circuit 298, because the latter can become alternating current to the electricity of battery from direct current, and alternating current is delivered to circuit 296.In another embodiment, musical instrument is convenient to each function operations of musical instrument for providing one to start choice menus.This choice menus may be that the user is modifiable, promptly can increase or delete option.In certain embodiments, when pack into musical instrument or when musical instrument removed, this choice menus can automatically or semi-automatically be changed the setting of oneself of discernible software or nextport hardware component NextPort.An embodiment so as shown in figure 11.In this embodiment, the user has several selections: 1) mode of operation; 2) start a music application; 3) control interface, a surface is set; 4) other system parts or function are set; 5) enter operating system desktop; 6) other selections.These select each all can open a new window, for doing the surface selection are set, and this comprises: 1) fader plate; 2) Rotation Controllers plate; 3) alphabetical control panel; 4) basic display unit; 5) other.The thin portion of mode of operation shows and comprises: performance 1, performance 2, performance d (d represents default).Music application is selected to comprise: 1) V-Stack; 2) Cubase; 3) Orion Pro; 4) reason; 5) other.These examples all are available commercially application.

(0030) although thinking, the applicant on the conventional interface selection as much as possible is arranged preferably, but the user will be in the face of a series of selections in each embodiment, they can enlarge and can dwindle, depend on user's selection, shown in having had and described power supply, even primary power is cut off, musical instrument still can be operated incessantly.In addition, musical instrument can also be fixed on sleep state, electricity consumption still less and can be come into operation rapidly like this.Musical instrument can also be fixed on hibernation-like state, so still less than above-mentioned way electricity consumption.But to spend more recovery times when global function comes into operation again.These can replace ram driver in the improvement aspect the musical instrument power supply, or therewith use, so that musical instrument can start rapidly.

(0031) in the present embodiment, operating system can select one in 3 sound synthesis programs 170 to send information.In this embodiment, the user can have a selection, promptly selects from various sound composite software bags.In this machine, can increase more software package, as long as they can be compatible with the operating system of computer.But remember that this may cause leaving out existing sound composite software bag.These software packages can be that manufacturer is proprietary, or the third party is proprietary, or the user is proprietary.The user have simultaneously more than one select unimportant, Du Chuan right to choose importantly, the sound composite software bag that can select oneself.In the embodiment shown, the operating system of computer can be replaced by another operating system, and under this all situations, the code of operating system and sound composite software can be that increase income or proprietary.For conveniently selecting the operating system of increasing income for use, in most preferred embodiment, the scanning software that keyboard or other user's input interface units are used is also increased income, and can revise.

(0032) Fig. 5 has also showed power supply 180, and it is to be used to receive line voltage, and it is changed into the voltage that is suitable for circuit use in the musical instrument.Drive 164 (being RAM) grooves and MIDI 154 grooves except starting, this musical instrument also comprises other grooves 184.The back will be introduced them in detail.

(0033) get back to Fig. 3, plate 180 is opened behind the musical instrument, shows with convenient.In fact can't see the back plate from the musical instrument front.Back plate has showed that is exported/go into an assembly 182.This plate is interchangeable assembly.In this embodiment, this assembly significant feature is with various outputs/go into other parts that signal is delivered to system.For example, motherboard 150 has the USB of oneself to support circuit 156, and it provides with the USB of miscellaneous part in the support and has been connected, or with being connected of other assemblies, making has had the communication connection in the machine.Also realized that with external device (ED) USB is connected in addition by exporting/go into assembly.Although in Fig. 3, show, export/go into assembly and contain the usb hub circuit, be connected with external device (ED) by exporting/go into assembly 182 plates to allow having more USB to be connected, to reach with machine inner assembly or USB storage card.

(0034) Figure 15 has showed the characteristics that external USB connects.It has showed that USB connection 320 is positioned on the sectional view at machine recess 322 places.Fall in is in order to protect USB storage card 324.These storage cards can contain the Copy Protection key, so that proprietary software can move.If storage card key 324 is positioned on the spigot in the machine, promptly is not protected and can be pulled out, because it has stretched in the machine by accident.Be inserted on the external socket shown in Figure 15 as USB, so recessed part can protect it unlikelyly to be pulled out by accident.In other embodiments, recessed part also can add a lid, thereby is further protected: open promptly visible the connection, shut promptly and can not insert.These recessed sockets also can be located on other peripheral equipments on (as the monomer display) or the rack mount.

(0035) in addition, export/go into assembly 182 and can contain other electronic circuits.As shown in the figure, export/go into assembly the live wire circuit is provided, connect 162 in machine, for random component and motherboard communicate information so that live wire to be provided.This is because motherboard shown in Figure 3 does not contain firewire support circuitry.This circuit also provides to the connection of assembly header board, so that connect for external device (ED) provides a live wire.Fig. 6 has showed output/go into the header board of assembly 182, and the back will go through.The machine rear portion comprises plate 186, several sockets is arranged below it, can be for being the new made component of system, so that the promising motherboard 150 of user increases the selection of sound and video interface.In this machine, the socket specification is 5  inches, can be motherboard 150 PCI is provided port.Back plate also provides people's computer card/Card Bus socket 188 one by one, to admit 1 type or the 2 type personal computer cards that are connected with motherboard 150.

(0036) as mentioned above, Fig. 6 has showed the output of embodiment provided by the present invention among Fig. 3 and Fig. 5/the go into header board of assembly 182.Wherein include: usually and 2 PS2 connecting lines of alphanumeric keyboard and indicating device coupling, 3 USB lines 202,2 live wire lines 204, export the  inch microphone connector that 206/ audio frequency is imported 208 usefulness for audio frequency, 2 microphone input sockets 210 and 212,1 can be for the games system connector 214 of PlayStation 2 usefulness such as grade, 2 extra communication interfaces 216 and 218,1 ethernet port 220,1 telephone modem port 222, DVI video port 224 (or VGA port) and a LPT port.Although do not show in the accompanying drawings that present embodiment also can comprise a wireless 802.11b communication line by the software of circuit and function circuit.Maybe can use his wireless protocols instead, as 802.11g or bluetooth.The new feature of these wireless connections is that its software makes wireless connections be connected to output MIDI with wireless mode.Although it is incompatible to move the electric part of the wireless receiver of same software and midi standard, it can become the standard midi format to signal by the MIDI electronic installation that utilizes standard.

(0037) by ethernet port, musical instrument can with internet or another computer network or the novel direct UNICOM of performance instrument, can download file or program from the Internet by browser or E-mail software, and utilize at once.In addition, but also upload file for sharing or preserving.These files can comprise music file, performance files, system configuration etc.Like this, a performing artist can be configured, set up one give a performance (as Los Angeles), online and upload configuration and performance files, the London of flying to, have the performance instrument of invention to download file from the Internet with another musical instrument at home, and prepares performance.A partner who wishes Los Angeles as the performing artist supports that he can send Email, and is dealt into London to building a file on demand by Email.This communication also can be carried out in this locality.

(0038) Figure 13 has showed a new control input element of the present invention.It can be used as the alphabetical controller of system in one embodiment of the invention.It has detailed introduction in Figure 14.It has 5 parts 300,302,304,306 and 308.In certain embodiment, to unclamp again as long as press it, it gets final product receiving inputted signal.Its central module also can receive the input signal of other types.It can move receiving inputted signal as control lever.In certain embodiment, it just has a sensor at per 45 degree.In addition, it can also insert between sensor.It can obtain 16 fens or per 22.5 degree by insertion.Central module 300 also can come acquired information by rotation as conventional letter control input unit.These parts can be controlled in every way by configuration, make performing artist's input control signal quickly.A kind of controller with volume adjuster is for example arranged, and it has 16 inputting channels of linear series, and it can be programmed, and makes you reach the most extreme (such as the channel 1 of .309, the reaching 304 channel 16) that inputting channel is selected by outside knob 304 and 308.Control lever can make you begin from a left side to jump by tangential movement, once jumps a channel, and makes you regulate the level of selected channel.Knob 302 up and down and 306 can make on the volume adjuster to the highest 302 or down to minimum 306.

(0039) when being in the rotation array configuration, knob 308 and 304 can each move on to ultra-Right limit since ultra-Left limit.Knob 302 and 306 can each since on move on to down.The control lever movement of central module 300 is from left to right or from top to bottom.The rotation of central module 300 can be controlled the setting of knob.Some other replacement device also is feasible.

(0040) Figure 16 has showed a software control interface, and it is relevant with a host application of the present invention.The characteristics at this control interface do not have on other host control panels.For example, panic control 350 and list controls 352 are arranged.Panic control 350 can make the user turn off all notes.List controls is connected on the form 354 certain single instrument or channel and all between musical instrument or the channel list.It can choose whole existing musical instrument and the channel in the tabulation in other embodiments.Under the control strip 356 in Figure 16,2 rows 357 are arranged.First row 358 is output channels; A single musical instrument of second row, 360 representatives.When practical operation, have a plurality of channel bars usually, each bar is represented an output channel, and a plurality of musical instrument bars are represented a plurality of input signals and VST " sound " or musical instrument.When with touch-screen (interpersonal interface device) coupling, the control surface of control strip 356 and musical instrument and channel bank is enough big, and available finger goes to control these functions.If although do not show in the accompanying drawings that native system can find out that touch-screen has been installed or with on musical instrument is connected, can be the bigger control surface of control interface configurations automatically.But, in a preferred embodiment, can be the user selection is provided, the configuration by to the control interface is more suitable for and indicating device coupling (be less control surface, can occur more multichannel/musical instrument simultaneously on screen) it.In the preferred embodiment, the relative size of control surface is to realize optimum the arrangement according to the interpersonal interface device of purposes and access, and the user can regulate the control surface at control interface in proportion, to adapt to its individual demand.

(0041) Figure 17 has showed another embodiment of the starter of above showing and discussing.Start-up control device 400 is on the left side of screen, be positioned at main start-up control device 402 above.In the embodiment shown, in case enter main start-up control device 402, the user just sees master menu and has following control to select: instruction, effectiveness, data 2, data, program 2 and program.The application that has started is presented at the bottom of display screen 404.The application window of opening 405 is on the application/window indicator 404 that has started, and on the right side of start-up control device 400.In another kind of embodiment, start-up control device and the application indicators that has started can conceal, and give application window and get back to the front to reserve more spaces.

(0042) Figure 18 has showed start-up control device and the segmentation of control signal separately thereof.Master controller 402 always turns back to starter master menu 410.Instruction control 406 can be pulled out instruction control menu 420, and it comprises to give an order: withdraw from, search for, put into dustbin, minimize, close.Exit instruction can be opened an acknowledgement window (not showing in the accompanying drawings), and the expression user intends withdrawing from launcher application.Search instruction can be opened a routine search or browse window.Put into the dustbin instruction and can open a dustbin window.Minimizing instruction can be reduced to minimum with window with all, and put it into the bottom with application/window indicator 404.In the time will opening an application/window of choosing, the small icon on the selectable indicator 404.A window is opened in the out code meeting, provides multiple choices: cancel this instruction, preserve all with file and turn off musical instrument, or turn off musical instrument but do not preserve all and using file.

(0043) get back to master instruction Control-Menu 410, effectiveness instruction 405 can be opened command menu 430 one time, and it contains to instruct next time: software, touch, mouse, demonstration, system, output/go into to dispose, system sounds.Software instruction can be opened a window (not showing in the accompanying drawings), makes the user can add/delete software.Touch instruction and can open a window (not showing in the accompanying drawings), make the user can dispose touch-screen HID.Mouse instructions can be opened a window (not showing in the accompanying drawings), makes the user can control other HID devices.Idsplay order can be opened a window (not showing in the accompanying drawings), makes the user can dispose display.A window (not show not in the accompanying drawings) is opened in the system directive meeting, makes the user can the configuration operation system.Export/go into configuration-direct and can open a window (not showing in the accompanying drawings), make the user can dispose aforesaid input module.The system sounds instruction can be opened a window (not show not in the accompanying drawings), makes the sound that the user can the configuration operation system.

(0044) get back to master instruction Control-Menu 410, data 2 instructions can be opened command menu 440 one time, make the user can be the data configuration file structure.Data command can be opened data time command menu, and it contains to instruct next time: heavily fill out, ordering, sample, bank, preset, sound, system data, application, operating system.Heavily fill out instruction and can open the lattice/reason of heavily filling in a form (this is an optional application software) window (not showing in the accompanying drawings).The ordering instruction can be opened a window (not showing in the accompanying drawings), makes the user that an ordering storehouse can be arranged.Sample instruction can be opened a window (not showing in the accompanying drawings), makes the user that a sample storehouse can be arranged.Banker's order can be opened a window (not show not in the accompanying drawings), makes the user that a storehouse bank can be arranged, in various performance samples are arranged.Prepositioned instruction can be opened a window (not show not in the accompanying drawings), makes the user that a storehouse can be arranged, in various sound or musical instrument are arranged.Sound instruction can be opened a window (not show not in the accompanying drawings), makes the user that a storehouse (in various VST application programs are arranged) or several voice bank can be arranged.The system data instruction can be opened a window (not showing in the accompanying drawings), makes the user can see operating system file and level.Application instruction can be opened one command menu (not showing in the accompanying drawings), and it can be types of applications and opens different application or inferior command menu (not showing in the accompanying drawings).The operating system instruction can be opened a window, makes the user can be the operating system exploration/finder that opens file.Other segmentations to instruction also are possible, and starter makes the user can reconfigure instruction, and increase the instruction of open file register, file or application program.

(0045) Figure 19 has showed another kind of audio frequency output/input module 500.It is supported by commercially available pci card and the electric processing line of other known audio frequency road plate.Embodiment has with subaudio frequency output/input on the figure: 8 analog inputs 502; 8 simulation outputs 504, form is the socket of  inch, so that the earphone stopper of  inch inserts; The analog input 506 of 2 balances, form are groove XLR connectors.Be optional between online level of these analog inputs and the earphone level; The simulation output of 2 balances, form is protruding XLR connector plug 508; 1 midi port 510; 2 living MIDI delivery outlets 512; A MIDI passes through port; The earphone socket input 524 of a foot control  inch; The earphone delivery outlet of  inch; A digital word clock 516; A digital word clock output 518; 4 digital channels (2 are connected 2 optical fiber ports with BNC through coaxial cable for 2 inputs, 2 outputs) and 2 RCA sockets 522.In one embodiment of the invention, audio frequency output/input supports that by 24 bit resolutions/96KHz this is higher than the high-quality resolution of standard CD, because the latter is generally 16 bits/44KHz.

(0046) Figure 20 has showed interchangeable general programmable controller and usb communication line road plate 550.This Programmable Logic Controller wiring board 550 makes up with control surface circuit board 552, promptly constitutes the electronic unit of Control Component 554.In one embodiment, these circuit boards are by socket (insert for, connects) direct interconnection.In another embodiment, data bus is by cable bond.In certain embodiment, control surface circuit board 552 comprises circuit or parts, as EE PROM-it includes the identification key that constitutes communication with controller line plate 550.The controller line plate extracts key message, and with the identity operation that oneself is configured to by control surface circuit board 552.In other embodiments, controller line plate 550 is information configuration of being provided by control surface circuit board 552 by main system.

(0047) controller line plate 550 comprises a CPU 556, and it is connected with a data bus 558, so that receive and send messages with the miscellaneous part on the controller line plate 550/ control surface circuit board 552.In certain embodiment, the applicant has adopted the data bus of 8 bits.A programmable logic device (PLD) chip (that now embodiment uses is CPLD) 560 also is connected with controller line plate 550 and data bus 558 thereof.This chip is as a counter (scaler) of CPU 556 chips.Just the number of signals that can import the CPU processing is counted.It has considered to adopt the still less design of the cpu chip of lead.Therefore for example, CPLD has more leads, can be from the acquisition of information simultaneously of multi-source more.In addition, CPLD chip 560 can be CPU and bears other tasks, as the scrambler that is positioned on the control surface circuit board 552 is carried out estimated amount, so just can vacate CPU and finish more difficult task.Look the difference of task, CPLD can be all or part of counting of finishing encoder output of CPU.

(0048) controller chip also comprises a PSOC 562 (programmable system on the chip processor), and it also is connected with controller data bus 558.The PSOC chip comprises that a collection of logical block (block) 564 and simulated block 566 and holding components are such as RAM and ROM (not showing in the accompanying drawings).PSOC logical block and simulated block can be finished various tasks (PSOC that the applicant chooses is from Cyprus semiconductor company) by the specification of manufacturer after configuration.For example, the logical block and the simulated block that have can be used as analog/digital converter.Other logical blocks and simulated block can be used as digital/analog converter.PSOC can also be configured to: UART that a kind of digital communication is used or IRDA modulator-demodular unit; A kind of pass filter; A kind of low-pass filter; The extra memory of system; A kind of LCD driver; A kind of Port Multiplier that is configured again for a plurality of tasks; A kind of tandom number generator; The processing temperature of measured chip, timer or clock; A kind of DTMF (dual-tone multifrequency or " button ") demoder; And many other functional configuration.To the combination of controller CPU, CPLD counter and PSOC dirigibility, can make controller with the control surface circuit board become can with the USB device of musical instrument CPU communication.Have the benefit of an independent Control Component USB controller line plate able to programme to be, this plate can be general with all Control Components, and make exploitation more easy with the new Control Component of other Control Component exchange messages.

(0049) Figure 20 has showed another unique features of Control Component.Control surface circuit board 552 contains circuit 555, and it contains a key that is utilized by the USB controller.Its (USB controller) can controlled device be used for configuration oneself, so that make control surface circuit board and general interchangeable controller line plate 550 that a behavior individual character consistent with control surface circuit board 552 be arranged.For example, if the control surface circuit board is to be the encoder system service, controller line plate 550 just must be taked and is the different action of slip bocks system service with regard to input signal.If the compound storage of control surface circuit board and controller line plate is enough big, can hold drive software, Control Component can be used as an independent USB peripheral device and operates.

(0050) design of slave controller wiring board may have the processing power higher than the treatment capacity of controller line plate.Because control surface circuit board 552 is to be connected with the controller line plate on same data bus 558, and data bus is responsible for the communication between processing controller CPU556 and CPLD 560 and the PSOC 562, therefore, the control surface circuit board may comprise extra CPLD or PSOC, dealing with more Processing tasks, thereby Control Component can be played a role as the USB peripheral device.

(0051) the present invention has considered many different business models.For example, musical instrument can be just thought the hardware sale, no matter whether it has proprietary or non-proprietary sound generation software.Proprietary sound generation software can be sold separately.In case of open source software, the seller can provide service, and is compensated by the licensing income.These services can be included as the open source code program and formulate standard, prove improvement and standards and with other system or system unit compatibility, formally authorize the version of open-source software and collect the user license expense by examination and debugging.The seller has confirmed that effective software version can make the user that software performance is had bigger confidence.

(0052) though introduced various embodiment of the present invention, these embodiment show just illustrative, and scope of invention is not so limited.May change, revise, increase and improve.These change, revise, increase and improve and also belong in the scope that is embodied in the present invention in the following claim.

Claims (1)

1, a kind of electronic musical performance instrument, it comprises:

The operator is to the control of musical instrument inputting interface; The electronic circuit that the operator is used to the monitoring of enter key; Move an operating system and can move other sound composite softwares, thereby utilize operator's input to produce the central processing unit of acoustic signal.

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