EP1149376A1

EP1149376A1 - Arrangement for creating pressure points in keyboards for piano-like keyboard instruments

Info

Publication number: EP1149376A1
Application number: EP00989797A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ulrich Hermann
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-11-25
Filing date: 2000-11-22
Publication date: 2001-10-31
Anticipated expiration: 2020-11-22
Also published as: EP1149376B1; WO2001039170A1; US6525257B1; JP2003515767A; DE50011115D1; ATE304205T1; WO2001039169A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement, with which pressure point characteristics can be simulated, such that a key stroke typical of a cembalo, as well as the key characteristics of an organ can be as near as possible approached and permits the replication of a dynamic key stroke, as well as multiple pressure points during a single key operation. At least one sensor (3) is rigidly arranged for each key (1), from which positional data, about the key, is sent to an analog signal preparation unit and a programmable analytical unit (6), which generates data for an externally connected digital signal processor (7). Each key is coupled to an electromagnet (2), which is controlled by the analytical unit, depending upon the positional data and a current program. The arrangement for the creation of pressure points in keyboards is suitable for piano-like electronic keyboard instruments, electronic cembalos and electronic organs.

Description

Arrangement for generating the pressure point in keyboards for piano-type keyboard instruments

The invention relates to an arrangement for generating pressure points in keyboards for piano-like electronic keyboard instruments, in particular in keyboards for electronic harpsichords and electronic organs, with which sensors are controlled when actuating key levers and in which key levers with a touch device consisting of a sensor are used to generate pressure points and a key magnet

Various pressure point devices in keyboards for piano-type keyboard instruments are known in the prior art, in which a pressure point is generated mechanically or magnetically

EP 0 567 024 B1 specifies a device in which two permanent magnets are arranged with the same poles to one another, so that the Overcoming the repulsive magnetic field is felt as a pressure point when the magnets are guided past one another

In an arrangement described in DE 42 23 739 4 A 1, an electromagnet is opposed to a permanent magnet to generate the pressure point. The disadvantage here is that the electromagnetic counter-magnet has only a limited effect and the arrangement requires complex production

Although the known devices make it possible to set them to a certain desired state, they do not allow their parameters to be changed during use. Another disadvantage is that immersion in the permanent magnetic field only enables relatively smooth transitions

US Pat. No. 5,922,983 describes the simulation of force-relevant mechanical processes of a grand piano or piano piano when the keys are actuated, in that a processor, using predetermined curve profiles, controls the key movement data recorded by a key sensor and controls an electromagnet assigned to the key. This device enables the feeling of playing to be simulated of a simulated piano key, but it does not allow to reproduce the significantly different tactile sensation of a pipe organ manual or that of a multi-choir harpsichord Several different types of instruments cannot be simulated by a single device

Keyboards for electronic keyboard instruments with touch dynamics are also known in the prior art, in which the key throughput speed between two contacts is evaluated A keyboard-typical keystroke, in which an initially slowly pressed key is finally accelerated to strike a still relatively loud tone, cannot be simulated with these keyboards.It would also be desirable to be able to simulate the pressure point in the same way as the key characteristics of opening and Closing the wind shutter valve one

Pipe organ comes as close as possible Here, analogous to the operation of the pipe organ, the increase in pressure point strength should be noticeable when several organ registers are added, whereby the pressure point occurs relatively spontaneously. The simulation of striking the strings should also be made palpable in a multi-choir harpsichord

The invention has for its object to provide an arrangement of the type mentioned, with which the pressure point behavior can be simulated, both a harpsichord-type and the

Touch characteristics come as close as possible to an organ and also enables a dynamic stroke and multiple pressure points to be reproduced during a key operation

According to the invention the object is achieved with an arrangement which has the features specified in claim 1

Advantageous configurations are specified in the subclaims

The arrangement according to the invention makes it possible to simulate various types of play with a comparatively simple circuit arrangement It is particularly advantageous that several pressure points can be electrically adjusted in strength, position and length. It is possible to generate the pressure point in the form of a pulse with a steep or with an increase which is formed by any curve. Different parameters for pressing and releasing the button can be selected. It is also possible that different sound generators are assigned to the keyboard.

The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment.

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of the functioning of an arrangement according to the invention,

Figure 2 is a representation of the operational phases when operating a

Key lever,

Figure 3 different embodiments for the arrangement of the

Sensor magnet,

FIG. 4 shows the block diagram of a comparator unit,

FIG. 5 shows how the keyboard logic works,

Figure 6 shows the course of the switch pulses in the

Key operation with four switches and Figure 7 shows the course of the switch pulses in the

Key operation for all seven switches

Figure 1 explains the operation of the arrangement Each key lever 1 is assigned a sensor 3, which is arranged fixed to the frame on a support plate 3 1. A plunger 1 4, which is firmly connected to the key lever 1, transmits the

Key movement on the ring magnet 4 The key stroke is limited by the stop felt 1 2. The position data of the key lever 1 are transmitted to an analog signal processing unit by signals which the sensor 3 triggers when the ring magnet 4 moves past. In the example shown, this is a comparator unit 5 but it is also possible that an analog-digital converter is used as the analog signal processing unit. The analog signal processing unit is followed by a programmable evaluation unit 6, which generates the data for externally connected digital signal processors 7. The key lever 1 is coupled to the armature of an electromagnet 2 of the evaluation unit 6 after evaluation of the position data and in dependence on a current programming via the magnet driver 13

The external digital signal processors (DSP) 7 are connected to the programmable evaluation unit 6. DSPO denotes a sound expander for organ, DSPL a sound expander for harpsichord and DSPDYN a sound expander for dynamic attack, for example a piano expander The target voltage unit 8 controls the comparator unit 5 in connection with the data field 9. The data field 9 is connected to an external computer 10 for data determination. An internal computer 11 receives data from the data memory 12, which are fed to a digital-to-analog converter 15 is used by both

Voltage regulator unit 14 and controlled by the programmable evaluation unit 6

Figure 2 shows in phases a) to f) the movement sequence when the key lever 1 is actuated. The key lever 1 is mounted in the pivot bearing 11 and is held in the rest position shown in position a) by means of weights or springs (not shown) The arrow is delimited by the stop felt 1 2 The electromagnet 2 with bobbin 2 1 and rod anchor 2 2 is positioned near a contact surface 1 3 below the button Via the contact surface 1 3, the connection between the button and rod anchor 2 2 is established The contact surface 1 3 is advantageously adjustable as a screw. The support plate 3 1, designed as a printed circuit board, is firmly connected to the keyboard frame with the sensor 3. A permanent magnet in the form of a ring is shown as the sensor magnet 4, the axis of which is connected to the keyboard frame. The ring magnet 4 has two magnetized in opposite directions semicircular segments on is in the position shown the north pole of the magnet is directed towards the sensor 3. A maximum voltage is generated on the sensor 3 in one of its two possible current directions. The ring magnet 4 is rotatably mounted on the frame and, as shown in b), is pressed by the plunger 1 4 when the key lever 1 is pressed down rotated about its axis, which weakens the effect of the magnetic field on the sensor 3 and thereby changes its voltage. In this position, the electromagnet 2 is switched on and prints its rod anchor 2.1 from below against the key lever 1. By further pressing the key, overcoming the magnetic force of the electromagnet 2, the key - as shown in FIG. 2 c) - reaches the switch-off position of the electromagnet 2. The pressure point is now overcome and a key acceleration takes place instead of. In the position shown in phase d) the

Magnet 2 has its weakest effect on sensor 3, since neither the north nor south direction is directed at the sensor. In this case, the sensor 3 delivers half the operating voltage as in the uninfluenced state. When the key is moved further, the ring magnet 4 is rotated further, so that the opposite magnetic direction acts on the sensor 3. This position is shown in Figure 2 e).

As a result, the other direction of current is generated there and the operating voltage drops further. For dynamic evaluation of the sensor data, a sensor is directly connected to sensor 3, which evaluates the analog voltage. After the key lever 1 has reached position d), the connection between the plunger 1.4 and the ring magnet 4 is released and the magnet can move freely accelerated. He turns his south pole towards sensor 3. The ring magnet 4 is moved back into the starting position by suitable resilient magnets or by magnets arranged in opposite poles. This state corresponds to the representation in f). It is advantageous to use the magnet 4

Weighting weights to create moments of inertia that can be felt in the key. The voltage amplitude generated by the spinning of the ring magnet 4 at the output of the sensor 3 is evaluated by the processor in such a way that either a voltage measurement or a time measurement is terminated at the moment the amplitude drops and the values reached

Data values are converted into dynamic values as valid.

In FIGS. 3 a to 3 c there are different designs for the arrangement of Sensor magnets 4 shown The sensor 3 and a guide iron 3 2 which increases the magnetic flux are arranged on the printed circuit board 3 1. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 3 a, circular segments of two opposite-pole magnets are provided. The device resembles a hammer movement and only requires short movements, which results in a weight weight is coming

In the arrangement shown in FIG. 3b, two magnets are also used. In this case, two oppositely arranged magnets move vertically past the sensor 3. This arrangement is particularly suitable for the piano and harpsichord playing modes

The arrangement shown in FIG. 3 c requires only one magnet with vertical polarity. It is simple to carry out and is well suited if only the organ is played

FIG. 4 explains the structure and mode of operation of a comparator unit 5. Sensor 3a is assigned to a first button and sensor 3b to the next button. While the outputs of sensors 3 are combined with the upper inputs of comparators K1, the lower ones

Comparator inputs connected to the lines of the target voltage bus to which the target voltages U _so ιi [i η are applied. Different target voltages produce a different switching state when the sensor voltage changes at the outputs of the comparators at different times (key positions). The seven switches thus formed are determined

Functions allocated For this there are three switch groups SG. The comparators K2 to K4 and K5 to K7 each form a switch group SG. Each switch group SG consists of a pair of switches SP and one Reverse switch with the comparator K4 or K7 The comparator Kl is provided for all switches as a general reset in the idle state of the button and has top priority for all switches. Taking into account the hierarchy that within a switch group the set voltage U _so ιι from one to the next comparator is always high or is lower, the switch distances can be changed as desired. It is even possible to move the two switch groups so that they overlap or are moved to the opposite position If one of the switch groups is moved outside the voltage range of the sensor, this becomes ineffective

The function of the keyboard logic 6 is shown in FIG. 5. The functionality of the modules sensor 3, comparator unit 5, target voltage unit 8 and data field 9 corresponds to the mode of operation described above. The external digital signal processors 7 are connected to the keyboard logic 6 with their address lines ADR and data lines DAT In data field 9, a selection is made as to which digital signal processor 7 is controlled. DSPOrgel 7 1, DSPCembalo 7 2 and DSPDYN (piano) 7 3 are optionally provided, ie they do not have a common data bus. This has the advantage that different sound expanders can be controlled from the keyboard , even organ and piano at the same time In order to imitate a two-tone harpsichord, there are two switch groups.Thanks to the above-mentioned displaceability of the switch groups, the simulated string choir can be selected and arranged.If no register is drawn in this way, no pressure point can be felt on he frequently practiced dynamic stroke type evaluates the time between two switching stages. In the case of the keyboard logic according to the invention, this takes place between the comparator switch positions K3 and K5. In the case of a combination piano-organ, the organ tone with the piano tone is on the comparator K5, which otherwise lies on comparator K3 when the pressure point ends. Comparators K4 and K7 play a subordinate role in the tone switching

Figure 6 shows the extraction of the pressure points and the use of sound in

Playing in organ mode The switch positions of the comparators Kl to K4 appear as symmetrical steps when the button is moved down (down) and after the stop again up (up). The comparator Kl releases the sound channel with its L signal. The comparator K2 sets a flip-flop register FF and thus switches the pressure point down

DPd for the magnetic driver MT 13 1 on. The comparator K3 then resets and ends the pressure point time. At the same time a flip-flop register is set for switching on the organ tone. An active signal is present at the organ output DATO for the organ tone duration t ₀ for the DSPO the key depth reaches the switch position K4, with which a flip-flop register is also set, but which is only reset by the comparator Kl. The switch assignment for the key movement direction up is inverted because the comparator K3 now sets the flip-flop Register and the comparator K2 resets. The organ tone t ₀ thus ends in a hysteresis

Pressure point signal now appears, determined by the comparator K4, at the output DPu MT13 2, the pressure point up magnet driver. The pressure point strength can therefore generally be weaker here or be switched off completely, since both pressure point outputs can be controlled separately.This creates a one-way pressure point when the key is at rest the comparator Kl in the H state

It is an essential feature of the facility that the number of in an organ-drawn register can be palpably depicted as pressure point weight. The changeable values for the organ registers defined in the data memory 12 are summed up in the computer 11 and made available for the magnet driver 13 via the digital-analog converter 15 for voltage regulation 14. This creates a register-dependent pressure point weight. The

The same applies to manual couplings. This is where the greatest differences in force occur that can be felt by the keyboard.

Figure 7 shows the entire switch pulse staircase for the comparators K1 to K7. This corresponds to the type of double-choir harpsichord. They are both

Switch groups activated. A 4-foot and an 8-foot string choir are assumed. It is common that the strings lying on top of each other are not pulled synchronously but one after the other. This harpsichord characteristic is taken into account with a second, similar pressure point. The basic procedure corresponds to that in the explanation of

Pressure point recovery in the organ described in Figure 6. The character of the harpsichord, however, differs significantly from the organ. The harpsichord has only decaying strings, but a dynamic attack is hardly possible. If a harpsichord key is literally struck, a typical body noise is created, which is simulated by a special noise emple and corresponds to the tone sample according to the duration of the first pressure point pulse t _A is added. For this reason, the pressure point pulse is output at the data output DATC, which means the longer it is, the less noise. Only a spontaneous short pressure point pulse is suitable for displaying this impact noise.

Unlike the organ tone, the harpsichord tone t _{c is} not ended by the comparators K2 or K5. The end here is with a switch in front, because with the back pressure point insert that is very striking Touchdown begins, which ends with the damping of the string t _D and produces a not insignificant characteristic overtones rich in overtones. All this necessary key-related information can be provided by the device according to the invention and used by special harpsichord samples. Though the sounds and sounds as

Registers appear separately, they are caused by only one key and therefore the pressure point pairs are also combined. So you can feel four pressure points with a key movement. However, the declining pressure point DPu is naturally much weaker to assume. As can be seen from FIG. 7, the sequence for the 8 'register is exactly the same as for the 4' register.

By moving the switch groups, the 8 'register can even be played as an upper string choir. The register selection is made by programming the desired voltages Usoii, since in the harpsichord a pressure point only arises when the string is struck, the pressure point is output by the keyboard logic 6 for each harpsichord register that is pulled. Playing in the

Harpsichord type is only possible when the piano mode and the organ mode are switched off. Playing multiple modes is possible with multi-manual keyboard instruments.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 button lever

1 1 pivot bearing

1 2 stop felt

1 3 contact surface

1 4 pestles

2 electromagnet

2 1 coil

2 2 anchors

2 3 anchor rod

3 sensor

3 1 support plate

3 2 guide rails

4 sensor magnet

5 comparator unit

6 keyboard logic

7 external digital signal processor (DSP)

8 target voltage unit

9 data field

10 external computers for data polling

11 internal computers

12 data memories

13 magnetic drivers

14 voltage control unit

15 digital-to-analog converters

16 DPd pressure point douwn

17 DPu pressure point up

18 DATO data organ

19 DATC data harpsichord

MT magnet driver data to time pulse organ tone tc time pulse harpsichord sound t _A time pulse for touch sound tD time pulse for steamer sound

4 harpsichord 4-foot registers

8 'Harpsichord 8-foot register

Usoll nominal voltage

K comparator

GRS general reset

Claims

P A T E N T A N S P R U C H E

1 device for generating pressure points in keyboards for piano-like electronic keyboard instruments, in particular in keyboards for electronic harpsichords and electronic organs, with which sensors (3) are controlled when actuating key levers (1) and in which key levers (1) are used to generate pressure points Scanning device consisting of a sensor (3) and a key magnet (4) are connected, characterized in that for each key lever (1) at least one sensor (3) is arranged fixed to the frame, from which position data of the key lever (1) to an analog signal processing unit are transmitted, which is followed by a programmable evaluation unit (6), which generates data for externally connected digital signal processors (7) and that the key levers (1) are each coupled to an electromagnet (2) which is transmitted from the evaluation unit (6) after evaluation the position data and depending on current programming via Magne t driver (13) is controlled

2 Device according to claim 1, characterized in that a comparator unit (5) is used as the analog signal processing unit

3 Device according to claim 1, characterized in that as

Analog signal processing unit an analog-digital converter is used

4 Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the electromagnet (2) has a rod-shaped armature (2 1) which, when a button is pressed, contacts a contact surface (1 3) arranged on the underside of the button lever (1)

5 Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact surface (1 3) consists of an adjusting screw

6 Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Hall sensors are used as sensors (3), which are excited by at least one key magnet (4) designed as a permanent magnet

7 Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (3) by a radially magnetized

Ring magnet (4 0) is excited

8 Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ring magnet (4 0) is actuated via a lever arrangement or a tangential drive

9 Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the programmable evaluation unit (6) consists of a keyboard logic associated with the device, which is programmable via a data field (9) or via an external computer (10) and data for the

Magnet driver (13) and externally connected digital signal processors (7) processed and assigned

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the programmable evaluation unit (6) consists of a computer.

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magnetic driver (13) two of

Controllable amplifier (13.1 and 13.2) assigned to the direction of the key movement, the output voltage of which excites the electromagnet (2) via an OR link.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electromagnet (2) is excited with a delay via a controllable RC element or a pulse width control.

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the comparator unit (5) from a plurality of

There are analog comparators (5.0), the first input of which is connected to the voltage output of the sensor (3) and the second input has a different, programmable and controllable target voltage which is generated in a target voltage unit (8).

14. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensors (3) are connected to a comparator unit (5) with which different switching points (Kl to K7) are formed for different key positions by determining voltage values of a target voltage unit (8).

15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the keyboard logic is assigned a computer (11) which Data of at least one of the digital signal processors (7), which are determined by an external register input (16), with data of a data memory (12), the data of which are selected via the data field (9), compared and evaluated.

16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magnetic drivers (13) are switched by a keyboard logic (6) and by a driver voltage generated in a voltage unit (14) in connection with the data field (9) and / or by one Computer (11) can be controlled via digital-analog converter (15).

17. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the comparator unit (5) contains seven analog comparators (Kl ... K7), each of which is connected to a sensor (3), the comparators (Kl ... K7 ) form three switch groups, of which two switch groups each have three comparators

Contain (K2 ... K4 or K5 ... K7), which serve as a setter, reset and inverter, and a switch group has a comparator (Kl), which serves as a general set.