EP3984018A1

EP3984018A1 - Multi-axis foot pedal for electric musical instruments

Info

Publication number: EP3984018A1
Application number: EP20745193.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sonja SCHELLENBERG
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-07-24
Filing date: 2020-07-23
Publication date: 2022-04-20
Anticipated expiration: 2040-07-23
Also published as: US20220351709A1; EP3984018B1; WO2021013953A1; DE102019120024A1; DE102019120024B4; US11756517B2

Abstract

A control device (1) for controlling the sound of an electric musical instrument has a tread plate (2) and a signal generator (3). The tread plate (2) is mounted pivotally about a first axis (4a) and is mounted pivotally about a second axis (4b). The signal generator is configured such that it generates a first electrical signal for controlling the sound and a second electrical signal for controlling the sound, the first electrical signal being the result of a rotation of the tread plate (2) about the first axis (4a) and the second electrical signal being the result of a rotation of the tread plate (2) about the second axis (4b). A control system comprises a control device of this type and the electric musical instrument.

Description

MULTI-AXIS FOOT PEDAL FOR ELECTRIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

DESCRIPTION

Technical area

The present invention relates to a control device for controlling a sound of an electric musical instrument. In particular, the present invention can relate to a foot pedal for controlling two or more manipulated variables for interactive sound shaping of an electrically amplified musical instrument.

State of the art

In many cases, the sound of a musical instrument is amplified electrically and the sound is changed electrically (e.g. effects device). The change in sound can be changed in one or more control variables depending on the equipment used. The human-machine interface is usually characterized by operating elements such as rotary knobs, switches / buttons or graphic operating interfaces. When playing music, only a few of these manipulated variables are directly accessible for many instrumentalists, as both hands are used to play the instrument (e.g. guitar). An alternative as a possible input option that can be operated at the same time is the use of foot pedals.

In addition to pure switching functions, swell pedals for continuously adjusting the volume ("volume pedal"), a tunable filter ("wah wah") or another variable ("expression pedal") are common. All of them are limited to a single continuously adjustable one Common size, which may be supplemented with a switching function.

With some electronic musical instruments one encounters possibilities for changing two or more sizes by means of a trackpad / touchpad or a pointing instrument. These controls offer a wide range of options for influencing the sound, but must be operated with the hands and are therefore impractical for many instrumentalists.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates to a control device for controlling a sound of an electric musical instrument, the control device comprising: a Step surface which is arranged rotatably about a first axis and is arranged rotatably about a second axis; and a signal generator configured to generate a first electrical signal to control the sound and a second electrical signal to control the sound, the first electrical signal being based on a rotation of the tread around the first axis and the second electrical signal is based on a rotation of the tread around the second axis.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a control system comprising the control device and the electric musical instrument.

With the control device of the present invention, it is possible to control a sound of an electric musical instrument by rotating the step surface about a first axis and about a second axis. A rotation around the first axis generates a first electrical signal, and a rotation around the second axis generates a second electrical signal, and a sound of the electrical musical instrument can be controlled with the aid of these two signals.

This makes it possible, for example, for a user of the control device to operate the electrical musical instrument with both hands and at the same time to operate the control device with one foot by rotating the tread surface about the first and / or the second axis. Thus, in particular, the user can continuously change two or more parameters of the sound at the same time by moving the foot while operating the electric musical instrument with both of his hands. In this way new sound experiences can be created and artistic expression can be intensified.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1A shows a right side view of the control device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention with two joints (7a, 7b), two potentiometers (14a, 14b) and two associated cables when the step surface (2) is in a neutral position .

Fig. IB shows a right side view of the control device (1) according to the embodiment of the present invention with two joints (7a, 7b), two potentiometers (14a, 14b) and two associated cables when the tread (2) is in a deflected position . Fig. 1C shows a front view of the control device (1) according to the embodiment of the present invention with two joints (7a, 7b), two potentiometers (14a, 14b) and two associated cables when the tread (2) is in a neutral position. Fig. 1D shows a front view of the control device (1) according to the embodiment of the present invention with two joints (7a, 7b), two potentiometers (14a, 14b) and two associated cables when the step surface (2) is in a deflected position.

Fig. IE shows a top view of the control device (1) according to the embodiment of the present invention with two joints (7a, 7b), two potentiometers (14a, 14b) and two associated cables.

Fig. 2A shows a right side view of the control device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention with two joints (7a, 7b), two potentiometers (14a, 14b) and two associated toothings.

Fig. 2B shows a front view of the control device (1) according to the embodiment of the present invention with two joints (7a, 7b), two potentiometers (14a, 14b) and two associated toothings.

Fig. 3A shows a right side view of the control device (1) according to one

Embodiment of the present invention with a ball joint, two Hall sensors and two magnets. Fig. 3B shows a front view of the control device (1) according to the embodiment of the present invention with a ball joint, two Hall sensors and two magnets.

Fig. 3C shows a plan view of the control device (1) according to the embodiment of the present invention with a cardanic suspension, two Hall sensors and two magnets.

Fig. 4A shows a right side view of the control device (1) according to one

Embodiment of the present invention with a cardanic suspension, two Hall sensors and two magnets. Fig. 4B shows a front view of the control device (1) according to the embodiment of the present invention with a cardanic suspension, two Hall sensors and two magnets.

Fig. 4C shows a plan view of the control device (1) according to the embodiment of the present invention with a cardanic suspension, two Hall sensors and two magnets.

FIG. 5A shows a right side view of the control device (1) according to various embodiments of the present invention with a spring (26) and a switch (25) which is actuated mechanically by a plunger (27). The embodiment according to Figure 2A has been shown as an example.

Fig. 5B shows a right side view of the control device (1) according to various embodiments of the present invention with a first central force sensor (24a) for generating a third electrical signal based on a force acting perpendicularly on the step surface and / or a second central force sensor (24b ) to perform a switching function .. The embodiment according to Figure 2A has been shown as an example.

Fig. 6 shows a top view of the control device (1) according to various

Embodiments of the present invention with one or more virtual axes (21a, 21b, 21c).

Fig. 7 shows a top view of the control device (1) according to various

Embodiments of the present invention having one or more virtual zones (22a-22f).

Fig. 8 shows a top view of a control device (1) according to various

Embodiments of the present invention with force sensors (23a-23h) which are arranged on the step surface (2) of the control device (1).

Description of the embodiments

In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. According to one aspect of the present invention, a control device (1) for controlling a sound of an electric musical instrument comprises: a step surface (2) which is arranged to be rotatable about a first axis (4a) and is arranged to be rotatable about a second axis (4b); and a signal generator (3) which is configured to generate a first electrical signal for controlling the sound and a second electrical signal for controlling the sound, the first electrical signal being based on a rotation of the step surface (2) about the first axis (4a) is based and the second electrical signal is based on a rotation of the step surface (2) about the second axis (4b).

This makes it possible, for example, for an artist to operate the electrical musical instrument with both hands and at the same time use one foot to turn the tread around the first and / or the second axis. This allows the artist to change the two parameters of the sound while operating the electric musical instrument with both of his hands. Thus new sound experiences can be created and the artistic expression can be intensified.

The first axis (4a) can run parallel to the step surface (2). Alternatively, the first axis can enclose a first axis angle with the step surface, the first axis angle being greater than 0 ° and less than 90 °. A first axis angle of o ° corresponds to the case that the first axis runs parallel to the step surface (2), and a first axis angle of 90 ° corresponds to the case that the first axis runs perpendicular to the step surface (2). The first axis angle may be 30 ° or 40 ° for example, 0 °, 5 ^0, 10 °, 20 °,. The second axis (4b) can run parallel to the step surface (2). Alternatively, the second axis can enclose a second axis angle with the step surface, the second axis angle being greater than 0 ° and less than 90 °. The second axis angle can be, for example, ⁰ °, 50 °, 10 °, 20 °, 30 ° or 40 °. In a first example, the first axis (4a) and the second axis (4b) can each run parallel to the step surface (2). In a second example, the first axis (4a) can run parallel to the step surface (2) and the second axis (4b) can have an axis angle between 0 ° and 90 ° (i.e. more than 0 ° and less than 90 °) with the step surface ( 2) include, or vice versa. In a third example, the first axis (4a) can enclose a first axis angle between o ° and 90 ° (i.e. more than 0 ° and less than 90 °) with the step surface and the second axis (4b) can enclose a second axis angle between o ° and Include 90 ° with the step surface (2). The first and second axis angles can be the same or different. The aforementioned settings of the two axes (4a, 4b) relative to the step surface (2) enable a user to operate the step surface (2) and thus control the sound by rotating the step surface (2) around the two axes (4a, 4b) facilitate. The signal generator (3) can be configured such that it generates the first signal in response to the rotation of the tread surface (2) about the first axis (4a) and the second signal in response to the rotation of the tread surface (2) about the second Axis (4b) generated. The step surface (2) can, for example, initially be arranged in a neutral position. When the step surface (2) is rotated about the first axis (4a), the signal generator (3) can generate the first signal. When the step surface (2) is rotated about the second axis (4b), the signal generator (3) can generate the second signal. A deflected position denotes a state of the step surface (2) in which the step surface (2) is rotated, starting from the neutral position, about the first axis (4a) or about the second axis (4b).

Furthermore, the first signal can depend on a first angle of rotation of the step surface (2) about the first axis (4a), and the second signal can depend on a second angle of rotation of the step surface (2) about the second axis (4b).

Further, the first signal can be configured to control a first parameter of the sound, and the second signal can be configured to control a second parameter of the sound, wherein the first and second parameters of the sound can be different from each other. The first and / or the second parameter of the sound can be a continuous parameter such as a volume (as with a “volume pedal”), a tunable filter (as with a “wah-wah”) or another variable (as with an "expression pedal"). The first and / or the second parameter can in particular be a continuously adjustable variable. The first and / or second parameter can be changed continuously by continuously changing an angle of rotation of the step surface (2) about the respective axis. The first parameter can be set larger, the larger or the smaller the first angle of rotation is. The second parameter can be set larger, the larger or smaller the second angle of rotation is. The first and / or second parameter need not necessarily increase or decrease monotonically, however, as a function of the respective angle of rotation. Thus, a user of the control device (1) can control several parameters of the sound at the same time in a variety of ways by moving the step surface (2). In particular, two or more parameters can be continuously changed simultaneously by moving a foot. Thus new sound experiences can be created and the artistic expression can be intensified.

Further, the first electrical signal can be configured to control a first sound or first sound effect, and the second electrical signal can be configured to it controls a second sound or second sound effect, wherein the first sound or first sound effect may be different from the second sound or second sound effect, and wherein the resulting sound of the electric musical instrument (l) is based on the first sound or first sound effect and on the second sound or second sound effect.

In other words, not only individual parameters of the sound can be controlled with the aid of the control device (1), but entire sounds or sound effects can be controlled. In particular, by rotating the tread around the first axis (4a) and the second axis (4b), entire sounds or sound effects can be mixed or transferred into one another. Thus new sound experiences can be created and the artistic expression can be intensified.

In particular, the control device (1) can be configured so that it receives a first electrical sound effect signal for controlling a first sound effect and a second electrical sound effect signal for controlling a second sound effect. The first electrical signal can control the first sound effect by adjusting, amplifying, attenuating or modulating the first electrical sound effect signal, and the second electrical signal can control the second sound effect by adjusting, amplifying, attenuating or modulating the second electrical sound effect signal.

In other words, the control device (1) can be used as a 2-in-i mixer. The first and the second sound effect signal can be fed to the control device (1) from the outside, and the strength of the first and the second sound effect signal can be determined by moving the step surface (2) around the first axis (4a) and around the second axis (4b ) be adjusted. It is thus possible to fade easily in one movement between the first and the second sound effect, or the first and / or the second sound effect can be reduced to a minimum. For example, the electric musical instrument may be a guitar that has a magnetic pickup and a piezo pickup; each of the signals can then be connected to the device, and by tilting the platform, both volume and mixing ratio can be controlled. Thus new sound experiences can be created and the artistic expression can be intensified.

According to one aspect of the invention, the first signal is independent of the rotation of the step surface (2) about the second axis (4b) and the second signal is independent of the rotation of the step surface (2) about the first axis. This enables the user to easily set the first and second signals precisely by rotating the step surface (2) differently adjust. In particular, the first and the second parameters of the sound can thus be set precisely and independently of one another.

The first signal can also depend on the rotation of the step surface about the second axis (4b), and the second signal can also depend on the rotation of the step surface (2) about the second axis. For example, the two parameters of the sound can be changed depending on one another. For example, the dependence of the first signal on an angle of rotation of the step surface (2) about the first axis (4a) can be different depending on how large the angle of rotation of the step surface (2) is about the second axis (4b). In this way, a multitude of complex and novel sound experiences can be created and the artistic expression can be intensified.

According to one aspect of the invention, the first axis (4a) can have a first distance from the step surface and the second axis (4b) can have a second distance from the step surface (2), the first distance being equal to the second distance. Furthermore, the first distance and / or the second distance can be equal to zero, so that the first axis (4a) and / or the second axis (4b) lies in the step surface. Furthermore, the first axis (4a) and the second axis (4b) can be arranged perpendicular to one another. This makes it easier for a user to operate the step surface (2) and thus control the sound through the respective rotations of the step surface (2) about the two axes.

The first angle of rotation can be in a first interval between a first minimum angle of rotation and a first maximum angle of rotation, for example between -22 ⁰ and +22 ⁰ , between -20 ⁰ and + 20 °, between -15 ⁰ and +15 ⁰ or between - io ° and + io ° can be changed. The second angle of rotation can, in a second interval between a second minimum rotation angle and a second maximum rotation angle, for example between - 40 ° and + 40 °, between -30 ⁰ and + 30 °, between -20 ⁰ and + 20 °, between - 15 ⁰ and +15 ⁰ or between -io ° and + io °. The first minimum rotation angle does not equal to the negative first maximum angle of rotation be, ie, the first angle of rotation can, for example, in an interval between -22 and +15 ⁰ ⁰ be changeable. The same applies to the second angle of rotation.

A user of the control device (1) can use the control device (2) as a foot pedal. In this case, the user can place a foot on the step surface (2) so that the step surface (2) can be rotated about the first axis (4a) when the user rotates the foot about the first axis (4a) and the step surface can be rotated about the second axis (4b) when the user rotates the foot about the second axis (4b). The first minimal Angle of rotation, the first maximum angle of rotation, the second minimum angle of rotation and the second maximum angle of rotation can each be set so that they correspond to a possible or a comfortable rotation of a foot or ankle of the user about the respective axis (4a, 4b). This makes it easier for a user to operate the step surface (2) and thus control the sound through the respective rotations of the step surface (2) about the two axes.

The control device (1) can furthermore comprise a support surface (5) and a bearing (6). The bearing connects the step surface (2) with the support surface (5), so that the step surface (2) is arranged to be rotatable about the first axis (4a) and about the second axis (4b). When a user uses the control device (1) as a foot pedal, the support surface (5) can rest on a solid base, for example on a floor.

The control device (1) can be configured so that the step surface (2) automatically returns to the neutral position if no external torque acts on the step surface (2). In the neutral position, the step surface (2) can be arranged parallel to the support surface (5). The automatic return to the neutral position can be implemented by a return mechanism which comprises one or more compression springs. When an external torque acts on the step surface (2), for example when a user loads the step surface (2) with a foot, the step surface (2) is rotated about the first axis, for example, and a compression spring can thereby be compressed. If the external torque becomes smaller, for example because the user reduces the load on the step surface (2), the compression spring presses the step surface (2) in the direction of the starting position, i.e. the neutral position. If the external torque disappears completely, for example because the user lifts his foot off the step surface (2), the step surface (2) can automatically return to the neutral position.

As shown in FIGS. 1A to 2B, the bearing can comprise a first joint (7a) and a second joint (7b), the first joint (7a) being configured in such a way that the tread surface (2) about the first axis (4a ) is arranged rotatably, and wherein the second joint (7b) is configured such that the step surface (2) is arranged rotatably about the second axis (4b).

In particular, the first joint (7a) can comprise a first joint element (8a) and a second joint element (8b), and the second joint (7b) can comprise a third joint element (8c) and a fourth joint element (8d), the first joint element (8a) is attached to the support surface (5), and wherein the second joint element (8b) is connected to the first joint element (8a), so that the second joint element (8b) is about the first axis (4a) is rotatable, and wherein the third joint element (8c) is attached to the second joint element (8b), and wherein the fourth joint element (8d) is connected to the third joint element (8c), so that the fourth joint element (8d) the second axis (4b) is rotatable, and wherein the step surface (2) is attached to the fourth joint element (8d), and wherein the first joint (7a) is configured such that the step surface (2) rotates around the first axis ( 4a) rotates when the second joint element (8b) rotates about the first axis (4a), and wherein the second joint (7b) is configured so that the tread (2) rotates about the second axis (4b) when the fourth joint element (8d) rotates about the second axis (4b).

The fastening of the various components of the control device (1), such as the joint elements, the step surface and the support surface, to one another can be achieved by various fastening means, such as, for example, screws, nails, glue or welding. Furthermore, for example, a first joint element can comprise a curved groove and a second joint element can comprise a curved spring, the spring engaging in the groove such that the second joint element is connected to the first joint element and is rotatable about an axis.

The first joint element (8a) can comprise a first sliding surface (9a) and the second joint element (8b) a second sliding surface (9b), the first joint (7a) being configured in such a way that the second joint element (8b) moves relative to the first joint element (8a) moves when the second sliding surface (9b) slides on the first sliding surface (9a), and wherein the third joint element (8c) comprises a third sliding surface (9c) and the fourth joint element (8d) a fourth sliding surface (9d ), wherein the second joint (7b) is configured so that the fourth joint element (8d) moves relative to the third joint element (8c) when the fourth sliding surface (9d) slides on the third sliding surface (9c).

One or more of the sliding surfaces (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) can be curved in such a way that their centers of movement are on or close to the tread surface (2).

Specifically, the first sliding surface (9a) can have a concave cylindrical segment surface (9a) around the first axis (4a) with a first radius, the second sliding surface (9b) can have a convex cylindrical segment surface (9b) around the first axis (4a) with the first radius, the third sliding surface (9c) be a concave cyclinder segment surface (9c) around the second axis (4b) with a second radius, and the fourth sliding surface (9d) be a convex cyclinder segment surface (9d) around the second axis (4b) with the second radius. It should be noted that the control device (1), as shown in FIGS. 1A to 2B, can comprise a left-hand first joint and a right-hand first joint, the left-hand first joint and the right-hand first joint being the first joint (7a), and wherein the left-hand first joint and the right-hand first joint are arranged on different sides of the second axis (4b).

Furthermore, the control device (1) can comprise a step, wherein the step comprises two parallel side surfaces, and wherein one of the two parallel side surfaces is the step surface (2) and the other of the two parallel side surfaces is a contact surface.

The left-hand first joint can comprise a left-hand side surface, which is configured such that the contact surface of the footboard rests against the left-hand side surface when the second angle of rotation is equal to the second minimum angle of rotation. The right-hand first joint can comprise a right-hand side surface which is configured such that the abutting surface rests against the right-hand side surface when the second angle of rotation is equal to the second maximum angle of rotation.

Furthermore, the device can comprise a left-hand second joint and a right-hand second joint, wherein the left-hand second joint and the right-hand second joint are each the second joint (7b), and wherein the left-hand second joint and the right-hand second joint are on different sides of the first Axis (4a) are arranged.

The left-hand second joint may comprise a left-hand curved side surface which is configured such that the contact surface of the footboard rests against the left-hand curved side surface when the first angle of rotation is equal to the first minimum angle of rotation. The right-hand second joint comprise a right-hand curved side surface which is configured such that the abutment surface abuts the right-hand curved side surface when the first angle of rotation is equal to the first maximum angle of rotation. In this situation, the tread surface (2) is still rotatable about the second axis (4b) due to the curvature of the respective curved side surface.

As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the bearing (6) can comprise a ball head (10) with a ball or a ball section. The rotation of the step surface (2) about the first axis (4a) and about the second axis (4b) is realized in this case by the ball head (10). The ball head (10) can be mechanically secured against twisting with the aid of a rotation lock (12) if only two axes are to be active. As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, the bearing (6) can comprise a cardanic suspension with a first pivot bearing and a second pivot bearing, the first pivot bearing being configured such that the tread surface (2) can be rotated about the first axis (4a) is arranged, and wherein the second pivot bearing is configured such that the step surface (2) is arranged rotatably about the second axis (4b).

Furthermore, the bearing (6) can comprise one or more slideways.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the signal generator (3) can comprise a first signal generator element and a second signal generator element. The first signal generator element can be configured to generate the first signal based on a rotation of the step surface (2) about the first axis (4a), and the second signal generator element can be configured to generate the second signal based on a rotation of the Step surface (2) generated around the second axis (4b).

As shown in FIGS. 1A to 2B, the first signal generator element can be a first potentiometer (14a) and / or the second signal generator element can be a second potentiometer (14b). As shown in Fig. 1A to IE, the first and the second potentiometer (14a, 14b) can each be attached to the support surface (5). As shown in Fig. 2A to 2B, the first and / or the second potentiometer can be attached to the step surface (2) or to the bearing (6).

As shown in FIGS. 3A to 4C, the first signal generator element can be a first magnetic sensor or Hall sensor (19a), and / or the second signal generator element can be a second magnetic sensor or Hall sensor (19b). As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the first and second Hall sensors (19a, 19b) can each be fastened with the holder (11) or with the support surface (5). As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, the first and second Hall sensors (19a, 19b) can each be fastened to the bearing (6).

Furthermore, the control device can comprise: a magnet (20a, 20b) belonging to the respective Hall sensor (19a, 19b), the control device (1) being configured in such a way that a position of the associated magnet (20a, 20b) is relative to the respective Hall sensor (19a, 19b) changes when the step surface (2) rotates about the axis (4a, 4b) belonging to the respective Hall sensor (19a, 19b), and the control device (1) thereby rotates the respective Hall sensor (19a, 19b) causes the output voltage to change depending on the position of the associated magnet (20a, 20b). If, for example, the first and / or the second Hall sensor (19a, 19b) is attached to the holder (11) or to the support surface (5), the associated magnet (20a, 20b) can be connected to the ball head (10) or be attached to the bearing (6). If, for example, the first and / or the second Hall sensor (19a, 19b) is attached to the ball head (10) or to the bearing (6), the associated magnet (20a, 20b) with the bracket (11) or be attached to the support surface (5). In this way, a position of the associated magnet (20a, 20b) changes relative to the respective Hall sensor (19a, 19b) when the step surface (2) rotates around the axis belonging to the respective Hall sensor (19a, 19b) (4a, 4b) rotates, and thereby the control device (1) causes the respective Hall sensor (19a, 19b) to change the output voltage depending on the position of the associated magnet (20a, 20b).

Furthermore, the step surface (2) can be arranged rotatably about a third axis, the third axis running perpendicular to the step surface (2), and wherein the signal generator (3) is further configured to generate a third electrical signal to control the sound generated, wherein the third electrical signal is based on a rotation of the step surface (2) about the third axis. The rotatable arrangement of the step surface (2) around the third axis can be realized similarly as described above for the first and the second axis, for example by a ball joint or by a cardanic suspension with a first pivot bearing, a second pivot bearing and a third pivot bearing.

As shown in Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B, the control device (1) can further comprise a base (28). The support surface (5) can be arranged to be movable relative to the base (28) in a direction perpendicular to the support surface (5). As shown in Fig. 5A, the control device (1) can furthermore comprise an elastic element (26), preferably one or more springs (26), the elastic element (26) in this way between the support surface (5) and the base (28 ) is arranged that when a force acts perpendicularly on the support surface (5), the force causes a deformation of the elastic element (26). When the elastic element (26) is compressed, the elastic element (26) can be designed to provide a counterforce which acts on the support surface (5).

In particular, the support surface (2) can initially be arranged in a neutral position with respect to the base (28), the support surface (2) being at a defined distance from the base (28) in the neutral position. The control device (1) can be configured in such a way that the support surface (2) automatically returns to the neutral position if no external force acts perpendicularly on the tread surface (2). The automatic return of the The contact surface (2) in the neutral position can be implemented by a return mechanism which comprises the elastic element (26), preferably the one or more springs (26), as shown in FIG. 5A. If an external force acts vertically on the step surface (2), for example if a user loads the step surface (2) with a foot, the external force can be exerted from the step surface (2) via the bearing (6) onto the support surface (5) be transmitted. As a result, the distance between the supporting surface (5) and the base (28) can be reduced and the one or more springs (26) can be compressed. When the external force becomes smaller, for example because the user reduces the load on the tread surface (2), the spring force of the one or more springs (26) press the contact surface (5) in the direction of the starting position, i.e. the neutral position of the contact surface (5 ). When the external force disappears completely, for example because the user lifts his or her foot off the step surface (2), the support surface (5) can automatically return to the neutral position with respect to the base (28).

As shown in Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B, the control device (1) can also be equipped with a switching or touch function, which is activated by a vertical load on the tread (2). With the aid of such a switching or touch function, the control device (1) or the electrical musical instrument can be switched on or off, for example.

For example, as shown in Fig. 5B, the control device (1) can comprise a second central force sensor (24b) which measures a force acting perpendicularly on the step surface (2) and, depending on the measured force, performs the switching or touch function. The second central force sensor (24b) can be arranged centrally with respect to the step surface (2). The control device (1) can further comprise a plunger (27), wherein, when a force acts perpendicularly on the step surface (2), the plunger (27) is configured such that it transmits the force to the second central force sensor (24b) , and wherein the second central force sensor (24b) is configured to measure the transmitted force and to perform the switching or touch function based on the measured transmitted force.

In particular, the plunger (27) can be connected to the support surface (5) and the second central force sensor (24b) can be arranged wholly or partially in the base (28). In this case, a force acting vertically on the step surface (2) can be transmitted to the support surface (5) via the bearing (6); the support surface (5) can move vertically in the direction of the base (28) and / or the plunger (27) can exert a force on the second central force sensor (24b); this power can through the second central force sensor (24b) can be measured, and depending on the measured force, the second central force sensor (24b) can perform the switching or touch function. Alternatively, the second central force sensor (24b) can be connected to the support surface (5) and the plunger (27) can be arranged partially or entirely in the base (28).

As an alternative to the second central force sensor (24b), as shown in FIG. 5A, the control device can comprise a switch (25) and a plunger (27). When a force acts perpendicularly on the step surface (2), the plunger (27) can mechanically actuate the switch (25) and thereby perform the switching function. The plunger (27) and / or the switch (25) can be arranged centrally with respect to the step surface (2).

In particular, the plunger (27) can be connected to the support surface (5) and the switch (25) can be arranged partially or entirely in the base (28). Alternatively, the switch (25) can be connected to the support surface (5) and the plunger (27) can be arranged partially or completely in the base (28). When a force acts perpendicularly on the tread surface (2), it is transmitted to the bearing surface (5) via the bearing (6); the support surface (5) thereby moves vertically in the direction of the base (28). This reduces a distance between the plunger (27) and the switch (25), and as a result the switch (25) is mechanically actuated by the plunger (27) in order to perform the switching function.

In particular, the control device (1) can be configured such that it generates a first electrical reset signal and a second electrical reset signal when executing the switching function for switching off the control device (1), the first reset signal being configured such that it resets the first parameter of the sound to a first initial value, and wherein the second reset signal is configured to reset the second parameter of the sound to a second initial value.

In other words, a switch or button can be integrated into a base (28) of the control device (1), which switches on the sound processing when weight is placed on the step surface and / or resets the variable parameters to an initial value when released. This switch or button can either be a mechanical switch or button or a sensor for acting force or for contact, for example touch or capacitive. In this way, the sound processing can be switched off as long as the control device (1) is not operated. Thus, the user can use the sound control more specifically as needed, and also energy can be saved and costs can be reduced. As shown in Fig. 5B, the control device (1) can furthermore comprise a first central force sensor (24a) which measures a force acting perpendicularly on the step surface (2) or a weight force acting on the step surface (2) and the signal generator (3 ) causes a third electrical signal to be generated to control the sound based on the measured force. The first central force sensor (24a) can in particular be arranged centrally with respect to the step surface (2). The control device (1) can further comprise a plunger (27), wherein, when a force acts perpendicularly on the tread surface (2), the plunger (27) is configured in such a way that it transmits the force to the first central force sensor (24a) and wherein the first central force sensor (24a) is configured to measure the transmitted force and cause the signal generator (3) to generate a third electrical signal for controlling the sound based on the measured transmitted force.

The plunger can be connected to the support surface (5) and the first central force sensor (24a) can be arranged partially or entirely in the base (28). Alternatively, the first central force sensor (24b) can be connected to the support surface (5) and the plunger (27) can be arranged partially or entirely in the base (28).

In particular, the plunger (27) can be connected to the support surface (5) and the first central force sensor (24a) can be arranged wholly or partially in the base (28). In this case, a force acting vertically on the step surface (2) can be transmitted to the support surface (5) via the bearing (6); the support surface (5) can move vertically in the direction of the base (28) and / or the plunger (27) can thereby exert a force on the first central force sensor (24a); this force can be measured by the first central force sensor (24a), and depending on the measured force, the first central force sensor (24a) can cause the signal generator (3) to generate the third electrical signal for controlling the sound. Alternatively, the first central force sensor (24a) can be connected to the support surface (5) and the plunger (27) can be arranged partially or entirely in the base (28).

Furthermore, instead of the first central force sensor (24a), the control device (1) can also comprise a signal spring, which is configured such that it is elastically deformed by a force acting perpendicularly on the step surface (2) and causes the signal generator (3) to generate a third electrical signal for controlling the sound based on the elastic deformation, preferably based on a change in length of the signal spring caused by the elastic deformation. In particular, the signal spring can be arranged centrally with respect to the step surface (2). Furthermore, the signal spring be connected to the support surface (5) and partially or wholly arranged in the base (28). In particular, the support surface (5) can be connected to the base (28) via the signal spring and can be arranged to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the base (28). The signal spring can correspond to one of the above-described one or more springs (26) of the restoring mechanism of the support surface (5) with respect to the base (28) or be designed separately from these.

Note that the control device (1) can contain both the second central force sensor (24a) or the switch (25) and the first central force sensor (24b) or the signal spring. A single force sensor can be used simultaneously for the first central force sensor (24a) and the second central force sensor. Alternatively, the first central force sensor (24a) and the second central force sensor (24b) can be designed separately.

In other words, the control device (1) can contain a suspension which converts the spring deflection into an electrical control signal when the tread is loaded with weight. In this way, an additional parameter of the sound can be controlled by evaluating the movement in the direction perpendicular to the tread, similar to an accelerator pedal.

As shown in Fig. 6, the control device (1) can also control two or more parameters or manipulated variables via a number of virtual axes (21a, 21b, 21c) which are calculated from input values by electronics or software.

In particular, the control device (1) may comprise a signal converter, such as electronics or software, the signal converter being configured to convert the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal into a fourth electrical signal for controlling the sound. The fourth electrical signal can further be configured to control a fourth parameter of the sound, wherein the fourth parameter can be different from the first parameter and / or the second parameter. The fourth electrical signal can depend on a fourth angle of rotation of the step surface (2) about a virtual axis (21a, 21b, 21c), the virtual axis (21a, 21b, 21c) being at a first virtual axis angle to the first axis (4a) and is arranged at a second virtual axis angle to the second axis (4b), each of the first and second virtual axis angles being greater than 0 °. The virtual axis (21a, 21b, 21c) can run parallel to the step surface (2) or include an axis angle with the step surface (2) which is greater than 0 ° and less than 90 °. As shown in Fig. 6, in particular the first axis (4a) and the second axis (4b) can be perpendicular to one another be arranged, and the virtual axis (21a, 21b, 21c) can be arranged, for example, each at an angle of 45 ^° to the first axis (4a) and to the second axis (4b).

In other words, additional signals can be obtained from the rotation of the step surface (2) about the first axis (4a) and the second axis (4b) by means of an interposed electronics. The rotations of the step surface (2) around the first axis (4a) and the second axis (4b) are then interpreted in such a way that when the step surface is rotated around a virtual or imaginary axis that is at an angle to the mechanical axes (4a, 4b), a certain parameter changes continuously, for example.

In particular, the first, second and fourth electrical signals can be configured to control a first, a second and a fourth parameter of the sound, respectively. That is, by rotating the step surface (2) about the first axis (4a) and the second axis (4b), the first, the second and the fourth parameter can be controlled at the same time. Even if the control device (1) only has two mechanical axes (4a, 4b), numerous other sound effects can thus be generated by the electronics connected in between.

As an alternative to this, the signal generator (3) can be configured, when the step surface (2) is rotated about the virtual axis (21a, 21b, 21c), that it does not generate the first electrical signal and / or does not generate the second electrical signal , but instead generates a fourth electrical signal, the fourth electrical signal being based on a rotation of the step surface (2) around the virtual axis (21a, 21b, 21c). The fourth signal can be configured to control the fourth parameter of the sound. In other words, the control device (1) can automatically recognize that the step surface is rotated around a virtual axis (21a, 21b, 21c) that differs from the first axis (4a) and the second axis (4b), and accordingly the Modify signal generation to the sound of the musical instrument based on the rotation of the platform around the virtual axis (21a, 21b, 21c) instead of based on the rotation of the platform around the first axis (4a) and / or instead of based on the rotation of the platform around to control the second axis (4b).

Further, the signal converter may be configured to convert the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal into a plurality of fourth electrical signals for controlling the sound, each signal of the plurality of fourth electrical signals being configured to have a corresponding parameter controls a plurality of fourth parameters of the sound. Each of the plurality of fourth signals can depends in particular on an angle of rotation of the step surface (2) about a corresponding virtual axis (21a, 21b, 21c) of a plurality of virtual axes (21a, 21b, 21c).

In other words, there can be several virtual axes, each of which has a different angle with respect to axes 4a and 4b. The one or more virtual axes can be calculated from input values by the signal converter, electronics or software. This means that any number of sound parameters can be controlled simultaneously. Thus, numerous new sound experiences can be created and the artistic expression can be intensified.

As shown in FIG. 7, a control device (1) according to the invention can also control two or more parameters or manipulated variables via one or more virtual zones (22a-22f). In particular, the control device (1) can comprise a signal converter which is configured such that it converts the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal into a fourth electrical signal for controlling the sound. The sound of the electric musical instrument may be based on a plurality of sound effects, each sound effect of the plurality of sound effects corresponding to a virtual zone (22a-22f) of a plurality of virtual zones (22a-22f), and wherein the fourth signal is configured so that it controls each sound effect of the plurality of sound effects depending on an inclination of the step surface in the direction of the corresponding virtual zone (22a-22f).

In other words, the control device (1) can be used as a virtual pedal board. In particular, several sound sources can be connected to the control device (1) and each assigned to a virtual zone, for example an imaginary position around the control device (1), for example on the floor. With the inclination of the step surface in a certain direction, the corresponding sound source is activated or mixed in. Neighboring positions can automatically influence each other. If, for example, the step surface is inclined in a certain direction, those sound sources can be activated which are approximately assigned to the certain direction. In this way, the user can easily and effectively control a variety of sounds or sound effects at the same time.

As shown in Fig. 8, a control device (1) according to the present invention can further comprise one or more force sensors (23a-23h) arranged on the tread, each force sensor (23a-23h) being configured to act on one of the The step surface (2) measures the force acting at the position of the respective force sensor (23a-23h), and wherein the signal generator (3) is configured so that it sends a respective electrical signal for control of the sound is generated based on the force measured by the respective force sensor (23a-23h). The respective electrical signal can be configured in such a way that it controls a respective parameter of the sound, which can be different from the first and / or the second parameter. The parameters corresponding to the respective force sensors (23a-23h) can be the same or differ from one another.

In other words, in addition to the rotary movements via the two axes (4a, 4b), signals can also be generated by exerting force or weight on the tread surface (2). The higher the force or weight on a point of the step surface (2) where a force sensor (23a-23h) is located, the stronger the corresponding signal for controlling the sound can be. The evaluation of the force signals can take place continuously and be assigned to an additional parameter in each case.

In particular, in the case of a control device (1) with force sensors (23a-23h) as described above, the signal generator (3) can be configured in such a way that it only generates the respective electrical signal for controlling the sound when the step surface (2) has a respective stop angle is inclined in the direction of the respective force sensor (23a-23h). In other words, the evaluation of the force signals can only show its effect at the end stop of the rotary movements of the pedal. Furthermore, the one or more force sensors (23a-23h) can each be arranged on the edge of the tread surface (2), the several force sensors (23a-23h) in particular at regular intervals or equal angular intervals with respect to an axis (4a, 4b) along the Edge of the step surface (2) can be arranged. For example, the control device (1) can include eight force sensors (23a-23h), each positioned at an angle of ⁰ °, 45 ⁰ , 9o ⁰ , 135 ⁰ , 180 ⁰ , 225 ⁰ , 270 ° or 315 ⁰ with respect to the first axis ( 4a) are arranged as shown in Fig. 8.

For example, the rotations around the two axes (4a, 4b) can each control a filter and the strength of a modulation effect, and the weight applied to the step surface (2) and measured by the force sensors (23a-23h) could add an echo. In a variant with force sensors (23a-23h) on the edge of the tread surface (2), for example, the final deflection can cause the filter to resonate and the modulation effect increases in speed.

The control device (1) can further be configured to initiate an electronic conversion as follows: i) an electrical resistor is led out of a potentiometer for use as an expression pedal, and / or ii) an electrical resistor from a potentiometer is used for a mixture two signals are used, and / or iii) one electrical resistance from a potentiometer is used to control built-in effect electronics, and / or iv) sensor signals from magnetic sensors, Hall sensors, photoelectric elements or piezo elements are evaluated in analog or digital fashion and control built-in effect electronics, and / or v ) Sensor signals from magnetic sensors, Hall sensors, photoelectric elements or piezo elements are digitally evaluated and converted into a control protocol for external effects devices (e.g. MIDI Control Change or SysEx).

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a rotation of the tread surface (2) drives one or more potentiometers which are used as expression input for effect devices. According to a further aspect of the present invention, a rotation of the step surface (2) is picked up by sensors and converted into a digital control protocol that controls digital devices. According to a further aspect of the present invention, the electrical signals are used to control an electrical circuit built into the electrical musical instrument itself.

It should be noted that the different variants of the individual components of the control device (1), which have been described above, can be combined with one another as desired. For example, as described above, the bearing (6) can be realized by a first and second joint (7a, 7b), by a ball joint with a ball head (10) and a bracket (11) or by a cardanic suspension (13) , and the first and / or second signal generator element can be implemented by a respective potentiometer (14a, 14b), a rotary encoder, a Hall sensor (19a, 19b), a photoelectric element or a piezo element. Each of these implementations of the bearing (6) can be combined with each of these implementations of the first and with each of these implementations of the second signal generator element. Furthermore, any combination of these realizations can be combined with any of the electronic implementations i) to iv) described above.

It should also be noted that the step surface can have any shape. For example, the step surface can be square, rectangular, round, oval or adapted to the shape of a human foot.

It should also be noted that the control device (1) can control the sound of the musical instrument by means of the force sensors (23a-23h) described above and / or by rotating the step surface (2) about the two axes (4a, 4b). This means that the control device (1) can only control the sound of the musical instrument using the force sensors (23a-23h) described above and not by rotating the tread (2) about the two axes (4a, 4b). Taxes. In other words, the step surface (2) does not have to be arranged to be rotatable about two axes (4a, 4b), and the control device (1) can control the sound of the musical instrument exclusively by means of the force sensors (23a-23h) described above.

That is, according to one aspect of the present invention, a control device (1) for controlling a sound of an electric musical instrument comprises: a step surface (2); a plurality of force sensors (23a-23h) arranged on the step surface; and a signal generator (3) configured to generate a plurality of electrical signals for controlling the sound, each force sensor (23a-23h) of the plurality of force sensors (23a-23h) being configured to have one the step surface (2) measures the force acting at the position of the respective force sensor (23a-23h) and causes the signal generator (3) to generate a corresponding signal of the plurality of signals based on the one measured by the respective force sensor (23a-23h) Strength based. It should be noted that all other aspects of the control device described herein can also be combined with a control device (1) according to this aspect.

The one or more force sensors (23a-23h) on the step surface (2), the first central force sensor (24a) and / or the second central force sensor (24b) can each be implemented, for example, by piezo elements or strain gauges. Note that the one or more force sensors (23a-23h), the first central force sensor (24a) and / or the second central force sensor (24b) can also be used as one or more pressure sensors (23a-23h), a first central pressure sensor (24a ) or a second central pressure sensor (24b) can be designated.

A control device can in particular denote a foot pedal or an electronic device for foot control. Furthermore, an electric musical instrument can be an electronic musical instrument or an electrically amplified musical instrument or a sound-shaping device. Correspondingly, a first and a second axis can in particular be a transverse axis and a longitudinal axis. Examples of controlling a sound include controlling a frequency of a filter and controlling an intensity of distortion. A parameter of a sound can in particular be a manipulated variable, and an electrical signal can, for example, indicate an electrical variable. In particular, the present invention relates to an electronic device for foot control, in which a step surface can be moved in at least two degrees of freedom on an upper side: rotation about a transverse axis and about a longitudinal axis. The movement can take place independently of one another across all axes. The effect of the mechanical movement is converted into electrical quantities, which in turn are a sound-shaping device or a control the software used. A movement around the transverse axis controls, for example, a frequency of a filter, and a movement around the longitudinal axis controls, for example, an intensity of a distortion.

List of reference symbols

1 control device

2 step surface

3 signal generators

4a, 4b axis

5 support surface

6 bearings

7a, 7b joint

8a, 8b, 8c, 8d joint element

9a, 9b, 9c, 9d sliding surface

10 ball head

11 bracket

12 rotation lock

13 cardanic suspension

14a, 14b potentiometer

15a, 15b rope

16a, 16b deflection

17a, 17b, 18 a, 18b toothed element

19a, 19b Hall sensor

20a, 20b magnet

21a, 21b, 21c Virtual axis

22a-22f Virtual zone

23a-23h force sensor

24a First central force sensor

24b Second central force sensor

25 switches

26 elastic element, spring

27 tappets

28 base

Claims

EXPECTATIONS

1. A control device (l) for controlling a sound of an electric musical instrument, the control device (l) comprising:

a step surface (2) which is arranged rotatably about a first axis (4a) and is arranged rotatably about a second axis (4b); and

a signal generator (3) which is configured in such a way that it generates a first electrical signal for controlling the sound and a second electrical signal for controlling the sound, the first electrical signal being based on a rotation of the step surface (2) about the first axis ( 4a) and the second electrical signal is based on a rotation of the step surface (2) about the second axis (4b).

2. A control device (2) according to claim 1,

the first axis (4a) and / or the second axis (4b) each running parallel to the tread surface (2) or enclosing a respective axis angle with the tread surface (2), the respective axis angle greater than or equal to o ° and less than 90 ° is.

3. A control device (1) according to claim 1 or 2,

wherein the signal generator (3) is configured to generate the first signal in response to the rotation of the step surface (2) about the first axis (4a) and the second signal in response to the rotation of the step surface (2) about the second Axis (4b) generated.

4. A control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the first signal depends on a first angle of rotation of the step surface (2) about the first axis (4a) and the second signal depends on a second angle of rotation of the step surface (2) about the second axis (4b).

5. A control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first signal is configured to control a first parameter of the sound and the second signal is configured to control a second parameter of the sound, the first and the second parameter of the sound are different from each other.

6. A control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first signal is independent of the rotation of the step surface (2) about the second axis (4b) and the second signal is independent of the rotation of the step surface (2) about the first Axis (4a) is.

7. A control device (l) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first axis (4a) and the second axis (4b) are arranged perpendicular to one another.

8. A control device (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 7,

wherein the first angle of rotation can be changed in a first interval between -22 ⁰ and +22 ⁰ , between -20 ⁰ and + 20 °, between -15 ⁰ and +15 ⁰ or between -io ° and + io °, and / or where the second angle of rotation in a second interval between -40 ⁰ and + 40 °, between - 30 ° and + 30 °, between -20 ⁰ and + 20 °, between -15 ⁰ and +15 ⁰ or between -io ° and + io ° is changeable.

9. A control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:

a support surface (5); and

a bearing (6) which connects the step surface (2) with the support surface (5) so that the step surface (2) can be rotated about the first axis (4a) and about the second axis (4b).

10. A control device (1) according to claim 9, which is further configured so that the step surface (2) automatically returns to a neutral position when no external torque acts on the step surface (2),

wherein the step surface (2) in the neutral position is preferably arranged parallel to the support surface (5).

11. A control device (1) according to claim 9 or 10,

wherein the bearing (6) comprises a first joint (7a) and a second joint (7b), the first joint (7a) being configured such that the step surface (2) is arranged rotatably about the first axis (4a), and wherein the second joint (7b) is configured such that the step surface (2) is arranged rotatably about the second axis (4b).

12. A control device (1) according to claim 11,

wherein the first joint (7a) comprises a first joint element (8a) and a second joint element (8b),

and wherein the second joint (7b) comprises a third joint element (8c) and a fourth joint element (8d),

and wherein the first joint element (8a) is attached to the support surface (5), and wherein the second joint element (8b) is connected to the first joint element (8a) so that the second joint element (8b) is rotatable about the first axis (4a) is and wherein the third hinge element (8c) is attached to the second hinge element (8b),

and wherein the fourth articulation element (8d) is connected to the third articulation element (8c) so that the fourth articulation element (8d) can be rotated about the second axis (4b), and wherein the step surface (2) is attached to the fourth articulation element (8d) and wherein the first joint (7a) is configured such that the tread surface (2) rotates about the first axis (4a) when the second joint element (8b) rotates about the first axis (4a),

and wherein the second joint (7b) is configured such that the tread surface (2) rotates about the second axis (4b) when the fourth joint element (8d) rotates about the second axis (4b).

13. A control device (1) according to claim 12,

wherein the first joint element (8a) comprises a first sliding surface (9a) and the second joint element (8b) comprises a second sliding surface (9b), wherein the first joint (7a) is configured so that the second joint element (8b) is relative to moves the first joint element (8a) when the second sliding surface (9b) slides on the first sliding surface (9a),

and wherein the third joint element (8c) comprises a third sliding surface (9c) and the fourth joint element (8d) comprises a fourth sliding surface (9d), wherein the second joint (7b) is configured so that the fourth joint element (8d) is relatively moved to the third joint element (8c) when the fourth sliding surface (9d) slides on the third sliding surface (9c).

14. A control device (1) according to claim 13, wherein:

the first sliding surface (9a) is a concave cylinder segment surface (9a) around the first axis (4a) with a first radius,

the second sliding surface (9b) is a convex cylindrical segment surface (9b) around the first axis (4a) with the first radius,

the third sliding surface (9c) is a concave cylindrical segment surface (9c) about the second axis (4b) with a second radius, and

the fourth sliding surface (9d) is a convex cylindrical segment surface (9d) about the second axis (4b) with the second radius.

15. A control device (1) according to claim 9 or 10,

wherein the bearing (6) comprises a ball joint with a ball head (10) and a holder (11), i) wherein the ball head (io) is attached to the step surface (2) and the holder (11) is attached to the support surface (5),

and wherein the ball head (10) is held by the bracket (11) so that the ball head (10) is rotatable about the first axis (4a) and about the second axis (4b), and wherein the ball joint is configured so that the step surface (2) rotates about the first axis (4a) when the ball head (10) rotates about the first axis (4a), and the step surface (2) rotates about the second axis (4b) when the ball head rotates (10) rotates around the second axis (4b), or

ii) wherein the ball head (10) is attached to the support surface (5) and the holder (11) is attached to the step surface (2),

and wherein the bracket (11) is arranged around the ball head (10) so that the bracket (11) is rotatable about the first axis (4a) and about the second axis (4b), and wherein the ball joint is configured so that the step surface (2) rotates about the first axis (4a) when the holder (11) rotates about the first axis (4a), and the step surface (2) rotates about the second axis (4b) when the holder rotates (11) rotates around the second axis (4b).

16. A control device (1) according to claim 15, further comprising:

i) a rotation lock (12) which is configured in such a way that it restricts a rotation of the ball head (10) to a rotation about the first axis (4a) and a rotation about the second axis (4b), and thereby a rotation of the step surface (2) limited to a rotation about the first axis (4a) and a rotation about the second axis (4b), or

ii) a rotation lock (12) which is configured so that it restricts a rotation of the bracket (11) to a rotation about the first axis (4a) and a rotation about the second axis (4b), and thereby a rotation of the tread (2) limited to a rotation about the first axis (4a) and a rotation about the second axis (4b).

17. A control device (1) according to claim 9 or 10,

wherein the bearing (6) comprises a cardanic suspension (13) with a first pivot bearing and a second pivot bearing, wherein the first pivot bearing is configured such that the tread (2) is arranged rotatably about the first axis (4a), and wherein the second pivot bearing is configured so that the step surface (2) is arranged rotatably about the second axis (4b).

18. A control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the signal generator (3) comprises a first signal generator element which is configured such that it generates the first signal based on a rotation of the tread surface (2) about the first axis (4a),

and wherein the signal generator (3) comprises a second signal generator element which is configured to generate the second signal based on a rotation of the step surface (2) about the second axis (4b).

19. A control device (1) according to claim 18,

wherein the first signal generator element is a first potentiometer (14a), a first rotary encoder, a first Hall sensor (19a), a first light sensor, a first photoelectric element or a first piezo element,

and / or wherein the second signal generator element is a second potentiometer (14b), a second rotary encoder, a second Hall sensor (19b), a second light sensor, a second photoelectric element or a second piezo element.

20. A control device (1) according to claim 18 or 19,

wherein the first signal generator element is a first potentiometer (14a) and / or the second signal generator element is a second potentiometer (14b),

and wherein the respective potentiometer (14a, 14b) is configured in such a way that an electrical resistance therein changes as a function of an angle of rotation of the step surface (2) about the axis belonging to the respective potentiometer (14a, 14b) and that of the respective potentiometer ( 14a, 14b) associated signal is based on the changed electrical resistance of the respective potentiometer (14a, 14b).

21. A control device (1) according to claim 20, further comprising:

one to the respective potentiometer (14a, 14b) belonging cable pull with an associated cable (15a, 15b) and an associated deflection (16a, 16b), the respective potentiometer (14a, 14b) and the deflection (16a, 16b) with the Support surface (5) are attached, and the two ends of the rope (15a, 15b) are attached to the step surface (2) and the deflection (16a, 16b) and the respective potentiometer (14a, 14b) revolve,

and wherein the cable pull is configured such that a length of the cable (15a, 15b) changes between a fastening point of the cable (15a, 15b) on the tread surface (2) and the respective potentiometer (14a, 14b) when the tread surface changes (2) rotates around the axis (4a, 4b) belonging to the respective potentiometer (14a, 14b), and the cable pull thereby causes the respective potentiometer (14a, 14b) to adjust the electrical resistance depending on the length of the cable (15a, 15b ) between the attachment point and the respective potentiometer (14a, 14b).

22. A control device (l) according to claim 20, which further comprises: a toothing belonging to the respective potentiometer (14a, 14b) with an associated first toothing element (17a, 17b) and an associated second toothing element (18a, 18b),

wherein the first toothed element (17a, 17b) is attached to the bearing (6) and the second toothed element (18a, 18b) is attached to the respective potentiometer (14a, 14b),

and wherein the first toothed element (17a, 17b) is configured such that it rotates when the step surface (2) rotates about the axis associated with the respective potentiometer (14a, 14b),

and wherein the second gear element (18a, 18b) is configured to rotate when the first gear element (17a, 17b) rotates, and the second gear element (18a, 18b) thereby causing the respective potentiometer (14a, 14b) to change the electrical resistance depending on an angle of rotation of the step surface (2) around the axis belonging to the respective potentiometer (14a, 14b).

23. A control device (1) according to claim 22,

wherein the first toothed element (17a) is a first gear or a first gear section and the second gear element (17b) is a second gear or a second gear section.

24. A control device (1) according to any one of claims 18 to 23,

wherein the first signal generator element is a first Hall sensor (19a) and / or the second signal generator element is a second Hall sensor (19b),

and wherein the respective Hall sensor (19a, 19b) is configured in such a way that an output voltage thereof varies around the axis (4a, 4b) belonging to the respective Hall sensor (19a, 19b) as a function of an angle of rotation of the step surface (2) changes and the signal belonging to the respective Hall sensor (19a, 19b) is based on the changed output voltage of the respective Hall sensor (19a, 19b).

25. A control device (1) according to claim 24, further comprising:

a magnet (20a, 20b) belonging to the respective Hall sensor (19a, 19b), the control device (1) being configured in such a way that a position of the associated magnet (20a, 20b) relative to the respective Hall sensor ( 19a, 19b) changes when the step surface (2) rotates about the axis (4a, 4b) belonging to the respective Hall sensor (19a, 19b), and the control device (1) thereby rotates the respective Hall sensor (19a, 19b) causes the output voltage to change depending on the position of the associated magnet (20a, 20b).

26. A control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the step surface (2) is furthermore arranged to be rotatable about a third axis, the third axis running perpendicular to the step surface (2),

and wherein the signal generator (3) is further configured to generate a third electrical signal for controlling the sound, wherein the third electrical signal is based on a rotation of the step surface (2) about the third axis.

27. A control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sound is based on a first sound effect and a second sound effect, wherein the first sound effect and the second sound effect are different from each other, and wherein the first electrical signal is configured to be controls or causes the first sound effect and the second electrical signal is configured to control or cause the second sound effect.

28. A control device (1) according to claim 27, which is configured to receive a first electrical sound effect signal for controlling or causing the first sound effect and a second electrical sound effect signal for controlling or causing the second sound effect,

and wherein the first electrical signal controls or effects the first sound effect by adjusting the first electrical sound effect signal and the second electrical signal controls or effects the second sound effect by adjusting the second electrical sound effect signal.

29. A control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which further comprises:

a transducer configured to convert the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal into a fourth electrical signal for controlling the sound.

30. A control apparatus (1) claim 29, wherein the fourth electrical signal is configured to control a fourth parameter of the sound, the fourth parameter being different from the first parameter and / or the second parameter.

31. A control device (1) according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the fourth electrical signal depends on a fourth angle of rotation of the step surface (2) about a virtual axis (21a, 21b, 21c), the virtual axis (21a, 21b, 21c ) is arranged at a first virtual axis angle to the first axis (4a) and at a second virtual axis angle to the second axis (4b), each of the first and second virtual axis angles being greater than 0 °.

32. A control device (1) according to claim 31, wherein the virtual axis (21a, 21b, 21c) runs parallel to the step surface (2) or includes an axis angle with the step surface (2) which is greater than 0 ° and less than 90 ° is.

33. A control device (1) according to one of claims 31 or 32, wherein the first axis (4a) and the second axis (4b) are arranged perpendicular to one another, and wherein the virtual axis (21a, 21b, 21c) are each at an angle from 45 ⁰ to the first axis (4a) and to the second axis (4b).

34. A control device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 28, further comprising: a signal converter configured to convert the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal into a plurality of fourth electrical signals for controlling the sound , wherein each signal of the plurality of fourth electrical signals is configured so that it controls a corresponding parameter of a plurality of fourth parameters of the sound, and preferably wherein each signal of the plurality of fourth signals is from an angle of rotation of the tread (2) by a corresponding virtual Axis (21a, 21b, 21c) of a plurality of virtual axes (21a, 21b, 21c) depends.

35. A control device (1) according to claim 29, wherein the sound is based on a plurality of sound effects, each sound effect of the plurality of sound effects corresponding to a virtual zone (22a-22f) of a plurality of virtual zones (22a-22f), and wherein the fourth signal is configured to control or cause each sound effect of the plurality of sound effects depending on an inclination of the step surface in the direction of the corresponding virtual zone (22a-22f).

36. A control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which further comprises one or more force sensors (23a-23h) arranged on the step surface, each force sensor (23a-23h) being configured in such a way that it acts on the step surface (2 ) measures acting force at the position of the respective force sensor (23a-23h), and wherein the signal generator (3) is configured in such a way that it sends a respective electrical signal for control of the sound is generated based on the force measured by the respective force sensor (23a-23h).

37. A control device (l) according to claim 36, wherein the signal generator (3) is configured so that it only generates the respective electrical signal for controlling the sound when the step surface (2) beyond a respective stop angle in the direction of the respective Force sensor (23a-23h) is inclined.

38. A control device according to claim 36 or 37, wherein one or more force sensors (23a-23h) are each arranged at the edge of the tread surface (2), the plurality of force sensors (23a-23h) preferably at equal intervals along the edge of the tread surface ( 2) are arranged.

39. A control device (1) according to one of claims 9 to 28, which further comprises a base (28), the support surface (5) being movably arranged with respect to the base (28) in a direction perpendicular to the support surface (5).

40. A control device (1) according to claim 39, which further comprises an elastic element (26) which is arranged between the support surface (5) and the base (28) in such a way that when a force is perpendicular to the support surface (5) acts, the force causes a deformation of the elastic element (26), wherein, when the elastic element (26) is compressed, the elastic element (26) is designed to provide a counterforce which acts on the support surface (5).

41. A control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which further comprises a first central force sensor (24a) which is configured in such a way that it measures a force acting perpendicularly on the tread surface (2) and causes the signal generator (3) to to generate a third electrical signal for controlling the sound based on the measured force, the first central force sensor (24a) preferably being arranged centrally with respect to the tread surface (2).

42. A control device (1) according to claim 41, further comprising a plunger (27), wherein when a force acts perpendicularly on the tread surface (2), the plunger (27) is configured so that it applies the force to the first central force sensor (24b), and wherein the first central force sensor (24b) is configured to measure the transmitted force and cause the signal generator (3) to generate a third electrical signal for controlling the sound based on the measured transmitted force .

43. A control device (1) according to claim 42, wherein the plunger is connected to the support surface (5) and the first central force sensor (24a) is arranged partially or entirely in the base (28), or wherein the first central force sensor (24b ) is connected to the support surface (5) and the plunger (27) is arranged partially or entirely in the base (28).

44. A control device according to one of claims 1 to 40, which further comprises a signal spring which is configured such that it is elastically deformed by a force acting perpendicularly to the step surface (2) and causes the signal generator (3) to generate a third electrical To generate a signal to control the sound based on the elastic deformation, preferably based on a change in length of the signal spring caused by the elastic deformation, the signal spring preferably being arranged centrally with respect to the step surface (2), the signal spring preferably being arranged with the step surface (5 ) is connected and is partially or entirely arranged in the base (28).

45. A control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which is further configured so that it performs a switching function for switching on or off the control device (1) or the electrical musical instrument when a force acts perpendicularly on the tread surface (2).

46. The control device (1) according to claim 45, which further comprises a second central force sensor (24b) which is configured such that it measures a force acting perpendicularly on the step surface (2) and executes the switching function based on the measured force, wherein the second central force sensor (24b) is preferably arranged centrally with respect to the step surface (2).

47. The control device (1) according to claim 46, further comprising a plunger (27), wherein when a force acts perpendicularly on the tread surface (2), the plunger (27) is configured so that it applies the force to the second central force sensor (24b) transmits, and wherein the second central force sensor (24b) is configured to measure the transmitted force and perform the switching function based on the measured transmitted force.

48. The control device (1) according to claim 47, wherein the plunger (27) is connected to the bearing surface (5) and the second central force sensor (24b) is arranged partially or entirely in the base (28), or wherein the second central one Force sensor (24b) is connected to the support surface (5) and the plunger (27) is partially or completely arranged in the base (28).

49. The control device (1) according to claim 45, which further comprises a switch (25) and a plunger (27), wherein, when a force acts perpendicularly on the step surface (2), the plunger (27) is configured such that he mechanically actuates the switch (25) and thereby performs the switching function, the plunger (27) and / or the switch (25) preferably being arranged centrally with respect to the step surface (2).

50. The control device (1) according to claim 49, wherein the plunger (27) is connected to the support surface (5) and the switch (25) is arranged partially or entirely in the base (28), or wherein the switch (25) is connected to the support surface (5) and the plunger (27) is arranged partially or entirely in the base (28).

51. The control device (1) according to one of claims 45 to 50, which is further configured such that it generates a first electrical reset signal and a second electrical reset signal when executing the switching function for switching off the control device (1), wherein the first reset signal is configured to reset the first parameter of the sound to a first initial value, and wherein the second reset signal is configured to reset the second parameter of the sound to a second initial value.

52. A control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first axis (4a) has a first distance from the step surface (2) and the second axis (4b) has a second distance from the step surface (2), i ) the first distance is equal to the second distance, and / or ii) the first distance and / or the second distance is equal to zero.

53. A control device (1) for controlling a sound of an electric musical instrument, the control device (1) comprising:

a step surface (2);

a plurality of force sensors (23a-23h) arranged on the step surface; and a signal generator (3) configured to generate a plurality of electrical signals for controlling the sound,

wherein each force sensor (23a-23h) of the plurality of force sensors (23a-23h) is configured in such a way that it measures a force acting on the step surface (2) at the position of the respective force sensor (23a-23h) and the signal generator (3) causes a corresponding signal of the plurality of signals to be generated which is based on the force measured by the respective force sensor (23a-23h).

54. A control system comprising a control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and the electric musical instrument.