JP2001228868A - Musical tone generator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a musical tone generator, capable of generating musical tone changes having a variety. SOLUTION: The musical tone generator 10 includes an upper water tank 12 and a lower water tank 14 and the water stored in the lower water tank 14 is circulated to the upper water tank 12 by a circulating path 18 which includes a pump 16. A faucet 20 is mounted at the upper water tank 12, and funnels 24a to 24d are mounted on the lower water tank 14. Musical tone parameters of sound volume, pitch, kinds of musical instruments, etc., are controlled by the outflow rate of the water 26 from the faucet 20 by a flow rate sensor 30, the flow rate of the funnel 24a by a flow rate sensor 30 and further the water splashing signals (on signals) to the funnels 24b to 24d from on/off sensors 32.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a music generating apparatus, and more particularly to a music generating apparatus using an interaction between a fluid such as water and a person as an input interface.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The inventors of the present invention have previously proposed the title "From sound installation by fluid" Tangible Sound "", which was published in the Transactions of the 4th Conference of the Virtual Reality Society of Japan, published in September 1999. In this paper, this kind of music generator was proposed.

In this conventional technique, an upper water tank and a lower water tank are connected by a circulation pump, and one tap is provided in the upper water tank.
A drain is provided in the lower water tank to receive the water flowing out of the faucet. Then, the amount of water at the faucet and the amount of water at the drain are detected, and a change in sound is caused by a change in each amount of water. Therefore, if a person inserts his hand into the fluid path from the faucet to the drain to shut off the water or change the amount of water at the drain, the sound changes accordingly.

[0004]

According to the prior art, a novel music generating device using the action of a person on water as an input interface can be realized.

However, in the prior art, the drain is
Since there was only one, the way of human action could be sensed only in one dimension, and there was no diversity in music change.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, therefore, a primary object of the present invention to provide a music generating apparatus which enables various music changes and uses a fluid-human interaction as an input interface.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A music generating apparatus according to the present invention detects a plurality of first fluids by detecting a plurality of fluid passages through which the fluid flows, and a fluid characteristic of the fluid flowing through each of the plurality of fluid passages. A plurality of first detecting means for outputting a characteristic signal, and music generating means for generating music according to music parameters determined according to the plurality of first fluid characteristic signals.

[0008] More specifically, two or more first fluid characteristic signals are combined to form one integrated parameter, such as volume and musical instrument type, volume and scale, triad and ornament.
7th sound).

In one embodiment, the music generating device includes a fluid source for supplying fluid to the plurality of fluid passages, and a fluid characteristic at the one or more fluid sources for sensing the second fluid characteristic. The apparatus further includes a second detection unit that outputs a signal, and the music generation unit controls a music parameter according to the second fluid characteristic signal.

In this case, one or more fluid supply sources are provided in the upper fluid tank, and a plurality of fluid passages are provided in the lower fluid tank, and each fluid passage receives a fluid from the fluid supply source.

In any case, the music generating means controls the music parameters according to at least one of a temporal change, a correlation and a distribution change of the fluid characteristic.

It is also possible that at least one of the plurality of fluid passages is constituted by a plurality of passage portions arranged in cascade, and each of the passage portions is provided with a first detecting means. In this case, in the at least one fluid passage, the first fluid characteristic signal from the first detecting means is obtained in a time-sequential manner, and the music generating means such as a computer generates such a time-sequential first fluid characteristic signal. , The music parameters are sequentially controlled, so that the variety of music expressions is further improved.

[0013]

The fluid characteristic detecting means is provided in each of the plurality of fluid passages.
Typically, a flow sensor is provided, and a music parameter such as a pitch or a timbre (musical instrument) is determined by a signal from each flow sensor.

Accordingly, by acting on the fluid flowing through each fluid passage to cause a change in the flow rate, a plurality of music parameters corresponding to each fluid passage are changed.

[0015]

According to the present invention, since a plurality of fluid passages to be drains are spatially arranged, it is possible to detect the spatial spread of the action of a person, and therefore a change occurs in a plurality of music parameters. Can be done. for that reason,
Music can be generated with more various changes than in the prior art.

The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A music generator 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 includes an upper water tank 12 and a lower water tank 14, and water collected in the lower water tank 14 is circulated by a circulation path 18 including a pump 16. Circulated to the upper water tank 12.

One faucet 20 is attached to the upper water tank 12, and the faucet 20 is provided with a cock 22 for adjusting a flow rate (amount of water) flowing out of the faucet 20. On the other hand, funnels 24a, 24
b, 24c and 24d are attached. Funnel 24a
Is the largest, and the other funnels 24b to 24d are smaller than the funnel 24a. When the water 26 flows out of the faucet 20,
The faucet 20 and the funnel 24a are aligned so that the water 26 is received by the largest funnel 24a.
When water is received by the funnels 24a-24d, the water flows through its lower conduit. Therefore, the lower conduits of the funnels 24a to 24d each function as a fluid passage.

The faucet 20 is provided with a flow sensor 28,
A flow sensor 30 is provided in the fluid passage of the funnel 24a. As the flow sensors 28 and 30, any flow sensor such as a conventionally known ultrasonic flow sensor, optical flow sensor, electric flow sensor, or mechanical flow sensor can be used. However, in order to realize delicate control, it is desirable to use a flow sensor with as high accuracy as possible.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a flow rate sensor utilizing the electric resistance of water was used. Referring to FIG. 2, two nichrome wires whose tips are opposed to each other at a small distance are arranged below faucet 20 and the lower pipeline of funnel 24a, and a DC voltage is applied between the nichrome wires, and an electric current between them is applied. The resistance measures the diameter of the flowing water, that is, the amount of water.

On / off sensors 32, 32, 32 are also received in lower pipelines of the funnels 24b to 24d, respectively. The on / off sensor 32 outputs an on signal when water flows into the corresponding pipeline. As the on / off sensor 32, the flow sensor shown in FIG. 2 can be used as it is. For example, in FIG. 2, when two nichrome wires are short-circuited with water, water is detected and an ON signal is output.

As shown in FIG. 3, two flow meters 28 and 30 and three on / off sensors 32, 32, 3
2 are input to an A / D converter 34 that handles MIDI called “i-Cube (product name)”. Therefore, the flow rate signals from the flow rate sensors 28 and 30 are provided as digital data to the computer 38 via the MIDI interface 36, and
An ON signal or an OFF signal from the ON / OFF sensors 32, 32, 32 is supplied to a computer 38 via a MIDI interface 36. In this embodiment, the computer 38 is a “Macintosh PowerBoo” manufactured by Apple Inc.
k ”is used. A music generation program 40a such as Max / MSP is installed in the computer 38. Max is music programming software of Opecode, and MSP is a batch for generating sound on Max. The computer 38 processes an input signal from the MIDI interface 36 in accordance with the music generation program 40a, thereby generating a Quick Time (trade name) sound source 40b incorporated in the computer 38.
To output a music signal, which is output from the speaker 42.

In this embodiment, the flow rates of the flow meters 28 and 30 and the output of the on / off sensor 32
The music parameters to be controlled are set as shown in Table 1.

[0024]

[Table 1]

In this embodiment, the faucet 20 (FIG. 1)
Corresponds to the source of the wind instrument, the largest funnel 24a (FIG. 1) corresponds to the main drain (Drain), and the remaining funnels 24b to 24d are used as sub-drain. Therefore, the source in Table 1 is the faucet 20, and the main is the funnel 24a. That is,
The volume is controlled by the flow rate (source) of the faucet 20, and the funnel 24a is controlled.
The pitch (pitch) in the 12-tone scale is controlled by the flow rate (main drain) of (1). In addition, funnel 2
Whether or not sound is actually output is determined based on the presence or absence of the flow rate 4a, and the timing at which the flow rate changes is defined as the sound generation timing. In fact, while the water flows from the faucet 20, the water level (in the funnel) almost always changes slightly. Therefore, when there is a flow rate in the funnel 24a, A
The sound is generated every signal sent from the / D converter 34 (FIG. 3), in this embodiment, every 40 milliseconds.

Further, in this embodiment, in order to incorporate the mechanism corresponding to the function of the drain in the musical instrument as described above, the sub-drain (funnels 24b to 24d) is selected and water is spilled onto the sub-drain, thereby allocating the water to each. Changed to a new tone. This means that not only a continuous value of the flow rate but also a discrete input by selection is made possible.

In one experimental example, a sub-drain (funnel 24
b-24d), respectively.
(Fig. 3) Grand piano (Acoustic Grand)
Piano), Guitar Fret Noise (Guitar Fret Noise) and Bart Tweet (Birt Tweet).

Further, in order to have a session with another musical instrument, an experiment was performed on music played by another musical instrument (group) by an orchestration method. In this case, the source is mapped to the main volume, the main drain is mapped to the drum, and the sub-drain is mapped to percussion, bass and keyboard, respectively. Basically, only the drum part (main drain) is played. The volume of each part was controlled by the flow rate of water. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to provide a flow rate sensor similar to that provided in the funnel 24a in the funnels 24b to 24d instead of the on / off sensor 32 in the embodiment of FIG.

Further, one integrated parameter may be calculated and controlled by combining fluid characteristic signals (flow rate signal and on / off signal) of the main drain and the sub drain. For example, the volume is controlled by the main drain, the musical instrument A is selected by the sub drain, and both are combined to control the volume of the musical instrument A. However, such combinations include volume and scale, triad and ornament (Suspen
ded, 7th, etc.), the strength of the attack, the length of the sound, the spread of the sound, and any combination. As described above, if the music parameters are controlled by the interaction of the respective drains, it is possible to give a musical spread and expressive power.

For example, the main drain or funnel 2
A chord code is uniquely assigned to the sub-drain 4a and the funnels 24b to 24d, and one tune (music) is played as a whole. In this case, for example, the code C can be allocated to the main drain, and the codes Dm, Em, and F can be allocated to the sub-drain, respectively. However, it goes without saying that such code assignment is merely an example.

In the example of the combination described above, the output is a combination of outputs having a direct significant relationship. However, it is also possible to control music parameters using the entire output distribution of the sub-drain. That is, the output distribution of the sub-drain is calculated to obtain the spatial distribution, and the sound source distribution, the envelope of the sound waveform, the movement of the sound source (from a high place to a low place) and the like can be controlled according to the spatial distribution.
For example, if the spatial distribution is on the right front side, the left / right balance may be adjusted so that the sound source is on the right front side in the stereo performance.

In any case, when a person gives an input to the music generator 10, as shown in FIG. 1, the cock 22 is first twisted so that water flows out of the faucet 20. The outflow determines the volume as described above. Then, as shown in FIG. 1, the hand 44 is inserted into the water 26 flowing out of the faucet 20. Then, the amount of water flowing into the funnel 24a, that is, the flow rate of the flow sensor 30 provided in the funnel 24a changes. The pitch is controlled accordingly. At the same time,
The water is scattered by the hand 44 to the other funnels 24b to 24d. Therefore, the ON / OFF sensor 32 of the funnels 24b to 24d outputs an ON signal in response to the splashed water. Thereby, the instruments or parts assigned to the funnels 24b to 24d are played.

However, when the flow rate sensors are provided in the funnels 24b to 24d, when the flow rate of the funnels reaches a certain value, the corresponding instrument or part starts playing, and the volume can be controlled by the flow rate. is there.

In the above embodiment, the source faucet is one.
Since the number of input parameters is limited, it is conceivable to provide a plurality of taps or sources. Then, a plurality of users or players can participate.

Further, the device 10 itself has a faucet (source).
Are not provided, and they are provided outside, and the device 1
0 may be provided with only a plurality of fluid passages such as funnels 24a-24d.

As the fluid characteristics, attention was paid to continuous characteristics such as flow rate or discrete characteristics such as ON / OFF. That is, in the above-described embodiment, the flowing water is mainly used. However, it is also possible to input by sensing the fluid characteristics of the stored water, for example, the water pressure. In any case, the music parameter may be controlled by such a temporal change of the fluid characteristics, a correlation between the fluid characteristics, and a distribution or a change of the fluid characteristics.

An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a bath will be specifically described with reference to FIG. It should be noted that FIG. 4 shows only the inner surface of the bathtub in a simplified manner. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, a water level sensor 46 composed of a pair of resistance wires (conductors) arranged close to each other is provided at arbitrary plural positions in the bathtub 44. The water level sensor 46 has resistance wires (conductors) 46a and 46b having a length substantially equal to the depth of the bathtub 44 arranged close to and parallel to each other. By detecting a resistance value between the two conductors, The water level of the water or hot water in the bathtub at the position of the water level sensor can be detected. However, in FIG. 4, the interval between the two conductors is considerably large for clarity of illustration. Then, the computer 38 shown in FIG.
The music parameters can be controlled in accordance with the change in the characteristic signal (in this case, the water level) detected in Step 6.

The controllable music parameters include the volume, that is, the intensity, the pitch, that is, the pitch, the sounding (playing) timing, that is, the rhythm, and the tone, that is, the type of musical instrument, which are described in the embodiment.

Further, as practical applications of the present invention, application to an environment where tap water is used at home, application to large-scale water amenities such as pools, baths or fountains, application to sound and music education, It can be applied to outdoor amenity in a natural environment.

Further, in FIG. 1, each funnel 24a-
Although the embodiment in which 24d are provided in parallel is shown, funnels may be arranged in series. An embodiment in which funnels are arranged in series will be described with reference to FIG.

The music generating apparatus 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 5 is the same as the embodiment of FIG. 1 except for the following points, and thus the duplicated description will be omitted.

The funnels 24a, 24b, 24c and 24d, which are fluid passages provided on the lower water tank 14, are funnels 24a1 to 24a3 and 24b1 arranged in cascade in the vertical direction, that is, in the direction in which water (fluid) flows.
-24b3, 24c1-24c3 and 24d1-24
d3, and in each of the funnels 24a1-24d3,
Although not shown, a sensor as shown in FIG. 1 (FIG. 2) is provided. That is, each of the funnels 24a1 to 24d3 forms a passage portion.

Therefore, when water is discharged from the faucet 20, the water is received in a time-sequential manner by the funnels 24a1 to 24a3, and the computer 38 (FIG. 3) obtains the characteristic signal obtained from the sensor attached to each, that is, An on / off signal and a flow rate in response to water flowing through each of the funnels 24a1 to 24a3 are detected. Similarly, the computer 38 detects a control / off signal or a flow signal from a sensor attached to each of the funnels 24b1 to 24d3.

Then, the computer 38 determines the amount of water flowing to each funnel, that is, the passage portion, or turns on / off the water.
The individually assigned music parameters can be controlled according to the OFF signal. In this case, a plurality of passage portions are formed in one fluid passage, and the characteristic signals from the sensors in each passage portion are received in time sequence, so that a characteristic signal having a change is obtained, so that more diverse music can be obtained. Expression becomes possible.

However, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, it is not necessary to configure all the fluid passages with a plurality of passage portions, and only the funnel 24a corresponding to the main drain is provided with the plurality of funnels 24.
a1-24a3, or only one of the funnels 24b-24d corresponding to the sub-drain may be configured by a plurality of funnels.

Further, even when a plurality of fluid passages (funnels) are constituted by multi-stage passage portions, the number of passage portions arranged in each fluid passage is not the same as in FIG. Needless to say, two or more passage portions may be provided for each passage.

Further, as a modification of the embodiment of FIG.
A plurality of flow sensors (FIG. 2) are arranged at appropriate intervals in the fluid flow direction in one fluid passage, and a plurality of signals are sequentially obtained from each flow sensor in one fluid passage. Is also good. In this case, the fluid passage is 1
It consists of only one passage, but in that multiple signals that occur in time sequence are available,
This is the same as the embodiment of FIG. 5, and it can be expected that the diversity of music expression is improved as compared with the embodiment of FIG.

In the above embodiment, the flow sensor shown in FIG. 2 was used. However, the flow sensor may be modified as shown in FIG. FIG.
The flow sensor 31 extends from the upper end of the inner surface of the horn 25a of the funnel 24 to the lower end, that is, the junction between the horn 25a and the tube 25b, and further has two conductors (resistance wires) folded back into the horn 25a. ) 31a and 31b. The two conductors 31a and 31b are connected to the conductor 46 shown in FIG.
a and 46b are provided close to each other and parallel to each other, and the resistance of the truncated portion 25
a, and the flow of water into the funnel 24 at the junction is detected.
An off signal can be output.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view showing a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustrative view showing one example of a flow sensor usable in this embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a part for generating music accompanying the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an illustrative view showing an embodiment in which a water level sensor is provided in a bathtub;

FIG. 5 is an illustrative view showing a modified example of the embodiment in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an illustrative view showing a modified example of the flow sensor;

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 music generator 12 upper water tank 14 lower water tank 16 pump 18 circulation circuit 20 faucet 24, 24a-24d, 24a1-24d3 funnel 28, 30, 31 flow sensor 32 on / off sensor 38 computer 44 ... bathtub 46 ... water level sensor

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Kenji Mase 2-2-2 Kodai, Seika-cho, Soraku-gun, Kyoto Prefecture F-Term (in reference) 5D378 FF00 HA01 SF00

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of fluid passages through which a fluid flows, a plurality of first detecting means for detecting a fluid characteristic of a fluid flowing through each of the plurality of fluid passages and outputting a plurality of first fluid characteristic signals, and A music generating apparatus, comprising: music generating means for generating music according to music parameters determined according to the plurality of first fluid characteristic signals. 2. The music generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said music generating means controls one integrated parameter by combining two or more of said first fluid characteristic signals. 3. A fluid supply source for supplying fluid to the plurality of fluid passages, and a fluid characteristic at the one or more fluid supply sources is detected to output a second fluid characteristic signal. The music generator according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising two detection means, wherein the music generation means controls music parameters according to the second fluid characteristic signal. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an upper fluid tank provided with said one or more fluid supply sources, and a lower fluid tank, wherein said plurality of fluid passages are provided in said lower fluid tank. The music generator of claim 3, wherein the music generator receives fluid from a source. 5. The music generator according to claim 1, wherein said music generator controls a music parameter according to at least one of a temporal change, a correlation and a distribution change of said fluid characteristic. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of fluid passages comprises a plurality of passage portions arranged in a cascade in a direction in which the fluid flows, and each of said passage portions is provided with said first detecting means. 6. The music generator according to any one of claims 5 to 5.