JP2005321592A - Operator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operator which changes an output voltage based on the distance between the button to be pressed by a user and an element that outputs a signal voltage and which precisely detects the changes of the voltage within a small distance between the button and the element. <P>SOLUTION: The operator is provided with a pad button 3 into which a magnet 31 is buried and the entire bottom surface is made flat, a substrate 1 to which a Hall element 2, that outputs a voltage having a level corresponding to the strength of magnetic field, is mounted at the position corresponding to the magnet and the top surface is made flat and a pad cushion 33 having elasticity which is provided between the flat bottom surface of the pad button 3 and the top surface of the substrate 1. When the pad button 3 is not pressed down, the distance between the magnet 31 and the Hall element 2 is maintained at a prescribed value so that both the magnet 31 and the element 2 are not contacted with each other. When the pad button 3 is pressed down, the distance between the magnet 31 and the Hall element 2 becomes shorter than the prescribed value in accordance with the pressed down strength. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an operator using a Hall element that outputs a voltage having a magnitude corresponding to the strength of a magnetic field.

  Conventionally, electronic musical instruments have been realized that faithfully mimic the characteristics of musical sounds generated by natural musical instruments and generate musical sounds that are closer to the characteristics of the musical sounds. For example, the pressure after the hit of the hit performance against the performance operator is detected, and the tone signal is controlled according to the detected pressurized state after the hit. There has been proposed one that generates a musical sound by adjusting the volume, tone color, and the like (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-5-165469 (page 3-6, Fig. 2)

  By the way, in an electronic musical instrument equipped with a performance operator having a striking surface to be struck, by adjusting the strength of the striking, the tone volume, tone, etc. of the musical tone can be adjusted according to the pressurized state after striking. Although an instrument that generates a musical tone has been realized, for an operator on the operation surface of an electronic musical instrument that the operator presses with a finger, the operator can freely adjust the pressing intensity with which the operator presses the operator. However, there has been a problem that no musical sound is generated by adjusting the tone volume, tone color, etc.

  In addition, in the conventional operation element, the output voltage is adjusted based on the distance between the button pressed by the operator and the element that outputs the voltage of the signal, and furthermore, the voltage change at a minute distance between the two is accurately performed. There is a problem that a sensor to detect is not realized.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem. An output voltage is changed based on a distance between a button pressed by an operator and an element that outputs a signal voltage. An object of the present invention is to provide an operator capable of accurately detecting a change in voltage at a short distance.

To achieve the above object, the present invention comprises a pad button in which a magnet having a predetermined shape is embedded so that the entire lower surface of the magnet is flat,
A Hall element that outputs a voltage of a magnitude corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field, and a substrate having a flat upper surface attached to a position corresponding to the magnet;
A resilient pad cushion provided between the flat lower surface of the pad button and the upper surface of the substrate;
When the pad button is not pressed down, the distance between the magnet and the hall element is kept at a predetermined value so that they do not come into contact with each other, and when the pad button is pressed down, depending on the pressing strength, The operation element is configured such that a distance between the magnet and the Hall element is shorter than the predetermined value.

  According to such an invention, when the pad button is not pressed, the distance between the magnet and the hall element is maintained at a predetermined value at which the two do not come into contact with each other, but when the pad button is pressed by the operator, According to the pressing strength, the distance between the magnet and the Hall element is shorter than a predetermined value, and the Hall element outputs the electric power according to the strength of the magnetic field generated from the magnet in a state where this distance is shortened. It is possible to output the voltage from the Hall element by freely adjusting the pressing strength of the pressing operation. Therefore, it is possible to change the output voltage based on the distance between the pad button pressed by the operator and the Hall element that outputs the signal voltage, and to detect the change in voltage at a minute distance between them with high accuracy. It becomes.

The invention according to claim 2 is the operation element according to claim 1,
A peripheral portion of the pad cushion includes an R portion that is rounded vertically outward and a flat portion that is subsequently placed on the upper surface of the substrate. To do.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 3 is the operation element according to any one of claims 1 and 2,
The Hall element is attached to a lower surface side of a position corresponding to the magnet in the substrate.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 4 is the operation element according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 3,
A temperature compensation circuit for performing temperature compensation on the Hall element;
The temperature compensation circuit is:
A constant voltage source, a temperature sensor that outputs a current proportional to temperature and connected to the constant voltage source, and amplifies the current output from the temperature sensor, in series between the temperature sensor and the Hall element And a resistor connected to a connection point of the constant voltage source, the current amplifier, and the Hall element.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the operation element according to any one of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects,
Further comprising a control means for performing processing based on the voltage output from the Hall element;
The control means includes
If the voltage output from the Hall element when the pad button is not pressed is smaller than a predetermined minimum voltage value, the voltage output from the Hall element is set and stored as the minimum voltage value. Minimum voltage value storage means for
If the voltage output from the Hall element when the pad button is pressed is greater than a predetermined maximum voltage value, the voltage output from the Hall element is set as the maximum voltage value. Maximum voltage value storage means for storing;
When the difference between the maximum voltage value stored in the maximum voltage value storage means and the minimum voltage value stored in the minimum voltage value storage means is a predetermined voltage value or more, the maximum voltage value and the minimum voltage value Note-on voltage value setting means for setting a numerical value obtained by dividing a difference from the voltage value by 2 as a note-on voltage value indicating a lower limit voltage value in a range indicating that the operation element is turned on;
Note-off voltage value setting means for setting a value obtained by subtracting the predetermined voltage value from the note-on voltage value as a note-off voltage value indicating an upper limit voltage value in a range indicating that the operation element is turned off. It is characterized by that.

Moreover, in the operation element according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, and 4,
Further comprising a control means for performing processing based on the voltage output from the Hall element;
The control means includes
If the voltage output from the Hall element when the pad button is not pressed is greater than a predetermined maximum voltage value, the voltage output from the Hall element is set and stored as the maximum voltage value. Maximum voltage value storage means,
If the voltage output from the Hall element when the pad button is pressed is smaller than a predetermined minimum voltage value, the voltage output from the Hall element is set as the minimum voltage value. Minimum voltage value storage means for storing;
When the difference between the maximum voltage value stored in the maximum voltage value storage means and the minimum voltage value stored in the minimum voltage value storage means is a predetermined voltage value or more, the maximum voltage value and the minimum voltage value Note-off voltage value setting means for setting a numerical value obtained by dividing the difference from the voltage value by 2 as a note-off voltage value indicating a lower limit voltage value in a range indicating that the operation element is turned off;
Note-on voltage value setting means for setting a value obtained by subtracting the predetermined voltage value from the note-off voltage value as a note-on voltage value indicating an upper limit voltage value in a range indicating that the operation element is turned on. Also good.

The invention according to claim 6 is the operation element according to claim 5,
Inversion processing means for performing inversion processing on the voltage value output from the Hall element, which is inverted according to the orientation of the magnet,
The inversion processing means includes
Voltage value determination means for determining whether or not the minimum voltage value stored in the minimum voltage value storage means is larger than the maximum voltage value stored in the maximum voltage value storage means;
When the minimum voltage value is larger than the maximum voltage value, the absolute value of the voltage output from the Hall element when the pad button is pressed is set as the voltage value output from the Hall element. On the other hand, when the minimum voltage value is not larger than the maximum voltage value, the voltage output from the Hall element when the pad button is pressed is used as the voltage value output from the Hall element. Output voltage setting means for setting.

  According to the present invention, the output voltage is changed based on the distance between the button pressed by the operator and the element that outputs the voltage of the signal, and the change in the voltage at a minute distance between the two is accurately detected. Can be obtained.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the operation element according to the present embodiment. The operation element 10 according to the present embodiment is provided, for example, on an operation surface of an electronic musical instrument. The operation element 10 has, for example, 8 by a substrate 1 having a flat upper surface and a pad frame 32 described later on the upper surface side of the substrate 1. A pad button 3 disposed at a plurality of predetermined locations such as a location, and a Hall element 2 attached at a position corresponding to a magnet 31 (described later) embedded in each of the pad buttons 3 on the lower surface side of the substrate 1, A temperature compensation circuit 4 that is connected to each of the Hall elements 2 and is provided on the substrate 1 and compensates the temperature of the Hall elements 2, and a voltage output from each Hall element 2 is selected to select an operational amplifier circuit 6. Via the selector 5, the microcontroller 7 that performs processing based on the voltage output from the selector 5, and the data output from the microcontroller 7. It is constituted by a RAM71 storing.

  Note that the sound generation data generated and output by the signal processing by the microcontroller 7 is transmitted to a digital signal processing unit (DSP) provided in the electronic musical instrument, and the digital signal processing unit (DSP) performs this sound generation data. Based on the above, a musical tone is generated by a speaker (not shown) provided in the sound source 9.

  2A, 2 </ b> B, 2 </ b> C, and 2 </ b> D are explanatory diagrams illustrating the pad button 3. As shown in FIG. 2, the pad button 3 is formed of silicon rubber, and is formed with a thick plate-like portion pressed by the operator, and a thickness formed at the lower portion of the thick plate-like portion. The plate-shaped part is composed of a trapezoidal part whose area is wider by a predetermined width such as 2 to 3 mm. A magnet having a predetermined shape is embedded in the center of the lower portion of the trapezoidal portion so that the entire lower surface of the trapezoidal portion is flat.

  FIGS. 3A and 3B are explanatory views showing a state in which the pad button 3 is attached to the pad frame 32. FIG. FIG. 3A is a front view showing the pad button 3 and the pad frame 32, and FIG. 3B is a bottom view showing the pad button 3 and the pad frame 32. The pad frame 32 is configured by fixing, for example, a structure in which eight plate members having openings for fitting the pad buttons 3 are arranged in a row. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the pad button 3 is fitted with the thick plate portion into the opening portion of the pad frame 32, and the upper portion of the thick plate portion is the upper surface of the pad frame 32. It is attached so that it may come out above.

  4A and 4B are explanatory views showing a state in which the pad button 3 is attached to the pad frame 32 and the pad cushion 33 is further attached. 4A is a front view showing the pad button 3, the pad frame 32, and the pad cushion 33, and FIG. 4B is a bottom view showing the pad button 3, the pad frame 32, and the pad cushion 33. As shown in FIG. 6 (a), the pad cushion 33 is formed by forming a silicon rubber into a thin plate shape, and the pad-like portion of the pad button 3 is formed at a predetermined portion of, for example, eight places on the thin plate-like flat portion 331. The supporting part 332 to be supported is arranged at a position above the flat part 331 by a predetermined distance of about 4 mm, and an R part 333 that is rounded outward in the vertical downward direction is formed on the periphery of the supporting part 332, The R portion 333 is connected so as to follow the flat portion 331. And after attaching each pad button 3 to the pad frame 32, the pad cushion 33 puts the pad cushion 33 in the pad frame 32 so that the lower surface of the base part of each pad button 3 may be placed on the upper surface of the support portion. Is attached.

  The flat portion 331 of the pad cushion 33 is provided with a support portion 332, an R portion 333, and an air vent hole for extracting air in a space surrounded by the upper surface of the substrate 1 described later. It passes through the inside of the flat part 331 and penetrates to the end of the flat part 331. In addition, a plurality of rectangular convex portions are arranged at regular intervals on the lower surface of the support portion 332, and the pad button 3 is pressed and pressed on the lower surface of the pad button 3, so that the support portion 332 is formed. The lower surface of the support portion 332 does not stick to the upper surface of the substrate 1 when pressed against the upper surface of the substrate 1.

  5A and 5B are explanatory views showing a state in which the pad button 3 and the pad cushion 33 are attached to the pad frame 32 and the substrate 1 is further attached. 5A is a front view showing the pad button 3, the pad frame 32, the pad cushion 33, and the substrate 1. FIG. 5B is a top view showing the pad button 3, the pad frame 32, the pad cushion 33, and the substrate 1. FIG. FIG. The substrate 1 has a Hall element 2 that outputs a voltage having a magnitude corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field, for example, at eight predetermined positions on the lower surface side. As will be described later, the Hall element 2 outputs a voltage having a magnitude according to the magnet 31 approaching and the magnetic field strengthening, as shown in FIG. Outputs a proportional voltage. That is, the Hall element 2 outputs a voltage having a magnitude inversely proportional to the distance L from the magnet 31, as shown in FIG.

  The substrate 1 is attached so that the upper surface is bonded to the lower surface of the flat portion of the pad cushion 33. At this time, each Hall element 2 is in a position corresponding to the magnet 31 embedded in the lower surface of each pad button 3.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an inversion circuit for performing inversion processing on the voltage value output from the Hall element, which is inverted according to the directions of the S pole and N pole of the magnet 31 embedded in the pad button 3. It is. This inversion circuit includes an amplifier 21 that amplifies the current connected to the Hall element 2, an absolute value detection circuit 25 that is connected to the amplifier 21 and detects the absolute value of the voltage output from the Hall element 2, and an absolute value The amplifier 21 is connected to the value detection circuit 25, and the bias circuit 23 is connected to the amplifier 21. The absolute value detection circuit 25 includes a bridge circuit 22 composed of a plurality of diodes.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a temperature compensation circuit that performs temperature compensation on the Hall element 2 when the voltage output from the Hall element 2 changes due to a temperature change. As shown in FIG. 11, the temperature compensation circuit includes a constant voltage source 41 that outputs a constant voltage, a temperature sensor 42 that outputs a current proportional to temperature, and a current amplifier 43 that amplifies the current output from the temperature sensor 42. And a resistor 44 connected to the connection point of the constant voltage source 41 and the current amplifier 43 and the Hall element 2.

  The temperature sensor 42 includes two diodes connected in series. One of the diodes has an anode terminal connected to the constant voltage source 41 and the other diode has a cathode terminal connected to the current amplifier 43. The current amplifier 43 includes a transistor, and has a collector connected to the constant voltage source 41, a base connected to the temperature sensor 42, and an emitter connected to the Hall element 2.

(Effects produced by the configuration of the operation element in the present embodiment)
Next, effects produced by the operation element 10 according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described in detail below. First, when the pad button 3 is not depressed by the operator, the support portion 332 of the pad cushion 33 is lifted by the R portion 333 as shown in FIG. The distance between the magnet 31 embedded in the hall element 2 and the Hall element 2 is maintained at a predetermined value at which the two do not contact each other.

  Here, when the operator presses the pad button 3 with a finger and performs a pressing operation, as shown in FIG. 6B, the R portion 333 is crushed and bent according to the pressing strength when the pad button 3 is pressed, and the support portion The pad button 3 moves downward so that the distance between the magnet 31 and the Hall element 2 becomes shorter than a predetermined value by pressing the 332 against the substrate 1. Electric power corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field generated from the magnet 31 is output from the Hall element 2. Therefore, it is possible to change the output voltage based on the distance between the button pressed by the operator and the element that outputs the voltage of the signal, and to detect the change in voltage at a minute distance between them with high accuracy. .

  At this time, when the operator releases his / her finger from the pad button 3, the crushed and bent R portion 333 gradually expands and the pad button 3 moves upward. Here, when the pad button 3 moves upward, the R portion 333 is crushed and rounded into a smaller round shape, so that it returns to the larger rounded shape. Therefore, the repulsive force transmitted as a click feeling from the pad button 3 to the finger of the operator is eliminated, and the operator can freely adjust the pressing strength without being disturbed by the repulsive force that generates the click feeling. The pad button 3 can be pressed.

  In the conventional operation element, as shown in FIG. 7A, a skirt portion 333 a having a linear shape is formed on the outer periphery of the support portion 332 in the vertically downward direction. As shown in FIG. 7B, when the operator presses down the pad button 3 and the skirt portion 333a is crushed and bent, when the operator releases his / her finger from the pad button 3, the button is crushed and bent. Since the skirt portion 333a that has been crushed gradually swells and then returns to the original linear shape when the skirt portion 333a is bent and becomes straight, the pad button 3 has a strong repulsive force. Moves upward. For this reason, when the pad button 3 moves upward, a strong repulsive force is transmitted to the operator's finger from the top surface of the pad button 3 as a click feeling, and the operator can freely press down by being obstructed by the repulsive force. The pad button 3 could not be pressed by adjusting.

  In the operation element 10 in the present embodiment, a pad button 3 in which a magnet 31 having a predetermined shape is embedded so that the entire lower surface of the magnet 31 is flat, and a Hall element 2 that outputs a voltage having a magnitude corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field. A substrate 1 having a flat upper surface attached to a position corresponding to the magnet 31, and an elastic pad cushion 33 provided between the flat lower surface of the pad button 3 and the upper surface of the substrate 1. When the pad button 3 is not pressed, the distance between the magnet 31 and the hall element 2 is maintained at a predetermined value at which the two do not come into contact with each other. Thus, the distance between the magnet 31 and the Hall element 2 is configured to be shorter than a predetermined value. Further, the peripheral edge portion of the pad cushion 33 is configured to include an R portion 333 that is rounded outward in the vertical downward direction, and a flat portion 331 that is subsequently placed on the upper surface of the substrate.

  Therefore, when the pad button 3 moves upward, the operator's finger does not have a repulsive force transmitted as a click feeling from the pad button 3, so that the operator can apply the force of the finger to adjust the pressing strength of the pad button 3. The pad button 3 can be pressed by freely adjusting the pressing strength without being hindered by the repulsive force.

  In the operating element 10 according to the present embodiment, a voltage having a magnitude corresponding to the magnet 31 approaching and the magnetic field intensifying is output and generated from the magnet 31 as shown in FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b). The Hall element 2 that outputs a voltage proportional to the strength of the magnetic field, that is, outputs a large voltage as the distance between the magnet 31 and the Hall element 2 decreases and the magnetic field increases is used. Conversely, the Hall element 2 that outputs a voltage inversely proportional to the strength of the magnetic field generated from the magnet 31 may be used. In this case, the Hall element 2 outputs a small voltage as the distance between the magnet 31 and the Hall element 2 decreases and the magnetic field increases, and the magnet 31 moves away from the Hall element 2 to increase the distance and the magnetic field is increased. A strong voltage is output in response to weakening.

(Inversion processing in the inverter circuit)
Next, inversion processing performed on the voltage value output from the Hall element using the inversion circuit shown in FIG. 9 will be described in detail. First, when the direction of the magnet 31 embedded in the pad button 3 is the S pole on the upper side and the N pole on the lower side, and a negative voltage is output from the Hall element 2 according to the strength of the magnetic field of the magnet 31. The negative voltage is amplified by the amplifier 21 and output to the diode bridge 22 of the absolute value detection circuit 25. The negative voltage is inverted to a positive voltage by the diode bridge 22, amplified by the amplifier 21, and output to the selector 5 side. In this way, even if a negative voltage is generated from the Hall element 2 by embedding the S pole and N pole of the magnet 31 in the reverse direction by the inverting circuit using the diode bridge 22, It is possible to invert the output voltage value and always output a positive voltage to the selector 5.

(Operation in temperature compensation circuit)
Next, the temperature compensation operation performed on the Hall element 2 by the temperature compensation circuit shown in FIG. 11 will be described in detail. First, for example, when the temperature rises and the voltage output from the Hall element 2 decreases due to the temperature characteristics of the Hall element 2, when the current from the constant voltage source 41 is output to the temperature sensor 42, the temperature sensor 42 This negative temperature characteristic increases this current in proportion to the temperature rise. The increased current is output from the temperature sensor 42, amplified by the current amplifier 43 and output to the Hall element 2, so that the voltage value at the Hall element 2 is increased and decreased due to the temperature rise. The voltage of the Hall element 2 is restored. Therefore, even when the temperature rises, a constant voltage can be output from the Hall element 2 to the selector 5.

  In addition, when the temperature drops and the voltage output from the Hall element 2 increases due to the temperature characteristic of the Hall element 2, the current decreases in proportion to the temperature decrease due to the negative temperature characteristic of the temperature sensor 42. The voltage of the Hall element 2 that has risen due to the temperature drop decreases, and even when the temperature drop occurs, a constant voltage can be output from the Hall element 2 to the selector 5.

  Further, here, the constant voltage source 41 is connected to the connection point of the current amplifier 43 and the Hall element 2, so that the resistor 44 connected in parallel with the temperature sensor 42 outputs the constant voltage source 41 to the temperature sensor 42. The current that is generated varies. Therefore, by appropriately replacing the resistor 44 as necessary, the current output from the temperature sensor 42 is adjusted to arbitrarily adjust the current output to the Hall element 2, and the voltage value of the Hall element 2 is It is possible to adjust so as to return to the original accurately.

(Minimum voltage setting process)
Next, processing related to the operation of turning on / off the operation element 10 based on the voltage output from the Hall element 2 will be described in detail with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. First, the minimum voltage setting process for the voltage output from the Hall element 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The microcontroller 7 first sets the number “n” for identifying the pad button 3 to be subjected to this processing to “0” (step S1301).

  Next, when the pad button 3 is not pressed by the operator, the microcontroller 7 reads out an initial value of a preset minimum voltage value (Vmin shown in FIG. 13) from the RAM 71 and outputs it from the Hall element 2. It is determined whether the applied voltage (Pad shown in FIG. 13) is smaller than the initial value (step S1302).

  Next, when the voltage output from the Hall element 2 is smaller than the initial value of the minimum voltage value (YES in Step S1302), the microcontroller 7 uses the voltage output from the Hall element 2 as a new minimum voltage. The value is updated and set and stored in the RAM 71 (step S1305).

  If the voltage output from the hall element 2 is not smaller than the initial value of the minimum voltage value (NO in step S1302), the microcontroller 7 executes the process of step S1303. Next, the microcontroller 7 sets “1” by adding “1” to the number “n” for identifying the pad button 3 (step S1303).

  Next, the microcontroller 7 determines whether or not the number “n” for identifying the pad button 3 is smaller than “8” (step S1304). If the number is smaller (YES in step S1304), step S1302 is performed. The process of S1303 is repeated. On the other hand, when the minimum voltage setting process is completed for all the eight pad buttons 3 and the number “n” for identifying the pad button 3 is not smaller than “8” (NO in step S1304), the process is terminated. . Note that in the operation element 10 using the Hall element 2 that outputs a voltage inversely proportional to the strength of the magnetic field generated from the magnet 31 described above, when the pad button 3 is pressed by the operator in step S1302, the microcontroller. 7 determines whether or not the voltage output from the Hall element 2 is smaller than the initial value, and performs the subsequent processing.

(Maximum voltage setting process)
Next, the maximum voltage setting process for the voltage output from the Hall element 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The microcontroller 7 first sets the number “n” for identifying the pad button 3 to be subjected to this processing to “0” (step S1401).

  Next, when the pad button 3 is pressed by the operator, the microcontroller 7 reads the initial value of the preset maximum voltage value (Vmax shown in FIG. 14) from the RAM 71 and outputs it from the Hall element 2. It is determined whether or not the voltage is larger than the initial value (step S1402).

  Next, when the voltage output from the Hall element 2 is larger than the initial value of the maximum voltage value (YES in Step S1402), the microcontroller 7 uses the voltage output from the Hall element 2 as a new maximum voltage. The value is updated and set, and stored in the RAM 71 (step S1405).

  On the other hand, when the voltage output from the Hall element 2 is not larger than the initial value of the maximum voltage value (NO in step S1402), the microcontroller 7 executes the process of step S1403. Next, the microcontroller 7 sets “1” by adding “1” to the number “n” for identifying the pad button 3 (step S1403).

  Next, the microcontroller 7 determines whether or not the number “n” for identifying the pad button 3 is smaller than “8” (step S1404). If it is smaller (YES in step S1404), step S1402 is performed. The process of S1403 is repeated. On the other hand, when the maximum voltage setting process is finished for all eight pad buttons 3 and the number “n” for identifying the pad button 3 is not smaller than “8” (NO in step S1404), the process is finished. . Note that in the operation element 10 using the Hall element 2 that outputs a voltage inversely proportional to the strength of the magnetic field generated from the magnet 31 described above, when the pad button 3 is not pressed down by the operator in step S1402, the micro operation is performed. The controller 7 determines whether or not the voltage output from the Hall element 2 is larger than the initial value, and performs the subsequent processing.

  Subsequently, a note-on voltage value that is a lower limit voltage value in a range indicating that the operating element 10 is turned on and a note-off voltage value that is an upper limit voltage value in a range indicating that the operating element 10 is turned off are set. The processing will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the microcontroller 7 first sets the number “n” for identifying the pad button 3 to be subjected to this processing to “0” (step S1501).

  Next, the microcontroller 7 reads out from the RAM 71 the minimum voltage value that was previously updated and set in step S1305 of the minimum voltage setting process and the maximum voltage value that was updated and set in step S1405 of the maximum voltage setting process. It is determined whether or not the difference from the voltage value is larger than a predetermined voltage value such as 100 mV (step S1502).

  Next, when the difference between the maximum voltage value and the minimum voltage value is larger than 100 mV (YES in step S1502), the microcontroller 7 calculates a numerical value obtained by dividing the difference between the maximum voltage value and the minimum voltage value by 2. This is calculated, set as a note-on voltage value (Von shown in FIG. 15), and stored in the RAM 71 (step S1505).

  Next, the microcontroller 7 reads out the note-on voltage value calculated in step S1505 from the RAM 71, calculates a value obtained by subtracting 100 mV from this note-on voltage value, and calculates this value as the note-off voltage value (Voff shown in FIG. 15). And stored in the RAM 71 (step S1506).

  On the other hand, when the difference between the maximum voltage value and the minimum voltage value is smaller than 100 mV (NO in step S1502), the microcontroller 7 performs the processing assuming that there is an error in the setting processing of the maximum voltage value and the minimum voltage value. finish. Next, the microcontroller 7 sets “1” by adding “1” to the number “n” for identifying the pad button 3 (step S1503).

  Next, the microcontroller 7 determines whether or not the number “n” for identifying the pad button 3 is smaller than “8” (step S1504). If the number is smaller (YES in step S1504), step S1502 is performed. The process of S1503 is repeated. On the other hand, when the process of setting the note-on voltage value and the note-off voltage value for all the eight pad buttons 3 is completed and the number “n” for identifying the pad button 3 is not smaller than “8” (step The process is terminated.

  Therefore, when the voltage output from the Hall element when the pad button 3 is not pressed is smaller than the predetermined minimum voltage value, the microcontroller 7 reduces the voltage output from the Hall element to the minimum voltage. If the voltage output from the Hall element when the pad button is pressed is greater than a predetermined maximum voltage value, the voltage output from the Hall element is set as a value and stored in the RAM 71. The maximum voltage value is set and stored in the RAM 71.

  By this processing, the operator can set the voltage when the pad button 3 is not pressed down to the minimum voltage value, and further, the pad button 3 so that the voltage is higher than the predetermined maximum voltage value. And a voltage corresponding to an arbitrary pressing intensity at this time can be set as the maximum voltage value.

  When the difference between the maximum voltage value stored in the RAM 71 and the minimum voltage value is greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage value, a value obtained by dividing the difference between the maximum voltage value and the minimum voltage value by 2 is used as the note-on voltage value. A value obtained by subtracting a predetermined voltage value from the note-on voltage value is set as the note-off voltage value. As a result of this processing, the difference between the note-on voltage value and the note-off voltage value becomes a predetermined voltage value. Therefore, even if the detection means for detecting the voltage output from the Hall element 2 has low sensitivity, the note-on voltage value can be easily And the note-off voltage value, the operation and processing of the operation element 10 can be executed. Note that in the operation element 10 using the Hall element 2 that outputs a voltage inversely proportional to the strength of the magnetic field generated from the magnet 31 described above, the numerical value calculated in step S1505 is in a range indicating that the operation element 10 is turned off. The note-off voltage value that is the lower limit voltage value is set, the numerical value calculated in step S1506 is set as the note-on voltage value that is the upper limit voltage value in the range indicating that the operation element 10 is turned on, and the subsequent processing is performed. .

  Next, pad scanning processing for turning on or off the operator 10 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This pad scan processing is executed by the microcontroller 7 at predetermined intervals such as 5 to 8 msec. First, the microcontroller 7 first sets the number “n” for identifying the pad button 3 to be subjected to this processing to “0” (step S1601).

  Next, the microcontroller 7 determines whether or not the number “n” for identifying the pad button 3 is smaller than “8” (step S1602). If the number is smaller (YES in step S1602), the microcontroller 7 determines in step S1603. Execute the process. On the other hand, if the pad scanning process is completed for all eight pad buttons 3 and the number “n” for identifying the pad button 3 is not smaller than “8” (NO in step S1602), the pad scanning process is performed. finish.

  Next, when the pad button 3 is pressed down by the operator, the microcontroller 7 reads out the note-off voltage value set in the above-described setting process of the note-on voltage value and the note-off voltage value from the RAM 71, and the Hall element It is determined whether or not the voltage output from 2 is smaller than the note-off voltage value (step S1603).

  Next, when the voltage output from the Hall element 2 is smaller than the note-off voltage value (YES in Step S1603), the microcontroller 7 determines that the pad button 3 with the number “0” identified at the current time point is The operating state is checked to determine whether or not the note is on (step S1608).

  Next, when the pad button 3 with the identification number “0” is in the note-on state (YES in step S1608), the microcontroller 7 takes note of the operation state of the pad button 3 with the identification number “0”. The process is turned off and the process of step S1610 is executed (step S1609).

  If the voltage output from the Hall element 2 is not smaller than the note-off voltage value (NO in step S1603), the microcontroller 7 reads the note-on voltage value from the RAM 71 and outputs it from the Hall element 2. It is determined whether or not the voltage is greater than the note-on voltage value (step S1604).

  Next, when the voltage output from the hall element 2 is larger than the note-on voltage value (YES in step S1604), the microcontroller 7 determines that the pad button 3 having the number “0” identified at the current time point is not present. The operating state is confirmed and it is determined whether or not the note is off (step S1605).

Next, when the pad button 3 with the identification number “0” is in a note-off state (YES in step S1605), the microcontroller 7 uses the numerical value of the voltage output from the hall element 2 to The velocity is calculated based on the calculation formula (1), and the process of step S1607 is executed (step S1606).
“Vel” = (Pad−Vmin) / (Vmax−Vmin) (1)
(Here, “velocity” is Vel, “voltage output from Hall element 2” is Pad, “maximum voltage value” is Vmax, and “minimum voltage value” is Vmin.)
On the other hand, if the pad button 3 with the identification number “0” is in the note-on state (NO in step S1605), the microcontroller 7 executes the process in step S1610.

  Next, using the velocity calculated in step S1606, the microcontroller 7 assumes that the pad button 3 is note-on at this velocity, sets the operation state of the pad button 3 with the identification number “0” to note-on, The process of step S1610 is executed (step S1607). When the pad button 3 is turned on at this velocity, sound generation data corresponding to a musical tone corresponding to the velocity value is generated by the microcontroller 7 performing signal processing.

  Then, the sound generation data is transmitted to a digital signal processing unit (DSP) provided in the electronic musical instrument, and the digital signal processing unit (DSP) is provided with a tone or tone color tone based on the sound generation data in the sound source 9. Pronounced by a speaker (not shown).

  Here, in step 1604, if the voltage output from the Hall element 2 is not greater than the note-on voltage value (NO in step S1604), the operation state of the pad button 3 with the identification number “0” is determined. The process of step S1610 is executed as it is without performing the process of changing to note-on or note-off.

  Next, the microcontroller 7 adds “1” to the number “n” for identifying the pad button 3 to set it to “1”, and repeats the processing after step S1602 (step S1610).

  Next, FIG. 17 shows inversion processing in the microcontroller 7 performed on the voltage value output from the Hall element, which is inverted according to the directions of the S pole and N pole of the magnet 31 embedded in the pad button 3. This will be described in detail with reference to a flowchart. The inversion processing in the microcontroller 7 is executed after the above-described setting processing of the note-on voltage value and the note-off voltage value. First, the microcontroller 7 first sets the number “n” for identifying the pad button 3 to be subjected to this processing to “0” (step S1701).

  Next, when the voltage value output from the Hall element is inverted according to the direction of the S pole and the N pole of the magnet 31 embedded in the pad button 3, the microcontroller 7 performs the above note on voltage value and note off. The note-on voltage value and the note-off voltage value set in the voltage value setting process are read from the RAM 71, and it is determined whether or not the note-off voltage value is larger than the note-on voltage value (step S1702).

  Next, when the note-off voltage value is larger than the note-on voltage value (YES in step S1702), the microcontroller 7 assumes that the voltage value output from the Hall element is inverted according to the direction of the magnet 31. In this case, the absolute value of the voltage is extracted from the voltage output from the Hall element 2 by pressing the pad button 3 by the operator, and this absolute value is set as the voltage output from the Hall element 2 (step S1706). ).

  On the other hand, when the note-off voltage value is not larger than the note-on voltage value (NO in step S1702), the microcontroller 7 does not invert the voltage value output from the hall element according to the direction of the magnet 31. As a matter of course, the voltage output from the Hall element 2 by the pressing operation of the pad button 3 by the operator in this case is set as the voltage output from the Hall element 2 as it is (step S1703).

  Next, the microcontroller 7 sets “1” by adding “1” to the number “n” for identifying the pad button 3 (step S1704).

  Next, the microcontroller 7 determines whether or not the number “n” for identifying the pad button 3 is smaller than “8” (step S1705). If it is smaller (YES in step S1705), step S1502 and subsequent steps. Repeat the process. On the other hand, when the reversal processing in the microcontroller 7 is completed for all eight pad buttons 3 and the number “n” for identifying the pad button 3 is not smaller than “8” (NO in step S1705), The inversion process is terminated.

  Therefore, the microcontroller 7 determines whether or not the note-off voltage value stored in the RAM 71 is larger than the note-on voltage value stored in the RAM 71, and the note-off voltage value is larger than the note-on voltage value. The absolute value of the voltage output from the Hall element when the pad button is pressed is set as the voltage value output from the Hall element, while the note-off voltage value is not larger than the note-on voltage value. In this case, the voltage output from the Hall element when the pad button is pressed is set as the voltage value output from the Hall element. By this processing, even if a negative voltage is generated from the Hall element 2 by embedding the magnet 31 with the S and N poles reversed, the microcontroller controls the voltage value output from the Hall element 2. 7 can be inverted to always output a positive voltage to the selector 5.

  Next, a mode in which a plurality of musical sounds are simultaneously generated by a single pad button 3 from a speaker (not shown) provided in the sound source 9 will be described. In this mode, the velocity set for each of the plurality of sounds set to the pad button 3 varies in accordance with the change in the velocity value calculated in step S1606 of the pad scan process described above. That is, the note-on process in the “Velocity Sensitive mode” will be described in detail based on the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the microcontroller 7 determines whether or not the pad button 3 for which a plurality of constituent sounds have been set with velocity has been turned on by the processing in step S1607 of the pad scan processing described above (step S1801). If the note is not turned on (NO in step S1801), the process ends.

  Next, when this pad button 3 is turned on (YES in step S1801), note-on is performed for each of the constituent sounds of the pad button 3 and a speaker (not shown) provided in the sound source 9 is provided. It is determined whether or not the sound is pronounced (step S1802). Here, when the second velocity described later is set for each of the constituent sounds of the pad button 3 and each constituent sound is note-on (YES in step S1802), the process ends. To do.

  Next, when a plurality of constituent sounds are set on the pad button 3 and no musical sound corresponding to the velocity value is generated (NO in step S1802), the microcontroller 7 causes each of the plurality of constituent sounds. Is set with a second velocity (step S1803). That is, the second velocity is set in accordance with the ratio of the respective constituent sounds to the predetermined velocity.

  For example, “F3” and “C3” codes corresponding to two musical tones are set for the pad button 3, and a ratio ratio of “2”: “1” is preset between “F3” and “C3”. In the case where it is determined, as shown in FIG. 12, if the velocity is “80”, the second velocity for the code of “F3” is set to the numerical value of “80” as it is, and “C3 As a second velocity for the code “”, a value “40” obtained by dividing “80” by “2” is set.

  Next, the microcontroller 7 determines whether or not the second velocity set for each of the constituent sounds of the plurality of sounds is smaller than “1” (step S1804).

  If the second velocity is smaller than “1” (YES in step S1804), the sound generation data of the musical sound corresponding to the second velocity cannot be generated, and the sound cannot be generated from a speaker (not shown) provided in the sound source 9. Therefore, the microcontroller 7 sets the second velocity as “1” which is the lower limit value of the range in which the sound generation data can be generated (step S1806).

  If the second velocity is not smaller than “1” (NO in step S1804), the microcontroller 7 executes the process in step S1805.

  Next, the microcontroller 7 uses the second velocities set for the constituent sounds of the plurality of sounds to note-on the constituent sounds at these second velocities, and performs the process of step S1802. It executes (step S1805). In the “Fixed Velocity” mode, which is different from the “Velocity Sensitive mode”, the process of changing the second velocity for the codes “F3” and “C3” according to the velocity value is not performed. A numerical value fixedly set for the codes “F3” and “C3” is set as the second velocity as it is regardless of the numerical value of the velocity.

(Modification of the operation element in the present embodiment)
FIGS. 8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams showing a configuration of a modified example of the operation element 10 according to the present embodiment. The pad button 3, the pad frame 32, the pad cushion 33, and the modified example of the operation element 10 are illustrated in FIGS. 1 is a front sectional view showing a substrate 1. FIG. In this modification, a sliding portion 321 is provided in the portion of the pad frame 32 that holds the pad button 3 to guide the pad button 3 so that the pad button 3 slides accurately in the vertical direction along the sliding surface. It has been.

  The pad button 3 is formed with a lid-like portion on the upper surface of the thick plate-like portion so as to cover the sliding portion 321. Other configurations are substantially the same as the operation element 10 shown in FIGS.

  In the modified example of the operation element 10, the sliding surface of the sliding portion 321 of the pad frame 32 slides on the side surface of the thick plate-like portion of the pad button 3 when the operator presses the pad button 3. By moving, as shown in FIG. 8B, the pad button 3 is guided by the sliding portion 321 and accurately moves only in the vertical vertical direction. For this reason, even when the operator presses a part other than the center of the upper surface of the lid-like portion of the pad button 3 and the force of the operator's finger is not uniformly applied to the upper surface of the lid-like portion, The pad button 3 moves only in the direction.

  Therefore, when the pad button 3 is tilted and the magnet 31 is tilted and approaches the Hall element 2, even when the pressing force is the same pressing strength, the voltage output from the Hall element 2 varies and becomes unstable. Thus, a voltage corresponding to the pressing intensity is stably output.

  Although the best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described above, various modifications and changes can be made to the above-described embodiment without departing from the gist of the present invention. In addition, the operation element of the present invention is not limited to an electronic musical instrument or the like, and can be applied to various electronic devices and industrial products.

  It can be used in an operator using a Hall element that outputs a voltage having a magnitude corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field.

3 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an operator 10. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a pad button 3. FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the pad button 3 is attached to the pad frame 32. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which attached the pad button 3 to the pad frame 32, and also attached the pad cushion 33. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which attached the pad button 3 and the pad cushion 33 to the pad frame 32, and also attached the board | substrate 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an operator 10. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an operator 10. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an operator 10. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the inversion circuit for performing inversion processing with respect to the voltage value output from the Hall element. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a voltage output from the Hall element 2, a distance between the Hall element 2 and a magnet 31, and a strength of a magnetic field generated from the magnet 31. FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a temperature compensation circuit that performs temperature compensation on the Hall element 2. It is explanatory drawing explaining the note-on process in the pad button 3 by which the structure sound of the multiple sound was set. It is a flowchart which shows the minimum voltage setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a maximum voltage setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a note-on voltage and note-off voltage setting process. It is explanatory drawing which shows a pad scan process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the inversion process in the microcontroller. It is explanatory drawing which shows the note-on process in the pad button 3 by which the structure sound of the multiple sound was set.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Operator 1 Board | substrate 2 Hall element 3 Pad button 4 Temperature compensation circuit 5 Selector 6 Operational amplifier 7 Microcontroller 8 Digital signal processing part 9 Sound source 31 Magnet 32 Pad frame 33 Pad cushion 331 Flat part 332 Support part 333 R part

Claims (6)

A pad button in which a magnet having a predetermined shape is embedded so that the entire lower surface of the magnet is flat;
A Hall element that outputs a voltage of a magnitude corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field, and a substrate having a flat upper surface attached to a position corresponding to the magnet;
A resilient pad cushion provided between the flat lower surface of the pad button and the upper surface of the substrate;
When the pad button is not pressed down, the distance between the magnet and the Hall element is kept at a predetermined value so that they do not come in contact with each other. An operation element, wherein the distance between the magnet and the Hall element is shorter than the predetermined value. The operation element according to claim 1,
A peripheral portion of the pad cushion includes an R portion that is rounded vertically outward and a flat portion that is subsequently placed on the upper surface of the substrate. The operator to perform. In the operation element according to any one of claims 1 and 2,
The operation element, wherein the Hall element is attached to a lower surface side of a position corresponding to the magnet in the substrate. In the operation element according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 3,
A temperature compensation circuit for performing temperature compensation on the Hall element;
The temperature compensation circuit is:
A constant voltage source, a temperature sensor that outputs a current proportional to temperature and connected to the constant voltage source, and amplifies the current output from the temperature sensor, in series between the temperature sensor and the Hall element An operation element comprising: a connected current amplifier; and a resistor connected to a connection point of the constant voltage source, the current amplifier, and the Hall element. In the operation element according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, and 4,
Further comprising a control means for performing processing based on the voltage output from the Hall element;
The control means includes
If the voltage output from the Hall element when the pad button is not pressed is smaller than a predetermined minimum voltage value, the voltage output from the Hall element is set and stored as the minimum voltage value. Minimum voltage value storage means for
If the voltage output from the Hall element when the pad button is pressed is greater than a predetermined maximum voltage value, the voltage output from the Hall element is set as the maximum voltage value. Maximum voltage value storage means for storing;
When the difference between the maximum voltage value stored in the maximum voltage value storage means and the minimum voltage value stored in the minimum voltage value storage means is a predetermined voltage value or more, the maximum voltage value and the minimum voltage value A note-on voltage value setting means for setting a numerical value calculated from a difference from the voltage value as a note-on voltage value indicating a lower limit voltage value in a range indicating that the operation element is turned on;
Note-off voltage value setting means for setting a value obtained by subtracting the predetermined voltage value from the note-on voltage value as a note-off voltage value indicating an upper limit voltage value in a range indicating that the operation element is turned off. An operator characterized by that. In the operation element according to claim 5,
Inversion processing means for performing inversion processing on the voltage value output from the Hall element, which is inverted according to the orientation of the magnet,
The inversion processing means includes
Voltage value determination means for determining whether or not the minimum voltage value stored in the minimum voltage value storage means is larger than the maximum voltage value stored in the maximum voltage value storage means;
When the minimum voltage value is larger than the maximum voltage value, the absolute value of the voltage output from the Hall element when the pad button is pressed is set as the voltage value output from the Hall element. On the other hand, when the minimum voltage value is not larger than the maximum voltage value, the voltage output from the Hall element when the pad button is pressed is used as the voltage value output from the Hall element. And an output voltage setting means for setting.

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