JP2007052339A - Electronic keyboard musical instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a musical performance which is rich in expressing power by an electronic keyboard musical instrument by accurately detecting a playing style by using an inexpensive sensor which detects some three depression positions in a key track and generating a musical sound signal corresponding to the playing style. <P>SOLUTION: A keyboard structure is so constituted that a static load needed to press a key increases in steps or a maximum value of the static load appears. The sensor is so arranged that first and second contacts are turned ON before or after the static load increases in steps or the maximum value appears and a third contact is turned ON when the key is further pressed deep. A parameter etc., of a musical sound signal is controlled based upon a time T1 as a difference in ON timing between the first and the second contacts and a time T2 as a difference in ON timing between the second and the third contacts. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic keyboard instrument suitable for use in an electronic piano.

  When the key of the acoustic piano is gradually pressed from the initial position, the key feels heavier at a certain pressed position. In other words, the static load necessary to press the key increases. This is because the kinetic energy for driving is required because the key starts driving the hammer action and the damper action at the pressed position. This pressed position is called a drive start position P. In order to simulate this behavior even in an electronic keyboard instrument, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for increasing the static load of a key in a step shape at the drive start position P. Also, when measuring the key speed of the electronic keyboard instrument, the key speed is measured in a plurality of sections from the initial position to the full stroke position, and “soft sound”, “ Patent Documents 2 and 3 disclose techniques for changing a timbre by selecting a timbre such as “sharp sound” or increasing or decreasing a non-linear component.

JP 2001-31279 A Japanese Patent Publication No. 61-54234 Japanese Patent No. 3355743

  By the way, when the technique for increasing the static load of the key in steps and the technique for measuring the key speed of a plurality of sections are used in combination, the “plurality of sections” for measuring the key speed is always the drive start position P. It was provided at a deeper pressing position. The reason is clear in view of the sound structure of the acoustic piano. That is, the musical sound generated by the acoustic piano is determined by the movement state of the hammer that strikes the string and the movement state of the damper that silences the string. Since the movement state of the hammer and the damper is governed by the movement state of the key after the drive start position P, it is natural that the movement state of the key at a position shallower than the drive start position P is neglected. It will be. Actually, if the movement state of the key after the driving start position P can be accurately measured, the movement state of the hammer and the damper can be obtained almost accurately.

However, mounting precise (expensive) sensors on popular electronic keyboard instruments is not feasible from a price standpoint, and these three locations can be detected by detecting about 3 pressed positions in the key orbit. Sensors that can obtain the key speed of two sections between each other are generally used for popular products. It is difficult to obtain an accurate movement state of the key after the driving start position P using such a sensor, and as a result, it is difficult to realize an expression intended by the player on the electronic keyboard instrument. It was.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic keyboard instrument that can realize an expressive performance while using an inexpensive sensor.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is characterized by having the following configuration. The parentheses are examples.
The electronic keyboard instrument according to claim 1, wherein when the key is pressed, the key (10) which moves from the initial position to the full stroke position sequentially through the first, second and third positions, and the key A first key speed (time T1 or velocity V1) that is a key speed when moving from the first position to the second position, and the key moves from the second position to the third position. Generating a tone signal based on a combination of speed detecting means for detecting a second key speed (time T2 or velocity V2), which is a key speed at the time of playing, and the first and second key speeds The static load required to press the key at a predetermined position between the means (106, 118) and the first and second positions increases stepwise, or the maximum value of the static load appears. The key is attached in the direction of the initial position. Biasing means for biasing.
Furthermore, in the configuration according to claim 2, in the electronic keyboard instrument according to claim 1, the speed detection means is provided in first and second positions corresponding to the first, second and third positions. The key having the second and third switches (first, second and third contacts of the switch unit 30 on the board) and the first, second and third pressing units (21, 22, 23). An elastic member (20) that is deformed so that the first, second, and third pressing portions (21, 22, 23) sequentially press the first, second, and third switches when the is pressed. The urging means is constituted by the elastic member (20).
Furthermore, in the configuration according to claim 3, in the electronic keyboard instrument according to claim 1, the biasing means includes a convex portion (44 a) that moves in conjunction with the key (10), and the key ( 10) comprises a claw portion (60) that flips the convex portion (44a) when moved to a predetermined position between the first and second positions.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a musical tone signal is generated based on a combination of the first and second key speeds, and is necessary for pressing a key at a predetermined position between the first and second positions. Since the key is urged toward the initial position so that the static load increases stepwise or the maximum value of the static load appears, it is very easy to detect the performance method and a performance with rich expressiveness can be realized.

1． Principle of Embodiment In an acoustic piano, the movement state of the hammer and the damper is governed by the movement state of the key after the driving start position P at which the key starts driving the hammer action and the damper action, and is shallower than the driving start position P. In general, it can be said that the state of movement of the keys in is not related to the sound of an acoustic piano. However, the movements that appear when a human performer plays a piece of music do not cover the full range of movements in which keys are generally (physically) possible.

  For example, an acoustic piano is played in accordance with a limited number of patterns of performance, such as playing a key “pong” at almost the same speed, or playing a key while suppressing acceleration. It has been found that the movement state of the key at a position shallower than the drive start position P has a close relationship with the “playing style”. This is because, when the player presses the key from the initial position, he feels that the static load has increased at the driving start position P, and then switches the operation based on the intended performance, that is, at the same speed. This is because there is a strong tendency to select whether to continue pressing or to apply acceleration.

  Furthermore, as a result of the study by the present inventor, in an inexpensive sensor that detects approximately three pressed positions, it is preferable to consider the movement state of the key at a position shallower than the drive start position P rather than the drive start position P. It is possible to distinguish the playing style more accurately than measuring the motion state only at a deep position. This is because when the number of sections for detecting the speed is small, it is easier to clarify the correspondence between the key speed and the playing style if the key speed is detected over a wider stroke range. In an electronic keyboard instrument that simulates such an acoustic piano, an expression that the player intends can be obtained by selecting a timbre according to the distinctive “playing method” or by performing a process such as increasing or decreasing a non-linear component. Can be expressed on the musical tone.

2． First embodiment
2.1. Configuration of First Embodiment Hereinafter, the configuration of an electronic keyboard instrument according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
In the figure, reference numeral 106 denotes a CPU which controls other components via a bus 108 in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 102. The ROM 102 stores a plurality of types of waveform data according to the performance style, envelope parameters for generating an envelope signal, filtering coefficients for specifying the content of filtering processing, and the like. A RAM 104 is used as a work memory for the CPU 106. A communication interface 110 inputs and outputs MIDI signals and the like. A display unit 112 displays various information to the user. Reference numeral 114 denotes an operation unit, which includes various switches and knobs. Reference numeral 116 denotes a performance operator, which includes a performance keyboard and the like. A sound source / effect unit 118 synthesizes a musical sound signal based on a control signal supplied from the CPU 106 and applies a necessary effect to the musical sound signal. A sound system 120 emits the generated musical sound signal.

  Next, the keyboard structure of the performance operator 116 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 10 denotes a key, which is supported so as to be swingable around a key support portion 12. A rubber dome 20 in which rubber is formed in a dome shape is fixed to the lower surface of the key 10. And the pressing parts 21, 22, and 23 formed in the shape of a short column protrude from the upper surface of the inner surface of the rubber dome 20 downward. Reference numeral 30 denotes a switch unit on the substrate, which is configured by pattern formation. The switch unit 30 may be a membrane switch placed on a frame (not shown). The switch portion 30 has first to third contacts formed below the pressing portions 21, 22, and 23, respectively. Also, columnar cavities 26 and 28 are formed in the rubber dome 20 above the pressing portions 22 and 23, but the rubber dome 20 is filled with rubber above the pressing portion 21. The performance operator 116 is provided with a plurality of keys 10 as described above, and the CPU 106 constantly monitors the state of the first to third contacts of the switch unit 30 for each key.

  In the above configuration, when the key 10 is pressed from the initial position toward the full stroke position, the rubber dome 20 is bent so as to be gradually crushed, and the pressing portions 21, 22, and 23 sequentially press the switch portion 30. The first to third contacts are sequentially turned on. Here, since the rubber dome 20 is filled with rubber above the pressing part 21, after the pressing part 21 contacts the switch part 30, the pressing part 21 is pressed and the repulsive force is applied to the key 10. Is done. On the other hand, when the pressing portions 22 and 23 are pressed by the switch portion 30, the rubber dome 20 is deformed so that the cylindrical cavities 26 and 28 above the pressing portions 22 and 23 are crushed. The repulsive force applied to the key 10 remains very small in the first stage. However, when the cavities 26 and 28 are completely crushed, the repulsive force when the key 10 is further pressed down is increased again.

  Accordingly, the static load for pressing the key 10 changes as shown in FIG. 4A according to the stroke of the key. That is, after the first contact is turned on in the switch unit 30, the repulsive force by the pressing unit 21 is applied, so that the static load for pressing the key 10 increases stepwise. Thereafter, while the second and third contacts are sequentially turned on, there is almost no change in the static load, and the static load is increased again after the cavities 26 and 28 are completely crushed. Here, the times when the first, second, and third contacts are turned on are t1, t2, and t3, respectively, and time T1 = t2-t1 and time T2 = t3-t2. Since the key stroke between the ON timings of the first, second and third contacts is known based on the structure of the rubber dome 20, the times T1 and T2 are the velocity V1 between the first and second contacts. And the velocity V2 between the second and third contacts, respectively.

Next, an algorithm executed in the CPU 106 and the sound source / effect unit 118 will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 3, 202-1 to 202-m are waveform memories, which store m types of waveform data based on various performance methods. A selector 204 selects any waveform data based on the times T1 and T2. Reference numerals 206-1 to 206-n denote envelope parameter memories, which store n sets of envelope parameters for generating an envelope. A selector 208 selects any envelope parameter based on the times T1 and T2. An envelope generator 210 generates an envelope signal based on the envelope parameters supplied via the selector 208. A multiplier 212 multiplies the envelope signal by the waveform data output via the selector 204 to give an envelope to the waveform data, and outputs the result as a musical sound signal.

  Reference numerals 214-1 to 214-p denote coefficient memories, which store p sets of filtering coefficients for performing filtering processing. Reference numeral 216 denotes a selector that selects one of the filtering coefficients based on the times T1 and T2. Reference numeral 218 denotes a digital filter, which filters the musical tone signal output from the multiplier 212 based on the selected filtering coefficient.

2.2. Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, when pressing of any key 10 is started at time t0, the first and second contacts are sequentially turned on at times t1 and t2. In the CPU 106, the contact state of the switch unit 30 with respect to all keys is monitored, and times t 1 and t 2 are stored in the RAM 104 corresponding to the key 10. Next, when the third contact is turned on at time t 3, times T 1 and T 2 are obtained by calculation, and a sound source channel is secured in the sound source / effect unit 118. Based on the times T1 and T2, the waveform data, envelope parameters, and filtering coefficients to be used are designated by the CPU 106. As a result, the tone generator / effect unit 118 starts synthesizing a musical sound signal based on each designated parameter. Thereafter, when the key 10 is released, the key 10 returns to the initial position, so that the third and second contacts of the switch unit 30 are sequentially turned off. When the key 10 is further released, the first contact is turned off at time t5. When the off state of the first contact point is detected, the CPU 106 instructs the sound source / effect unit 118 to mute the sounding channel related to the key 10, thereby muting the musical sound signal of the sounding channel.

3． Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration and operation of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, but the keyboard structure in the second embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment, so the differences are shown in FIG. A description will be given with reference to (b). In FIG. 6A, the key 10 is supported so as to be swingable around the key support portion 12 as in the first embodiment. On the lower surface of the key 10, a convex portion 14 projecting downward is projected. Reference numeral 40 denotes a mass body, which includes a metal rod-like mass concentration portion 46 and a resin portion 44 fixed to the mass concentration portion 46. Since the mass body 40 is pivotally supported around the mass body support portion 42 and the mass concentration portion 46 is heavier than the resin portion 44, the mass concentration portion 46 is rotated in the downward direction. The mass body 40 is energized.

  In the resin portion 44, a convex portion 44a having a triangular section is formed toward the mass concentration portion 46, and the resin portion 44 is fixed to the frame of the electronic keyboard instrument between the convex portion 44a and the mass concentration portion 46. The tip of the claw portion 60 is loosely inserted. On the lower surface of the resin portion 44, a switch portion 30 and a rubber dome 50 fixed to the switch portion 30 are disposed. The rubber dome 50 is configured in the same manner as the rubber dome 20 of the first embodiment, and push-down portions 51, 52, and 53 that are sequentially formed in a short columnar shape protrude downward from the upper part of the inner surface thereof. However, a hollow portion is formed above the pressing portions 51, 52, and 53 so that almost no repulsive force is generated by the rubber dome 50 itself.

  In the above configuration, when the key 10 is pressed from the initial position toward the full stroke position, the convex portion 14 presses the resin portion 44 from above to rotate the mass body 40 counterclockwise, and the resin portion 44 causes the rubber dome to rotate. 50 is pressed downward. As a result, the pressing units 51, 52, and 53 sequentially press the switch unit 30, so that the first to third contacts of the switch unit 30 are sequentially turned on. Here, while the pressing part 51 presses the switch part 30 after the pressing part 51 presses the switch part 30, the tip of the claw part 60 is pressed upward by the convex part 44 a, and eventually the tip of the claw part 60 is pressed. The part deviates from the convex part 44a. Thus, the state which the front-end | tip part of the nail | claw part 60 removed is shown in FIG.6 (b). Therefore, the static load for pressing the key 10 changes as shown in FIG. 4B according to the key stroke. That is, since the repulsive force by the claw portion 60 is applied after the first contact is turned on in the switch portion 30, the static load for pressing the key 10 is rapidly increased. Thereafter, when the claw portion 60 is detached from the convex portion 44a, the force by the claw portion 60 is not applied to the key, so that the static load is reduced again.

Four. Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration and operation of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, but the keyboard structure in the third embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment, so the differences are shown in FIG. A description will be given with reference to (b). In FIG. 7 (a), the key 10 is supported so as to be swingable around the key support portion 12 as in the first embodiment. An actuator 14 that protrudes downward protrudes from the lower surface of the key 10. Reference numeral 70 denotes a mass body, which is composed of a mass concentration portion 76 and a resin portion 74 as in the mass body 40 of FIG.

  The resin portion 74 is formed by bending a substantially rectangular plate-like resin into a U-shape, and is formed with a flat plate portion 74b formed so as to be substantially parallel to the mass concentration portion 76, and the flat plate portion 74b. And an inclined flat plate portion 74a inclined in the clockwise direction. When the key 10 is in the initial position, the inclined flat plate portion 74 a comes into contact with the end portion 14 a of the actuator 14. Further, below the resin portion 74, as in the second embodiment, the switch portion 30 and the rubber dome 50 fixed to the switch portion 30 are disposed.

  In the above configuration, when the key 10 is pressed from the initial position toward the full stroke position, the end portion 14a of the actuator 14 slides on the upper surface of the resin portion 74, and the resin portion 74 rotates counterclockwise. The rubber dome 50 is pushed downward by 74. As a result, the pressing units 51, 52, and 53 sequentially press the switch unit 30, so that the first to third contacts of the switch unit 30 are sequentially turned on. Here, while the pressing part 52 presses the switch part 30 after the pressing part 51 presses the switch part 30, the end part 14a reaches the boundary line between the inclined flat plate part 74a and the flat plate part 74b.

  Here, as compared with the state where the end portion 14a is pressing the inclined flat plate portion 74a, the mass concentration portion 76 per unit stroke of the key 10 is when the end portion 14a is pressing the flat plate portion 74b. Therefore, when the end portion 14a reaches the boundary line between the inclined flat plate portion 74a and the flat plate portion 74b, the static load required for pressing increases stepwise. That is, this static load changes as shown in FIG. 4A according to the key stroke. Since the third embodiment shows a basic configuration, it is not considered to prevent the rubber dome 50 from being deformed in the horizontal direction when the key is depressed. When the switch operation becomes unstable due to this horizontal deformation, a guide mechanism (switch cover body) (not shown) is provided so that only the vertical direction can be deformed, and the corner of this cover body is inclined on a flat plate. What is necessary is just to comprise so that the part 74a and the flat plate part 74b may be pressed down.

Five. Modifications The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made as follows, for example.
(1) In each of the above embodiments, examples of various keyboard structures have been shown so that the static load is increased stepwise, or the maximum value of the static load appears, but the keyboard structure for changing the static load is It is not restricted to these examples, For example, what was shown in patent documents 1 is applicable. Further, the technique for applying various changes to the tone signal based on the times T1 and T2 or the velocities V1 and V2 detected via the switch unit 30 is not limited to that shown in the algorithm of FIG. Instead, those disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3 may be applied.

It is a block diagram of the electronic keyboard musical instrument of 1st Example of this invention. It is a side view which shows the keyboard structure of 1st Example. It is a block diagram of the algorithm of 1st Example. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a keystroke and a static load. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of 1st Example. It is a side view which shows the keyboard structure of 2nd Example. It is a side view which shows the keyboard structure of 3rd Example.

Explanation of symbols

  10: Key, 12: Key support part, 14: Actuator, 14a: End part, 20: Rubber dome, 21, 22, 23: Press part, 26, 28: Cavity, 30: Switch part, 40: Mass body, 42 : Mass body support part, 44: Resin part, 44a: Convex part, 46: Mass concentrated part, 50: Rubber dome, 51, 52, 53: Press part, 60: Claw part, 70: Mass body, 72: Mass body Support part, 74: Resin part, 74a: Inclined flat plate part, 74b: Flat plate part, 76: Mass concentration part, 102: ROM, 104: RAM, 106: CPU, 108: Bus, 110: Communication interface, 112: Display part , 114: operation unit, 116: performance operator, 118: sound source / effect unit, 120: sound system, 202-1 to 202-m: waveform memory, 204: selector, 206-1 to 206-n: envelope Flop parameter memory, 208: Selector, 210: envelope generator, 212: multipliers, 214-1 to 214-p: coefficient memory, 216: Selector, 218: digital filter.

Claims (3)

A key that, when pressed, moves from the initial position to the full stroke position sequentially through the first, second and third positions;
A first key speed, which is a key speed when the key moves from the first position to the second position, and a key when the key moves from the second position to the third position; Speed detecting means for detecting a second key speed which is a speed;
A tone signal generating means for generating a tone signal based on a combination of the first and second key speeds;
The key is moved to the initial position direction so that a static load required to press the key at a predetermined position between the first and second positions increases stepwise, or a maximum value of the static load appears. And an urging means for urging the electronic keyboard instrument. The speed detecting means has first, second and third switches provided corresponding to the first, second and third positions, and first, second and third pressing parts. When the key is pressed, the first, second and third pressing portions are composed of elastic members which are deformed so as to sequentially press the first, second and third switches,
2. The electronic keyboard instrument according to claim 1, wherein the urging means is constituted by the elastic member.   The biasing means includes a convex portion that moves in conjunction with the key, and a claw portion that flips the convex portion when the key moves to a predetermined position between the first and second positions. The electronic keyboard instrument according to claim 1.

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