JP3307567B2 - Electronic clock for musicians and dancers - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic timepiece such as a digital watch, and more particularly, to an electronic timepiece having a sound generating function most suitable for use by musicians and dancers.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a metronome using an electronic circuit and a rhythm machine for performing a desired rhythm performance using an electronic circuit are known. These were used when musicians performed, or when dancers performed dances.

[0003] The above-described apparatus may exist independently as a stand-alone machine, or may be incorporated as one of the functions of an electronic musical instrument.

[0004]

Therefore, when it is desired to use a metronome or a rhythm machine for performing or dancing, it is necessary to prepare these or an instrument equipped with them, for example, in a place without these. If you want to play or dance on the spot, or if you want to use a short time to practice or dance, you cannot use them.

[0005] In addition, there is an inconvenience in that when it is desired to use these sounds in a live performance, and if these sounds are to be played by only the performer and the audience is not to be heard, the performer must wear headphones. The same inconvenience may occur in the case of dancing, and there has been a problem that the effect of the dancer wearing the headphones is greatly impaired.

An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic timepiece having new functions not imaginable in the prior art, in addition to solving the above problems.

[0007]

That is, an electronic timepiece according to the present invention is a timepiece to be worn on an arbitrary part of a body and has a metronome function for emitting a desired beat sound and a rhythm machine function for performing a desired rhythm performance. Metronome with
Function or rhythm machine function
The beat sound or the rhythm can be synchronized .

[0008]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a view showing the appearance of a main body W of an electronic timepiece embodying the present invention. First, a brief description of members appearing in the appearance will be given as an overview of the timepiece of this embodiment. Here, a digital wristwatch is shown as an example of an electronic timepiece. However, it goes without saying that the type of the watch is not limited to this as long as it is a watch worn on an arbitrary part of the body. A reference numeral 2 in the figure denotes a clock display section composed of a liquid crystal display or the like, on which time, date, day of the week, and the like are displayed. In this embodiment, the timepiece is provided with a stopwatch function in addition to the metronome function and the rhythm machine function, and a stopwatch is displayed on the timepiece display unit 2 by a switching operation.
In the figure, reference numeral 5 denotes a BPM display section composed of a liquid crystal display or the like, which displays a set tempo in the metronome mode and also displays a beat. In the figure, reference numeral 6 denotes a matrix display unit, which uses this display in the rhythm machine mode to create a desired rhythm pattern by drum operation by operating a switch. Reference numeral 17 in the drawing denotes an opening of a speaker and an electronic buzzer for emitting a desired sound to the outside. Reference numeral 12 in the drawing denotes an LED. In this embodiment, when the metronome function or the rhythm machine function is executed, not only the sound but also the light source corresponding to the tempo at the time of execution is blinked, and reference numeral 12 in the figure denotes an LED as a light source in that case. There are three types of LEDs, red, green, and yellow. In the figure, reference numeral 16 denotes an operation key unit for inputting commands for executing various functions.

Next, details of each function of the timepiece of this embodiment will be described with reference to a block circuit diagram of FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a clock circuit composed of a known digital watch circuit. In the initial state of the clock, the time (to the unit of seconds),
The date and the day of the week are displayed on the clock display unit 2. By using the synchronization function described later, the times of a plurality of watches of the present invention can be synchronized in seconds.

Reference numeral 3 in the figure denotes a stopwatch circuit for making this clock function as a stopwatch. In the present invention, in addition to the stopwatch function of a known digital watch, a unique stopwatch function provided for use by musicians and dancers is provided. Specifically, hours, minutes, seconds and 1 /
In addition to having a display capability of 100 seconds, S
MPTE (Society of Motion Pi)
(Cure and Engineer) standard 30 frames can be displayed. By designating the tempo, it is also possible to display how many bars and how many beats can be played by that time. The above stopwatch display is displayed by a switching operation on the clock display unit 2 on which the clock is displayed in the initial state.

Reference numeral 4 in the figure denotes a metronome circuit for making this timepiece function as a metronome. Here, the beat sound of the metronome is expressed by the electronic buzzer sound generated by the electronic buzzer circuit 9. The settable tempo is about 20 BPM to 500 BPM, and the set interval can be specified at 1/100 BPM.
The setting of the metronome is performed by using the BPM display section 5, and the number of measures since the start is also displayed here. It also has a TAP tempo function that measures the interval between button presses and displays the tempo.

Reference numeral 7 in the figure denotes a rhythm machine circuit for making this timepiece function as a rhythm machine. Here, a bass drum (BD), a snare drum (SD), which are the most basic for forming a rhythm pattern,
Sounds of a closed hi-hat (HH) and an open hi-hat (OH) are incorporated as PCM sound sources, and are reproduced from a speaker 10. A desired rhythm pattern can be created using the matrix display unit 6, and a plurality of patterns (here, 20 patterns) can be preset and selected for beginners.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the matrix display section 6. One of 16 dots 6A arranged horizontally for each drum (OH, HH, SD, BD) corresponds to a sixteenth note. Represents one bar, the position of the matrix is selected using the arrow keys of the operation key section 16, and the dots are filled (6B) to sound.

Further, here, four stages of swing functions (the effect of increasing the interval between two sixteenth notes as a pair) that are indispensable to dance music are mounted.

It is also possible to overlap arpeggios using the electronic buzzer circuit 9 described above. An ensemble in which a sequence phrase is combined with a drum machine has become a standard in the dance music world, and it is possible to reproduce a more musical sound.

In the figure, reference numeral 9 denotes an LED drive circuit for blinking the LED 12 in response to control signals from the metronome circuit 4 and the rhythm machine circuit 7. In this embodiment, when the metronome function or the rhythm machine function is executed, not only the sound but also the LED corresponding to the tempo at the time of execution is used.
Twelve blinks provide a visual expression of rhythm and performance, and here, three types of LEDs of red, green and yellow are arranged.

The following is a specific example of the blinking pattern of the LED 12 in this case. (In the metronome mode) Pattern 1 Red: Lights at the beginning of each bar Green: Lights at the beginning of each beat except when red is lit Yellow: Off Pattern 2 Red: Lights at the beginning of each bar Green ... Lights at the beginning of each beat except when red is lit. Yellow ... Lights at every eighth note other than when green is lit. Pattern 3 Red ... Lights at the beginning of a bar. Green ... Except when red is lit. Lights at the beginning of each beat Yellow: Lights at every 16th note except when lit green (in rhythm machine mode) Pattern 1 Red: Lights at the beginning of a bar Green: Beats other than when lit red Lit at the beginning Yellow: Lights at every eighth note except when green is lit Pattern 2 Red: Lights at the beginning of a bar Green: Lights at the beginning of each beat except when red is lit Yellow: Lights every 16th note except when lit green Pattern 3 Lights every bar Every second beat Red lights up the third beat ... Green On the fourth beat ... yellow lighting pattern 4 All off

When the metronome function or the rhythm machine function is executed, the display corresponding to the tempo at the time of execution in addition to the sound is not limited to the above-mentioned LED, but, for example, a watch has a built-in vibrator (not shown). Then, the display may be transmitted to the wearer as vibration.

Reference numeral 13 in the figure denotes a synchronization control unit for synchronizing beat sounds or rhythms of a plurality of watches when executing a metronome function or a rhythm machine function. The clock of the present invention is equipped with essential functions for music, such as a rhythm machine function and a metronome function.However, in the world of music, there are concepts such as tempo, bar, and beat. There is no point in synchronizing instruments and machines. Therefore, if two or more watches of the present invention are used, if they are synchronized, all the watches can play the same tempo, measure, and beat, and can be used to a great extent in dance performances and live events. it can. However, the present invention is not very practical in the system of always linking with a synchronization signal due to the nature of an active product called a clock. Therefore, here, a method is adopted in which the tempo is fixed and only the start signal is synchronized. That is, by synchronizing the start timing of the beat sound or rhythm of a plurality of watches preset with the same beat sound or rhythm pattern by a start signal, the beat sounds or rhythms of the plurality of watches are synchronized. Synchronization is only required at the start, so after the connection is cut, it takes 1 hour to
It is expected that approximately 2 hours will be almost synchronized. By using this method, it is possible to achieve synchronization with other devices while running standalone,
Further, by applying this function, it is possible to realize a stopwatch synchronization function, an automatic clock adjustment function, and the like.

For synchronization in the above-described manner, a start signal must be transmitted / received from the transmission / reception unit 14 to the synchronization control unit of each clock. Here, an infrared transmitting / receiving device is employed as the transmitting / receiving unit 14 as the means (in FIG. 1, reference numeral 15A denotes a light emitting element in this case, and 15B denotes a light receiving element in this case). The present invention is not limited to this, and it is a matter of course that means for connecting a wireless cable or a freely connectable cable to each timepiece only at the time of start may be used. In addition to transmitting and receiving the start signal between the clocks, a host device that transmits the start signal to a plurality of clocks at the same time is prepared.Each clock does not have a transmission function, and synchronization is exclusively performed by reception from this host device. You may take it.

Here, it is assumed that the performance is interrupted during the synchronized performance, and in order to enable the continuation of the synchronization without having to perform the synchronization procedure again, a performance start instruction is issued after the performance is instructed. It has a function to start a rhythm machine or metronome with the trigger of the bar that comes first.

By the way, the timepiece of the present invention has a sound generation and light emission function in addition to the clock function, so that the power consumption is larger than that of a normal timepiece, and furthermore, the timepiece is made to emit and emit light with performance and dance. In addition, the running time is long, and with the current technology, the life of a battery that can be built into a watch is short. Therefore, here, the power supply of the clock and the memory unit is the built-in power supply 20 using a built-in battery as before, and the batteries necessary for relatively high power consumption functions such as the metronome, rhythm machine, and LED are external power supplies 21 as the external power supply 21. Is provided. In this case, the battery provided outside the watch may be built in, for example, a band of the watch or built into a jewelry. In this case, the appearance is good and the advantage of easy replacement is obtained. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example in which a bracelet 21A is employed as a personal accessory incorporating a battery.
Here, a battery remaining amount display section 22A is provided. Similarly, FIG. 4 is a view showing an example in which a ring 21B is employed as a jewelry incorporating a battery.
2B is provided.

[0023]

The timepiece of the present invention having the above-described structure has the following specific effects. Using a watch, a tool that is worn everyday and always worn, you can play and dance on the spot and use a small amount of time without preparing a dedicated metronome or rhythm machine To practice playing and dancing.

For the same reason, even a non-professional musician or dancer can enjoy playing and dancing on a daily basis using the timepiece of the present invention.

It is a matter of course that one person can use the clock of the present invention to listen to the rhythm pattern and dance as it is. However, when a group of several persons is formed, the same rhythm pattern is selected and further synchronized. By using the function, everyone can hear the same rhythm pattern, so that it is possible to dance at the same time. On the other hand, in this case, since the same rhythm pattern is overlapped, the sound is amplified also in terms of sound volume, and the same effect can be obtained without using a special instrument or a rhythm machine, which is useful during a street performance. .

Similarly, by using the synchronization function and blinking the light source while using the rhythm machine function, the dance can be performed while performing the light performance. Further, in this case, by linking the master tempo with the BGM, a write performance synchronized with the music can be realized.

At a concert or an event venue, a spectator carrying the clock of the present invention is synchronized by using a synchronizing function at the time of admission, and a song corresponding to the tempo is played during the concert to give the spectator a light performance. You can entertain. This enables an event in which the stage and the audience are integrated.

In the case of a live performance using synchronization, a drummer usually hears a click. However, in the case of an intro or the like with only a guitar, a piano, or only vocals, the synchronization function and the metronome function or the light function must be used. This allows the musician to respond without the need for click headphones.

As described above, the timepiece of the present invention has an unprecedented attractiveness as a portable tool for musicians and dancers, and when applied to a digital watch, the timepiece according to the present invention has a sport genre. The use of music in most current digital watches can open up a new dimension of music and can be expected to increase demand.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a main body of an electronic timepiece according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a matrix display unit according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of an external power supply.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of an external power supply.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electric circuit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 W Clock body 2 Clock display unit 5 BPM display unit 6 Matrix display unit 12 LED

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-57-22584 (JP, A) JP-A-54-35773 (JP, A) JP-A-6-250649 (JP, A) JP-A-62-200281 (JP, A) JP-A-9-145864 (JP, A) JP-A-53-46876 (JP, U) JP-B-49-1227 (JP, B1) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB G04G 1/00 G04C 3/00 G04C 10/00-10/04 G04F 5/02

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] [Claim 1] in the clock to be attached to any part of the body, with the desired emits a beat sound metronome function and, a rhythm machine function to perform a desired rhythm performance Rutotomoni
When executing the metronome function or rhythm machine function,
An electronic clock for musicians and dancers that can synchronize the beat sound or rhythm of several clocks. 2. A musician and the electronic timepiece dancer claim 1, wherein the clock to be attached to any position a watch body. 3. The same beat sound or rhythm pattern
Open beat sounds or rhythms of multiple preset watches
Synchronizing the start timing with the start signal
More than one clock beat or rhythm synchronization means
The musician and dancer of claim 1 or 2
For electronic clock. 4. The start signal is transmitted by radio waves or light beams.
3. The musician according to claim 1, which is sent to a watch.
And electronic clock for dancers. 5. A start signal which can be connected to a clock.
3. The mu of claim 1 or 2, wherein the mu is sent from the cable to each watch.
Electronic clock for musicians and dancers. 6. A frame capable of displaying an SMPTE frame.
6. A device according to claim 1, which has a top watch function.
An electronic clock for the described musician and dancer. 7. A metronome function or rhythm machine machine
When performing the function, the light source flashes according to the tempo at the time of execution.
The musician and the musician according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
And electronic clock for dancers. 8. A metronome function or rhythm machine machine.
When performing Noh, the wearer vibrates according to the tempo at the time of execution
8. The music according to claim 1, wherein the music is transmitted.
Electronic clock for jan and dancers.