JP3356626B2 - Musical instrument toy - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a highly entertaining musical instrument toy capable of cultivating a rhythm while having fun by expressing the whole body in a dynamic manner at a tempo that matches the music. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various foot-operated musical instruments have been proposed. Such a conventional foot-operated musical instrument has a plurality of mat switches in which an upper sheet having an electrode portion and a lower sheet are overlapped with a spacer interposed therebetween, and each of the mat switches is provided with a musical tone. .. Are provided correspondingly. When attempting to play a tune using a conventional foot-operated musical instrument, each tone switch corresponding to the musical tone is sequentially changed at appropriate timing according to the tune the player is familiar with. As described above, by stepping on each of the mat switches at appropriate timing in accordance with the tempo of the music, the corresponding musical tones are sequentially generated from the speakers.

[0003]

However, the conventional foot-operated musical instrument has a problem in that when the user steps on the mat switch, the corresponding musical tone is simply output from the speaker, and the user is tired of the sound. I was Also, when a player tries to play a song, it is necessary to change the mat switch corresponding to the musical tone for each note at an appropriate timing in accordance with the time signature of the song, which is appropriate for a player with a poor rhythmic feeling. It was difficult to output the melody.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a highly entertaining musical instrument toy capable of cultivating a sense of rhythm in time with a song while enjoying the whole body. Aim.

[0005]

Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above object, the first means provided by the present invention has the following requirements. That is, (a) having a storage means for storing music information. (B) The music information is composed of a plurality of block melodies. (C) The plurality of block melodies are each composed of a plurality of sounds.
It is configured and set to a length of one beat or an integral multiple of one beat of the song information. (D) A timing instruction key is provided for instructing the start timing of each block melody so that each block melody is played at an appropriate timing. (E) reading means for reading out each block melody from the storage means in the order of music progression each time the timing instruction key is operated. (F) When the timing instruction key is operated, a sound emitting means for emitting a corresponding block melody from the head thereof is provided.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the second means provided by the present invention has the following requirements. That is, (a) having storage means for storing music information composed of a plurality of block melodies; (B) The plurality of block melodies are each composed of a plurality of sounds.
It is configured and set to a length of one beat or an integral multiple of one beat of the song information. (C) A timing instruction key for instructing the start timing of each block melody so that each block melody is played at an appropriate timing. (D) Each time the timing instruction key is operated, there is provided a reading means for reading out each block melody from the storage means in the order of music progression. (E) sound emitting means for emitting a corresponding block melody from the beginning when the timing instruction key is operated. (F) A determination means for determining whether or not the operation timing of the timing instruction key is appropriate.

The third means provided by the present invention to achieve the above object has the following requirements. That is, (a) a music information storage means for storing music information composed of a plurality of block melodies, and a sound effect information storage means for storing sound effect information. (B) The plurality of block melodies are each composed of a plurality of sounds.
It is configured and set to a length of one beat or an integral multiple of one beat of the song information. (C) having a timing instruction key for instructing the start timing of each block melody; (D) reading means for reading out the sound effect information from the sound effect information storage means every time the timing instruction key is operated. (E) sound emitting means for emitting the read sound effect when the timing instruction key is operated; (F) A determination means for determining whether or not the operation timing of the timing instruction key is appropriate.

[0008]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A musical instrument toy 1 provided by the present invention comprises:
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the microcomputer 13 has a microcomputer 13, and the microcomputer 13 has a music information storage unit 24 for storing music information. The music information is composed of a plurality of block melodies. The plurality of block melodies are set to have a length of one beat or an integral multiple of one beat of the music information. A plurality of switches 9a, 9b, 9c, 9 are provided as timing instruction keys for instructing the start timing of each block melody so that each block melody is played at an appropriate timing.
d. Further, the microcomputer 13 has a reading means for reading out each block melody from the music information storage unit 24 in the order of music progression each time any of the switches 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d is operated. And, when any one of the switches 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d is operated, there is provided a speaker 17 which emits a corresponding block melody from its head. The player operates one of the switches 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d to indicate the start timing of each block melody so that each block melody is played at an appropriate timing. It is possible to develop a rhythmic feeling that matches the tone of the song while having fun using the whole body, and to realize a highly interesting musical instrument toy.

A second means provided by the present invention comprises a microcomputer 13 and the microcomputer 13
Has a music information storage unit 24 for storing music information composed of a plurality of block melodies. The plurality of block melodies are set to have a length of one beat or an integral multiple of one beat of the music information. A plurality of switches 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d are provided as timing instruction keys for instructing the start timing of each block melody so that each block melody is played at an appropriate timing. Further, the microcomputer 13 has a reading means for reading out each block melody from the music information storage unit 24 in the order of music progression each time any of the switches 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d is operated. And, when any one of the switches 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d is operated, there is provided a speaker 17 which emits a corresponding block melody from its head. The player operates one of the switches 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d to indicate the timing of the beginning of each block melody so that each block melody is played at an appropriate timing.
The player can develop the tone and rhythm of the song while having fun using the whole body, and can realize a highly interesting musical instrument toy. The microcomputer 13 includes switches 9a, 9b, 9 serving as the timing instruction keys.
Since there is a judging means for judging whether or not the operation timings of c and 9d are appropriate, it is possible to easily grasp whether the time signature and rhythm of the music to be played are appropriate,
Ideal for pitch education.

A third means provided by the present invention has a microcomputer 13 and this microcomputer 1
Reference numeral 3 includes a song information storage unit 24 that stores song information composed of a plurality of block melodies, and a sound effect information storage unit (ROM 23) that stores sound effect information. The plurality of block melodies are set to have a length of one beat or an integral multiple of one beat of the music information. A plurality of switches 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d are provided as a timing instruction key for instructing the start timing of each block melody. Whenever any of the switches 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d is operated, the microcomputer 13 reads the ROM.
There is a reading means for reading out the sound effect information from the reference numeral 23. And, when any one of the switches 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d is operated, there is a speaker 17 for emitting the read sound effect. The player can select one of the switches 9a,
When the start timing of each block melody is indicated by operating 9b, 9c, 9d, a sound effect is emitted in response thereto, so that the player has a surprising effect, and the player can enjoy the music while enjoying the whole body. The rhythm and the rhythm can be cultivated, and a highly interesting musical instrument toy can be realized. Further, the microcomputer 13 has a judging means for judging whether or not the operation timing of the switches 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d which are the timing instruction keys is proper.
It is easy to know whether the tone and rhythm of the music to be played are appropriate, and it is most suitable for pitch education.

[0011]

An embodiment according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The musical instrument toy 1 according to the present invention has a seat body 2 and a sound output unit 3 as shown in FIG. The sheet body 2 has a plurality of mat switches formed by stacking an upper sheet having an electrode portion and a lower sheet with a spacer interposed therebetween. The switch circuit section 4 is formed by a plurality of such mat switches. The upper sheet and the lower sheet are
It is formed from a flexible member such as a synthetic resin. Switches 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d are provided near the audio output unit 3. The switch 5a is a practice key switch for switching to a practice mode. The switch 5b is a one-key switch for switching to a one-key play mode. The switch 5c is a sound effect switch for switching between group A and group B sound effects. The switch 5d is a clear key switch for clearing to an initial state.

The switches 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e are provided below the switches 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d. The switch 7a is a selection switch for selecting a tune of March. The switch 7b is a selection switch for selecting a reggae tune. The switch 7c is a selection switch for selecting a waltz tune. The switch 7d is a selection switch for selecting a rap song. The switch 7e is a selection switch for selecting a samba song. Switches 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d are provided below the switches 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e.
These switches 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d are used in the one-key mode to designate timings at the beginning of each block melody so that each block melody, which will be described later, is played at an appropriate timing. It is. In the normal mode and the practice mode, the switches 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d
The corresponding sound effect is output by stepping on. That is, when the switch 9a is depressed, the sound effect “1” of the group A or the pseudo sound “Nyan” of the cat which is the sound effect of the group B is output. When the switch 9b is depressed, the sound effect “group” of group A or the simulated sound of the elephant “baon” which is the sound effect of group B is output. When the switch 9c is depressed, the sound effect "san" of the group A or the sound "kamon" which is the sound effect of the group B is output. When the switch 9d is depressed, a sound effect “shi” of group A or a pseudo sound “poyoyon” which is a sound effect of group B is output.

Next, the configuration of the audio output unit 3 and its peripheral circuit unit will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the audio output unit 3 includes a battery BT, a slide-type power switch 11, a microcomputer 13, an amplifier 15, and a speaker 17. Further, a plurality of emission holes 19 for emitting a sound from the speaker 17 are provided at a position where the speaker 17 as the sound emitting means is attached. The opening amounts of the plurality of emission holes 19 are configured to be adjustable by the shutter 21.
By operating the button 1, the sound volume emitted through the emission hole 19 can be adjusted.

The microcomputer 13 is connected to the battery BT via the power switch 11 and the amplifier 1
5 and a speaker 17. The microcomputer 13 is connected to the switch circuit unit 4, and switches 5a,... 5d, 7a,.
It is determined that 7e, 9a,... 9d have been operated. The microcomputer 13 includes a ROM 23 that stores an operation program, various control information and sound effect information, a music information storage unit 24 that stores music information, and a memory unit such as a RAM 25 that temporarily stores information. And various circuit units such as a read circuit for reading information from each memory unit. And the microcomputer 13
The overall control is performed based on the operation program. For example, the microcomputer 13 determines the set operation mode or automatically switches the operation mode according to the situation, and executes various control processes in each operation mode. The music information storage unit 24 is storage means for storing music information including a plurality of block melodies. That is, the song information storage unit 24 stores a two-time march,
2 beat reggae, 3 beat waltz, 4 beat rap, 4 beats
Five kinds of music information of the beat samba are stored. Each piece of music information is formed from a plurality of block melodies. Here, a plurality of block melodies constituting one piece of music information are set to have a length of one beat or an integral multiple of one beat of the music information.

The microcomputer 13 has one of the switches 9a,
Each time 9b, 9c, 9d is operated, there is a reading means for reading out each block melody of the corresponding music from the music information storage unit 24 in the progressing order of the music. Then, the microcomputer 13 has one of the switches 9a, 9b, 9
There is a judging means for judging whether or not the operation timings of c and 9d are appropriate. For example, the allowable value of the reference timing at which the beginning of each block melody is played is stored in the ROM 23.
Is determined, and it is determined whether or not the actually operated timing is within the range of the allowable value. Further, a diode 29 is connected to the microcomputer 13. The diode 29 displays the tempo and speed of the music by flashing in accordance with the tone and rhythm of the music to be played. Note that the ROM 23 and the music information storage unit 24 described above may be configured as a single storage unit.
In addition, the song information storage unit 24 can store appropriate song information other than the above.

Next, the operation will be described. First, the operation in the normal mode will be described. When the power switch 11 is turned on, the microcomputer 13 judges this and automatically sets the normal mode, and sets the output sound effect to the group B. Then, the switches 7a,
When any one of the switches 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e is operated, a song corresponding to the switch is selected, and the song information is immediately read out from the song information storage unit 24 and emitted from the speaker 17. You. A player can select one of the switches 9a, 9b, 9c,
When stepping on 9d, the sound effect information corresponding to the switch is R
The data is read from the OM 23 and output from the speaker 17. For example, when the switches 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d are stepped on in order in accordance with the tempo of a song to be automatically played, a cat pseudo-sound “Nyan”, an elephant pseudo-sound “Baon”, and a voice “Kamon” , The sound effect of the pseudo sound “Poyo-Yon” is sequentially output in accordance with the tempo of the music. By operating the switch 5c, the sound effect of the group B can be switched to the sound effect of the group A. That is, by operating the switch 5c, the sound effect of the group A and the sound effect of the group B are alternately switched.

Next, the operation in the practice mode will be described. When the switch 5a is operated, the microcomputer 13 determines this and sets the practice mode, and sets the output sound effect to the group A. When any one of the switches 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e is operated, a tune corresponding to the switch is selected, and the tune information is immediately read out from the tune information storage unit 24, and is normally read. Sound is emitted from the speaker 17 at a speed lower than the speed of the speaker 17. The player can select one of the switches 9a, 9b, 9 according to the tempo of the automatically played song.
When the user steps on c and 9d, a sound effect corresponding to the tempo of the music is output. For example, if the tempo of a song to be automatically played is 4 beats, each time the switch 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d is depressed, the sound effects "1", "Nii", "San",
It is output repeatedly in the order of "shi". If the tempo of the automatically played music is two beats, the switch 9a,
Each time you step on 9b, 9c, 9d, the sound effect "Ichi"
It is repeatedly output in the order of “ni”, “ichi”, and “ni”. At this time, the microcomputer 13 compares the permissible value of the reference timing at which the beginning of each block melody is played with the timing at which the switches 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d are actually depressed, and this is compared with the permissible value. Determine if it is within the range. If the result of the above determination is that the correct answer is less than 50%, the control information is read from the ROM 23 based on the control command from the microcomputer 13, and for example, “another” voice is emitted from the speaker 17. You. This will cause the player to try again. Also, as a result of the above judgment, the correct answer is 50
%, The control information is read from the ROM 23 based on the control command from the microcomputer 13, and “ping-pong” sound indicating good results is emitted from the speaker 17. Subsequently, the same song is automatically played at a normal speed, so that the player can switch 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d in accordance with the normal tempo of the song.
The stepping-in operation is performed. If the correct answer of the depressing operation of the switches 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d is 50% or more, the tempo of the song automatically played at the normal speed is further higher than the normal speed. Since it is automatically played at a high speed,
The player switches to this faster tempo 9
Steps a, 9b, 9c, and 9d are performed.

Next, the operation in the one-key play mode will be described with reference to FIG. When the switch 5b is operated, the microcomputer 13 determines this and sets the one-key play mode. And switches 7a, 7
When one of the switches b, 7c, 7d, and 7e is operated, the tune corresponding to the switch is selected, the tune information is read from the tune information storage unit 24, and the standby state is set. The player depresses the switches 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d in order to indicate the start timing of each block melody so that each block melody of the selected music is played at an appropriate timing. become.

Here, for example, a case will be described in which the switch 7b is operated to select a tune of two beats. At time t0 shown in FIG. 3, the player switches any of the switches 9a, 9b, 9
As soon as the user steps on c and 9d, the block melody 33a for one beat, which is the first song, is output from the speaker 17. Further, the microcomputer 13 sets an allowable value of a reference timing at which the head of the next block melody 33b, 33c, 33d,. That is, the microcomputer 13 sets 1 based on the time t0.
The time (1/2) × Ta which is half of the time Ta for the bar is calculated. The time t1 at which this time (１ ／) × Ta elapses is set as the reference timing at which the beginning of the block melody 33b for the next one beat should be played. Then, an allowable value Tb of a predetermined time width is set around time t1, which is the reference timing. When the player steps on any of the switches 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d within the range of the allowable value Tb, the block melody 33b for the next one beat is played from the beginning at that timing. Similarly, when the player steps on any of the switches 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d within the range of the next allowable value Tb, the block melody for the next one beat is played from the beginning at that timing. Is done. Therefore, if the timing of the depressing operation of the switches 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d performed by the player is appropriate, each block melody 33
b, 33c, 33d,... are emitted at appropriate timings, and a continuous two-beat tune is played. Also, the switches 9a, 9b, 9c,
If the step-in timing of 9d is out of the range of the allowable value Tb, the block melody for the corresponding one beat is not played and the blank state is set. This allows
The player can perceive that the depression timing of the switches 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d is out of the range of the allowable value Tb.

Next, the operation in the one-key play mode of another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment,
A so-called intro is emitted before the first block melody 33a, and the leading timing of the block melody 33a is given according to the tempo of the intro. Here, the case where the switch 7b is operated to select a two-beat song as described above will be described. First, the voice 31a of "one" is output from the speaker 17 within the time (1/2) * Ta for one beat from time t0 to time t1. Next, the voice 31b of “Nii” is the time (1/2) × Ta for one beat from time t1 to time t2.
Is output from the speaker 17. Similarly, the voice 31c of “one” is output within one beat from time t2 to time t3, and the voice 31d of “starting” is output at time t3.
It is output within one beat from time 3 to time t4. In this way, the sounds 31a, 31b, 31
Since the intro by c and 31d is output, the player can easily know the start timing of the block melody 33a. The player sets any of the switches 9a, 9b, 9 within the range of the allowable value Tb centered on the time t4.
When the steps c and 9d are depressed, the block melody 33a for one beat, which is the first song, is output from the speaker 17 at that timing. Similarly, in the same manner, the player can select one of the switches 9a and 9 within the range of the next allowable value Tb.
When the steps b, 9c and 9d are depressed, the block melody for the next one beat is played from the beginning at that timing.

In the one-key play mode, when the player steps on one of the switches 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, the sound effect information corresponding to the switch is read out from the ROM 23 and sequentially output from the speaker 17. May be configured. With this configuration, a melody based on a sound effect is output instead of a melody based on a voice. That is, since only the sound effect corresponding to the time signature of the music is output, it is possible to realize a musical toy having not only surprisingness but also interest and having high interest.

[0022]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided music information storage means for storing music information composed of a plurality of block melodies, and the plurality of block melodies are used for storing music information. The length is set to one beat or an integral multiple of one beat. There is a timing instruction key for instructing the start timing of each block melody so that each block melody is played at an appropriate timing. Further, the apparatus has reading means for reading out each block melody from the music information storage means in the order of progress of the music every time the timing instruction key is operated, and releases the corresponding block melody from the head when the timing instruction key is operated. It has sound emitting means for making sound. The player operates the timing instruction key to indicate the start timing of each block melody so that each block melody is played at the appropriate timing, so that the player can enjoy the entire body while enjoying the melody. This has the effect of cultivating a rhythmic sense of tempo that matches the music, and realizing a musical toy with high interest.

Further, according to the second means provided by the present invention, there is provided music information storage means for storing music information composed of a plurality of block melodies, wherein the plurality of block melodies are one beat or one beat of the music information. Is set to a length that is an integral multiple of. There is a timing instruction key for instructing the start timing of each block melody so that each block melody is played at an appropriate timing. Further, the apparatus has reading means for reading out each block melody from the music information storage means in the order of progress of the music every time the timing instruction key is operated, and releases the corresponding block melody from the head when the timing instruction key is operated. It has sound emitting means for making sound. The player operates the timing instruction key to indicate the start timing of each block melody so that each block melody is played at the appropriate timing, so that the player can enjoy the entire body while enjoying the melody. This has the effect of cultivating a rhythmic sense of tempo that matches the music, and realizing a musical toy with high interest. In addition, since there is a judging means for judging whether the operation timing of the timing instruction key is appropriate, it is possible to easily grasp whether the tempo or rhythm of the music to be played is appropriate or not, which is useful for sound training. This has the effect that an optimal musical toy can be provided.

The third means provided by the present invention includes a music information storage means for storing music information composed of a plurality of block melodies, and a sound effect information storage means for storing sound effect information. The plurality of block melodies are set to have a length of one beat or an integral multiple of one beat of the music information. It has a timing instruction key for instructing the start timing of each block melody, and has reading means for reading out the sound effect information from the sound effect information storage means every time the timing instruction key is operated. And, when the timing instruction key is operated, there is provided a sound emitting means for emitting the read sound effect. When the player operates the timing instruction key to indicate the start timing of each block melody, the sound effect is emitted according to this, so the player can enjoy the whole body and fit the song while having fun It is possible to cultivate a tempo and a sense of rhythm, and it is possible to achieve an effect that an interesting musical toy can be realized. In addition, since there is a judging means for judging whether the operation timing of the timing instruction key is appropriate, it is possible to easily grasp whether the tempo or rhythm of the music to be played is appropriate or not, which is useful for sound training. This has the effect that an optimal musical toy can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of an embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation in a one-key play mode.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation in a one-key play mode of another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 musical instrument toy 5a switch 5b switch 7a switch 7b switch 9a switch 9b switch 13 microcomputer 17 speaker 23 ROM 24 music information storage unit

Continuation of the front page (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G09B 15/00 A63H 5/00 A63H 33/00 A63F 13/00-13/12 G10H 1/00

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] An instrument toy characterized by the following requirements: (B) having storage means for storing music information; (B) The music information is composed of a plurality of block melodies. (C) The plurality of block melodies are each composed of a plurality of sounds.
It is configured and set to a length of one beat or an integral multiple of one beat of the song information. (D) A timing instruction key is provided for instructing the start timing of each block melody so that each block melody is played at an appropriate timing. (E) reading means for reading out each block melody from the storage means in the order of music progression each time the timing instruction key is operated. (F) When the timing instruction key is operated, a sound emitting means for emitting a corresponding block melody from the head thereof is provided. 2. A musical toy having the following requirements. (B) Having storage means for storing music information composed of a plurality of block melodies. (B) The plurality of block melodies are each composed of a plurality of sounds.
It is configured and set to a length of one beat or an integral multiple of one beat of the song information. (C) A timing instruction key for instructing the start timing of each block melody so that each block melody is played at an appropriate timing. (D) Each time the timing instruction key is operated, there is provided a reading means for reading out each block melody from the storage means in the order of music progression. (E) sound emitting means for emitting a corresponding block melody from the beginning when the timing instruction key is operated. (F) A determination means for determining whether or not the operation timing of the timing instruction key is appropriate. 3. A musical toy having the following requirements. (A) A music information storage means for storing music information composed of a plurality of block melodies, and a sound effect information storage means for storing sound effect information. (B) The plurality of block melodies are each composed of a plurality of sounds.
It is configured and set to a length of one beat or an integral multiple of one beat of the song information. (C) having a timing instruction key for instructing the start timing of each block melody; (D) reading means for reading out the sound effect information from the sound effect information storage means every time the timing instruction key is operated. (E) sound emitting means for emitting the read sound effect when the timing instruction key is operated; (F) A determination means for determining whether or not the operation timing of the timing instruction key is appropriate.