JPH01246597A - Electric drum - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable playing of the electric drum as a percussion instrument having the force higher than real drums by respectively corresponding the electric signals from plural keys to the previously stored sounds of plural kinds of drums. CONSTITUTION:When a player holds a body 10 and touches the plural keys 12a, 12b for left hand and right hand disposed on a front face 10a by the fingers, the keys 12a, 12b output the electric signals corresponding to the intensities of that time by the impact thereof. The electric signals corresponding to the intensities of the key touch are, therefore, outputted from the keys 12a, 12b touched by the operator. Since the electric signals from the respective keys 12a, 12b correspond respectively to the previously stored sounds of the plural kinds of the drums, the drum sounds of plural kinds can be generated at prescribed magnitudes when the player touches the plural keys 12a, 12b by both hands. The player is thereby enabled to touch the plural keys 12a, 12b by using the ten fingers of both hands and to make performance with much more variety than with the real drums.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Application in Industry 514] This invention relates to an electric drum that electrically generates drum sound, and particularly to improvements in its operating functions.

[Prior Art] In recent years, various musical instruments have become increasingly electronic. In particular, with the development of ICs, LSIs, etc., digital processing has become a commodity, and this trend is progressing further. It has also become commonplace for pianists, who had long held on to grand pianos, to perform as keyboard players.

However, drums are still played using the primitive method of hitting multiple drums with sticks while sitting.

On the other hand, with the widespread use of synthesizers and the like, it has become possible to synthesize the sounds of various musical instruments, and it is now possible to record the sounds of drums in advance by inputting them into a computer. In this way, performances are also performed using drum sounds managed by a computer.

Further, drums managed by such computers are also used in performances on stage. In this case, a performer on stage plays a musical instrument such as a guitar in accordance with sounds pre-stored on a tape or the like.

[Problem to be solved by the invention' It has the advantage of being able to However, multiple large drums must be set in a designated location, which requires a very large space, usually more than 4 meters, and it takes about 1 hour to set up, 1 hour to adjust the sound, and 1 hour to clean up. The problem was that it required a lot of time and lacked maneuverability.

Furthermore, it requires a lot of physical strength to play, making it unsuitable for women, and the live sound is so loud that it is difficult to hear the sounds of other performers' instruments and singing voices.

On the other hand, with drums whose recording is controlled by a computer, the sound and rhythm are uniform and lack flexibility, making it impossible to perform to suit the atmosphere of the stage, making it feel inorganic. The problem was that it lacked momentum.

Furthermore, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 56-134097 proposes an electric drum that generates sound electrically by operating the 1 (number) key. However, the drum described in this publication The switch is turned on and off using five keys and a foot pedal for one hand (right hand), and each of these on/offs generates a predetermined drum sound.The volume of each drum is adjusted using the other hand (left hand). This is done by manipulating each volume.

With such a device, the required space is reduced and it is possible to create a rhythm that matches the atmosphere of the place. However, with this device, the timing and loudness of the drum sound are adjusted by turning on/off switches and adjusting the volume. For this reason, it was far from a drum, a percussion instrument whose sound changes by striking down the stink, and had to produce a very 11'3J sound. In other words, the drums produced with this device were not drums as a percussion instrument, but were almost the same as the drum sounds that corresponded to the keys of a conventionally known keyboard instrument such as the electone. .

This invention was made with the aim of solving the problems mentioned in 1-1 above, and allows the performer to hit the keys while holding them in both hands, thereby producing a powerful performance similar to that of live drums as a percussion instrument. The purpose is to provide electric drums that can be performed in a variety of ways more than live drums.

[Means for Solving the Problems] An electric drum according to the present invention includes a main body that has at least a flat front surface and can be held by a player with both hands; It has a plurality of keys that output electric signals according to the intensity of the impact caused by a touch, and these 1 (number keys) have a plurality of left-hand keys located near one end of the main body and a plurality of left-hand keys located at the other end of the main body. The electric signals from these multiple keys are made to correspond to multiple pre-stored drum sounds, allowing the performer to touch multiple keys with both hands. By doing so, it is possible to generate sounds of predetermined loudness from a plurality of types of drums.

[Function] According to the electric drum according to the present invention, the player holds the main body and touches a plurality of left-hand and right-hand keys arranged on the front surface with the fingers of both hands. The key then outputs an electrical signal depending on the strength of the impact. Therefore, an electric signal corresponding to the strength of the key touch is output from the key touched by the player.

The electrical signals from each key are stored in advance.
(Each one corresponds to the sound of several types of drums.

Therefore, by appropriately touching the 1 (number) keys with both hands, the performer can generate 1 (number) or 6 type drum sounds at a predetermined volume.

Therefore, a plurality of keys can be touched using ten fingers of both hands, and performances can be performed with more variety than live drums. Furthermore, since the volume of the drum sound can be changed depending on the strength of the key touch, it can be played as a percussion instrument rich in emotion.

[Example] Next, an electric drum according to the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The front surface 10a of the main body 10 is formed into a planar shape.

A mounting board 14 for mounting a plurality of keys 12 is attached to this front surface 10a. Note that this attachment is usually done by bolting, but it may also be done by adhesive or other means. Further, it is preferable that the main body 10 is made of wood, and the mounting board 14 is made of steel, but a plastic material such as acrylic may also be used.

A plurality of keys 12 are attached to the board 1-4. In this example, 24 keys 12 are provided. These keys 12 are divided into 1 (number of groups), namely, a left-hand key group 12a, a right-hand key group 12b, a neutral key group 12C, and a special key 12d.The left-hand key group 12a is One end 10b of 10
(the right end in the figure), and the right-hand key group 12b is arranged on the side near the other end 10c (the left end in II) of the main body 10.

Here, the left-hand key group 12a consists of ten keys 12, most of which have a double arc shape (particularly the range indicated by the arrow in the figure). As a result, during normal performance, two keys 12 correspond to each of the five fingers of the left hand. Similarly, the right-hand key group 12b is made up of 10 keys, which are arranged in a nearly double arc shape (particularly within the range indicated by the arrow in the figure). Note that the correspondence between these keys 12 and fingers is not necessarily uniquely determined, and the player can touch any key 12 as appropriate. However, it is understood that arranging the keys 12 in an arc shape as in this embodiment corresponds to the position of the fingertips of the player's hand and is suitable for the player.

Further, the neutral key 12c is located between the left-hand key group 12a and the right-hand key group 12b, and is touched by either hand as appropriate. Furthermore, the special key 12d is used as the other key 12.
The keys 12 are arranged slightly apart from each other at both ends 10b of the main body 10 and near the IOC, and the keys 12 themselves are formed large.

Further, a left-hand four part 10d is formed near the left-hand key group 12a of the main body 10, and a right-hand four part 10e is formed near the right-hand key group 10e. Furthermore, four main body supporting parts 10f are formed. In this way, the main body lO
Since a left hand space 10d and a right hand space 10e are formed in the main body 10, when the player holds the main body 10 and performs, he or she can efficiently touch the keys with the left and right hands.

In addition, since the four parts 10f for supporting the main body are provided, when the player sits down to play, the main body 10 is supported by the player's legs.
can be easily supported.

Note that the signals from each key 12 are outputted to the outside of the main body 10 from an output end 18 provided on the main body 10 via a cord 20.

Moreover, FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1.

As shown in the figure, four parts 10d are formed on the back side of the board 14 for mounting the main body 10. The rear side protrusion of the key 12 and the wiring therefrom are housed in the four parts 10d.

Next, the structure of the key 12 is shown in FIG. In this way, the key 12 includes the outer cylinder material 1201, the signal output element 122, and the adhesive 1.
24, an elastic filler 126, and a lid 128.

Furthermore, the electrical signal output line 16 is connected to the signal output element 122 .

On the outer periphery of the outer cylindrical member 120, four donut-shaped strips 120a are formed, into which the ends of the mounting board 14 are inserted. In other words, the installation is done using key 1 on the board 14.
A hole is provided at each location where 2 is attached. The key 12 is firmly fixed to the mounting board 14 by forming the groove 120a of the key 12 in accordance with the shape of the mounting hole and the thickness of the mounting board 14. In addition, the key 12 is mounted with a small diameter of 20a + m1 and a large diameter of 24m at the part located on the board 14'', taking into consideration the ease of hitting it with a fingertip.
A truncated cone shape with a diameter of about m is used.

Further, a signal output element 122 is connected to the inside of the outer cylinder member 120 via a contact 124.

The lower end of the outer cylindrical member 120 is sealed with a lid member 128, and the inside thereof is filled with an elastic filler 126.

Here, the outer cylinder material 120 is made of synthetic rubber, silicone rubber, or other material with low deformity, and the adhesive is acrylic,
Use a high-hardness material such as epoxy. Note that since a material with high hardness is easily broken, it is necessary to set the hardness in consideration of breaking strength.

As the elastic filler 126, a packaging material with high elasticity such as acetic acid-free and oxime-free silicone is used. Further, the signal output cable 122 is for instantaneously measuring the applied acceleration, and a normal semiconductor piezoelectric element that outputs a voltage according to the strength of the impact is adopted. Piezoelectric ceramics are optimal because they output a voltage that corresponds to the magnitude of . Moreover, this signal output element 122 is normally 0. 5
It is formed into a disk shape with a diameter of ~2 mm.

Furthermore, since the signal output element 122 is supported by the elastic filler 126, destruction of the signal output element 122 when it is distorted can be effectively prevented.

When such a key 12 is adopted, when an impact is applied to the surface 120a of the outer cylinder member 120, the signal output element is distorted according to the strength of this impact, that is, the distortion of the surface of the key 12, and a corresponding voltage is generated. , that is, a voltage corresponding to acceleration 1= is output. This No. 18 is taken out to the outside by an electric signal output line 16, but this electric signal output line 16 is a very thin one (0,1 to 0 .3n) has been adopted.

Note that since the signal output element 122 generates a signal in response to an impact received, there is a possibility that the signal output element 122 will perform the X1 operation due to other vibrations. In particular, if a malfunction occurs when another nearby key 12 is touched, an unwanted sound will be produced. In this embodiment, the board 14 is mounted using a strong steel material with a thickness of about 2 m11, and the vibration of the board 14 can be minimized, and the intervals between the keys 12 are set at 30 to 40 mm or more. This prevents malfunctions.

When a player plays such an electric drum, the player holds the main body 10 with both hands as shown in FIG. In this case, it is best to attach hooks to two places on the main body 10 and hang it from r7 with a belt, just like a normal guitar. In this way, you can also play the drums while dancing.

Also, while sitting on a chair etc., hold the main body lO with your legs.
may be supported.

When the player touches the 1 (number) key 12 provided on the front of the main body 10, each key 12 outputs an electric signal corresponding to the strength of the key touch. It is output to the code 20 via the signal output line 16 and the output end 18. That is, this code 2
0 is the 24 keys 1 provided on the front surface 12a of the main body 12
Outputs an electrical signal according to the touch of the second key.

This cord 20 is connected to a suitable audio output device (not shown), for example, a device capable of outputting various drum sounds previously stored by a mechanism similar to a synthesizer. Since this device is associated with each key 12 to generate a different tone, different sounds can be output through the speaker depending on the key 12 touched. Note that the signal from the signal output cable r/122 of the key 12 is an analog signal, but if this is converted into digital data by an encoder and the signal is transmitted, effective signal transmission becomes less susceptible to noise. I can do it.

On the other hand, each key 12 can be associated with a so-called "tom tom", "snare drum", "floor tom", "by bat", "bass drum", "cymbal j, etc." In the example electric drum, there are 24 keys 12.Therefore, there is a large degree of freedom in associating n with each key 12.In other words, for the middle 17. In addition, special effects such as human white and siren can be associated with the special key 12d.Furthermore, the left-hand keys 7j\12a and (i]''
- The group of keys 12 on the side closer to the side edge of the main body 10 of the two-way arc of the key group 12b is associated with each drum sound, and the group of keys 12 on the far side is associated with a plurality of drum sets. It is also possible to associate the combined tNs.

Therefore, by the player touching the 24 keys 12 provided on the front surface 10a of the main body 10 as appropriate,
Depending on the timing of the key touch, a desired drum sound is output from the speaker according to the intensity of the key touch.

In this way, the performer touches the desired key 12 with the desired force in accordance with the atmosphere of the occasion, thereby producing a powerful performance similar to that of live drums. Further, by appropriately touching the 24 keys 12 with 10 fingers, it is possible to output the pitch of the drum corresponding to the key 12. Therefore, compared to conventional live drums, it is possible to output a significantly greater variety of sounds.

Furthermore, the strength of the ancient sound corresponds to the strength of the key touch, and the rhythm can be set as desired, so it can be used to create a humane and emotional sound that corresponds to the performer's mood at the time. Can perform.

Furthermore, in this invention, the sound of each drum is converted into a -degree electric fd number. Therefore, each tone n can be processed by controlling the audio output device that actually performs the process of generating sound. Zunai) Chi, (A) 1 of the sound electricity that is output
(B) Changing the rhythm associated with each key 12 depending on the song; (C) For example, recognizing the rhythm from the cycle of the key touch signal for one measure, and then changing the rhythm. 1. Repeating the output of a specific sound by
1 ability.

Furthermore, according to the electric drum of the present invention, since it can be played while holding the main body 10, there is also an advantage that even a person with 11 disabilities can play the drum freely by touching the keys. Furthermore, if a number indicating the key 12 is formed in Braille on the surface of the key 12, it will be easier for visually impaired people to play.

[Efficacy of invention, +J! As explained above, according to the electric drum according to the present invention, by touching the keys on the front of the main body with both hands, the r? of the desired drum can be set. The desired rhythm and strength can be generated, and it can be played as a percussion instrument with more power than a live drum.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 shows one example of an electric drum according to an embodiment of the present invention.
1:, top view, FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the structure of the key 12 of the same embodiment, and FIG. It is a diagram. 10... Main body 10a... Front 12... Key 12a... Left hand key 12b... Right hand key 14... Installation by board applicant Jie Co., Ltd. 4 Factory agent Patent attorney Kichi 1) 611 2 [8-01] A-A cross section figure 2 figure q-12-+lFr1 figure 3 figure

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) A main body with at least a flat front surface that can be held by the player with both hands, and a main body that is placed on the front of the main body and outputs an electric signal according to the intensity of the impact caused by the player's key touch. a plurality of keys, the plurality of keys including a plurality of left-hand keys arranged near one end of the main body and a plurality of right-hand keys arranged near the other end of the main body; Electrical signals from keys are made to correspond to pre-stored sounds of multiple types of drums, and a performer can generate sounds of predetermined loudness from multiple types of drums by touching multiple keys with both hands. An electric drum featuring