JPH09237087A - Electronic musical instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic musical instrument which is ample in the power of expression by detecting playing postures which are musical expressions with the electronic musical instrument and reflecting these postures in the timbre, etc., of the musical tones to be generated. SOLUTION: The voltages corresponding to the distances/movements of an electronic piano and a player detected/measured in a distance sensor section 1 are converted into digital signals by an A/D converter 2. These signals are read into a CPU. Function blocks 3 to 12 thereafter are processed by software. A change width optimization conversion table 3 converts the output signals of the A/D converter 2 into the signals nearly linearly changing in full-scale. The change width optimization conversion table 3 corrects the characteristics intrinsic to the distance sensor 1 and converts the output signals into the signals nearly linearly changing in full-scale. A pitch changing table 4, a filter changing table 5 and a level changing table 6 convert the signals linearly converted by the change width optimization conversion table 3 respectively into the desired characteristics.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic musical instrument, and more particularly to an electronic musical instrument having a function of controlling a musical sound according to a posture of a player.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For electronic musical instruments such as conventional synthesizers, electronic pianos, electronic organs, and single keyboards, various performance information input means have been proposed in order to obtain desired musical sounds. For example, in the case of an electronic piano, the touch feeling of the keyboard is brought close to that of the piano, and the strength of keystroke is detected by the keyboard switch to control the tone color of the musical sound. Also, in the case of a synthesizer, a manipulator called a bender is installed, and the tone color and pitch can be changed.
There is also one that controls after-touch after keystroke to detect a musical sound. In addition, there are foot pedals operated by feet, expression pedals, and electronic musical instruments that control musical sounds by the speed of breath, pressure, and force of holding the mouthpiece.

[0003]

In the performance information input method of the conventional electronic musical instrument, since the hands, feet, mouth, etc. are used, there is a limit to the operation. For example, a keyboard instrument and a wind instrument are usually operated with both hands. There is a problem that it is difficult to use a manipulator manually operated by a vendor or the like for playing. Further, when using a pedal, there is a problem that, for example, a pedal device needs to be provided separately from the main body, an installation place is required at the time of playing, and the playing posture is limited.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art and to provide a performance information input function which has not existed in the past so that the player can easily input performance information other than the basic pitch information. It is to provide an electronic musical instrument provided.

[0005]

According to the present invention, an electronic musical instrument is provided with a posture detecting means for detecting a posture or a posture change of a player, and a musical tone signal generated according to the posture information detected by the posture detecting means. And a tone signal changing means for changing the tone signal. The posture detecting means is also characterized in that it measures either the distance between the player and the electronic musical instrument or the change in the distance.

[0006] Usually, during the performance, the player's body moves greatly in response to the feelings for the music, and the performance posture becomes a part of the musical expression. The present invention has the above-mentioned configuration,
For example, when the performer plays a keyboard instrument, the electronic musical instrument detects the playing posture, which is a musical expression, by reflecting the musical performance by moving the body according to the emotion while playing the keyboard with both hands. Can be made. Further, the performer does not need to operate with his hands or feet to input performance information other than the performance on the keyboard, and there is no burden on the performance.

[0007]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic piano to which the present invention has been applied. CPU 20
Is a central processing unit that controls the entire electronic piano based on a control program stored in the ROM 23.
Further, it has a built-in timer circuit for interrupting the CPU 20 at a preset predetermined cycle, a parallel port for connection with the panel 21, and a serial port for connection with the MIDI interface circuit 22. The panel circuit 21 is composed of various switches for selecting a tone color on the panel, automatic performance music selection, etc., a display device for displaying characters and the like by a liquid crystal or an LED, a pedal switch and their interface circuits.

The MIDI interface circuit 22 transmits / receives a MIDI signal to / from a device equipped with an external MIDI interface circuit. The ROM 23 stores control programs, tone color data, automatic performance data, and the like. The RAM 24 is used as a work area and a buffer. Further, it may be backed up by a battery or the like. The keyboard 25 is, for example, a keyboard composed of a plurality of keys each having two switches, and the keyboard interface circuit 26 scans each key switch of the keyboard, detects state change information and touch information, and notifies the CPU 20 of the information. .

The tone generation circuit 29 is a circuit for generating a desired tone signal by, for example, a waveform reading method, and sequentially from a waveform memory in which digital tone waveform information is stored, at address intervals proportional to the pitch to be produced. The tone waveform is read and interpolation calculation is performed to generate a tone signal. Further, it has an envelope signal generating circuit, multiplies the musical tone waveform signal by the envelope signal generated based on the set envelope parameter to give an envelope, and outputs the musical tone signal. The musical tone generating circuit 8 has a plurality of musical tone generating channels, but in reality, one musical tone generating circuit is time-division multiplexed so that a plurality of musical tone signals can be independently generated simultaneously. ing.

The D / A converter 30 converts the digital tone signal into an analog signal, and the tone signal amplified by the amplifier 31 is sounded by the speaker 32. The bus 33 connects each circuit in the electronic piano. If necessary, a memory card interface circuit, a floppy disk device, and the like may be provided.

The distance sensor 1 is a sensor for measuring the distance or movement (change in distance) between the electronic piano body and the player, and any sensor can be adopted. For example, it may be a sensor that emits ultrasonic waves and detects the distance by the arrival time of the received reflected wave, or by using a pyroelectric infrared sensor that outputs a voltage according to the change of the incident infrared power. Good. In the case of a pyroelectric infrared sensor,
Since an output voltage is generated according to a change in infrared power emitted by a person, it is possible to detect a movement of a person approaching or moving away. The configuration and operation of the pyroelectric infrared sensor is
For example, "Transistor Technology," July 1993, Issue 244.
Is well known as described on page 249. A / D
The converter 2 A / D-converts the output voltage output from the distance sensor according to the distance and movement of the performer into, for example, an 8-bit digital signal.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an electronic piano to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing the positional relationship between the electronic piano and the player. The distance sensor 1 is installed, for example, on the cover portion of the central portion of the main body of the electronic piano so as to face the player. Then, in the case of the pyroelectric infrared sensor, a change in infrared rays radiated from the chest or head of the performer is detected. In the case of a sensor that measures the distance by reflection of ultrasonic waves, ultrasonic waves are emitted toward the player's chest or head and the reflected waves are detected.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram for explaining the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention. Distance between the electronic piano and the player detected / measured by the distance sensor unit 1 /
The voltage corresponding to the movement is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 2. This signal is read by the CPU 20, and the subsequent functional blocks (3 to 12) are processed by software.

The change width optimizing conversion table 3 converts the output signal of the A / D converter 2 into a signal which changes substantially linearly at full scale. The output voltage of the distance sensor unit 1 has a narrower sensor output voltage range than the input voltage range of the A / D converter, depending on the measurement method and the characteristics of the sensor element.
The output characteristics may not be linear. The change width optimizing conversion table 3 corrects the characteristic peculiar to the distance sensor unit 1 and converts it into a signal that changes substantially linearly at full scale. Pitch change table 4, filter change table 5,
The level change table 6 converts the signals linearly converted by the change width optimization conversion table 3 into desired characteristics.

The multipliers 7, 8 and 9 multiply the output signals of the pitch change table 4, the filter change table 5 and the level change table 6 by predetermined constants K1, K2 and K3, respectively. This factor determines how the measured distance affects parameters such as pitch, cutoff, and level. The pitch information generating means 10 converts the note number of the depressed keyboard into a frequency number, and further multiplies the output signal of the multiplier 7 to correct the pitch (frequency). Filter information generating means 11
Is, for example, based on the tone color information set from the panel or the note range information, the cutoff frequency information of the filter is obtained, and this information is further multiplied by the output signal of the multiplier 8 to cut off the filter. Correct the frequency information.

The level information generating means 12 obtains, for example, an envelope parameter based on the tone color information set from the panel and the note range information, and multiplies this parameter by the output signal of the multiplier 9. Modify envelope parameters such as attack level.

The tone waveform generator 13, the filter 14, and the amplitude controller 15 are circuits inside the tone generator 29, and various parameters are set by the CPU to generate a tone signal. The musical tone waveform generator 13 accumulates the frequency numbers set by the CPU to generate the read address of the waveform memory storing the musical tone signal waveform. Then, the waveform data is read from the built-in waveform memory at intervals corresponding to the key number, interpolation calculation processing is performed, and a tone waveform signal is output. The filter unit 14 is
The tone waveform signal is filtered based on the parameters such as the cutoff frequency set by the CPU, and the amplitude control unit 15 determines the amplitude based on the parameters set by the CPU.
Amplitude control is performed by multiplying the tone waveform signal by the envelope signal generated by the built-in envelope signal generator.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram for explaining the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment are given the same numbers. This embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to an electronic piano whose pitch, filter characteristic and level are controlled by touch information. FIG.
The upper part of FIG. 2 has the same configuration as that of FIG. The lower part of FIG. 8 is a part that detects touch information and generates a correction coefficient. First, the touch detection unit 41 scans the state of the switch of each key of the keyboard 25 to generate touch information. The keyboard touch curve table 42 converts touch information into, for example, 8-bit full-scale linearly changing data so that control at the subsequent stage is easy.

The pitch change touch curve table 43 generates a pitch change coefficient based on the converted touch data. This coefficient is calculated by the multiplier 46 as a predetermined constant K1.
And further multiplied by the coefficient based on the distance by the multiplier 7. Then, the pitch information is input to the pitch information generating means 10, and the pitch changes under the influence of both the touch information and the distance information. Similarly, the cutoff frequency information and the level information of the filter change under the influence of both touch information and distance information.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the main processing of the CPU 20 corresponding to the second embodiment of the present invention in FIG. In step S1, the CPU, RAM, LSI of the tone generation circuit, etc. are initialized. In step S2, the panel event process is performed, the state information of the switch of the panel is fetched, the state change is detected, and the corresponding process is performed. In step S3, the pedal event process is performed, the pedal state information is fetched, the state change is detected, and the corresponding process is performed.

In step S4, it is determined whether or not an on event has occurred, that is, a key on the keyboard has been pressed. If the determination result is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, a sensor data fetching process described later is performed. Then, steps S6, 7,
In 8, the pitch information generating process, the filter information generating process, and the level information generating process corresponding to the numbers 4 to 12 in FIG. 1 are performed. These processes will be described later.
In step S9, the various parameters determined in steps S6 to S8 are set in the assigned tone generation channels of the tone generation circuit 29 and the sound generation is started.

If the determination result in step S4 is negative, the process proceeds to step S10. In step S10, it is determined whether an off event has occurred, and if the result is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S11. In step S11, it is determined whether or not the damper pedal is on. If the result is affirmative, the key-off is ignored and the process returns to step S2, but if not, step S12
Move to In step S12, a release speed parameter, which is one of envelope parameters, is set in the tone generator LSI including the tone generating circuit 29, and the corresponding sound is attenuated at a predetermined speed. Then, when the tone signal level is attenuated to a predetermined value or less, the corresponding sound generation channel is opened.

FIG. 6A is a flow chart showing the sensor data fetching process of step S5 of FIG. In step S20, the A / D converted output value SD of the distance sensor unit is read from the A / D converter 2. In step S21, SD is converted into SDC using the change width optimization conversion table. In step S22, the output value TD of the touch detection circuit included in the keyboard interface circuit 26 is read. Step S23
In the case of using the keyboard touch curve table 42,
Convert D to TDC.

FIG. 6B is a flow chart showing the pitch information generating process of step S6 of FIG. In step S30, the pitch change table 4 is used for S
Convert DC to SDP. In step S31,
TDC is converted into TDP using the pitch change touch curve table 43. In step S32, the pitch parameter MPP (parameter relating to the sampling period of the tone waveform, etc.) of the waveform memory corresponding to the key-on tone range in the currently designated tone color is read from the tone color parameter table not shown. In step S33, pitch information (note number), SDP, TDP,
Pitch information (frequency number) is calculated based on the MPP and the constant K1. In step S34, pitch information is set in the tone waveform generating section 13 in the tone generating circuit 29.

FIG. 7A is a flow chart showing the filter information generating process of step S7 of FIG. In step S40, the filter change table 5 is used to convert SDC into SDF. In step S41, T using the filter change touch curve table 44
Convert DC to TDF. In step S42,
The filter parameter MPF corresponding to the key-on tone range of the currently designated tone color is read from a tone color parameter table (not shown). In step S43, filter information (cutoff frequency data) is calculated based on SDF, TDF, MPF, and constant K2. In step S44, filter information is set in the filter section 14 in the musical tone generating circuit 29.

FIG. 7B is a flow chart showing the level information generation processing of step S8 of FIG. In step S50, the level change table 6 is used for S
Convert DC to SDL. In step S51,
TDC is converted into TDL using the level change touch curve table 45. In step S52, the level parameter MPL corresponding to the key-on tone range of the currently designated tone color is read from the tone color parameter table (not shown). In step S53, SD
Based on L, TDL, MPL, and constant K3, level information (envelope attack level parameter etc.) is calculated. In step S54, level information is set in the amplitude control section 15 in the tone generation circuit 29.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a characteristic example of the change width optimizing conversion table 3. (A) is used when there is a one-to-one correspondence between the input and the output and there is no need to convert the data from the distance sensor. (B) is used when the range of data from the distance sensor is narrow and takes only a value in a specific range, and changes from the minimum value to the maximum value by conversion. (C) and (d) are cases where the manner of change is converted, and how much the musical sound is controlled with respect to the change in the distance (output of the sensor) is set in the table. (E) outputs a value that is completely opposite to (a). In (f), the musical sound changes only when the distance is within a specific range.

As described above, by arbitrarily setting the characteristics of the change width optimizing conversion table 3, it is possible to variously adjust the way of changing the musical sound with respect to the change of the distance.
Also, by independently setting the characteristics of the pitch change table 4, the filter change table 5, and the level change table 6, it is possible to independently control the pitch, the filter, and the level change method with respect to the distance change. You can

FIG. 10 is a front view showing the structure of the portable electronic musical instrument of the third embodiment. This electronic musical instrument 50
A keyboard 51 is provided, and a belt 54 is used to hang the instrument body on the shoulder. In the neck part 52,
A switch 53 is provided for setting tone colors and adding effects. A distance sensor 55 is provided at the tip of the neck portion 52, and the distance sensor measures the distance (a) to the floor or the distance (b) to the player, and controls the musical sound according to the measurement result. The circuit configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

Since the performer grasps the neck portion 52 to perform the performance, the tip of the neck portion can be easily moved, and by swinging the neck portion 52 naturally or intentionally, the distance from the floor or the performer can be increased. Changes, for example, the tone color of a musical sound changes.

As a portable electronic musical instrument, in addition to a keyboard, an electronic stringed musical instrument such as a guitar, a bass or a violin,
The same can be applied to an electronic wind instrument such as a trumpet or a clarinet. Further, in the case of the third embodiment, it is possible to detect the movement itself of the musical instrument and control the musical tone. For example, even if an acceleration sensor is used as the sensor 55 and the musical tone is controlled by the output of the sensor. Good. The position of the sensor may be other than the head of the neck, and may be the bottom of the musical instrument, for example, if it is a distance from the floor.

Although the embodiment has been described above, the following modifications are also possible. In the embodiment, since the sensor output is an analog signal, the A / D converter 2 is used, but when the sensor output is a digital signal, the A / D converter 2 is unnecessary.

In the embodiment, the distance or the movement is detected by one sensor, but two sensors are used, and the forward / backward movement and the left / right movement (a certain direction, 90 degree with that) are detected.
It is also possible to separate (in different directions) and detect,
Different parameters such as level and pitch may be controlled according to the detected position or movement in the two directions.

In the case of a sensor such as a pyroelectric infrared sensor which produces an output corresponding to a change in movement, an integrator may be inserted in the subsequent stage, and in the case of a sensor which outputs the distance itself. A differentiator may be inserted in.

[0035]

As described above, in the present invention,
For example, in the case of a keyboard instrument, by playing the keyboard with both hands and moving the body either intentionally or intentionally,
Since the electronic musical instrument can detect the playing posture, which is a musical expression, and reflect it in the tone color and the like of the generated musical sound, it is possible to provide an electronic musical instrument with a rich expressive power. Further, the player does not need to operate with his hands or feet to input the performance information other than the performance on the keyboard, and there is no burden on the performance, so that the player can concentrate on the performance.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram for explaining an operation of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic piano to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an electronic piano to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a positional relationship between an electronic piano and a player.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a main process of the CPU of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a sensor data fetching process and a pitch information generating process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a filter information generation process and a level information generation process.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram for explaining the operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a characteristic example of a change width optimization conversion table 3;

FIG. 10 is a front view showing the configuration of a portable electronic musical instrument that is a third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Distance sensor part, 2 ... A / D converter, 3 ... Change width optimization conversion table, 4 ... Pitch change table, 5 ... Filter change table, 6 ... Level change table, 7, 8, 9
... multiplier, 10 ... pitch information generating means, 11 ... filter information generating means, 12 ... level information generating means, 13 ... tone waveform generating section, 14 ... filter section, 15 ... amplitude control section

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A posture detection means for detecting a posture or a posture change of a player, and a musical tone signal changing means for changing a musical tone signal generated according to the posture information detected by the posture detecting means. A characteristic electronic musical instrument. 2. The electronic musical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the attitude detecting means measures either the distance between the player and the electronic musical instrument or a change in the distance. 3. The musical tone signal changing means controls at least one of a pitch of a musical tone signal generated, a cutoff frequency of a filter, and a signal level according to the posture information. Or the electronic musical instrument described in 2.