Sound production control device, keyboard instrument, sound production control method, and recording medium

Abstract

The sound production control device has a position detection section that detects a position within a movement range from a start position to an end position for a key that is displaced within the movement range in correspondence with a performance operation, and a sound production control section that causes a performance sound to be produced in correspondence with a position of the key within a sound production range that is a part of the movement range, the sound production control section controlling a characteristic of the performance sound in correspondence with a change in the position of the key within a set range closer to the start position than the sound production range in the movement range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a technique for controlling pronunciation in accordance with the operation of each of a plurality of keys. Background Technology

[0002] In the past, various techniques have been proposed to control the characteristics of the sound produced in response to playing operations such as pressing keys. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure that controls the velocity of the musical sound in response to the proximity or distance between the player's fingers and the surface of the keys.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-150936 Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, in the structure of Patent Document 1, separate sensors are needed for detecting the proximity or distance between the player's fingers and the key surface, and for detecting the playing operation. Considering the above, one aspect of the present invention aims to produce playing notes corresponding to the playing operation using a simple structure.

[0005] To address the above-mentioned issues, one aspect of the present invention relates to a sound control device comprising: a position detection unit that detects the position of a key that is displaced within a movement range from a starting position to an ending position in accordance with a playing operation; and a sound control unit that produces a playing tone in accordance with the position of the key within a sound range that is part of the movement range, wherein the sound control unit controls the characteristics of the playing tone in accordance with changes in the position of the key within a set range that is closer to the starting position than the sound range.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention relates to a keyboard musical instrument comprising: a keyboard including keys that are displaced within a range of motion from a starting position to an ending position in accordance with a playing operation; a position detection unit that detects the position of the keys within the range of motion; and a sound production control unit that produces a playing tone in accordance with the position of the keys within a sound production range that is part of the range of motion, wherein the sound production control unit controls the characteristics of the playing tone in accordance with changes in the position of the keys within a set range of motion that is closer to the starting position than the sound production range.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention relates to a sound control method, wherein a computer of a sound control device having a position detection unit that detects the position of a key that moves within a range from a starting position to an ending position in accordance with a playing operation performs the following processing: a playing tone is produced in accordance with the position of the key within a sound range that is part of the moving range; and the characteristics of the playing tone are controlled in accordance with changes in the position of the key within a set range that is closer to the starting position than the sound range.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention relates to a program in which a computer having a sound production control device having a position detection unit that detects the position of a key that is displaced within a range of movement from a starting position to an ending position in accordance with a playing operation functions as a sound production control unit. This sound production control unit produces a playing tone in accordance with the position of the key within a range of movement that is part of the range of movement. The sound production control unit controls the characteristics of the playing tone in accordance with changes in the position of the key within a set range of movement that is closer to the starting position than the range of movement. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the keyboard musical instrument according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram related to the displacement of each key.

[0011] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram related to the displacement of each key.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a table used to determine the sound characteristics based on displacement characteristics.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the specific process of pronunciation control.

[0014] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram of the pronunciation characteristics of the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0015] A: Implementation Method 1

[0016] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a keyboard musical instrument 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The keyboard musical instrument 100 is an electronic musical instrument that produces sounds (hereinafter referred to as "playing sounds") corresponding to the playing performed by a performer. The keyboard musical instrument 100 includes a keyboard 10, a sound control device 20, a sound source device 30, and a sound output device 40.

[0017] The keyboard 10 consists of multiple keys 12 corresponding to different pitches. The multiple keys 12 are arranged along the horizontal direction of the player and include multiple white keys and multiple black keys. Figure 2 It is a side view focusing on any one of the keys 12. For example... Figure 2 As illustrated, each key 12 is displaced vertically within a range R corresponding to the playing operation performed by the player. The range R is the area between the starting position E1 and the ending position E2. The starting position E1 is the upper end of the range R, and the ending position E2 is the lower end of the range R. The starting position E1 is the position of the surface of the key 12 in the released state, where the player's finger is not in contact with the key 12. On the other hand, the ending position E2 is the position of the surface of the key 12 in the pressed state, where the player has fully pressed the key 12. As understood from the above explanation, when a key 12 in the released state is pressed, its position Z decreases over time from the starting position E1 and eventually stops at the ending position E2. Conversely, when a key 12 in the pressed state is released, its position Z increases over time from the ending position E2 and eventually stops at the starting position E1. As illustrated above, the multiple keys 12 are displaced within a range R from the starting position E1 to the ending position E2, respectively, in accordance with the playing operation.

[0018] Figure 1 The sound source device 30 generates an acoustic signal V, which represents the waveform of a played note corresponding to a performance operation performed by the performer. Specifically, it generates an acoustic signal V representing the pitch of a played note corresponding to the key 12 pressed by the performer. The playback device 40 plays the played note represented by the acoustic signal V. For example, a loudspeaker or headphones are used as the playback device 40.

[0019] The sound control device 20 is a computer system that detects the position Z within the movement range R of each of the multiple keys 12 and controls the sound source device 30 accordingly based on the position Z of each key 12. The sound control device 20 includes a position detection unit 21, a control unit 22, and a storage unit 23.

[0020] The position detection unit 21 detects the position Z within the movement range R for each of the multiple keys 12. For example, the position detection unit 21 may be a magnetic sensor that detects the position Z by utilizing the change in the magnetic field corresponding to the position Z of each key 12, or an optical sensor that detects the position Z by utilizing the change in the amount of light received corresponding to the position Z of each key 12. However, the method and structure by which the position detection unit 21 detects the position Z of each key 12 are not limited to the examples described above.

[0021] Figure 1The control device 22 consists of one or more processors that control various elements of the keyboard instrument 100. For example, the control device 22 consists of one or more processors such as CPU (Central Processing Unit), SPU (Sound Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0022] Storage device 23 is a single or multiple memory that stores the program executed by control device 22 and the data used by control device 22. For example, the time sequence of position Z detected by position detection unit 21 for each key 12 is stored in storage device 23 for each key 12. Storage device 23 is constructed of known recording media such as magnetic recording media or semiconductor recording media. In addition, storage device 23 may be constructed by a combination of various recording media. Alternatively, a portable recording medium that can be attached to or detached from keyboard instrument 100, or an external recording medium (e.g., network hard drive) that can communicate with keyboard instrument 100 may be used as storage device 23. Furthermore, control device 22 can realize the function of sound source device 30 by executing the program stored in storage device 23. That is, sound source device 30 dedicated to generating sound signal V is omitted.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a curve representing the time-varying position Z detected by the position detection unit 21 for any one key 12. Specifically, in Figure 3 The diagram shows the temporal change of position Z for key 12, which was pressed at time point Ton on the timeline. In the first embodiment, the position detection unit 21 detects position Z for each key 12 as a continuous value representing any location within the movement range R from the starting position E1 to the ending position E2.

[0024] The movement range R comprises a setting range Q1 and a pronunciation range Q2. Both setting range Q1 and pronunciation range Q2 are parts of the movement range R. Setting range Q1 is the range closer to the starting position E1 than pronunciation range Q2. Pronunciation range Q2 is the range closer to the ending position E2 than setting range Q1. If we assume a location M within the movement range R, then setting range Q1 is the range between the starting position E1 and location M, and pronunciation range Q2 is the range between location M and ending position E2. That is, location M corresponds to the boundary between setting range Q1 and pronunciation range Q2. Furthermore, the width of setting range Q1 and pronunciation range Q2 is arbitrary. That is, it can be a structure where setting range Q1 is wider than pronunciation range Q2, a structure where setting range Q1 is narrower than pronunciation range Q2, or a structure where setting range Q1 and pronunciation range Q2 have the same width.

[0025] Define the articulation position P within the articulation range Q2. Articulation position P is a specific location within the articulation range Q2. Figure 3 In this example, the position near the end point E2 is used as the pronunciation position P, but for example, the upper or lower end of the pronunciation range Q2 (end point E2) can also be used as the pronunciation position P.

[0026] The control device 22 functions as an element (sound control unit) for controlling the sound source device 30 by executing a program stored in the storage device 23. Specifically, the control device 22, in accordance with the position Z of each key 12 detected by the position detection unit 21, instructs the sound source device 30 to produce or mute a sound. For example, when the position Z of a key 12 reaches the sound position P from the starting position E1 side within the sound range Q2 (i.e., when the key is pressed), the control device 22 instructs the sound source device 30 to produce the sound corresponding to that key 12. That is, the control device 22 instructs the sound source device 30 to produce the sound at time t1 when the position Z reaches the sound position P from the starting position E1 side. In addition, when the position Z of a key 12 reaches the sound position P from the ending position E2 side within the sound range Q2 (i.e., when the key is released), the control device 22 instructs the sound source device 30 to mute the sound corresponding to that key 12. That is, at time t2 when position Z reaches the sounding position P from the end position E2, the control device 22 sends a muting instruction to the sound source device 30. As understood from the above description, the control device 22, in accordance with the position Z of key 12 within the sounding range Q2, causes the sound to be produced or muted corresponding to that key 12. Specifically, the control device 22 causes the sound to be produced or muted when the position Z of key 12 reaches the sounding position P.

[0027] Based on the sound production / silencing control illustrated above, the control device 22 controls the characteristic (hereinafter referred to as the "sound production characteristic") Fb of the played tone corresponding to the key 12 in accordance with the time-varying characteristic (hereinafter referred to as the "displacement characteristic") Fa of the position Z of the key 12 within the set range Q1. The displacement characteristic Fa is, for example, the time-varying pattern of position Z (i.e., the time sequence of position Z), the rate of change of position Z, i.e., the movement speed, or the rate of change of movement speed, i.e., acceleration. Regarding the movement speed, for example, a representative value (e.g., the average value) of the movement speed within the set range Q1, or the time-varying pattern of the movement speed within the set range Q1, is used as the displacement characteristic Fa. Similarly, regarding acceleration, for example, a representative value (e.g., the average value) of the acceleration within the set range Q1, or the time-varying pattern of the acceleration within the set range Q1, is used as the displacement characteristic Fa.

[0028] The sound-producing characteristic Fb of a performance note is its acoustic characteristic. For example, the sound-producing characteristic Fb is a characteristic associated with the performance technique (playing method). For instance, any performance note played using a normal playing technique, a performance note played in a short, staccato manner, or a performance note played continuously in a legato manner is selectively indicated to the sound source device 30 as the sound-producing characteristic Fb. For example, if the movement speed or acceleration of the key 12 is assumed to be the displacement characteristic Fa, then the control device 22 indicates a performance note obtained using a normal playing technique when the value of the displacement characteristic Fa is within a predetermined range (hereinafter referred to as the "reference range"). On the other hand, the control device 22 indicates a staccato performance note when the value of the displacement characteristic Fa is greater than the maximum value of the reference range, and indicates a legato performance note when the value of the displacement characteristic Fa is less than the minimum value of the reference range.

[0029] When determining the vocal characteristic Fb corresponding to the displacement characteristic Fa, the information stored in the storage device 23 is used. Figure 4 Table T is a data table that maps each of a plurality of displacement characteristics Fa (Fa1, Fa2, ...) to each of a plurality of sound production characteristics Fb (Fb1, Fb2, ...). The control device 22 generates a displacement characteristic Fa within a set range Q1 based on the time sequence of the position Z detected by the position detection unit 21 for each key 12, and retrieves the sound production characteristic Fb corresponding to that displacement characteristic Fa from Table T. Then, the control device 22 instructs the sound source device 30 to the sound production characteristic Fb retrieved from Table T. For example, at time point t0 when the position Z of the key 12 reaches the lower end of the set range Q1 (i.e., location M), the control device 22 performs the determination and instruction of the sound production characteristic Fb.

[0030] Assume that a series of playing operations are performed, causing key 12 to move continuously from the starting position E1 to the ending position E2. Control device 22 first instructs the sound source device 30 on the sound characteristic Fb corresponding to the displacement characteristic Fa within the set range Q1. Then, at time t1 when the position Z of key 12 reaches the sounding position P following the instruction of the sound characteristic Fb associated with the played note, control device 22 instructs the sounding of the played note. As understood from the above explanation, for each of the multiple played notes corresponding to different keys 12, a sound characteristic Fb corresponding to the displacement characteristic Fa of that key 12 is set separately for each key 12.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the specific process of controlling the sound source device 30 in accordance with the position Z of each key 12 (hereinafter referred to as "sound control process"). For example, the sound control process is performed repeatedly at intervals that are sufficiently short relative to the time length during which the position Z of the key 12 changes due to the pressing of the key.

[0032] If the sound control processing is initiated, the control device 22 selects any one of the multiple keys 12 (hereinafter referred to as "selection key 12") (S1). The control device 22 obtains the position Z of the selection key 12 from the position detection unit 21 (S2) and determines whether the position Z has passed through the set range Q1 (S3). That is, it determines whether the position Z has reached the location M from the starting position E1 side.

[0033] When the position Z of selection key 12 passes through the set range Q1 (S3: YES), control device 22 calculates the displacement characteristic Fa of selection key 12 within the set range Q1 (S4). Control device 22 indicates the sound source device 30 with the sound characteristic Fb corresponding to the displacement characteristic Fa in table T (S5). When the position Z of selection key 12 does not pass through the set range Q1 (S3: NO), the calculation of displacement characteristic Fa is not performed (S4) and the indication of sound characteristic Fb is not performed (S5).

[0034] The control device 22 determines whether the position Z of the selection key 12 has reached the sounding position P from the starting position E1 (S6). If the position Z has reached the sounding position P from the starting position E1 (S6: YES), the control device 22 instructs the sound source device 30 to produce the sound corresponding to the selection key 12 (S7). The sound source device 30, which has been instructed to produce the sound, generates an acoustic signal V for the selection key 12, which represents the sound of the sound characteristic Fb that was just instructed. The acoustic signal V is supplied from the sound source device 30 to the playback device 40, thereby playing the sound of the sound characteristic Fb corresponding to the displacement of the selection key 12 within the set range Q1. If the position Z has not reached the sounding position P from the starting position E1 (S6: NO), the instruction to produce the sound is not executed (S7).

[0035] The control device 22 determines whether the position Z of the selection key 12 has reached the sounding position P from the end position E2 (S8). If the position Z has reached the sounding position P from the end position E2 (S8: YES), the control device 22 sends a muting instruction to the sound source device 30 for the playing tone corresponding to the selection key 12 (S9). The sound source device 30, which has been instructed to produce the playing tone, stops generating the acoustic signal V representing the playing tone. Therefore, the playing tone corresponding to the selection key 12 stops producing.

[0036] The control device 22 determines whether the above processing has been performed on all keys 12 (S10). If there are unprocessed keys 12 (S10: NO), the control device 22 reselects the unselected key 12 (S1), and performs the above-exemplified processing (S2 to S10) on the selected key 12. If the processing has been performed on all keys 12 (S10: YES), the control device 22 terminates the pronunciation control processing.

[0037] As explained above, in the first embodiment, the played tone is produced in accordance with the position Z of the key 12 within the sounding range Q2 of the movement range R of the key 12. Furthermore, the sounding characteristic Fb of the played tone is controlled in accordance with changes in the position Z of the key 12 within a set range Q1 of the movement range R that is closer to the starting position E1 than the sounding range Q2. That is, the position detection unit 21, which detects the position Z of the key 12 within the movement range R, serves both as the sounding unit for the played tone and as the control of its sounding characteristic Fb. Therefore, a simple structure allows for the production of the played tone corresponding to the playing operation.

[0038] Furthermore, the articulation characteristic Fb of the played note and the articulation of that note are controlled by a series of playing operations that move key 12 from the set range Q1 to the sounding range Q2 (sounding position P). That is, the articulation characteristic Fb is controlled in accordance with the change in the position Z of key 12 within the set range Q1, and the sound of the played note is produced in accordance with the position Z of key 12 within the sounding range Q2 to which key 12 will move next. According to the above structure, it is not necessary for the performer to indicate the designation of the articulation characteristic Fb and the articulation of the played note through a separate operation. That is, the designation of the articulation characteristic Fb and the articulation of the played note are performed by a series of playing operations that move key 12 within the movement range R. Therefore, there is also the advantage of being able to produce played notes with a variety of articulation characteristics Fb while reducing the performer's load.

[0039] B: Implementation Method 2

[0040] In the first embodiment, an articulation characteristic Fb related to the playing technique of the played note is illustrated. In the second embodiment, the articulation characteristic Fb is a characteristic of the attack interval of the played note. Furthermore, in the embodiments illustrated below, for elements that function the same as in the first embodiment, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment are retained, and detailed descriptions of each are appropriately omitted.

[0041] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram of the articulation characteristic Fb of the second embodiment. The interval in which the played tone is produced includes the onset interval Ca, which corresponds to the rising edge of the played tone. The articulation characteristic Fb of the second embodiment is a characteristic of the onset interval Ca of the played tone. For example, the articulation characteristic Fb is the duration of the onset interval Ca (onset time) or the volume at the end of the onset interval Ca (onset level). In addition, the rate of change of the volume of the onset interval Ca is also used as the articulation characteristic Fb.

[0042] As explained above, the control device 22 of the second embodiment controls the sound production characteristic Fb of the starting interval Ca of the played note. For example, if the moving speed or acceleration of the key 12 is assumed to be the displacement characteristic Fa, then the control device 22 controls the sound source device 30 in such a way that the larger the value of the displacement characteristic Fa, the larger or smaller the value of the sound production characteristic Fb becomes. The structure and operation other than the content of the sound production characteristic Fb are the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same effect as in the first embodiment is achieved in the second embodiment.

[0043] Furthermore, while the above explanation exemplifies the articulation characteristic Fb related to the starting interval Ca, characteristics related to intervals other than the starting interval Ca of the played note can also be used as articulation characteristics Fb. For example, the duration or volume of the sustain interval Cs, where the volume is stably maintained, can also be used as articulation characteristic Fb. Additionally, the duration of the decay interval Cd between the starting interval Ca and the sustain interval Cs, or the duration of the release interval Cr, where the volume of the played note immediately following the sustain interval Cs decays, can also be used as articulation characteristic Fb. The rate of change of the volume of the release interval Cr can also be used as articulation characteristic Fb.

[0044] C: Third Implementation

[0045] In the third embodiment, the control device 22 controls the volume of the played tone in accordance with the displacement characteristic Fa of the key 12 within the set range Q1. That is, the control device 22 instructs the sound source device 30 to output the volume of the played tone using the sound production characteristic Fb. For example, if the moving speed or acceleration of the key 12 is assumed to be the displacement characteristic Fa, the control device 22 controls the sound source device 30 in such a way that the larger the value of the displacement characteristic Fa, the larger the volume of the played tone. The structure and operation other than the content of the sound production characteristic Fb are the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same effect as in the first embodiment is achieved in the third embodiment.

[0046] D: Variation Example

[0047] The following examples illustrate specific variations that can be added to the methods illustrated above. Two or more methods selected from the examples below may be combined, provided they do not contradict each other.

[0048] (1) The sounding characteristic Fb of the played tone controlled in accordance with the displacement characteristic Fa within the set range Q1 is not limited to the above examples (playing techniques, characteristics of each interval of the played tone, volume of the played tone). For example, the control device 22 can also control the presence or absence of playing techniques (musical expression) such as sustains or legato notes of the played tone in accordance with the displacement characteristic Fa.

[0049] (2) In the aforementioned methods, the sound production characteristic Fb of the played tone is controlled in accordance with the displacement characteristic Fa within the set range Q1, but the object controlled in accordance with the displacement characteristic Fa is not limited to the sound production characteristic Fb. Specifically, the control device 22 controls any setting (parameter) related to the keyboard instrument 100 in accordance with the displacement characteristic Fa within the set range Q1. That is, the key 12 used for the playing operation to produce the played tone is also used for controlling various settings related to the keyboard instrument 100.

[0050] The settings for controlling the displacement characteristic Fa are illustrated below. Furthermore, similar to the methods described above, the played note is produced when the position Z of each key 12 reaches the sounding position P. However, if the settings related to the keyboard instrument 100 are changed, the position Z of each key 12 does not necessarily need to reach the sounding position P (i.e., to produce a sound). Additionally, in the following explanation, the value of the movement speed or acceleration of the key 12 is assumed to be the displacement characteristic Fa. Two or more methods selected from the following examples may also be combined.

[0051] [Method 1]

[0052] When a performer presses multiple keys 12 side-by-side to play a chord (chord), the control device 22 can control the chord of the played note in accordance with the displacement characteristic Fa within a set range Q1. For example, if the value of the displacement characteristic Fa is within a reference range, the control device 22 indicates the playing tone of the chord played by the performer to the sound source device 30. On the other hand, if the value of the displacement characteristic Fa is greater than the reference range, the control device 22 indicates the playing tone of a tension chord corresponding to the chord played by the performer to the sound source device 30. Furthermore, if the value of the displacement characteristic Fa is less than the reference range, the control device 22 indicates the playing tone of a power chord corresponding to the chord played by the performer to the sound source device 30. In addition, the control device 22 can also control the type of chord of the played note in accordance with the displacement characteristic Fa. For example, the control device 22 can set the chord of the played note to either a major chord or a minor chord in accordance with the displacement characteristic Fa.

[0053] [Method 2]

[0054] Assume a keyboard instrument 100 that automatically plays a specific part of a musical piece (hereinafter referred to as the "specific part"). The specific part is, for example, the accompaniment of the piece. The control device 22 can also control settings related to the specific part in accordance with the displacement characteristic Fa within a set range Q1. For example, the rhythm of the specific part, the rhythmic pattern of the specific part, the type of instrument used in playing the specific part, or the playing style of the specific part are controlled in accordance with the displacement characteristic Fa. Specifically, assume that the larger the value of the displacement characteristic Fa, the higher the rhythm of the specific part, or the larger the value of the displacement characteristic Fa, the more clearly the rhythm of the specific part changes. When the player periodically changes the position Z of the key 12 within the set range Q1, the control device 22 can also control the keyboard instrument 100 to automatically play the specific part in a rhythm corresponding to the period of the change.

[0055] [Method 3]

[0056] The periodic variation of the played tone can also be controlled in accordance with the displacement characteristic Fa within the set range Q1. Periodic variations of the played tone include, for example, vibrato (continuous variation of pitch), tremolo (repeatedly playing a single pitch), or trill (alternating between two different notes). When the player periodically changes the position Z of key 12 within the set range Q1, the control device 22 controls the sound source device 30 to periodically vary the played tone with a period corresponding to the variation (e.g., the same period as the variation). Additionally, the depth of the vibrato of the played tone can also be controlled in accordance with the amplitude of position Z.

[0057] [Method 4]

[0058] External devices are connected to the keyboard instrument 100. These external devices include, for example, audio equipment that processes the audio signal V generated by the sound source device 30. Examples of such audio equipment include effects processors that impart various sound effects to the audio signal V, amplifiers that amplify the audio signal V, or recording devices that record the audio signal V. The control device 22 can also control various settings (parameters) of the audio equipment in accordance with the displacement characteristic Fa within a set range Q1. Furthermore, for example, as an external device connected to the keyboard instrument 100, a communication device that transmits the audio signal V generated by the sound source device 30 is also illustrated. The control device 22 can also control various settings of the communication device in accordance with the displacement characteristic Fa within a set range Q1. As understood from the above description, the displacement characteristic Fa within a set range Q1 is used not only for controlling settings related to the keyboard instrument 100 but also for controlling settings related to other devices besides the keyboard instrument 100.

[0059] (3) The performer may also be notified that the position Z of key 12 has reached location M within the movement range R. For example, a structure may be used to play a notification tone from the sound output device 40 when position Z reaches location M, or a structure may be used to make the light-emitting element light up when position Z reaches location M. The performer may also be notified that position Z has reached location M by displaying an image using a display device. Alternatively, the performer may be made aware of position Z reaching location M by touch. For example, a structure may be used to make the vibrator operate and vibrate key 12 when position Z reaches location M. Alternatively, a structure may be used to provide a protrusion that abuts against key 12 at location M, and the key 12 vibrates by abutting against the protrusion, thereby allowing the performer to perceive that position Z has reached location M.

[0060] (4) The sound production characteristic Fb corresponding to the displacement characteristic Fa when each key 12 is pressed can also be stored in the storage device 23, and the sound production characteristic Fb can be applied (i.e., reused) for the sound produced by the next and subsequent key presses. For example, after the performer begins to play, the sound production characteristic Fb at the first key press can be stored in the storage device 23 for each key 12. The sound production characteristic Fb at the first key press can also be stored in the storage device 23 after the performer instructs the saving of the sound production characteristic Fb. For the sound produced when each key 12 is pressed, the sound production characteristic Fb stored in the storage device 23 for that key 12 can be reused. For example, the sound production characteristic Fb stored in the storage device 23 can be reused within the time range indicated by the performer. The sound production characteristic Fb stored in the storage device 23 can also be reused for the number of key presses indicated by the performer. In addition, for example, the sound production characteristic Fb stored in the storage device 23 can be deleted in accordance with the instruction from the performer. For example, the articulation characteristics Fb corresponding to all keys 12 can be eliminated collectively, or the articulation characteristics Fb corresponding to the keys 12 specified by the performer can be selectively eliminated.

[0061] Furthermore, in the above description, the sound production characteristic Fb is stored in the storage device 23, but the displacement characteristic Fa, which is the basis of the sound production characteristic Fb, may also be stored in the storage device 23. For example, the displacement characteristic Fa when each key 12 is pressed is stored in the storage device 23, and the sound production characteristic Fb corresponding to the displacement characteristic Fa is applied to the sound produced by the next and subsequent key presses.

[0062] (5) In the foregoing embodiments, a keyboard instrument 100 having multiple keys 12 is illustrated, but the instrument to which the present invention is applied is not limited to a keyboard instrument 100. For example, the present invention is also applied to a tube instrument containing multiple operating elements. Specifically, the sound production characteristic Fb of the played tone is controlled in accordance with the displacement characteristic Fa of each of the multiple operating elements. As understood from the foregoing examples, the present invention can be applied to an instrument having operating elements that are displaced in accordance with the playing operation, and the key 12 illustrated in the foregoing embodiments is an example of an operating element.

[0063] (6) In the aforementioned methods, the sound production characteristic Fb and the sound production of the played tone are indicated to the sound source device 30 separately, but the sound production characteristic Fb and the sound production of the played tone can also be indicated to the sound source device 30 together. For example, the control device 22 sends control data containing the designation of the sound production characteristic Fb and the indication of the sound production of the played tone to the sound source device 30.

[0064] (7) Among the foregoing embodiments, a keyboard instrument 100 having a sound control device 20 and a sound source device 30 is illustrated, but the sound control device 20 and the sound source device 30 may also be configured as separate devices. The sound control device 20, for example, sends control data indicating the sounding / mute of a played note, or control data specifying the sounding characteristic Fb, to the sound source device 30, which is externally located. The control data indicating the sounding is, for example, a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) note-on message, and the control data indicating the mute is, for example, a MIDI note-off message. In addition, the control data specifying the sounding characteristic Fb is, for example, a MIDI control message. Furthermore, control data may be sent from the sound control device 20 to the sound source device 30 via a communication protocol such as OpenSound Control.

[0065] As understood from the above explanation, the sound control unit is generally described as an element that causes a performance tone to be produced and controls the characteristics of that performance tone. In addition to the element that controls the sound source device 30, which is integrally formed with the sound control unit 20, the concept of the sound control unit also includes the element that controls the production or characteristics of the performance tone indicated by an external device (e.g., the sound source device 30) that is separate from the sound control unit 20.

[0066] (8) In the aforementioned methods, the movement range R is divided into one setting range Q1 and one sounding range Q2, but the number of setting ranges Q1 or sounding ranges Q2 included in the movement range R is arbitrary. For example, the movement range R may also include two or more setting ranges Q1 or two or more sounding ranges Q2. For example, the sounding characteristic Fb is controlled in accordance with the displacement characteristic Fa within each setting range Q1, or the average of the displacement characteristics Fa of multiple setting ranges Q1. In addition, different types of sounding characteristics Fb corresponding to each sounding range Q2 may be controlled for the playing tone. Furthermore, the method of setting each range within the setting range Q1 or sounding range Q2 is also arbitrary.

[0067] (9) In the foregoing embodiments, a structure in which the setting range Q1 and the pronunciation range Q2 are adjacent is shown, but a predetermined interval can also be ensured between the setting range Q1 and the pronunciation range Q2. Alternatively, a structure in which the setting range Q1 and the pronunciation range Q2 are mutually repeated can also be assumed. Specifically, a portion of the end position E2 side of the setting range Q1 and a portion of the start position E1 side of the pronunciation range Q2 can also be mutually repeated.

[0068] The articulation characteristic Fb can also be controlled in accordance with the displacement characteristic Fa within a range that overlaps with the set range Q1 and the articulation range Q2 (hereinafter referred to as the "repetition range"). For example, the control device 22 (articulation control unit) controls the articulation characteristic Fb in accordance with the displacement characteristic Fa within the repetition range. Figure 6 The articulation characteristics Fb related to each interval (especially the attenuation interval Cd to the release interval Cr) are controlled. Specifically, the movement speed v1 of the key 12 in the range outside the repeating range (hereinafter referred to as the "non-repetition range") in the set range Q1 and the movement speed v2 of the key 12 in the repeating range are used as displacement characteristics Fa. For example, it is preferable to use the ratio of movement speed v1 to movement speed v2 as displacement characteristic Fa. Furthermore, the non-repetition range is the range from the starting position E1 in the movement range R to the repeating range.

[0069] For example, when the movement speed v2 within the repeating range is greater than the movement speed v1 within the non-repeating range (v2 > v1), the control device 22 sets the volume of the sustain interval Cs to a value greater than a predetermined reference value; when the movement speed v2 is less than the movement speed v1 (v2 < v1), the volume of the sustain interval Cs is set to a value less than the reference value. Furthermore, the volume of the sustain interval Cs can be controlled continuously or in stages in accordance with the movement speed v2.

[0070] Furthermore, when the control device 22 moves at a speed v2 greater than the speed v1 in the non-repetition range (v2 > v1), the duration of the release interval Cr is set to a value shorter than a predetermined reference value; when the speed v2 is less than the speed v1 (v2 < v1), the duration of the release interval Cr is set to a value longer than the reference value. Additionally, the duration of the release interval Cr can be controlled continuously or intermittently in accordance with the speed v2. Furthermore, the duration of the sustain interval Cs can also be controlled in accordance with the speed v2. Moreover, in the above description, the vocal characteristic Fb is controlled in accordance with the displacement characteristic Fa within the two ranges of the set range Q1 (repetition range and non-repetition range), but the number of ranges into which the set range Q1 is divided and the method of setting each range are not limited to the examples above.

[0071] (10) The functions illustrated above, as described above, are achieved through the coordinated operation of one or more processors constituting the control device 22 and the program stored in the storage device 23. The program involved in this invention can be provided and installed in a computer in the form of a computer-readable recording medium. The recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, preferably an optical recording medium (optical disc) such as a CD-ROM, and also includes any known form of recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. Furthermore, as a non-transitory recording medium, it includes any recording medium other than a transient propagating signal, and may also include volatile recording media. In addition, in a structure in which a transmission device transmits a program via a communication network, the storage device that stores the program in the transmission device is equivalent to the aforementioned non-transitory recording medium.

[0072] E: Appendix

[0073] Based on the examples above, one can, for instance, grasp the following structure.

[0074] One aspect (first aspect) of the present invention relates to a sound production control device comprising: a position detection unit that detects the position (detection position) of a key that is displaced within a movement range from a starting position to an ending position in accordance with a playing operation; and a sound production control unit that produces a playing tone in accordance with the position of the key within a sound production range that is part of the movement range, and the sound production control unit controls the characteristics of the playing tone in accordance with changes in the position of the key within a set range closer to the starting position than the sound production range within the movement range. In the above aspect, the playing tone is produced in accordance with the position of the key within a sound production range that is part of the key's movement range, and the characteristics of the playing tone are controlled in accordance with changes in the position of the key within a set range closer to the starting position than the sound production range within the movement range. That is, the position detection unit that detects the position of the key within the movement range serves both for producing the playing tone and for controlling the characteristics of the playing tone. Therefore, it is possible to produce a playing tone corresponding to a playing operation with a simple structure.

[0075] In a specific example of the first method (the second method), the sound control unit causes the playing note to be produced when the position of the key reaches a sound position within the sound range.

[0076] In a specific example (the third method) of the first or second method, when the position of the key moves from the set range to the sound range, the sound control unit controls the characteristics of the played tone that is sounded in accordance with the position of the key in the sound range, corresponding to the displacement of the key within the set range. In the above methods, the characteristics of the played tone and the sounding of the played tone can be controlled by a series of playing operations that move the key from the set range to the sound range. That is, the characteristics of the played tone are controlled in accordance with the displacement of the key within the set range, and the sounding of the played tone is emitted in accordance with the position of the key within the sound range to which the key will subsequently move.

[0077] The characteristics of the playing tone controlled by the sound production control unit are arbitrary, for example, characteristics associated with the playing technique of the playing tone, characteristics of the starting range of the playing tone, or the volume of the playing tone.

[0078] One aspect of the present invention relates to a sound control method, wherein a computer of a sound control device having a position detection unit that detects the position of a key that moves within a range from a starting position to an ending position in accordance with a playing operation performs the following processing: a playing tone is produced in accordance with the position of the key within a sound range that is part of the moving range; and during the production of the playing tone, the characteristics of the playing tone are controlled in accordance with changes in the position of the key within a set range of the moving range that is closer to the starting position than the sound range.

[0079] One aspect of the present invention relates to a program in which a computer having a sound production control device having a position detection unit that detects the position of a key that is displaced within a range of movement from a starting position to an ending position in accordance with a playing operation functions as a sound production control unit. This sound production control unit produces a playing tone in accordance with the position of the key within a range of movement that is part of the range of movement. The sound production control unit controls the characteristics of the playing tone in accordance with changes in the position of the key within a set range of movement that is closer to the starting position than the range of movement.

[0080] Explanation of the label

[0081] 100…keyboard instrument, 10…keyboard, 12…key, 20…sound control device, 21…position detection unit, 22…control device, 23…storage device, 30…sound source device, 40…sound playback device.

Claims

1. A sound control device, comprising: A position detection unit detects the position of a key that has shifted within a range of movement from a starting position to an ending position in accordance with a playing operation; and The sound production control unit, during key presses, corresponds to the position of the key within the sound production range, which is part of the movement range, and causes the played note to be produced. There are overlapping ranges within the defined ranges of the pronunciation range and the movement range that are closer to the starting position than the pronunciation range. The sound control unit uses the movement speed of the key in the range outside the repeating range (i.e., the non-repeating range) and the movement speed of the key in the repeating range as the displacement characteristic of the key, and controls the characteristics of the played tone accordingly. The settings related to performance are controlled in accordance with the changes in the position of the key within the set range.

2. The sound control device according to claim 1, wherein, The sound control unit causes the playing note to be produced when the position of the key reaches a sound position within the sound range.

3. The sound control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When the position of the key moves from the set range to the sound range, the sound control unit controls the characteristics of the played tone that is produced in accordance with the position of the key in the sound range, corresponding to the displacement of the key within the set range.

4. The sound control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sound control unit controls the characteristics associated with the playing technique of the played sound.

5. The sound control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sound production control unit controls the characteristics of the starting range of the played tone.

6. The sound control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sound control unit controls the volume of the played sound.

7. A keyboard musical instrument, comprising: A keyboard, which includes keys that can be moved within a range of motion from a starting position to an ending position in accordance with the playing operation; A position detection unit detects the position of the key within the movement range; as well as The sound production control unit, during key presses, corresponds to the position of the key within the sound production range, which is part of the movement range, and causes the played note to be produced. There are overlapping ranges within the defined ranges of the pronunciation range and the movement range that are closer to the starting position than the pronunciation range. The sound control unit uses the movement speed of the key in the range outside the repeating range (i.e., the non-repeating range) and the movement speed of the key in the repeating range as the displacement characteristic of the key, and controls the characteristics of the played tone accordingly. The settings related to performance are controlled in accordance with the changes in the position of the key within the set range.

8. The keyboard instrument according to claim 7, wherein, The sound control unit causes the playing note to be produced when the position of the key reaches a sound position within the sound range.

9. The keyboard instrument according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The sound control unit controls the characteristics associated with the playing technique of the played sound.

10. The keyboard instrument according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The sound production control unit controls the characteristics of the starting range of the played tone.

11. The keyboard instrument according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The sound control unit controls the volume of the played sound.

12. A pronunciation control method, wherein, The computer of the sound production control device, which has a position detection unit that detects the position of a key that moves within a range from a starting position to an ending position in accordance with the playing operation, performs the following processing: During the key press, the sound is produced corresponding to the position of the key within the sound range, which is part of the movement range. There are overlapping ranges within the defined ranges of the pronunciation range and the movement range that are closer to the starting position than the pronunciation range. In the production of the played tone, the movement speed of the key within the range other than the repeated range (i.e., the non-repeating range) and the movement speed of the key within the repeated range are used as the displacement characteristics of the key. Correspondingly, the characteristics of the played tone are controlled. The settings related to performance are controlled in accordance with the changes in the position of the key within the set range.

13. The pronunciation control method according to claim 12, wherein, During the production of the played note, the played note is produced when the position of the key reaches a position within the range of sound production.

14. The pronunciation control method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, In the pronunciation of the aforementioned playing notes, When the position of the key moves from the set range to the sound range, the characteristics of the played tone that is produced in accordance with the position of the key in the sound range are controlled in accordance with the displacement of the key within the set range.

15. The pronunciation control method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, In the production of the played note, the characteristics associated with the playing technique of the played note are controlled.

16. The pronunciation control method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, In the production of the played note, the characteristics of the starting interval of the played note are controlled.

17. The pronunciation control method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The volume of the played sound is controlled during its production.

18. A recording medium having a program that causes a computer of a sound production control device having a position detection unit that detects the position of a key displaced within a range of movement from a starting position to an ending position in accordance with a playing operation to function as a sound production control unit, which, during key pressing, causes a playing tone to be produced in accordance with the position of the key within a sound production range that is part of the range of movement. There are overlapping ranges within the defined ranges of the pronunciation range and the movement range that are closer to the starting position than the pronunciation range. The sound control unit uses the movement speed of the key in the range outside the repeating range (i.e., the non-repeating range) and the movement speed of the key in the repeating range as the displacement characteristic of the key, and controls the characteristics of the played tone accordingly. The settings related to performance are controlled in accordance with the changes in the position of the key within the set range.

Images