Keyboard device and proximity sensor

Abstract

A keyboard device according to an embodiment includes a keyboard and a mutual capacitance type proximity sensor (70). The keyboard includes a first key and a second key arranged in an arrangement direction with respect to the first key. The proximity sensor includes a first electrode (77) having a portion extending at least from a first region (800a) below the first key to a second region (800b) below the second key, a second electrode (75-3) arranged at the first region (800a), and a third electrode (75-6) arranged at the second region (800b). The proximity sensor (70) uses a change in electrostatic capacitance between the first electrode (77) and the second electrode (75-3) and a change in electrostatic capacitance between the first electrode (77) and the third electrode (75-6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to keyboard devices and proximity sensors. Background Technology

[0002] Keyboard devices equipped with proximity sensors that detect when a user's finger approaches a key are being developed (e.g., Patent Document 1). By detecting when a finger approaches a key, it is possible to prepare a process to apply resistance to the key before the key is pressed.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-152115 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to identify the key to be pressed before it is pressed, more than one proximity sensor is used for each key. Therefore, it is necessary to configure an independent proximity sensor according to the number of keys, which requires a complex structure to achieve this.

[0008] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to simplify the construction of a proximity sensor configured in a keyboard device.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] One embodiment of the keyboard device includes a keyboard and a mutual capacitance-type proximity sensor. The keyboard includes a first key and a second key arranged in an arrangement direction relative to the first key. The proximity sensor includes: a first electrode having a portion extending at least from a first region below the first key to a second region below the second key; a second electrode disposed in the first region; and a third electrode disposed in the second region. The proximity sensor utilizes changes in the electrostatic capacitance between the first and second electrodes, and changes in the electrostatic capacitance between the first and third electrodes.

[0011] The keyboard may also include a third key adjacent to the first key, and the second electrode may have a portion extending from a third region below the third key to the first region.

[0012] When the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode are viewed along a direction perpendicular to either the length direction of the first bond or the arrangement direction, the second electrode and the third electrode may not intersect with the first electrode.

[0013] When viewing the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode along a direction perpendicular to either the length direction of the first bond or the arrangement direction, the first electrode may not be located in the region between the second electrode and the third electrode.

[0014] When the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode are viewed along a direction perpendicular to either the length direction of the first bond or the arrangement direction, the second electrode and the third electrode may also intersect with the first electrode.

[0015] It may also include: a driving unit that supplies driving signals to the second electrode and the third electrode; and a detection unit that acquires the detection signal generated at the first electrode.

[0016] The aforementioned driving unit may also provide the driving signal to the second electrode during the first period, and provide the driving signal to the third electrode during a second period different from the first period.

[0017] It may also include: a driving unit for supplying a driving signal to the first electrode; and a detection unit for acquiring detection signals generated at the second electrode and the third electrode.

[0018] The detection unit can also acquire the detection signal generated at the second electrode during the first period, and acquire the detection signal generated at the third electrode during the second period, which is different from the first period.

[0019] The second electrode and the third electrode can also be connected to a fixed potential via a resistor. The proximity sensor may also include a switching unit that switches the second electrode to be connected to or disconnected from the fixed potential.

[0020] The aforementioned proximity sensor may also include a fourth electrode. When the first electrode is viewed along a direction perpendicular to both the length direction and the arrangement direction of the first electrode, the fourth electrode may be positioned relative to the first electrode in the length direction.

[0021] It may also include: a sound source unit that generates a sound signal based on set parameters; and a control unit that controls the parameters based on the detection results of the proximity sensor.

[0022] The aforementioned sound source unit can also generate a sound signal with a timbre based on the aforementioned parameters according to the operation of the aforementioned keyboard.

[0023] The parameters mentioned above may also include key field information used to determine the first and second key fields in the keyboard.

[0024] The parameters may also include information for changing the signal level of the sound signal, and the sound source unit may also generate the sound signal at a time based on the detection results.

[0025] It may also include: a load unit that applies a load to the pressing of the first key; and a control unit that controls the load size in the load unit based on the detection result of the proximity sensor.

[0026] One embodiment of a proximity sensor for a keyboard device includes a plurality of keys arranged along a first direction, the plurality of keys including a first key and a second key. The proximity sensor includes: a first electrode configured to extend along the first direction, at least from a first region below the first key to a second region below the second key, when the proximity sensor is mounted in the keyboard device; a second electrode configured to be disposed in the first region when the proximity sensor is mounted in the keyboard device; and a third electrode configured to be disposed in the second region when the proximity sensor is mounted in the keyboard device. The proximity sensor is a mutual capacitance sensor and is configured to detect capacitance changes between the first electrode and the second electrode; and between the first electrode and the third electrode.

[0027] The effects of the invention

[0028] According to this disclosure, the construction of a proximity sensor configured in a keyboard device can be simplified. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the appearance of the electronic keyboard device in the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode of the proximity sensor in the first embodiment (viewed from the side of the keyboard device).

[0031] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode in the first embodiment (viewed from above the keyboard device for the near-field sensor).

[0032] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode in the first embodiment (viewed from the front of the keyboard device as a close-range sensor).

[0033] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the structure of the electronic keyboard device in the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the structure of the proximity sensor in the first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the structure of the detection unit in the first embodiment.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the sound source control method in the first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode in the second embodiment (viewed from above the keyboard device for the near-field sensor).

[0038] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the structure of the proximity sensor in the second embodiment.

[0039] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the structure of the proximity sensor in the third embodiment.

[0040] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the use of the proximity sensor in the third embodiment.

[0041] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode in the fourth embodiment (viewed from above the keyboard device for the near-field sensor).

[0042] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the structure of the proximity sensor in the fourth embodiment.

[0043] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the structure of the detection unit in the fourth embodiment.

[0044] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing the structure of the detection unit in the fifth embodiment.

[0045] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode in the sixth embodiment (viewed from above the keyboard device as a close-range sensor).

[0046] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode in the seventh embodiment (viewed from above the keyboard device for the near-field sensor).

[0047] Figure 19This is a diagram showing the structure of the proximity sensor in the seventh embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Hereinafter, an electronic keyboard device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments shown below are examples, and the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, in the drawings referred to in this embodiment, the same or similar reference numerals (reference numerals such as A, B, etc. are used to denote the same parts or parts having the same function) and repeated descriptions are sometimes omitted. Additionally, for ease of explanation, there may be cases where the scale of the drawings differs from the actual scale, or where a part of the structure is omitted from the drawings.

[0049] <First Implementation>

[0050] [1. Structure of the electronic keyboard device]

[0051] Figure 1 This figure illustrates the appearance of the electronic keyboard device in the first embodiment. The electronic keyboard device 1 is a synthesizer equipped with a keyboard 8. The keyboard 8 has a plurality of keys 80 rotatably supported on a frame 95. The keys 80 are formed of an insulating material, such as plastic or wood. The electronic keyboard device 1 generates sound signals based on key operations performed by the user or control performed by a programmable controller (Sequencer). The electronic keyboard device 1 can also change the sound signals based on the detection results of the proximity sensor 70 (described later). The sound signals are output from a signal output unit 65 or a speaker 60 disposed on the frame 95. In addition, the electronic keyboard device 1 also includes an operation unit 20, a display unit 50, and an interface 90 disposed on the frame 95.

[0052] Here, multiple directions relative to the keyboard device 1, such as Figure 1 The diagram defines a first direction D1, a second direction D2, and a third direction D3. The first direction D1 corresponds to the arrangement direction of the keys 80 (from the bass side to the treble side). The second direction D2 corresponds to the length direction of the keys 80 (from the center of rotation of the keys 80 to the front end of the keys 80). The second direction D2 can also be described as the direction from the back side to the front side of the keyboard device 1. The third direction D3 corresponds to the downward direction when the keyboard device 1 is set up in the playing state. The first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are perpendicular to each other. These directions also have similar relationships in other diagrams. Figure 1 The same relationship.

[0053] Figure 2This diagram shows the positional relationship between the transmitting and receiving electrodes of the proximity sensor in the first embodiment (viewed from the side of the keyboard device). Before explaining this positional relationship, the structure other than the proximity sensor 70 will be described first. A shaft 85 supports the key 80 so that it can rotate relative to the frame 95. A guide unit 84 limits the rotation range and direction of the key 80. The key 80 is subjected to an upward force by a counterweight or spring (not shown). The key detection unit 88 is a sensor that detects the process of the key 80 moving from the rest position to the end position according to a press operation on the key 80; in this example, it is located on the lower surface 80d side of the key 80.

[0054] The proximity sensor 70 is held in the housing 95 below the key 80. The proximity sensor 70 is a mutual capacitance type electrostatic capacitive sensor, comprising a transmitting electrode 75 and a receiving electrode 77 disposed on a support substrate 79 such as a printed circuit board. In this example, the transmitting electrode 75 is disposed separately from the receiving electrode 77 in the second direction D2, but the positional relationship between the transmitting electrode 75 and the receiving electrode 77 can also be reversed. Here, further... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The positional relationship between key 80 and proximity sensor 70 is explained.

[0055] [2. Example of electrode configuration for a proximity sensor]

[0056] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode in the first embodiment (viewed from above the keyboard device for the near-field sensor). Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode in the first embodiment (viewed from the front of the keyboard device, showing the proximity sensor). Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the diagram, regions 800a (first region), 800b (second region), and 800c (third region) correspond to the regions below keys 80a (first key), 80b (second key), and 80c (third key), respectively, as defined for the purposes of the following explanation.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, regions 800a, 800b, and 800c can be defined either as the region directly below keys 80a, 80b, and 80c, or as regions extended along the second direction D2 (the length direction of key 80). According to the definition of being extended along the second direction D2, regions 800a, 800b, and 800c extend beyond the region directly below key 80, excluding the region along the first direction D1. Regardless of the definition, if in Figure 4When observing the proximity sensor 70 with the orientation shown, the positions of regions 800a, 800b, and 800c remain unchanged.

[0058] Key 80a is adjacent to key 80c. The positional relationship between keys 80a and 80c can also be reversed. That is, either key 80a or key 80c can be positioned close to key 80b. Key 80b can be adjacent to either key 80a or key 80c, or, as in this example, not adjacent to either key 80a or key 80c. Keys 80a, 80b, and 80c are all white keys, but may also include black keys.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, a drive unit 71, a detection unit 73, multiple transmitting electrodes 75, and a receiving electrode 77 are disposed on a support substrate 79. The overall configuration of the proximity sensor 70 will be described later. Here, the positional relationship between the transmitting electrode 75 and the receiving electrode 77 will be explained. In this example, the transmitting electrodes 75-1, 75-2, ..., 75-10 are arranged in the first direction D1 and disposed on the support substrate 79. In the following description, without specifically distinguishing each of the transmitting electrodes 75-1, 75-2, ..., 75-10, they will be referred to as transmitting electrode 75. In this example, the transmitting electrode 75 is a rectangular electrode having a long side along the first direction D1 and a short side along the second direction D2. The transmitting electrode 75 and the receiving electrode 77, which will be described below, can be applied to various shapes within the range where the positional relationship between the transmitting electrode 75 and the receiving electrode 77 satisfies the following conditions.

[0060] The plurality of transmitting electrodes 75 include at least a transmitting electrode 75-3 (second electrode) disposed in region 800a and a transmitting electrode 75-6 (third electrode) disposed in region 800b. In this example, the transmitting electrode 75-3 also includes a portion disposed in region 800c. Therefore, the transmitting electrode 75-3 includes a portion extending from region 800c to region 800a.

[0061] In this example, the receiving electrode 77 (first electrode) is a linear electrode extending along a first direction D1, having a portion extending at least from region 800a to region 800b. The receiving electrode 77 can also be described as a rectangle having a long side along the first direction D1 and a short side along a second direction D2. In this example, the direction in which the receiving electrode 77 extends is parallel to the direction in which the plurality of transmitting electrodes 75 are arranged, but it may not be parallel.

[0062] In Figure 3In the case of observing the proximity sensor 70 in the shown orientation (observing the proximity sensor 70 along the third direction D3), the receiving electrode 77 does not intersect with the transmitting electrode 75. In this example, the receiving electrode 77 also does not intersect with the area connecting multiple transmitting electrodes 75. In other words, the receiving electrode 77 is not disposed in the area SA between adjacent transmitting electrodes 75. Figure 3 In this example, the region between transmitting electrode 75-7 and transmitting electrode 75-8 is shown as region SA. As shown in this example, region SA corresponds to the area between transmitting electrode 75-7 and transmitting electrode 75-8. The regions between other adjacent transmitting electrodes 75 also correspond to region SA.

[0063] The proximity sensor 70 functions as a mutual capacitance type electrostatic capacitance sensor that detects changes in the electrostatic capacitance in the transmitting electrode 75 and the receiving electrode 77. The range of the object detected by the proximity sensor 70 includes at least the space above the upper surface 80u of the key 80, and may also include the space existing in the second direction D2 relative to this space (between the player and the key 80).

[0064] The proximity sensor 70 has a structure in which the receiving electrode 77 and the transmitting electrode 75 do not intersect. Therefore, by adjusting the distance between the transmitting electrode 75 and the receiving electrode 77, the object detection characteristics can be adjusted. For example, by increasing the distance between the transmitting electrode 75 and the receiving electrode 77, the range of object detection by the proximity sensor 70 can be extended upwards. On the other hand, by increasing this distance, the sensitivity of the proximity sensor 70 in detecting objects in the region close to the key 80 decreases.

[0065] The proximity sensor 70 has a structure in which the receiving electrode 77 and the transmitting electrode 75 do not intersect. With this structure, for example, when a drive signal DS is supplied to the transmitting electrode 75-1, a region with high sensitivity for detecting objects is formed in a region (detection region) extending in a direction perpendicular to the plane formed between the receiving electrode 77 and the transmitting electrode 75-1. As a result, crosstalk (voltage changes caused by objects outside the detection region) is less likely to occur during detection, thus suppressing the detection of objects at positions corresponding to the transmitting electrode 75 where no drive signal DS is supplied.

[0066] [3. Structure of the electronic keyboard device]

[0067] Next, the overall structure of the electronic keyboard device 1 will be described.

[0068] Figure 5This is a diagram showing the structure of the electronic keyboard device in the first embodiment. The electronic keyboard device 1 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 18, an operation unit 20, a sound source unit 30, a display unit 50, a speaker 60, a signal output unit 65, a proximity sensor 70, keys 80, a key detection unit 88, and an interface 90.

[0069] The storage unit 18 is a storage device such as a non-volatile memory, and has an area for storing the control program executed by the control unit 10. The control program can also be provided from an external device. If the control program is executed by the control unit 10, various functions are implemented in the electronic keyboard device 1. One of the functions implemented is to control the pronunciation of the sound source unit 30 based on the detection results of the proximity sensor 70.

[0070] The operation unit 20 includes operating devices such as knobs, sliders, touch sensors, and buttons, and receives instructions from the user to the electronic keyboard device 1. The operation unit 20 outputs an operation signal CS corresponding to the received user instruction to the control unit 10.

[0071] The display unit 50 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) and displays various images under the control of the control unit 10. A touch panel can also be constructed by combining a touch sensor with the display unit 50.

[0072] The loudspeaker 60 amplifies and outputs the sound signal supplied from the sound source unit 30, thereby producing sound corresponding to the sound signal.

[0073] The signal output unit 65 includes a terminal for outputting the sound signal supplied from the sound source unit 30 to an external device.

[0074] The proximity sensor 70 detects objects such as the user's hand and fingers that are close to the key 80, and outputs a detection signal PS corresponding to the position of the detected object to the control unit 10. The proximity sensor 70 includes a drive unit 71, a detection unit 73, a transmitting electrode 75, and a receiving electrode 77. The detailed structure of the proximity sensor 70 is described later.

[0075] The key detection unit 88 has a sensor that outputs the position of the key 80 to be pressed and the key signal KV corresponding to the amount of pressing the key 80 to the control unit 10.

[0076] In this example, interface 90 includes terminals for connecting external devices such as controllers to the electronic keyboard device 1. Interface 90 may also include terminals for transmitting and receiving MIDI data.

[0077] The control unit 10 is an example of a computer that includes a CPU and other arithmetic processing circuits, as well as storage devices such as RAM and ROM. The control unit 10 executes a control program stored in the storage unit 18 via the CPU, and performs various functions on the electronic keyboard device 1 according to the commands described in the control program. For example, the control unit 10 generates a sound source control signal Ct based on the key signal KV, and generates a setting signal St based on the detection signal PS and the operation signal CS.

[0078] The sound source control signal Ct includes information for controlling the generation of various notes, such as note codes, note on, and note off, and is used to generate sound signals in the sound source unit 30. The setting signal St is used to set the values ​​of various parameters required to generate sound signals in the sound source unit 30. These parameters include those for setting timbre, sound effects, etc. Details of the method for controlling the sound source unit 30 based on the setting signal St based on the detection signal PS (sound source control method) will be described later.

[0079] The sound source unit 30 is equipped with a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The sound source unit 30 generates a sound signal based on the sound source control signal Ct and the setting signal St supplied from the control unit 10. The sound source unit 30 can also supply the generated sound signal to the signal output unit 65, which in turn supplies it to the speaker 60. The sound source unit 30 performs various functions according to commands described in a prescribed program. This program can also be provided from an external device. All or some of the functions implemented in the sound source unit 30 can also be implemented by executing a program in the control unit 10. Conversely, all or some of the functions implemented in the control unit 10 can also be implemented by executing a program in the sound source unit 30.

[0080] [4. Structure of a proximity sensor]

[0081] Next, the structure of the proximity sensor 70 will be explained.

[0082] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the structure of the proximity sensor in the first embodiment. The drive unit 71 includes a drive signal generation unit 711, a multiplexer (MUX) 715, wiring 74 (74-1, 74-2, ..., 74-10), and grounding resistors 76 (76-1, 76-2, ..., 76-10). The drive unit 71 uses these structures to supply a drive signal DS to the transmitting electrode 75. In this example, the drive signal DS is a pulse signal.

[0083] Wiring 74-1, 74-2, ..., 74-10 are connected to transmitting electrodes 75-1, 75-2, ..., 75-10 respectively. Wiring 74-1, 74-2, ..., 74-10 are connected to grounding resistors 76-1, 76-2, ..., 76-10 respectively.

[0084] The drive signal generation unit 711 generates a drive signal DS and outputs it to the multiplexer 715. The multiplexer 715 repeatedly connects the drive signal generation unit 711 to the wiring 74-1, 74-2, ..., 74-10 in sequence. Thus, the drive signal DS is supplied sequentially to the transmitting electrodes 75-1, 75-2, ..., 75-10. In other words, the periods for supplying the drive signal DS to each transmitting electrode 75 are different. For example, the drive signal DS is supplied to the transmitting electrode 75-1 in the first period, and then to the transmitting electrode 75-2 in the second period immediately following the first period. The time for one cycle until the drive signal DS is supplied to all transmitting electrodes 75 is, for example, only about 1 ms to 100 ms. As in this example, in the case of 10 transmitting electrodes 75, the periods for supplying the drive signal DS to each transmitting electrode 75 are approximately 0.1 ms to 10 ms.

[0085] Without changing the duration of supplying the drive signal DS to each transmitting electrode 75, if the number of transmitting electrodes 75 decreases, the following phenomena occur: the time of one cycle becomes shorter, and the time accuracy of object detection increases. On the other hand, the arrangement density of the transmitting electrodes 75 decreases, and the positional accuracy of object detection decreases. Conversely, if the number of transmitting electrodes 75 increases, the opposite phenomenon occurs. That is, the time of one cycle becomes longer, and the time accuracy of object detection decreases; on the other hand, the arrangement density of the transmitting electrodes 75 increases, and the positional accuracy of object detection increases.

[0086] The wiring not connected to the drive signal generation unit 711 is grounded via the grounding resistor 76, thereby the transmitting electrode 75, which is not supplied with the drive signal DS, is fixed at the ground potential (fixed potential).

[0087] The receiving electrode 77 receives the drive signal DS transmitted from the transmitting electrode 75 via capacitive coupling. At this time, the capacitance between the receiving electrode 77 and the transmitting electrode 75 changes due to an object (such as a user's hand) approaching the key 80, thus modulating the drive signal DS. This modulation changes the waveform of the received signal RS received in the receiving electrode 77. The greater the change in the modulated waveform, the closer the object is to the transmitting electrode 75, which is supplied with the drive signal DS. The detection unit 73 acquires the received signal RS and outputs a signal corresponding to its waveform.

[0088] As described above, the key 80 is formed of an insulating material, therefore it does not affect the electrostatic capacitance in the transmitting electrode 75 and the receiving electrode 77. Thus, the proximity sensor 70 is less susceptible to interference from the key 80 when detecting an object. If the key 80 is provided with a metal weight or similar material, it is preferable that the metal is held in place by the insulating material to achieve an electro-floating state. Preferably, within the range of the proximity sensor 70 capable of detecting an object, there are no structures made of metal other than the proximity sensor 70 itself. If a structure made of metal is present, it is preferable that the structure is held in place by the insulating material to achieve an electro-floating state. If the object is not in an electro-floating state, or if it is in an electro-floating state but affects the received signal RS, the state of the affected received signal RS can be defined as the background state in object detection.

[0089] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the structure of the detection unit in the first embodiment. (Example) Figure 7 As shown, the detection unit 73 includes an input terminal 731, a grounding resistor 732, an amplifier 733, a high-pass filter (HPF) 734, a synchronous detection circuit 735, a low-pass filter (LPF) 737, an amplifier 738, and an output terminal 739. The high-pass filter 734 removes low-frequency components other than the frequency of the drive signal DS.

[0090] The synchronous detection circuit 735 includes a synchronous switch 7351 and a comparator 7352. The synchronous switch 7351 switches synchronously with the drive signal DS to either supply the signal from the high-pass filter 734 to both input terminals of the comparator 7352, or to ground one of the terminals. The low-pass filter 737 removes components corresponding to the frequency of the drive signal DS. The signal output from the output terminal 739 becomes an output level signal corresponding to the differential between the drive signal DS and the received signal RS, i.e., the modulation amount caused by the capacitance change.

[0091] The detection signal PS output by the proximity sensor 70 to the control unit 10 includes information corresponding to the relationship between the level of the output signal from the output terminal 739 and the position of the transmitting electrode 75 supplied with the drive signal DS. Therefore, the detection signal PS includes information indicating the distance between the key 80 and the object at each of the positions of the plurality of transmitting electrodes 75. The above is a description of the structure of the proximity sensor 70.

[0092] [5. Sound Source Control Methods]

[0093] Next, the sound source control method based on the detection signal PS output from the proximity sensor 70 will be described. If an instruction to perform processing using the detection signal PS is input from the operation unit 20, the sound source control method shown below will be executed.

[0094] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the sound source control method in the first embodiment. First, the control unit 10 refers to the detection signal PS and waits until an object is detected in the proximity sensor 70 (step S100; No). If the level of the output signal corresponding to any of the transmitting electrodes 75 exceeds a predetermined level, the control unit 10 determines that an object has been detected. If an object is detected in the proximity sensor 70 (step S100; Yes), processing corresponding to the detection result is performed based on the detection signal PS (step S200). The control unit 10 continues this processing until no object is detected in the proximity sensor 70 (step S300; No, S200). If no object is detected in the proximity sensor 70 (step S300; Yes), the settings in step S200 are discarded and the system returns to basic settings (step S400), and the system waits again until an object is detected in the proximity sensor 70 (step S100; No).

[0095] The processing performed in step S200 can also vary depending on the settings of the sound source unit 30 when the sound source control method is executed. For example, imagine a situation where the control unit 10 pre-sets a split function in the sound source unit 30 via a setting signal St. The split function refers to the function of dividing multiple keys 80 into a low-frequency range (first key range) and a high-frequency range (second key range), and producing sound by using a first timbre set in the low-frequency range and a second timbre set in the high-frequency range.

[0096] The control unit 10 generates a setting signal St based on the detection signal PS and outputs it to the sound source unit 30, thereby controlling the sound source unit 30. In this example, the control unit 10 determines the boundary between the low-frequency and high-frequency ranges based on the detection signal PS. Based on the determined boundary, the control unit 10 outputs the setting signal St, which contains key domain information representing the low-frequency and high-frequency ranges, to the sound source unit 30. The boundary determination method can use any known method such as blob analysis or edge detection, for example, the following method.

[0097] The control unit 10 references the detection signal PS, extracts the output signal levels corresponding to the plurality of transmitting electrodes 75, and associates the output signal levels with coordinates representing positions along the first direction D1. These coordinates may also correspond to the position of the key 80. The output signal level corresponding to each transmitting electrode 75 is associated with the coordinates corresponding to that transmitting electrode 75. On the other hand, the level obtained by interpolating the output signal levels corresponding to adjacent transmitting electrodes 75 is associated with the coordinates corresponding to positions where no transmitting electrode 75 exists.

[0098] The control unit 10 performs binarization based on a predetermined threshold level, thereby determining coordinates exceeding the threshold level (hereinafter referred to as object detection coordinates). If a predetermined number (a first detection number) or more of the object detection coordinates are continuously present, the control unit 10 determines that a hand exists within the range of those coordinates. If the control unit 10 detects an object at the positions of multiple transmitting electrodes 75, and no object is detected among the transmitting electrodes 75 positioned between these positions (or the detection level is relatively low), the control unit 10 separates the range of continuously present object detection coordinates into two. Therefore, it is identified as a state where two mutually separated objects are being detected. The two objects are actually assumed to be the user's right and left hands. At this time, the control unit 10 divides the low-frequency and high-frequency ranges using the key 80 corresponding to the center of the position where no object is detected between the two objects (or the midpoint of the center coordinates of each of the two objects) as the boundary. The boundary key 80 can be either the key 80 corresponding to the highest note of the low-frequency range or the key 80 corresponding to the lowest note of the high-frequency range.

[0099] Even when both hands are close together, there are cases where two objects are detected as one. That is, there are also cases where, although two objects exist, the range of consecutive object detection coordinates is not separated into two and is identified as one. In the case of detecting both hands within a range, the range becomes wider compared to detecting a single hand. Therefore, even when the range of consecutive object detection coordinates is one, if this range is larger than a predetermined range, it can still be determined that two objects (both hands) exist. The case of being larger than the predetermined range corresponds to the case where there are consecutive object detection coordinates that exceed the predetermined second detection number of the first detection number. In this case, the control unit 10 divides the low-frequency range and the high-frequency range with the key 80 corresponding to the center of the range as the boundary.

[0100] During the processing of step S200, the control unit 10 continuously sets the division between the low-frequency and high-frequency ranges based on the detection signal PS. As a result, it is able to follow the movements of the right and left hands of the user, who is identified as two objects, and set the key 80 located between the right and left hands as the boundary between the low-frequency and high-frequency ranges.

[0101] The proximity sensor 70 in the electronic keyboard device 1 described above uses a receiving electrode 77 disposed below the key 80 and a plurality of transmitting electrodes 75 to form a mutual capacitance type electrostatic capacitive sensor. By being disposed below the key 80, a simple structure can be formed in which the receiving electrode 77 of the sensor is arranged across the area corresponding to the plurality of keys 80.

[0102] <Second Implementation>

[0103] When viewing the proximity sensor 70 along a third direction D3, the transmitting electrode 75 and the receiving electrode 77 in the first embodiment do not intersect. In the second embodiment, a proximity sensor 70A having a transmitting electrode 75A and a receiving electrode 77A that are configured to intersect each other will be described.

[0104] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates the positional relationship between the transmitting and receiving electrodes in the second embodiment (viewed from above the keyboard device for the proximity sensor). The proximity sensor 70A includes a plurality of transmitting electrodes 75A (75A-1, 75A-2, ..., 75A-10) extending along a second direction D2. The plurality of transmitting electrodes 75A are arranged along a first direction D1. In this example, the plurality of transmitting electrodes 75A also includes a transmitting electrode 75A-3 disposed in region 800a and a transmitting electrode 75A-6 disposed in region 800b.

[0105] In this example, the receiving electrode 77A is also an electrode extending along the first direction D1, similar to the receiving electrode 77 in the first embodiment. On the other hand, the receiving electrode 77A is disposed on the lower surface (opposite to the surface (upper surface)) of one of the two surfaces of the support substrate 79A, where the transmitting electrode 75A is disposed. Figure 9 In the case of viewing the proximity sensor 70 in the orientation shown (when viewing the proximity sensor 70A along the third direction D3), the receiving electrode 77A passes through the region SA between adjacent transmitting electrodes 75A. Figure 9 In the same manner as in the first embodiment, the region between the transmitting electrode 75A-7 and the transmitting electrode 75A-8 is shown as an example of region SA.

[0106] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the structure of the proximity sensor in the second embodiment. The proximity sensor 70A differs from the proximity sensor 70 in the first embodiment only in the structure of its electrodes. That is, the proximity sensor 70A is identical to the proximity sensor 70 except that wiring 74-1, 74-2, ..., 74-10 are connected to transmitting electrodes 75A-1, 75A-2, ..., 75A-10, respectively, so detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0107] In this way, various configurations can be applied to the transmitting and receiving electrodes constituting a proximity sensor, as long as they are in a positional relationship that allows for capacitance. In particular, as in proximity sensor 70A, since the transmitting electrode 75A and the receiving electrode 77A are in an intersecting relationship, the distance between the transmitting electrode 75A and the receiving electrode 77A can be reduced. As a result, the detection range of an object can be limited to the vicinity of the key 80, thereby increasing the sensitivity of object detection within this range.

[0108] <Third Implementation Method>

[0109] A portion of the transmitting electrodes used by the proximity sensor can also be switched to not supply the drive signal DS, depending on the application. In the third embodiment, a proximity sensor 70B, which is part of the proximity sensor 70A in the second embodiment, is described in which the drive signal DS is not supplied to a portion of the transmitting electrodes 75A.

[0110] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates the structure of the proximity sensor in the third embodiment. The proximity sensor 70B has switches (switching units) 76s (76s-1, 76s-2, ..., 76s-10) that disconnect grounding resistors 76, which are respectively connected to multiple transmitting electrodes 75A, from the grounding potential. When all switches 76s are in the on state, the transmitting electrodes 75A are connected to the grounding potential, which is the same structure as the proximity sensor 70A in the second embodiment. On the other hand, in applications where positional accuracy with respect to the first direction D1 is not required, some of the transmitting electrodes 75A can be disabled.

[0111] At this time, the multiplexer 715B, while not supplying the drive signal DS to the invalidated transmitting electrode 75A, switches the switch 76s connected to the transmitting electrode 75A, which is not supplied with the drive signal DS, from the on state to the off state. By making the transmitting electrode 75A non-connected to the ground potential and thus floating, it is possible to approach an environment where there is no invalidated transmitting electrode in the object detection of the proximity sensor 70B.

[0112] Figure 12 This diagram illustrates an example of the use of the proximity sensor in the third embodiment. (As shown...) Figure 12 As shown in the example, by invalidating transmitting electrodes 75A-2, 75A-4, 75A-6, 75A-8, and 75A-10, half of the transmitting electrodes 75A are absent, resulting in a lower configuration density and halved object detection position accuracy. If the supply time of the drive signal DS to each transmitting electrode 75A remains constant, the next drive signal DS can be supplied with half the time, thus improving the object detection time accuracy by a factor of two.

[0113] <Fourth Implementation>

[0114] The number of receiving electrodes in a proximity sensor is not limited to one. In the fourth embodiment, a proximity sensor 70C having two receiving electrodes 77C (77C-1, 77C-2) will be described. The number of receiving electrodes 77C is not limited to two, and may be three or more.

[0115] Figure 13This diagram illustrates the positional relationship between the transmitting and receiving electrodes in the fourth embodiment (viewed from above the keyboard device for the proximity sensor). The proximity sensor 70C extends along a first direction and has receiving electrodes (first electrodes) 77C-1 and 77C-2 arranged along a second direction D2 and disposed on a support substrate 79C. Receiving electrodes 77C-1 and 77C-2 intersect with transmitting electrodes 75C (75C-1, 75C-2, ..., 75C-10). Detection units 73C-1 and 73C-2, corresponding to receiving electrodes 77C-1 and 77C-2 respectively, are also disposed on the support substrate 79C. By arranging the receiving electrodes 77C-1 and 77C-2 in this way, the position of an object in the length direction of the key 80 can also be detected.

[0116] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the structure of the proximity sensor in the fourth embodiment. As described above, the proximity sensor 70C includes two receiving electrodes 77C-1 and 77C-2, and a detection unit 73C connected to the receiving electrodes 77C-1 and 77C-2.

[0117] Figure 15 This diagram illustrates the structure of the detection unit in the fourth embodiment. The detection unit 73C includes detection blocks 730C-1 and 730C-2, a multiplexer 736, and an output terminal 739C. A received signal RS1 is supplied from the receiving electrode 77C-1 to the detection block 730C-1, and a received signal RS2 is supplied from the receiving electrode 77C-2 to the detection block 730C-2. Detection blocks 730C-1 and 730C-2 have the same structure except for the difference in the received signals input to the input terminal 731. Detection block 730C-1, compared to the detection unit 73 in the first embodiment, also includes a switch 732s that disconnects the grounding resistor 732 from the grounding potential.

[0118] Multiplexer 736 sequentially switches detection block 730C-1 or detection block 730C-2 to connect to output terminal 739C, thereby sequentially supplying the output signals of detection block 730C-1 and detection block 730C-2 to output terminal 739C. The duration of supplying each output signal to output terminal 739C may, for example, correspond to the first and second halves of the period during which drive signal DS is transmitted to a transmitting electrode 75. Multiplexer 736 may also switch the output signal supplied to output terminal 739C whenever drive signal DS is supplied to all transmitting electrodes 75. Proximity sensor 70C generates detection signal PS based on the signal output from output terminal 739C.

[0119] Similar to the third embodiment, the proximity sensor 70C can also disable either receiving electrode 77C-1 or receiving electrode 77C-2. If neither receiving electrode 77C-1 nor 77C-2 is disabled, switch 732s is set to the ON state and grounding resistor 732 is grounded. Alternatively, for example, if receiving electrode 77C-1 is disabled, simply switching switch 732s of detection block 730C-1 to the OFF state will prevent multiplexer 736 from connecting detection block 730C-1 to output terminal 739C. To make receiving electrode 77C-1 float, a switch can be provided immediately after input terminal 731 according to the impedance of amplifier 733 to disconnect input terminal 731 from grounding resistor 732 and amplifier 733. If it is not necessary to disable receiving electrode 77C-1 or receiving electrode 77C-2, switch 732s may not be present in detection unit 73C.

[0120] <Fifth Implementation>

[0121] Instead of the fourth embodiment, in the detection unit 73C, two detection blocks 730C-1 and 730C-2 are provided corresponding to the plurality of receiving electrodes 77C-1 and 77C-2, and the detection unit 73D, which shares at least a part of the structure of the detection blocks 730C-1 and 730C-2, will be described.

[0122] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing the structure of the detection unit in the fifth embodiment. (Example) Figure 16 As shown, the structure from the high-pass filter 734 supplied in the detection unit 73D to the output terminal 739 is the same as that of the detection unit 73 in the first embodiment. On the other hand, the structure from the input terminal 731 to the amplifier 733 is provided corresponding to multiple receiving electrodes 77C-1 and 77C-2. For example, a grounding resistor 732-1, a switch 732s-1, and an amplifier 733-1 are provided corresponding to the receiving electrode 77C-1. A grounding resistor 732-2, a switch 732s-2, and an amplifier 733-2 are provided corresponding to the receiving electrode 77C-2.

[0123] Multiplexer 736 sequentially switches amplifier 733-1 or amplifier 733-2 to be connected to high-pass filter 734, thereby sequentially supplying the output signals of amplifier 733-1 and amplifier 733-2 to output terminal 739C. The periods during which each output signal is supplied to high-pass filter 734 may correspond, for example, to the first and second halves of the period during which drive signal DS is transmitted to a transmit electrode 75. Multiplexer 736 may also switch the output signals supplied to high-pass filter 734 whenever drive signal DS is supplied to all transmit electrodes 75.

[0124] Similar to the third and fourth embodiments, the proximity sensor 70C can also disable either receiving electrode 77C-1 or receiving electrode 77C-2. If neither receiving electrode 77C-1 nor 77C-2 is disabled, switches 732s-1 and 732s-2 are set to the ON state, and grounding resistors 732-1 and 732-2 are grounded. Alternatively, for example, when disabling receiving electrode 77C-1, simply switching switch 732s-1 to the OFF state will prevent the multiplexer 736 from connecting amplifier 733-1 to high-pass filter 734. To make receiving electrode 77C-1 float, a switch can be provided immediately after input terminal 731-1, based on the impedance of amplifier 733-1, to disconnect input terminal 731-1 from grounding resistor 732-1 and amplifier 733-1. If it is not necessary to disable the receiving electrode 77C-1 or the receiving electrode 77C-2, the switches 732s-1 and 732s-2 may not exist in the detection unit 73D.

[0125] <Sixth Implementation Method>

[0126] As in the second embodiment, in the proximity sensor 70A having mutually intersecting transmitting electrodes 75A and receiving electrodes 77A, the fourth and fifth embodiments are examples where the receiving electrode 77A is composed of multiple electrodes. In the sixth embodiment, a proximity sensor 70E in which the receiving electrode 77 is composed of multiple electrodes, given the relationship between the transmitting electrode 75 and the receiving electrode 77 as in the first embodiment, will be described.

[0127] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode in the sixth embodiment (viewed from above the keyboard device as a close-range sensor). Figure 17 As shown, the transmitting electrodes 75E (75E-1, 75E-2, ..., 75E-10) are arranged along the first direction D1. The receiving electrodes 77E-1 and 77E-2 are electrodes extending along the first direction D1 and arranged along the second direction D2. Multiple transmitting electrodes 75E are disposed between the receiving electrodes 77E-1 and 77E-2. Even with the transmitting electrode 75 as in the first embodiment, a proximity sensor 70E with two receiving electrodes 77E-1 and 77E-2 can be implemented.

[0128] <Seventh Implementation>

[0129] In the above embodiments, only a proximity sensor with multiple transmitting electrodes has been described, but the same principle can be applied to a proximity sensor with one transmitting electrode and multiple receiving electrodes. In the seventh embodiment, a proximity sensor 70F with multiple receiving electrodes 77F and one transmitting electrode 75F, derived from the proximity sensor 70A in the second embodiment, will be described.

[0130] Figure 18 This diagram illustrates the positional relationship between the transmitting and receiving electrodes in the seventh embodiment (viewed from above the keyboard device as a proximity sensor). Multiple receiving electrodes 77F (77F-1, 77F-2, ..., 77F-10) extend along the second direction D2 and are arranged in the first direction. The transmitting electrode 75F is an electrode that intersects with the multiple receiving electrodes 77F and extends along the first direction D1.

[0131] Figure 19 This diagram illustrates the structure of the proximity sensor in the seventh embodiment. The drive signal generation unit 711 supplies the drive signal DS to the transmitting electrode 75F. Since there is only one transmitting electrode, a multiplexer 715 is not required. The received signals RS1, RS2, ..., RS10 received at the receiving electrodes 77F-1, 77F-2, ..., 77F-10 are input to the detection unit 73F. The detection unit 73F only needs to have a structure that extends the parallel processing of received signals RS1 and RD2 to RS1, RS2, ..., RS10, as in the detection unit 73C of the fourth embodiment or the detection unit 73D of the fifth embodiment.

[0132] <Variation Example>

[0133] The above describes one embodiment of the present disclosure, but this embodiment can also be modified in various ways as described below. Furthermore, the above-described embodiment and the modifications described below can be combined with each other for application.

[0134] (1) The keyboard device 1 in the above embodiments is not limited to having a single proximity sensor, but may also have a structure with multiple proximity sensors. The multiple proximity sensors may be arranged either along the first direction D1 or along the second direction D2.

[0135] (2) The sound source control method in the above embodiment is an example that can be used to control various sound sources. For example, when an object moving from the low range to the high range is detected based on the detection signal PS, the control unit 10 can also start glissando processing for the sound source unit 30.

[0136] Glide processing, for example, refers to the process of producing a sound with a pitch that changes from a low register to a high register, even when the key 80 is not actually pressed, based on the change in the position of the object. Similarly, when an object moving from a high register to a low register is detected, processing can also begin to produce a sound with a pitch that changes from a high register to a low register. In this way, the control unit 10 can also control the sound source unit 30 separately from the operation of the key 80, generating a sound signal by specifying the timing of the sound production based on the detection result of the proximity sensor. That is, the control unit 10 may also generate a sound source control signal Ct based on the detection signal PS. In glissando processing, a sound signal can also be generated in a manner that controls the signal level by increasing the volume as the detected object gets closer to the key 80.

[0137] As another sound source control method, the control unit 10 can also identify the movement of an object immediately preceding the operation of the key 80 (e.g., the speed at which it approaches the key 80) based on the detection signal PS, and change the parameters used to generate the sound signal according to the movement. These parameters can be, for example, timbre, or parameters used to determine the envelope, such as attack, decay, sustain, and release.

[0138] (3) The object controlled according to the detection signal PS may not be the sound source unit 30. For example, the keyboard device 1 has a load unit 89 that provides a reaction force by electrically applying a load to the operation of the key 80 (see reference). Figure 5 In this case, a detection signal PS can also be used to control the reaction force. The load unit 89 is, for example, a mechanism that uses a solenoid to apply a reaction force to the key 80. In this case, the control unit 10 can also identify the movement of the object immediately preceding the operation of the key 80 (e.g., the speed at which it approaches the key 80), and control the magnitude of the load according to the movement so that the reaction force applied to the key 80 around the object changes.

[0139] (4) In the above-described embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the receiving electrode 77 does not intersect with the transmitting electrode 75, nor is it disposed in the region (region SA) where the multiple transmitting electrodes 75 are connected. The receiving electrode 77 may also be shaped to be disposed in region SA without intersecting with the transmitting electrode 75. For example, Figure 3 The receiving electrode 77 shown may also have an electrode extending into region SA.

[0140] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0141] 1…Keyboard device, 8…Keyboard, 10…Control unit, 18…Storage unit, 20…Operation unit, 30…Sound source unit, 50…Display unit, 60…Speaker, 65…Signal output unit, 70…Proximity sensor, 71…Drive unit, 73…Detection unit, 74…Wiring, 75…Transmitting electrode, 76…Grounding resistor, 76s…Switch, 77…Receiving electrode, 79…Support substrate, 80…Key, 80d…Below, 80u…Above, 84…Guide unit, 85…Axis, 89 …Load unit, 90…interface, 95…frame, 711…drive signal generation unit, 715…multiplexer, 730C-1, 730C-2…detection block, 731…input terminal, 732…grounding resistor, 732s…switch, 733…amplifier, 734…high-pass filter, 735…synchronous detector circuit, 736…multiplexer, 737…low-pass filter, 738…amplifier, 739, 739C…output terminal, 7351…synchronous switch, 7352…comparator

Claims

1. A keyboard device comprising: A keyboard, including a first key and a second key arranged in an arrangement direction relative to the first key; as well as Mutual capacitance type proximity sensors include: The first electrode has a portion extending from a first region below the first bond to a second region below the second bond; A second electrode is disposed in the first region; and The third electrode is disposed in the second region. The mutual capacitance type proximity sensor utilizes the change in electrostatic capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode, as well as the change in electrostatic capacitance between the first electrode and the third electrode.

2. The keyboard device according to claim 1, wherein, The keyboard includes a third key adjacent to the first key. The second electrode has a portion extending from a third region below the third bond to the first region.

3. The keyboard device according to claim 1, wherein, When the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode are viewed along a direction perpendicular to either the length direction of the first bond or the arrangement direction, the second electrode and the third electrode do not intersect with the first electrode.

4. The keyboard device according to claim 3, wherein, When the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode are viewed along a direction perpendicular to both the length direction of the first bond and the arrangement direction, the first electrode is not located in the region between the second electrode and the third electrode.

5. The keyboard device according to claim 1, wherein, When the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode are viewed along a direction perpendicular to either the length direction of the first bond or the arrangement direction, the second electrode and the third electrode intersect with the first electrode.

6. The keyboard device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: The driving unit supplies driving signals to the second electrode and the third electrode; and The detection unit acquires the detection signal generated at the first electrode.

7. The keyboard device according to claim 6, wherein, The driving unit provides the driving signal to the second electrode during a first period, and provides the driving signal to the third electrode during a second period different from the first period.

8. The keyboard device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: The driving unit supplies a driving signal to the first electrode; and The detection unit acquires the detection signals generated at the second electrode and the third electrode.

9. The keyboard device according to claim 8, wherein, The detection unit acquires the detection signal generated at the second electrode during a first period, and acquires the detection signal generated at the third electrode during a second period different from the first period.

10. The keyboard device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The second electrode and the third electrode are connected to a fixed potential via resistors. The proximity sensor also includes a switching unit that switches the second electrode to be connected to or disconnected from the fixed potential.

11. The keyboard device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The proximity sensor also includes a fourth electrode. When the first electrode is viewed along a direction perpendicular to both the length direction of the first bond and the arrangement direction, the fourth electrode is positioned relative to the first electrode in the length direction.

12. The keyboard device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: The sound source unit generates a sound signal based on the set parameters; and The control unit controls the parameters based on the detection results of the proximity sensor.

13. The keyboard device according to claim 12, wherein, The sound source unit generates a sound signal with timbre based on the parameters according to the operation on the keyboard.

14. The keyboard device according to claim 13, wherein, The parameters include key field information used to determine the first key field and the second key field in the keyboard.

15. The keyboard device according to claim 12, wherein, The parameters include information for changing the signal level of the sound signal. The sound source unit generates the sound signal at regular intervals based on the detection results.

16. The keyboard device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: The load unit applies a load to the pressing of the first key; and The control unit controls the load size in the load unit based on the detection results of the proximity sensor.

17. A proximity sensor for a keyboard device, comprising a plurality of keys arranged along a first direction, the plurality of keys including a first key and a second key, the proximity sensor comprising: A first electrode is configured to extend along the first direction from a first region below the first key to a second region below the second key, with the proximity sensor mounted in the keyboard device. The second electrode is configured to be located in the first region when the proximity sensor is mounted in the keyboard device; as well as The third electrode is configured to be located in the second region when the proximity sensor is mounted in the keyboard device. The proximity sensor is a mutual capacitance sensor and is configured to detect capacitance changes between the following: The first electrode and the second electrode; and The first electrode and the third electrode.

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