Communication device for electronic musical instrument, electronic musical instrument system, method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

The communication device for electronic musical instrument according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an antenna that transmits and receives wireless signals of MIDI data and receives wireless signals of audio data; a wireless communication module that converts the MIDI data and the wireless signals to each other and converts the wireless signals to the audio data; a control device that converts the MIDI data and signals for a certain interface to each other and converts the audio data to signals for the certain interface; and a connector that transmits the MIDI data as the signals for the certain interface to and from an electronic musical instrument and transmits the audio data as the signals for the certain interface to the electronic musical instrument.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to communication devices, electronic musical instrument systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for electronic musical instruments utilizing wireless communication. Background Technology

[0002] Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) is widely used as a form of data exchanged between devices for playing electronic musical instruments. On the other hand, with the widespread use of wireless communication devices in recent years, technologies for transmitting and receiving MIDI wirelessly are being researched. For example, MIDI over Bluetooth LE (or BLE MIDI) using Bluetooth Low Energy (Bluetooth LE) for transmitting and receiving MIDI is being researched.

[0003] In addition, a dongle device that enables BLE MIDI by simply inserting it into the MIDI terminal of an existing electronic musical instrument was proposed (Patent Document 1).

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-179141 Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the schematic structure of system 1 according to one embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of an electronic musical instrument 10 according to one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the control system 100 of an electronic musical instrument 10 according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4A and 4B This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of a dongle 20 according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the device 30 according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 6A and Figure 6BThis is a diagram illustrating an example of the layout of the printed circuit board (PCB) of a dongle 20 according to one embodiment and the corresponding antenna radiation characteristics.

[0013] Figure 7A and 7B This is a diagram illustrating another example of the PCB layout and corresponding antenna radiation characteristics of a dongle 20 according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of the dimensions of a dongle 20 according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of the dimensions of a dongle 20 according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an example of the dimensions of a dongle 20 according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an example of the dimensions of a dongle 20 according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used to denote the same parts. The names, functions, etc., of the same parts are the same, therefore, detailed descriptions will not be repeated.

[0019] (system)

[0020] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the schematic structure of system 1 according to one embodiment. Figure 1 The system 1 shown includes an electronic musical instrument 10, a dongle 20, and a device 30. System 1 may also be referred to as a MIDI transmission (or playback or execution) system, an electronic musical instrument system, etc.

[0021] The electronic musical instrument 10 is a device for accepting input from a user and controlling performance via operating components such as a keyboard and switches. The electronic musical instrument 10 may also be a device capable of generating sounds corresponding to performance information such as MIDI data. This device can be an electronic musical instrument (electronic piano, synthesizer, etc.), an analog musical instrument equipped with sensors and configured to have functions equivalent to an electronic musical instrument, or an electronic device without operating components (such as a keyboard) for performance (the same electronic device as the device 30 described later). Furthermore, in this disclosure, "electronic device" may also refer to names including the electronic musical instrument 10 and other electronic devices. That is, in this disclosure, "electronic musical instrument 10" may be used interchangeably with "electronic device 10".

[0022] The dongle 20 is connected to the electronic musical instrument 10 and relays direct communication with the device 30. In this disclosure, it is assumed that the dongle 20 is connected (installed) to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) terminal on the periphery of the electronic musical instrument 10, but this is not a limitation. When using an interface other than USB, the USB of this disclosure can also be replaced by that interface. The dongle 20 can also be referred to as a communication device for an electronic musical instrument.

[0023] Device 30 is an electronic device that communicates with electronic musical instrument 10 (or dongle 20). Device 30 can be a portable terminal (mobile communication terminal) such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet, or a fixed communication terminal such as a personal computer (PC), server, television, or game console. That is, device 30 in this disclosure can also be replaced by communication equipment, communication device, terminal device, etc.

[0024] <Electronic Musical Instruments>

[0025] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of an electronic musical instrument 10 according to one embodiment. The electronic musical instrument 10 may also be equipped with a switch (button) panel 140b, a keyboard 140k, a display 150d, a speaker 150s, etc.

[0026] The switch panel 140b may also include switches for operating volume settings, sound source and timbre settings, song (accompaniment) selection, song playback start / stop, and song playback settings (rhythm, etc.).

[0027] The 140k keyboard can also have multiple keys that function as playing controls. These keys can also be referred to as playing controls, pitch controls, tone controls, direct controls, etc.

[0028] The display 150d can also display lyrics, sheet music, and various settings information. The speaker 150s can also be used to emit sounds generated through performance.

[0029] Furthermore, the electronic musical instrument 10 can also generate or transform at least one of MIDI messages (events) and OpenSound Control (OSC) messages. Additionally, "MIDI" in this disclosure can also refer to any of the MIDI 1.0 standard, the MIDI 2.0 standard, and standards that have been modified / extended for MIDI. Furthermore, in this disclosure, MIDI messages and MIDI data can be used interchangeably. Additionally, a MIDI message can also refer to multiple (e.g., byte-based) MIDI data that function as a single command.

[0030] The electronic musical instrument 10 can also be transmitted via wired and wireless means (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G). th The device communicates with a network (such as the Internet) using at least one of the following: New Radio (5GNR), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth, etc.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the control system 100 of an electronic musical instrument 10 according to one embodiment.

[0032] Central Processing Unit (CPU) 101, ROM (Read-Only Memory) 102, RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, Audio Source 104, Connection Figure 2 The switch (button) panel 140b and keyboard 140k have a key scanner 106, a USB interface 107, and a connection as... Figure 2 The LCD controller 108 of the liquid crystal display (LCD) of the display 150d is connected to the system bus 109.

[0033] CPU 101 can also be connected to a timer 110 (also called a counter) for controlling the playing. Timer 110 can also be used, for example, to count the progress of automatic playing in electronic musical instrument 10. CPU 101 can be called a processor and may also include interfaces with peripheral circuits, control circuits, arithmetic circuits, registers, etc.

[0034] CPU 101 executes control programs stored in ROM 102 while using RAM 103 as working memory. Figure 2 The ROM 102 controls the electronic musical instrument 10. In addition to the control program and various fixed data mentioned above, the ROM 102 can also store song data, accompaniment data, and music (song) data containing them.

[0035] Key scanner 106 scans stably Figure 2 The key / release states of the keyboard 140k and the switch operation states of the switch panel 140b are transmitted to the CPU 101 via interrupts to transmit state changes.

[0036] LCD controller 108 is an IC (integrated circuit) that controls the display state of an LCD, which is an example of a display 150d.

[0037] The sound source 104 generates a digital sound source signal (e.g., waveform data of an instrument tone) corresponding to the sound to be produced (the sound of the note being played) based on the note-on / off data input from the CPU 101 by the key scanner 106, and outputs it to the digital-to-analog (D / A) converter 111. The sound source 104 can also perform processes such as envelope control of the emitted sound. The sound source 104 can also perform sound synthesis processing to generate a synthesized sound signal.

[0038] The D / A converter 111 converts the input digital signal into an analog signal and outputs it to the amplifier 112. The amplifier 112 can also amplify the input signal and output it from the speaker 150s or an output terminal not shown.

[0039] USB interface 107 exchanges signals according to the USB standard with a dongle 20 that is physically connected to the electronic musical instrument 10 using an external connection terminal (e.g., a connector). USB interface 107 may also include a USB connector (USB connection terminal).

[0040] When the signal input from the USB interface 107 contains data in MIDI format (MIDI data), the CPU 101 can also perform reproduction processing using the sound source 104. Alternatively, the CPU 101 can also generate MIDI data based on key input information (e.g., note on / off) obtained from the key scanner 106 and output it to the USB interface 107, which is then sent to the device 30 via the dongle 20.

[0041] <Dongle>

[0042] Figure 4A and 4B This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of a dongle 20 according to one embodiment. Figure 4A This is a conceptual diagram of the hardware structure of the dongle 20. (For example...) Figure 4A As shown, the dongle 20 may be configured to include, for example, a USB interface section 201, an RF section 202, an antenna section 203, etc. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should understand that the accompanying drawings of this disclosure merely illustrate structures for illustrative purposes and may also include structures such as a power supply not shown.

[0043] The USB interface unit 201 relays signals according to the USB standard (e.g., signals containing at least one of MIDI data and audio data) between the USB interface 107 of the electronic musical instrument 10 and the RF unit 202. In other words, the USB interface unit 201 has the function of bridging (converting) the signals used in the RF unit and the signals according to the USB standard.

[0044] For example, the USB interface unit 201 obtains the original data from the signal (data packet) sent via the USB interface 107 of the electronic musical instrument 10 and forwards it to the RF unit 202. Alternatively, the USB interface unit 201 includes the data forwarded from the RF unit 202 in the USB data packet and sends it to the USB interface 107 of the electronic musical instrument 10.

[0045] The RF section 202 enables the transmission and reception of signals using wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.).

[0046] The RF unit 202 can also perform channel coding (which may include error correction coding), modulation, mapping, filtering, inverse fast fourier transform (IFFT) processing, digital-to-analog conversion, and other transmission processing on the bit string (e.g., MIDI data) forwarded from the USB interface unit 201, and output a baseband signal. The RF unit 202 can also perform modulation, filtering, amplification, and other processing on the baseband signal for the wireless band, and transmit the wireless band signal via the antenna unit 203.

[0047] On the other hand, the RF unit 202 can also amplify, filter, and demodulate the wireless band signal received by the antenna unit 203 into the baseband signal. The RF unit 202 can also perform receiving processing such as analog-to-digital conversion, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) processing, filtering, demapping, demodulation, and decoding (which may also include error correction decoding) on ​​the acquired baseband signal to obtain the transmitted data (e.g., MIDI data) and forward it to the USB interface unit 201.

[0048] In addition, the RF unit 202 can simultaneously perform the processing of converting received wireless signals into transmitted data and the processing of converting transmitted bit strings into wireless signals.

[0049] The antenna section 203 can be composed of at least one of the antennas described based on consensus in the technical field to which this disclosure pertains, such as patterned antennas, chip antennas, dipole antennas, omnidirectional antennas, whip antennas, etc.

[0050] Figure 4B express Figure 4A An example of the installation of the structure. In this example, Figure 4A The USB interface section 201 consists of a USB connector 220 and a USB chip 221. Additionally, Figure 4A The RF section 202 is composed of an RF chip 222. Additionally, Figure 4A The antenna section 203 is composed of antenna 223 (patterned antenna).

[0051] USB connector 220 transmits and receives signals for the USB interface with electronic musical instrument 10. USB chip 221 converts data (e.g., at least one of MIDI data and audio data) to and from the aforementioned signals for the USB interface.

[0052] RF chip 222 converts the aforementioned data (e.g., at least one of MIDI data and audio data) into and from wireless signals. Furthermore, RF chip 222 can also be referred to as a wireless communication module, and if the wireless signal is a Bluetooth signal, it can also be referred to as a Bluetooth chip. Antenna 223 transmits and receives the aforementioned wireless signals.

[0053] In addition, the USB chip 221 and the RF chip 222 may also include a control device, a processor, a CPU, a micro controller unit (MCU), a memory control unit (MCU), etc.

[0054] Furthermore, in this disclosure, other data (e.g., audio data related to the accompaniment of a piece of music) can be simultaneously transmitted and received with MIDI via a USB interface or wireless communication. Additionally, the USB interface unit 201 of this disclosure can be replaced with any interface unit capable of connecting to and communicating with the electronic musical instrument 10. In this case, the term "USB" in this disclosure can be replaced with a name associated with any interface unit, and "signal according to the USB standard" can be replaced with a signal according to the standard upon which that arbitrary interface unit is based.

[0055] <Device>

[0056] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the device 30 according to one embodiment. The device 30 may also be physically configured as a computer device including a processor 301, a memory 302, a storage device 303, a communication device 304, an input device 305, an output device 306, a bus 307, etc.

[0057] By reading the prescribed software (program) into hardware such as processor 301 and memory 302, processor 301 performs calculations to control the communication of communication device 304, the reading and / or writing of data in memory 302 and storage device 303, thereby realizing the various functions in device 30.

[0058] Processor 301, for example, enables the operating system to operate and control the computer as a whole. Processor 301 may also consist of a central processing unit (CPU) that includes interfaces with peripheral devices, control devices, arithmetic units, registers, etc.

[0059] Furthermore, the processor 301 reads programs (program code), software modules, data, etc., from at least one of the storage device 303 and the communication device 304 into the memory 302, and performs various processes accordingly. As a program, a program is used to cause the computer to perform at least a portion of the actions described in embodiments of this disclosure.

[0060] The memory 302 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be composed of at least one of ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically EPROM), RAM (Random Access Memory), or other suitable storage media. The memory 302 may also be referred to as a register, cache, main memory (main storage device), etc. The memory 302 can store programs (program code), software modules, etc., that are executable for implementing a method of one embodiment.

[0061] Storage device 303 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be comprised of at least one of the following: floppy disk, floppy disk (registered trademark), optical disk (e.g., optical disc (CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM) etc.), digital multipurpose disk, Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk), removable disk, hard disk, smart card, flash memory device (e.g., card, stick, key drive), magnetic stripe, database, server, or other suitable storage media. Storage device 303 may also be referred to as an auxiliary storage device.

[0062] The communication device 304 is hardware (transceiver) used for communication between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also referred to as a network device, network controller, network card, communication module, etc.

[0063] Input device 305 is an input device that accepts input from external sources (e.g., keyboard, mouse, etc.). Output device 306 is an output device that performs output to external sources (e.g., display, speaker, etc.). Furthermore, input device 305 and output device 306 can also be an integrated structure (e.g., a touch panel).

[0064] In addition, the processor 301, memory 302, and other devices are connected via a bus 307 for communication. The bus 307 can be a single bus or different buses between devices.

[0065] Furthermore, these system structures and device structures are examples, not limitations. For instance, the number of circuits included is not limited to these. Each device may have a structure that does not include a portion of the circuit (mechanism), or it may have a structure in which the function of one circuit is implemented by multiple circuits. It may also have a structure in which the function of multiple circuits is implemented by one circuit.

[0066] Alternatively, the electronic musical instrument 10, the dongle 20, and the device 30 can also be configured with hardware including a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), etc., and some or all of the functional blocks can be implemented through this hardware. For example, the CPU 101 can also be installed using at least one of these hardware components.

[0067] Furthermore, the block diagrams described so far represent functional units. These functional blocks (components) are implemented through any combination of hardware and / or software. Moreover, there are no particular limitations on the means of implementing each functional block. That is, each functional block can be implemented using a single physically combined device, or it can be implemented using two or more physically separate devices connected by wired or wireless connections.

[0068] For example, processor 301 is illustrated as a single unit, but multiple processors are also possible. Furthermore, processing can be executed by a single processor, or it can be executed simultaneously, sequentially, or by two or more processors using other methods. Additionally, functional blocks can be mounted on more than one chip.

[0069] (Physical structure of the dongle)

[0070] The physical structure of a dongle 20 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0071] <Printed Circuit Board Layout>

[0072] Figure 6A and Figure 6B This is a diagram illustrating an example of the layout of the printed circuit board (PCB) of a dongle 20 according to one embodiment and the corresponding antenna radiation characteristics. In the following figures, the PCB layout is a schematic diagram, and wiring, etc., not used in the description, is omitted.

[0073] exist Figure 6AIn this embodiment, the PCB 210 is configured such that its substrate surface (component surface) 211 is horizontal relative to the USB connector 220 (or the insertion direction of the USB connector 220, in other words, the direction of the long dimension (or long side or long face) of the USB connector 220). In this disclosure, the insertion direction of the USB connector 220 can also be interchanged with the extension direction of the USB connector 220. Furthermore, since the USB connector 220 (and its extending wiring) is connected to the component surface 211, it can also be configured such that the USB connector 220 is disposed on the component surface 211.

[0074] Furthermore, the USB chip 221 for mounting the USB interface section 201, the RF chip 222 for mounting the RF section 202, and the antenna 223 for mounting the antenna section 203 are arranged on the component surface 211 of the PCB 210. That is, the antenna 223 extends horizontally relative to the USB connector 220 (or the insertion direction of the USB connector 220). Alternatively, the USB interface section 201 in FIG4 may also be composed of the USB chip 221 and the USB connector 220.

[0075] If adopted Figure 6A The PCB layout and construction, for example, in the case where a patterned antenna is used for antenna 223, such as... Figure 6B As shown, the antenna 223 radiates radio waves in a circular pattern relative to the insertion direction of the USB connector 220, thus improving the directivity (radiation characteristics) of the antenna 223 in the vertical direction compared to the horizontal direction (e.g., the front-to-back direction) of the electronic instrument 10.

[0076] Furthermore, in this disclosure, X and Y being perpendicular can mean perfectly perpendicular or approximately perpendicular. Here, X can be an object or a specific face of that object, and Y can be an object different from X or a specific face of that object. Moreover, X being perfectly perpendicular to Y can mean that the angle between the normal of X (the specific face) and the normal of Y (the specific face) is 90°, and X being approximately perpendicular to Y can mean that the angle between the normal of X (the specific face) and the normal of Y (the specific face) is in the range of 90-Z° to 90+Z° (for example, Z can be 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, etc.).

[0077] according to Figure 6A The structure enables good communication characteristics in the vertical direction of the main body of the electronic musical instrument 10.

[0078] On the other hand, Figure 1 In the system, the envisioned device 30 (held by the user) is typically positioned horizontally to the electronic instrument 10. Therefore, considering the radiation characteristics of the antenna (e.g., a patterned antenna), the inventors conceived of a vertical configuration of the PCB relative to the USB connector.

[0079] Figure 7A and 7B This is a diagram illustrating another example of the PCB layout and corresponding antenna radiation characteristics of a dongle 20 according to one embodiment.

[0080] exist Figure 7A In this configuration, PCB 210 is arranged such that substrate surface (component surface) 211 is perpendicular to USB connector 220 (or the insertion direction of USB connector 220, in other words, the long (or long side or long face) direction of USB connector 220). Furthermore, USB connector 220 (with wiring extending therefrom) is connected to component surface 211, and therefore it can also be represented as USB connector 220 being disposed on component surface 211.

[0081] Furthermore, the USB chip 221 for mounting the USB interface section 201, the RF chip 222 for mounting the RF section 202, and the antenna 223 for mounting the antenna section 203 are disposed on the component surface 211 of the PCB 210. That is, the antenna 223 extends perpendicularly to the USB connector 220 (or the insertion direction of the USB connector 220).

[0082] If adopted Figure 7A The PCB layout and construction, for example, in the case where a patterned antenna is used for antenna 223, such as... Figure 7B As shown, the antenna 223 radiates radio waves in a ring shape relative to the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the USB connector 220, thus improving the directivity (radiation characteristics) of the antenna 223 in the horizontal direction (e.g., the front-to-back direction) compared to the vertical direction of the electronic instrument 10.

[0083] according to Figure 7A The structure allows for good communication characteristics in the horizontal direction of the main body of the electronic musical instrument 10.

[0084] In addition, such as Figure 6A , Figure 7A As shown, preferably, an antenna 223 is provided on one end of the PCB 210 along its length (or long side or long surface), and a USB connector 220 is provided on the other end.

[0085] Furthermore, the antenna section 203 (antenna 223) of this disclosure can also be implemented by an omnidirectional antenna such as a patterned antenna or an omnidirectional antenna (in other words, an antenna that can uniformly radiate or receive electric waves in all directions in the vertical plane relative to the direction in which the antenna extends).

[0086] <Device size>

[0087] If the dongle 20 (especially the antenna section 203) is large, improvements in radiation characteristics and communication quality can be expected. On the other hand, if the dongle 20 is too large, it may be easily damaged by impacts from collisions between people / objects and the dongle 20 connected to the electronic musical instrument 10. Therefore, the inventors have studied the size of the dongle 20.

[0088] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of the dimensions of a dongle 20 according to one embodiment. In this example, it is assumed that the dongle 20 is connected to the rear of the electronic musical instrument 10 (assuming the side where the keyboard 140k is located is in the front).

[0089] In this example, a music stand 40 that can be mounted on an electronic musical instrument 10 is illustrated. The music stand 40 is configured to include a music receiving section 401 that supports the music score and a music holding section 402 that holds the music score. The music receiving section 401 may also be referred to as the bottom surface of the music stand 40, and the music holding section 402 may also be referred to as the side surface of the music stand 40.

[0090] In this example, regarding Figure 7A For example, assuming the insertion depth (also called USB insertion depth) of the L-shaped dongle 20 relative to the USB connector 220 is 10.7 mm, the distance between the vertical surface of the dongle 20 relative to the USB connector 220 (the side closer to the electronic instrument 10) and the back of the electronic instrument 10 is 6.2 mm, and the thickness (also called dongle thickness) of the vertical portion of the dongle 20 (including PCB 210, etc.) is 8.4 mm. Furthermore, assuming the thickness of the connecting portion of the USB connector 220 (also called connector connecting portion thickness) is the same as the dongle thickness.

[0091] The uppermost point (or surface) of the dongle 20 connected to the electronic musical instrument 10 is preferably located at a height below the surface extending from the upper edge 170 behind the electronic musical instrument 10 and level with the music score receiving section 401. With this configuration, the retraction (space) of the dongle 20 relative to the music stand 40 can be properly ensured.

[0092] The lowest point (or surface) of the dongle 20 connected to the electronic musical instrument 10 is preferably located at a height above the level of the grounding portion (foot) 180 at the rear of the electronic musical instrument 10 and the rear edge (back portion) 190 of the electronic musical instrument 10 that is initially grounded when the electronic musical instrument 10 is tilted backward. Furthermore, this surface may, for example, have an angle of 45° relative to the ground. With this configuration, it is possible to properly ensure the retraction (gap) of the dongle 20 when the electronic musical instrument 10 is tilted backward.

[0093] By having these backs, the likelihood of the dongle 20 connected to the electronic instrument 10 coming into contact with something is reduced, even when the electronic instrument 10 is being moved or someone is passing by the back of the electronic instrument 10, thus properly avoiding impact / damage.

[0094] like Figure 8 As shown, the uppermost side of the vertical portion of the dongle 20 may also have a height of more than 501 (e.g., 27 mm) relative to the center of the USB connector 220.

[0095] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the dimensions of a dongle 20 according to one embodiment. For... Figure 8 Points that are the same will not be explained again. Figure 9 and Figure 8 The difference is that the dongle 20 is connected upside down. In this case, the bottommost side of the vertical portion of the dongle 20 can also have a height of less than 502 mm (e.g., 19 mm) relative to the center of the USB connector 220.

[0096] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the dimensions of a dongle 20 according to one embodiment. For... Figure 8 Points that are the same will not be explained again. Figure 10 and Figure 8 The difference lies in that, considering the ease of handling and design of the dongle 20, the horizontal portion of the dongle 20 is extended to its limit. In this case, the uppermost surface of the vertical portion of the dongle 20 can also have a height of more than 503 mm (e.g., 23 mm) relative to the center of the USB connector 220.

[0097] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the dimensions of a dongle 20 according to one embodiment. For... Figure 8 Points that are the same will not be explained again. Figure 10 and Figure 8 The difference is that it uses, for example Figure 6A The dongle 20 is a straight line type as shown. In this case, the lowest side of the front end portion of the dongle 20 is at a height above the horizontal plane (the plane at 45° upward from the horizontal line) formed by connecting the grounding portion (foot) 180 at the rear of the electronic instrument 10 and the rear edge (back portion) 190 of the electronic instrument 10 that is initially grounded when the electronic instrument 10 is tilted backward.

[0098] also, Figure 8-11 The lengths shown are examples and are not limited to these.

[0099] (Modified Example)

[0100] In the above embodiments, an example of an electronic musical instrument 10 being a keyboard instrument such as a keyboard has been shown, but it is not limited to this. The electronic musical instrument 10 can be any device with a structure that allows the timing of sound production to be specified through user operation, and can also be an electronic violin, electric guitar, drum, trumpet, etc.

[0101] In addition, the electronic musical instrument 10 is not limited to so-called musical instruments (keyboards, etc.), but can also be replaced by mobile phones, smartphones, tablet terminals, personal computers (PCs), televisions, etc.

[0102] In addition, Figure 1 , Figure 8-11 In this configuration, the dongle 20 is connected to the rear of the electronic musical instrument 10 (assuming the side with the keyboard 140k is in the front), but it is not limited to this. The dongle 20 can also be connected to a USB connector on the front or side of the electronic musical instrument 10. In this case, Figure 8-11 In the description, "rear" can also be replaced with "front" or "side". In addition, in this disclosure, "side" can be replaced with any one of the following: front side, rear side, or lateral side (i.e., any side).

[0103] in addition, Figure 8-11 The music stand 40 mentioned in the description can also be any object connected to the electronic musical instrument 10, and the music receiving unit 401 and the music holding unit 402 can be replaced by the bottom and side surfaces of the object, respectively.

[0104] As explained above, good communication between the electronic musical instrument 10 and the device 30 can be achieved by using the dongle 20 disclosed herein.

[0105] Furthermore, the communication device (dongle 20) for the electronic musical instrument may also include a substrate (PCB 210) configured with: an antenna (antenna section 203 / antenna 223) for transmitting and receiving wireless signals; a wireless communication module (RF section 202 / RF chip 222) for converting data and the wireless signals; a control device (USB interface section 201 / USB chip 221) for converting the data and signals for a specific interface; and a connector (USB connector 220) for transmitting and receiving signals for the specific interface with the electronic musical instrument. The connector is configured such that its length direction is approximately perpendicular to the substrate surface (substrate surface / component surface 211) of the substrate. With this structure, the dongle 20, which can communicate with the device 30, can be easily connected to and disconnected from the electronic musical instrument 10. Compared to the vertical direction of the electronic musical instrument 10 connected to the USB connector 220, the directivity (radiation characteristics) of the antenna can be improved relative to the horizontal direction.

[0106] Additionally, the electronic musical instrument communication device (dongle 20) includes a substrate (PCB 210) having: an antenna (antenna section 203 / antenna 223) for transmitting and receiving wireless signals; a wireless communication module (RF section 202 / RF chip 222) for converting data and the wireless signals; a control device (USB interface section 201 / USB chip 221) for converting the data and signals for a certain interface; and a connector (USB connector 220) for transmitting and receiving signals for the certain interface with the electronic musical instrument. The wireless communication module converts wireless signals transmitted from the terminal device (device 30) and received via the antenna into at least one of MIDI data and audio data, and converts MIDI data transmitted from the electronic musical instrument into wireless signals for transmission via the antenna to the terminal device. Based on such a structure, a course system can be provided, for example, in which an electronic musical instrument obtains at least one of MIDI data and audio data of a piece of music that is not built into the electronic musical instrument from an external terminal device via an electronic musical instrument communication device. The electronic musical instrument produces sound based on at least one of the obtained MIDI data and audio data of the music. On the other hand, during the sound production, MIDI data generated by the electronic musical instrument based on the user's performance of the electronic musical instrument is sent to the terminal device, where the user's performance is evaluated (scored).

[0107] Alternatively, the dongle 20 may have the antenna at one end along the length of the substrate and the connector at the other end. With this structure, the range at which the antenna can transmit and receive wireless signals can be maximized, as seen from the electronic instrument 10 connected to the connector.

[0108] Additionally, the signal used by one of the interfaces may also include a USB signal. Based on this structure, the dongle 20 can perform appropriate conversion between at least one of the MIDI data and audio data and the USB signal.

[0109] Alternatively, the connector can be mounted on any of the outer peripheries of the electronic musical instrument. With this configuration, the dongle 20 is appropriately and physically connected to the electronic musical instrument 10.

[0110] Alternatively, the electronic musical instrument system 1 may also include: the aforementioned communication device for electronic musical instruments; and the aforementioned electronic musical instrument, which includes a loudspeaker (loudspeaker 150s) that produces sound based on at least one of MIDI data and audio data obtained via the aforementioned communication device for electronic musical instruments.

[0111] Furthermore, at least one processor of the electronic musical instrument communication device (the processor included in the USB chip 221 and the RF chip 222) can also perform the following processing: converting wireless signals sent from the terminal device and received via the antenna into at least one of MIDI data and audio data, and converting at least one of the MIDI data and the audio data into wireless signals for transmission from the electronic musical instrument to the terminal device via the antenna, and transmitting and receiving the signals for the interface with the electronic musical instrument.

[0112] The various methods / implementations described in this disclosure can be used individually, in combination, or switched during execution. Furthermore, the processing steps, timing, flowcharts, etc., of the various methods / implementations described in this disclosure can be rearranged as long as they do not contradict each other. For example, regarding the methods described in this disclosure, an illustrative order is used to indicate the elements of various steps, and the order is not limited to the specific order indicated.

[0113] Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the use of the word "based on" in this disclosure does not imply "based on only". In other words, the use of the word "based on" implies both "based on only" and "based on at least".

[0114] Any reference to elements using terms such as "first," "second," etc., as used in this disclosure does not constitute a comprehensive limitation on the quantity or order of these elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements. Therefore, reference to the first and second elements does not imply that only two elements can be used or that the first element must precede the second element in some form.

[0115] In this disclosure, the terms “include,” “including,” and variations thereof are used in a manner similar to the term “comprising,” implying a general meaning. Furthermore, the term “or” as used in this disclosure is not intended to be an XOR operation.

[0116] In this disclosure, “A / B” can mean “at least one of A and B”.

[0117] In this disclosure, for example, in cases where articles are added through translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the disclosure may also include cases where the noun following these articles is in a plural form.

[0118] The invention disclosed herein has been described in detail above. However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The invention can be implemented with modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as determined by the description based on the scope of the claimed patent protection. Therefore, the description herein is for illustrative purposes and does not imply any limitation on the invention.

Claims

1. A communication device for an electronic musical instrument, characterized in that, The communication device for the electronic musical instrument includes: An antenna that transmits and receives wireless signals for MIDI data and wireless signals for audio data. A wireless communication module that converts the MIDI data and wireless signals to each other, and converts the wireless signals into the audio data; A control device that converts the MIDI data to signals for a certain interface and converts the audio data to signals for the certain interface; as well as A connector that transmits and receives MIDI data as a signal for a certain interface between itself and an electronic musical instrument, and transmits audio data as a signal for the same interface to the electronic musical instrument. The wireless communication module converts wireless signals transmitted from an external terminal device and received via the antenna into at least one of the MIDI data and the audio data, and converts the MIDI data transmitted from the electronic musical instrument into wireless signals for transmission via the antenna to the terminal device. The connector is not multiple.

2. The communication device for electronic musical instruments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wireless communication module corresponds to Bluetooth.

3. The communication device for electronic musical instruments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signals used by a certain interface include Universal Serial Bus signals.

4. The communication device for electronic musical instruments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector is mounted on any one of the outer peripheries of the electronic musical instrument.

5. The communication device for an electronic musical instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The electronic musical instrument communication device includes a substrate configured with the antenna, the wireless communication module, the control device, and the connector. The connector is configured such that its length direction is approximately perpendicular to the substrate surface of the substrate.

6. The communication device for electronic musical instruments according to claim 5, characterized in that, The substrate has an omnidirectional antenna at one end along its length and a connector at the other end.

7. The communication device for electronic musical instruments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wireless communication module processes MIDI data and audio data.

8. An electronic musical instrument system, characterized in that, have: Communication device for electronic musical instruments according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and The electronic musical instrument includes a speaker that produces sound based on at least one of MIDI data and audio data obtained via a communication device for the electronic musical instrument.

9. A method, characterized in that, To cause at least one processor of the electronic musical instrument's communication device to perform the following processing: Convert MIDI data to and from wireless signals, and convert wireless signals into audio data; The MIDI data is converted to and from signals used by a certain interface, and the audio data is converted to signals used by the certain interface. Sending and receiving MIDI data between the electronic musical instrument and the signal used for one of the interfaces; The audio data is sent to the electronic musical instrument as a signal for one of the interfaces; as well as The wireless signal transmitted from the external terminal device is converted into at least one of the MIDI data and the audio data, and is converted into a wireless signal in order to transmit the MIDI data transmitted from the electronic musical instrument to the terminal device.

10. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program, characterized in that, This program causes at least one processor of the electronic musical instrument's communication device to perform the following processing: Convert MIDI data to and from wireless signals, and convert wireless signals into audio data; The MIDI data is converted to and from signals used by a certain interface, and the audio data is converted to signals used by the certain interface. Sending and receiving MIDI data between the electronic musical instrument and the signal used for one of the interfaces; The audio data is sent to the electronic musical instrument as a signal for one of the interfaces; as well as The wireless signal transmitted from the external terminal device is converted into at least one of the MIDI data and the audio data, and is converted into a wireless signal in order to transmit the MIDI data transmitted from the electronic musical instrument to the terminal device.

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