Generating device

Abstract

The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to generate sound through intuitive operation. A sound generation device (100) is provided, comprising: a first region (R1) configured with an operating element for receiving an operation to generate a rhythmic tone signal; a second region (R2) configured with an operating element for receiving an operation to generate a melody tone signal; and a third region (R3) configured with an operating element for receiving an operation to impart an acoustic effect to a synthesized sound signal obtained by combining the rhythmic tone signal and the melody tone signal. The first region (R1), the second region (R2), and the third region (R3) are independent of each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a generating apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, there are devices that generate sound signals such as rhythmic tones and melody tones. For example, Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a generation device that uses predetermined buttons to select functions assigned to multiple operation buttons arranged in an array, and executes these functions by operating the multiple operation buttons. Among the functions implemented by the multiple operation buttons, for example, in addition to setting instrument sounds (timbre), there are also settings for rhythmic tone pronunciation modes, input of melody tones (playing / input operations, etc.), and settings for sound effects.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Non-patent literature

[0005] Non-patent literature 1: "Novation", [online], CIRCUIT TRACKS (searched on March 28, 2022), Internet link <URL: https: / / novationmusic.com / en / circuit / circuit-tracks >

[0006] Non-patent literature 2: "Teenage Engineering", [online], OP-Z (searched on March 28, 2022), Internet <URL: https: / / teenage.engineering / products / op-z > Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, because the functions applied to multiple operation buttons are switched, the same operation button is shared by multiple different functions. Therefore, it is not easy to intuitively perform the sound generation operation.

[0009] One object of the present invention is to provide a sound generation device that can generate sound through intuitive operation.

[0010] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a generating apparatus is provided, comprising: a first region having an operating element configured to receive an operation for generating a rhythmic tone signal; a second region having an operating element configured to receive an operation for generating a melody tone signal; and a third region having an operating element configured to receive an operation for imparting an acoustic effect to a synthesized sound signal obtained by combining the rhythmic tone signal and the melody tone signal; wherein the first region, the second region, and the third region are independent of each other.

[0012] Beneficial effects

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, sound can be generated through intuitive operation. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a top view of the generating device.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a functional block diagram of the generating device.

[0016] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0017] R1 First region; R2 Second region; R3 Third region; 100 Generating device; 14, 15, 18, 24, 26, 27, 41-46 Operators; 33 Seventh upper surface region; 57 Synthesis unit; 58 Effect imparting unit. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a top view of a generation device according to one embodiment of the present invention. As an example, the generation device 100 is a device that generates sound signals based on input operations. The generation device 100 has a cuboid shape. In addition to a bottom surface (not shown), the generation device 100 also has a front surface 101, a back surface 102, a left side surface 103, a right side surface 104, and a top surface 105. Regarding the orientation of the generation device 100, the side (near the user) is considered the front side, and the left and right directions are based on the direction observed from the user.

[0020] The generating apparatus 100 includes multiple operating elements. The front surface 101, back surface 102, left side surface 103, right side surface 104, and top surface 105 are all operating surfaces with at least one operating element. Additionally, there may be operating surfaces without operating elements. The areas where the operating elements are arranged in the generating apparatus 100 are roughly divided into a first region R1, a second region R2, and a third region R3. The first region R1, the second region R2, and the third region R3 are arranged in a row from left to right. The first region R1 is adjacent to the second region R2, and the second region R2 is adjacent to the third region R3.

[0021] The first area R1 is equipped with an operation device for receiving operations that generate rhythmic tone signals. The second area R2 is equipped with an operation device for receiving operations that generate melody tone signals. The third area R3 is equipped with an operation device for receiving operations that assign sound effects to the synthesized sound signal obtained by combining the rhythmic tone signal and the melody tone signal.

[0022] The first region R1 includes a first upper surface region 11, a second upper surface region 12, and a first side surface region 13. The second region R2 includes a third upper surface region 21, a fourth upper surface region 22, and a second side surface region 23. The third region R3 includes a fifth upper surface region 31, a sixth upper surface region 32, a seventh upper surface region 33, a third side surface region 34, a fourth side surface region 35, and a fifth side surface region 36.

[0023] In the first upper surface region 11 of the first region R1, there is one operating element 14 and multiple (for example, seven) operating elements 15. In the second upper surface region 12, there are multiple (for example, sixteen) operating elements 18. Operating elements 14 and 15 are first setting operating elements that receive operations to at least set a pronunciation mode. Operating elements 18 are first input operating elements that receive operations to at least input a pronunciation time. Each operating element 18 has a light-emitting part 19 as a notification part that notifies information corresponding to the pronunciation time value of the rhythm tone signal. The light-emitting part 19 is located in a visually visible position on the upper part of the operating element 18. The light-emitting part 19 is, for example, a light-transmitting part that allows light from an LED disposed below to pass through. A button-type operating element is arranged in the first side region 13.

[0024] Multiple (e.g., four) operating elements 24 are arranged on the third upper surface region 21 of the second region R2. One operating element 26 and multiple (for example, seven) operating elements 27 are arranged on the fourth upper surface region 22. Operating elements 24 are second setting operating elements that receive operations to set at least a musical instrument tone. Operating elements 27 are second input operating elements that receive operations to input at least a pitch. Each operating element 27 has a light-emitting part 28, similar to the light-emitting part 19, serving as a notification part that communicates information corresponding to the duration of the melody tone signal. Button-type operating elements are arranged on the second side region 23.

[0025] An operating element 41 is disposed on the fifth upper surface region 31 of the third region R3. Operating element 41 is a third setting operating element that receives operations to set at least sound parameters. Operating elements 42, 43, 44, 45, and 46 are disposed on the sixth upper surface region 32. Operating elements 42 to 46 are fourth setting operating elements that receive operations to set at least sound effects. Button-type operating elements are disposed on the third side region 34, the fourth side region 35, and the fifth side region 36.

[0026] The seventh upper surface region 33 is a display unit for displaying information related to sound effects. An effect display unit 37 and a level meter 38 are arranged in the seventh upper surface region 33. The level meter 38 is composed of multiple LEDs 38a. Furthermore, a level adjustment unit 39 is arranged in the sixth upper surface region 32. And, a sound-generating speaker 40 is arranged in the rear right part of the third region R3.

[0027] Operating components 14, 15, 24, and 41-45 are rotary operating components. Operating components 14, 15, and 24 can also be pressed; if pressed, they sink down, and if pressed again, they return to their original position. Operating component 46 is a sliding operating component. Operating components 18, 26, and 27 are button-type operating components; if pressed, they sink down, and if pressed again, they return to their original position.

[0028] Furthermore, the operating components located in side areas 13, 23, 34, 35, and 36 are not limited to button types; some or all of them may also be sliding or rotary types. There are no restrictions on the operation method of the aforementioned operating components. Additionally, signal input / output terminals and power terminals are also provided in any of the side areas, including the fifth side area 36.

[0029] Additionally, lights 16A, 16B, and 16C are arranged next to operation component 14. Lights 17A, 17B, and 17C are arranged next to each operation component 15. Lights 25A, 25B, and 25C are arranged next to each operation component 24. These lights indicate the selection state (becoming the editing object or the playback object).

[0030] Next, the functions of each operating component will be explained.

[0031] In general editing, the user first selects a piece of music (hereinafter referred to as a project) as the object to be edited by operating the control within the fifth side area 36. Multiple projects can be stored in the device.

[0032] With a project selected, the user sets the rhythm tone by operating the controls in the first area R1. The user can individually set the rhythm tone for each of the seven tracks, corresponding to each control 15. For example, one control 15 can be assigned to the bass drum, and others to the snare drum, thus specifying the type of rhythm tone (including drum sounds and percussion sounds) for each control 15. The user can select the track to edit by pressing the desired control 15.

[0033] Within a single audio track, three modes can be set. Among lights 17A, 17B, and 17C, the light corresponding to the selected mode illuminates. The user can select the desired mode as the editing object by rotating the operating component 15. It should be noted that the desired mode can be used for each audio track combination. Furthermore, more than four modes and more than four lights can be set within a single audio track. Alternatively, the selection status of modes exceeding the number of lights can be indicated by switching the light's illumination color, etc.

[0034] Furthermore, the operating element 14 is a global button; by rotating it, the user can activate any one of the lamps 16A, 16B, and 16C. Moreover, the activation of lamps 17A, 17B, 17C, and lamps 25A, 25B, and 25C is switched in tandem with the activation of lamps 16A, 16B, and 16C, and the selection mode is also switched accordingly. In other words, rotating the operating element 14 allows for simultaneous switching of the selected mode.

[0035] In the input method of the operation unit 18, a step sequence method is adopted. For example, when the sixteen operation units 18 correspond to the sixteenth note value of a measure, the rhythm mode can be set by pressing the operation unit 18 corresponding to the desired note value. Then, the light-emitting part 19 of the operation unit 18 that has been set to the note value illuminates. It should be noted that when playing on a monitor or the like, the light-emitting part 19 corresponding to the note value can also illuminate in a different color than the color indicating the setting state.

[0036] The operating components configured in the first side area 13 include functions such as power switch, playback stop, overall volume adjustment, track mute, single track playback, mode deletion, and switching the display of sections when the number of sections in a track is two or more.

[0037] In this way, more than one mode is set for each track, generating rhythmic tone signals during playback or output. Furthermore, by playing two or more tracks in parallel (overlapping), a drum pattern consisting of multiple rhythmic tones is played / output.

[0038] Next, the user sets the melody tone by operating the controls in the second area R2. The user assigns a type of timbre for the melody to each control 24, such as a first synthesizer tone or a second synthesizer tone. This timbre assignment can be changed. Furthermore, one of the controls 24 (e.g., the lower right control 24) can be used as a sampler. For example, sound can be acquired using an external microphone, a built-in microphone, or a speaker 40, and the timbre obtained by sampling the acquired sound can be assigned to the lower right control 24.

[0039] The user can set four melody parts corresponding to each of the operating components 24. By pressing the desired operating component 24, the user can select the melody part to edit. Three modes can also be set for each melody part. Among lights 25A, 25B, and 25C, the light corresponding to the selected mode illuminates. By rotating the operating component 24, the user can select the desired mode as the editing object.

[0040] Operation piece 27 is a scale-specifying operation piece. For example, when the C major scale is set, the pitches C, D, and E are sequentially associated with the three operation pieces 27 on the left, and the pitches F, G, A, and B are sequentially associated with the three operation pieces 27 on the right, from left to right. Real-time input is used in the input of operation piece 27. For example, the user can input a melody by specifying the pitch according to the playback beat. By pressing operation piece 26, the melody input by operation piece 27 is recorded.

[0041] Similar to the light-emitting part 19, the light-emitting part 28 of the operation member 27 corresponding to the sound duration illuminates. Furthermore, during playback on a monitor or the like, the light-emitting part 28 corresponding to the duration can also illuminate in a color different from the color indicating the setting state.

[0042] The operating components located in the second side area 23 have functions such as increasing or decreasing the number of measures, setting octaves, setting scales, setting root notes (key transposition), and sample execution.

[0043] In this way, more than one melody pattern is set, and melody tone signals are generated during playback or output. In addition, by playing the melody pattern in parallel (overlapping) with the rhythm pattern, a piece of music consisting of more than one rhythm note and more than one melody is played.

[0044] Next, the user uses the controls in the third area R3 to set the sound effects (sound effect design) for the synthesized sound signal after combining the rhythm and melody signals. Furthermore, the user can not only edit the synthesized sound signal, but also individual tracks (e.g., bass drum only, snare drum only, etc.).

[0045] By rotating the control element 41, the user can select the timbre (sound parameter) specified for the control element 24 from the preset timbres. By rotating the control elements 43, 44, and 45, the user can change / set the pitch, VOL (volume), and PAN respectively. Furthermore, by switching effect setting modes, the user can change / set boost, attenuation, EQ, etc., by rotating the control elements 42-45. By sliding the control element 46 right or left, the user can assign an effect (sound effect) to a single track or all tracks. Moreover, the functions operated by the control element 46 are not limited to those shown. For example, the operation of the control element 46 can also switch the functions of other control elements such as level adjustment.

[0046] Users can select an effect from the effect list to apply to an object by rotating the device. The selected effect is indicated by glowing text in the effect display unit 37. The effect display unit 37 contains characters indicating the effect name and is backlit. The text portion is translucent.

[0047] The user adjusts the level of the applied effect by sliding the level adjustment unit 39 in the back-and-forth direction. The adjusted level status is indicated by the number of LEDs 38a emitting light in the level meter 38. As the level increases, the number of LEDs 38a emitting light increases from the user's perspective. The user can understand the type of effect applied by the effect display unit 37 and can visually understand the level of the applied effect through the level meter 38.

[0048] The control panel located in the fourth side area 35 includes controls for canceling (or reducing) undo / redo and applying effects. The control panel located in the third side area 34 includes controls for switching effect setting modes (e.g., using rise or EQ instead of pitch, volume, or pan). The control panel located in the fifth side area 36 includes controls for setting tempo, setting sustained tempo, and switching between different effects.

[0049] This method allows for the setting of sound effects to be applied to the synthesized sound signal, which is a combination of rhythm and melody signals, and the playback of a piece of music consisting of one or more rhythmic tones and one or more melodies. Additionally, it can also include a mode that allows playback / output without applying sound effects to either or both of the rhythm and melody signals.

[0050] In addition, the order of input / setting is not limited to the order of rhythm tone signal, melody tone signal, and sound effect; users can input / set in any free order.

[0051] Here, the first region R1, the second region R2, and the third region R3 are independent of each other. In other words, from the perspective of configuration space, regions R1, R2, and R3 exist physically independently. Alternatively, regions R1, R2, and R3 are configured separately without overlap. That is, the same configuration space is not used for regions R1, R2, and R3.

[0052] In other words, all the control components required for music production are displayed on the frame and configured according to each function. As mentioned above, areas R1, R2, and R3 respectively have the functions of inputting (setting) rhythm tones, melody tones, and effects. The functions of the control components are different for each configuration area (i.e., control components are separated by function). The functions applied to the control components are not configured for switching between rhythm association, melody association, and effect association, and the same control component is not shared by multiple different functions.

[0053] Therefore, for example, when creating rhythmic tones, users can focus only on the first region R1, when creating melody tones, they can focus only on the second region R2, and when setting sound effects, they can focus only on the third region R3. This makes the operations for generating sound easy and intuitive.

[0054] Furthermore, regions R1, R2, and R3 are assigned distinct colors. This makes intuitive operation easier, as regions for rhythmic association, melodic association, and effect association are visually identifiable. Additionally, at least two of regions R1, R2, and R3 can be assigned distinct colors.

[0055] Figure 2 This is a functional block diagram of the generating device 100.

[0056] The first operating unit group 51 consists of multiple operating units disposed in the first region R1. The second operating unit group 52 consists of multiple operating units disposed in the second region R2. The third operating unit group 53 consists of multiple operating units disposed in the third region R3. The generation device 100 includes a first generation unit 54, a second generation unit 55, an effects setting unit 56, a synthesis unit 57, an effects imparting unit 58, and a sound output unit 59 as these functional units. The functions of these functional units are realized through the cooperation of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown).

[0057] The first generation unit 54 generates a rhythmic tone signal based on the operation received by the first operation unit group 51. The second generation unit 55 generates a melody tone signal based on the operation received by the second operation unit group 52. The synthesis unit 57 generates a synthesized tone signal by synthesizing the rhythmic tone signal generated by the first generation unit 54 and the melody tone signal generated by the second generation unit 55.

[0058] The effects setting unit 56 sets the sound effects applied to the synthesized sound signal based on the operation received from the third operation unit 53. The effects setting unit 56 can set sound effects for the rhythm signal and melody signal before processing by the synthesis unit 57, respectively, based on the operation received from the third operation unit 53. The effects applying unit 58 applies the sound effects set by the effects setting unit 56 to the synthesized sound signal. The sound output unit 59 includes a speaker 40 and outputs the synthesized sound signal with the sound effects applied by the effects applying unit 58 as sound.

[0059] It should be noted that sound effects are not always required for both the rhythm and melody signals. Sound effects can be applied to only one signal, or both signals can be output without sound effects. Furthermore, the rhythm and melody signals are not always combined; they can be output independently. The application and combination of these sound effects can be configured by the user.

[0060] According to this embodiment, the generation device 100 includes: a first region R1, which is equipped with an operation member for receiving operations to generate rhythmic tone signals; a second region R2, which is equipped with an operation member for receiving operations to generate melody tone signals; and a third region R3, which is equipped with an operation member for receiving operations to impart sound effects to a synthesized sound signal obtained by combining the rhythmic tone signal and the melody tone signal. The first region R1, the second region R2, and the third region R3 are independent of each other. Therefore, sound can be generated through intuitive operation.

[0061] In addition, areas R1, R2, and R3 are color-coded differently, making them easier to operate intuitively.

[0062] Furthermore, the first region R1 and the second region R2, and the second region R2 and the third region R3, are not necessarily adjacent. Other regions can exist between any of the regions R1, R2, and R3. Also, it is not mandatory for regions R1, R2, and R3 to be arranged in a single column. Regions R1, R2, and R3 can also be arranged in an L-shape. Alternatively, two regions from R1, R2, and R3 can be adjacent to one of the regions from R1, R2, and R3.

[0063] Alternatively, all the operating components belonging to regions R1, R2, and R3 can be arranged on the upper surface 105. Or, the operating components arranged on the front 101, back 102, left side 103, and right side 104 can be excluded; that is, the regions excluding the first side region 13, second side region 23, third side region 34, fourth side region 35, and fifth side region 36 are considered as the first, second, and third regions in this invention. Under this consideration, all the operating components belonging to the first, second, and third regions are located on one of the multiple operating surfaces, namely the upper surface 105, allowing for visual confirmation and operation from above.

[0064] The present invention has been described in detail above based on preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various solutions that do not exceed the scope of the present invention are included in the present invention.

Claims

1. A generating device, characterized by, Having: a plurality of operation surfaces; a first region extending over a main operation surface among the plurality of operation surfaces and at least one first operation surface different from the main operation surface among the plurality of operation surfaces, configured with a plurality of first operation pieces that receive an operation of generating a rhythm sound signal; a second region extending over the main operation surface and at least one second operation surface different from the main operation surface among the plurality of operation surfaces, configured with a plurality of second operation pieces that receive an operation of generating a melody sound signal; a third region extending over the main operation surface and at least one third operation surface different from the main operation surface among the plurality of operation surfaces, configured with a plurality of third operation pieces that receive an operation of giving a sound effect to a synthesized sound signal synthesized from the rhythm sound signal and the melody sound signal; the first region, the second region, and the third region are independent of each other, at least one first operation piece among the plurality of first operation pieces is configured in the first region on the main operation surface, and at least one first operation piece among the plurality of first operation pieces is configured in the first region on at least one first operation surface different from the main operation surface, at least one second operation piece among the plurality of second operation pieces is configured in the second region on the main operation surface, and at least one second operation piece among the plurality of second operation pieces is configured in the second region on at least one second operation surface different from the main operation surface, at least one third operation piece among the plurality of third operation pieces is configured in the third region on the main operation surface, and at least one third operation piece among the plurality of third operation pieces is configured in the third region on at least one third operation surface different from the main operation surface.

2. The generating device according to claim 1, the first region, the second region, and the third region are sequentially configured in a row.

3. The generating device according to claim 2, the first region is adjacent to the second region.

4. The generating device according to claim 3, the second region is adjacent to the third region.

5. The generating device according to claim 1, having an operation surface, the first region, the second region, and the third region are on one operation surface among the operation surfaces.

6. The generating device according to claim 5, the one operation surface is an upper surface.

7. The generating device according to claim 1, the operation pieces configured in the first region include a first setting operation piece that receives an operation of setting a sound generation pattern, and a first input operation piece that receives an operation of inputting a sound generation time value.

8. The generating device according to claim 7, the first input operation piece is a plurality of, the first input operation pieces respectively have a notification part that notifies information corresponding to the sound generation time value of the rhythm sound signal.

9. The generating device according to claim 1, the operation pieces configured in the second region include a second setting operation piece that receives an operation of setting an instrument sound, and a second input operation piece that receives an operation of inputting a pitch.

10. The generating device according to claim 9, the second input operation piece is an operation piece that specifies a scale.

11. The generation apparatus according to claim 1, the operation member configured in the third region includes a third setting operation member that receives an operation of setting a sound parameter, and a fourth setting operation member that receives an operation of setting a sound effect.

12. The generation apparatus according to claim 1, at least two of the first region, the second region, and the third region are colored in different colors from each other.

13. The generation apparatus according to claim 1, the third region includes a display section for displaying information related to the sound effect.

14. The generation apparatus according to claim 1, has: a synthesizing section that synthesizes the rhythm sound signal and the melody sound signal to generate the synthesized sound signal; an effect-imparting section that imparts a sound effect set by an operation of the operation member configured in the third region to the synthesized sound signal.

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