Keyboard device, sound generation method, and program

Abstract

A keyboard device according to an embodiment includes: a plurality of keys; an acquisition unit that acquires information specifying a pressed key among the plurality of keys and a pressing amount of the pressed key; and a sound signal generation unit that, when the number of the keys to be pressed is two or more and the amount of pressing of each of the two or more keys to be pressed exceeds a reference amount of pressing, determines information on the keys to be pressed and the amount of pressing of the keys to be pressed on the basis of the relative relationship between the amounts of pressing of the two or more keys, and generates a sound signal on the basis of the determined information on the keys to be pressed and the amount of pressing of the keys to be pressed. A sound signal is generated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a technique for generating sound. Background Technology

[0002] In electronic musical instruments, various efforts have been made to produce sound. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a keyboard instrument that determines the position of an operating element and plays a sound corresponding to the playing method corresponding to the determined position.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2021 / 100742 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] When playing a musical instrument, a variety of sounds are produced depending on the instrument's different playing techniques. Similarly, sound generation devices such as electronic musical instruments require the playback of diverse sounds corresponding to various playing techniques, but selecting the desired playing technique requires complex operations from the user.

[0008] One of the objectives of this invention is to play sounds corresponding to various playing methods based on the user's simple operation of the control components.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a keyboard device is provided, comprising: a plurality of keys; an acquisition unit for acquiring and determining information about a key that has been pressed among the plurality of keys and the amount of time the key has been pressed; and a sound signal generation unit for generating a sound signal based on the relative relationship between the amounts of time the two or more keys have been pressed, the information about the key that has been pressed, and the amount of time the key has been pressed, when the number of keys that have been pressed is two or more, and the amount of time the two or more keys have been pressed exceeds a reference amount of time.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a keyboard device is provided, comprising: a plurality of keys; an acquisition unit for acquiring and determining information about a pressed key among the plurality of keys and the amount of time the pressed key is pressed; a control signal generation unit for generating a control signal based on the relative relationship of the amount of time the two or more keys are pressed, wherein the amount of time the two or more keys are pressed exceeds a reference amount; and a sound signal generation unit for generating a sound signal based on the information about the pressed key, the amount of time the pressed key is pressed, and the control signal.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a sound generation method is provided, comprising: acquiring and determining information of any one of a plurality of operating elements and the pressing amount of the determined operating element; wherein, when the number of determined operating elements is two or more, and the pressing amounts of the two or more operating elements respectively exceed a reference pressing amount, generating a sound signal based on the relative relationship of the pressing amounts of the two or more operating elements, the information of the determined operating element, and the pressing amount of the determined operating element.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a sound generation method is provided, comprising: acquiring and determining information of any one of a plurality of operating elements and the pressing amount of the determined operating element; generating a sound signal based on the information of the determined operating element and the pressing amount of the determined operating element; and generating a control signal according to the relative relationship of the pressing amounts of the two or more operating elements when the number of determined operating elements is two or more and the pressing amounts of the two or more operating elements respectively exceed a reference pressing amount.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a program is provided for causing a computer to execute any of the above-described sound generation methods.

[0015] Invention Effects

[0016] According to the present invention, sounds corresponding to various playing methods can be played based on the user's simple operation of the operating components. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a keyboard device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 It is a block diagram representing the functional structure of the keyboard device.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a graph illustrating an example of the relationship between the amount of a key pressed and its position.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a key assembly that is linked to the keys of a keyboard device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a key assembly that is linked to the keys of a keyboard device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of a sound source in a keyboard device.

[0023] Figure 7This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of the adjustment section in a sound source.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the generation and processing of sound signals in a sound source.

[0025] Figure 9 It is a block diagram representing the sound source involved in a variation.

[0026] Figure 10 It is a block diagram representing the sound source involved in a variation. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments shown below are examples, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In the drawings with reference to this embodiment, the same or similar symbols (symbols such as A, B, etc. are given only after the numbers) are used for the same parts or parts having the same function, and sometimes repeated descriptions are omitted. For clarity, the drawings are sometimes illustrated schematically with a scale different from the actual scale, or with parts of the structure omitted from the drawings.

[0028] [Structure of the keyboard device]

[0029] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the structure of a keyboard device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The keyboard device 1 is an electronic keyboard instrument such as a synthesizer. Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the keyboard device 1. The keyboard device 1 has multiple keys 10 as playing operation elements. When a user operates a key 10, sound is emitted from a speaker 13. The user can change the type (timbre) of the sound by operating the operation unit 15. For example, the user can select a desired instrument via the operation unit 15, thereby setting or changing the timbre of the sound output from the speaker 13. (See reference...) Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The structure of the keyboard device 1 will be described.

[0030] The keyboard device 1 has a plurality of keys 10 (operating elements) on the housing 17. The plurality of keys 10 are arranged in one direction. Here, the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the plurality of keys 10 are arranged and the key 10 is pressed is called the downward direction. The downward direction roughly corresponds to the vertical direction.

[0031] Multiple keys 10 are rotatably supported relative to the housing 17. A speaker 13 is disposed in the housing 17. Inside the housing 17, a control unit 111, a storage unit 113, a sound source 115, and a first detection unit 117 are disposed. The various structures disposed inside the housing 17 are connected via a bus 119.

[0032] The keyboard device 1 also includes a separate pedal device 20. The pedal device 20 includes a damper pedal 21 and a second detection unit 25. The pedal device 20 includes a shift pedal 23, but this can be omitted. If the damper pedal 21 is operated, the second detection unit 25 detects the amount of pedal operation (press-in) of the damper pedal 21 and outputs it to the sound source 115.

[0033] The keyboard device 1 has an interface 118 for inputting and outputting signals to external devices. The interface 118 may be, for example, a terminal for outputting audio signals, a cable connection terminal for transmitting and receiving MIDI data, etc. In this example, the pedal device 20 is connected to the interface 118, thereby connecting the second detection unit 25 to various structures disposed inside the housing 17 via the aforementioned bus 119, and signals are exchanged between the pedal device 20 and the keyboard device 1.

[0034] The control unit 111 includes a CPU and other arithmetic processing circuits, as well as storage devices such as RAM and ROM. The control unit 111 executes the control program stored in the storage unit 113 through the CPU to implement various functions in the keyboard device 1.

[0035] The operation unit 15 includes devices such as operation buttons, touch sensors, and sliders, and outputs signals corresponding to the input operation to the control unit 111. The display unit 19 displays a screen based on the control of the control unit 111.

[0036] Storage unit 113 is a storage device such as non-volatile memory. Storage unit 113 stores the control program executed by control unit 111. In addition, storage unit 113 may also store parameters, waveform data, etc. used in sound source 115.

[0037] The sound source 115 is a signal processing circuit that generates sound signals based on the playing operation of the key 10. Specifically, the sound source 115 generates sound signals based on information output from the first detection unit 117 (described later) and outputs the generated sound signals to the speaker 13.

[0038] Speaker 13 amplifies the sound signal output from sound source 115 and outputs it, thereby outputting sound corresponding to the sound signal. Additionally, Figure 1 The diagram shows a case where two speakers 13 are provided on the keyboard device 1, but the number of speakers 13 is not limited to two. Furthermore, when using external speakers, the speakers 13 can be omitted.

[0039] The first detection unit 117 includes a magnetic induction type sensor configured for each of the plurality of keys 10. The sensor corresponding to each key 10 continuously detects the amount of pressure applied within the rotation range of the key 10. The amount of pressure applied to the key 10 varies according to the user's playing operation. The first detection unit 117 determines the key information of the pressed key 10 among the plurality of keys 10, correlates it with the determined amount of pressure applied to the key 10, and outputs it to the sound source 115. The key information is, for example, the key number; in other words, it indicates the pitch corresponding to the pressed key 10. The amount of pressure applied can represent the value of the amount of pressure applied to the key 10 itself, or a value calculated based on the change in the amount of pressure, such as speed, or a combination of these values.

[0040] The rotation range of key 10 includes a first rotation range and a second rotation range. The first rotation range and the second rotation range do not overlap. The first rotation range is the range from the rest position (starting position) of key 10 to the end position (ending position). The second rotation range is the range closer to the downward direction than the end position. Figure 3 This is a graph illustrating an example of the relationship between the amount of key 10 pressed and its position. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the pressed amount of key 10 in the stationary position is set to 0, and the pressed amount corresponding to the termination position is set as the reference pressed amount. In this case, the rotation range of key 10 corresponding to a pressed amount greater than or equal to 0 and less than the reference pressed amount is the first rotation range. Furthermore, the rotation range of key 10 corresponding to a pressed amount exceeding the reference pressed amount is the second rotation range. Additionally, the rotation range of key 10 is not limited to... Figure 3 The relationship between the amount of pressure applied to key 10 and its position is shown. For example, the second rotation range can also be the rotation range of key 10 corresponding to a pressure application exceeding a predetermined amount from the reference pressure application. Details regarding the rest position and the termination position will be described later.

[0041] [Structure of key components]

[0042] Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the mechanical structure (key assembly) that links with the keys 10 of the keyboard device 1 according to this embodiment. Here, a cross-section of the keyboard device 1 is shown schematically, cut off by a plane perpendicular to a direction in which the plurality of keys 10 are arranged.

[0043] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the position of key 10 when it is at rest. The rest position refers to the position where key 10 is not pressed. Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the position of key 10 in the terminated position. Figure 4 as well as Figure 5In the diagram, the structure corresponding to the white bond 10w in bond 10 is represented. As for the structure corresponding to the black bond 10b, since it is the same as the structure corresponding to the white bond 10w, only the position of the black bond 10b is represented, and other structures are omitted.

[0044] The frame 200 is fixed to the housing 17 and supports a plurality of keys 10 arranged in the left-right direction D1. In this embodiment, a first circuit board 700 is disposed on the upper side of the frame 200 opposite to the direction of the keys 10. A second circuit board 750 is held on the lower side of the keys 10 facing the upper side of the frame 200.

[0045] The first circuit board 700 and the second circuit board 750 are elements constituting a magnetic induction type sensor and are included in the first detection unit 117. A specific structure of the magnetic induction type sensor is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent No. 7306477. The second circuit board 750 is respectively provided on each key 10. In this example, the first circuit board 700 is provided corresponding to multiple keys 10, but it may also be provided corresponding to each key 10.

[0046] The load section 30 is configured corresponding to each key 10. The load section 30 and the key 10 are linked together. The load section 30 includes a hammer section 305. When a key 10 is not pressed, the hammer section 305 of the load section 30 is mounted on the lower stop 351, holding the key 10 in a stationary position (equivalent to when the key is released). The lower stop 351 and the upper stop 353 are supported by the frame 20. Alternatively, the load section 30 may not be provided in the keyboard device 1. In this case, a structure that limits the pressing range of the key 10 can be provided.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, when key 10 is in the stationary position, the pressed amount is 0 (zero), and the pressed amount information output by the first detection unit 117 is a value representing the pressed amount "0 (zero)". The value of the pressed amount information representing the pressed amount "0 (zero)" is preset. Figure 4 In this state, if key 10 is pressed, then as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the load portion 30 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the key 10, causing the hammer portion 305 to move upward and collide with the upper stop 353, thus restricting further movement of the hammer portion 305. The termination position indicates the position of the key 10 in the state where it collides with the upper stop 353 and further movement of the hammer portion 305 is restricted. At this time, as... Figure 5 As shown, the first circuit board 700 and the second circuit board 750 are close to each other. The press amount information output by the first detection unit 117 is information corresponding to the distance between the first circuit board 700 and the second circuit board 750 (i.e., the relative positional relationship between the first circuit board 700 and the second circuit board 750).

[0048] like Figure 5 As shown, when key 10 is in the terminated position, the press amount information output by the first detection unit 117 represents the reference press amount. As described above, the reference press amount is as follows: Figure 5 The pressed amount when the key 10 is in the terminated position is preset to the value of the pressed amount information corresponding to the reference pressed amount. When the key 10 is between the stationary position and the terminated position, the pressed amount information output by the first detection unit 117 represents the pressed amount between "0 (zero)" and the reference pressed amount.

[0049] from Figure 5 From the state shown, if key 10 is pressed further, due to the elastic deformation of key 10, frame 200, and upper stop 353, the position of key 10 will further decrease downward from the termination position. As a result, compared to... Figure 5 In the state shown, the first circuit board 700 and the second circuit board 750 are brought closer together. At this time, the press amount information output by the first detection unit 117 indicates a press amount that exceeds the reference press amount.

[0050] [Sound source structure]

[0051] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of the sound source 115 in the keyboard device 1. The sound source 115 generates a sound signal based on information input from the first detection unit 117 and the second detection unit 25, and outputs it to the speaker 103. The sound signal generated by the sound source 115 is obtained for each operation of the key 101. Then, the multiple sound signals obtained by multiple key presses are synthesized and output from the sound source 115. The sound source 115 includes a key press determination unit 501, an acquisition unit 505, a sound signal generation unit 507, a waveform data storage unit 508, and an output unit 509.

[0052] The key press determination unit 501 acquires key information and key press amount information corresponding to the pressed key 10 from the first detection unit 117. Based on the acquired key press amount information, the key press determination unit 501 determines whether the position of the pressed key 10 is within a first rotation range or a second rotation range.

[0053] The press amount determination unit 501 determines whether the value of the acquired press amount information is included in a range of predetermined values ​​representing the press amount within a first rotation range, or within a range of predetermined values ​​representing the press amount within a second rotation range. Specifically, the press amount determination unit 501 determines whether the value of the acquired press amount information is less than or equal to a reference press amount, or greater than or equal to a reference press amount. If the acquired press amount information is less than or equal to a reference press amount, the press amount determination unit 501 determines that the acquired press amount information represents a press amount within the first rotation range. On the other hand, if the acquired press amount information exceeds the reference press amount, the press amount determination unit 501 determines that the acquired press amount information represents a press amount within the second rotation range. In other words, the press amount determination unit 501 determines whether the position of the pressed key 10 is within the first rotation range or the second rotation range. The press amount determination unit 501 outputs the key information corresponding to the pressed key 10 and the press amount information, along with the determination result, to the acquisition unit 505.

[0054] The acquisition unit 505 acquires a determination result and key information and press amount information corresponding to the pressed key 10 from the press amount determination unit 501. Based on the determination result, the acquisition unit 505 outputs the key information and press amount information acquired from the press amount determination unit 501 to the sound signal generation unit 507. The sound signal generation unit 507 includes a signal processing unit 511 and an adjustment unit 513. When the value of the press amount information is determined to represent a press amount within a first rotation range, the acquisition unit 505 outputs the key information and press amount information corresponding to the pressed key 10 to the signal processing unit 511. When the value of the press amount information is determined to represent a press amount within a second rotation range, the acquisition unit 505 outputs the key information and press amount information corresponding to the pressed key 10 to the adjustment unit 513.

[0055] When the value of the pressed amount information is determined to represent a pressed amount within the first rotation range, the signal processing unit 511 acquires the key information and pressed amount information corresponding to the pressed key 10 from the acquisition unit 505. Based on the acquired key information and pressed amount information, the signal processing unit 511 generates a sound control signal specifying the sound content. Here, the sound control signal is data in MIDI format, including note number (Note), note on signal (Non), note off signal (Noff), and velocity (Velocity) (Vel). Furthermore, the signal processing unit 511 sets the volume specification value based on the velocity (Vel). Alternatively, instead of velocity (Vel), the signal processing unit 511 may calculate the key press speed of the pressed key 10 through a prescribed calculation based on the pressed amount information, and set the volume specification value based on the calculated key press speed.

[0056] The signal processing unit 511 reads and acquires sound waveform data corresponding to the pressed key 10 from the waveform data storage unit 508 based on the note number Note and the note activation signal Non. The waveform data storage unit 508 stores sound waveform data corresponding to the pitch of each key 10. For each pitch, the waveform data storage unit 508 stores sound waveform data corresponding to various timbres. For example, the waveform data storage unit 508 may also include sound waveform data corresponding to the timbres of various instruments for each pitch. The signal processing unit 511 acquires sound waveform data corresponding to the type of instrument specified by the user via the operation unit 15 from the waveform data storage unit 508. If the note activation signal Non corresponding to the pressed key 10 is output, the signal processing unit 511 starts reading sound waveform data and continues reading sound waveform data until the note deactivation signal Noff is output. That is, the signal processing unit 511 controls the sounding period of the pressed key 10 based on the key information and the amount of pressing information of the pressed key 10 within the first rotation range. The sounding period includes sounding timing.

[0057] The signal processing unit 511 can also acquire the pedal operation amount output from the second detection unit 25. In this case, the signal processing unit 511 sets parameters for controlling the envelope of the sound signal generated by the sound signal generation unit 507 based on the acquired pedal operation amount, and generates envelope waveform data based on the set parameters. Furthermore, when no pedal operation amount is output from the second detection unit 25, i.e., when the damper pedal 21 is not operated, the signal processing unit 511 generates a predetermined envelope waveform data.

[0058] The signal processing unit 511 multiplies the sound waveform data with the envelope waveform data, and further amplifies the waveform data obtained by multiplying the sound waveform data with the envelope waveform data using an amplification rate determined based on a specified volume value, thereby generating a sound signal corresponding to the pressed key 10. The signal processing unit 511 outputs the generated sound signal to the output unit 509. Furthermore, although not shown, the signal processing unit 511 includes various filters and additional structures for processing the sound signal.

[0059] When the value of the pressed amount information is determined to represent the pressed amount within the second rotation range, the adjustment unit 513 obtains the key information and pressed amount information corresponding to the pressed key 10 from the acquisition unit 505. Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of the adjustment unit 513. The adjustment unit 513 includes a determination unit 601, a comparison unit 603, and a control signal generation unit 605.

[0060] The determination unit 601 acquires key information and press amount information output from the acquisition unit 505. Based on the acquired key information and press amount information, the determination unit 601 determines whether two or more keys 10 are located within the second rotation range during the same period; in other words, it determines whether two or more keys 10 are located below the termination position during the same period. If two or more keys 10 are located within the second rotation range during the same period, the key information and press amount information corresponding to those two or more keys 10 are output to the comparison unit 603.

[0061] The comparison unit 603 determines the relative relationship of the press amounts of two or more keys 10 based on the key information and press amount information corresponding to each of the two or more keys 10. Here, the relative relationship of the press amounts of two or more keys 10 includes the relative magnitude relationship of the press amounts of the two or more keys 10, the difference between the press amounts of two specified keys 10, etc. For example, the comparison unit 603 can determine the relative magnitude relationship of the press amounts of two or more keys 10 based on the value of the press amount information corresponding to each key 10 (the press amount represented by the press amount information). Alternatively, the comparison unit 603 can also determine the relative magnitude relationship of the press amounts of two or more keys 10 based on the difference between the press amount represented by the press amount information corresponding to each key 10 and a reference press amount. In other words, the comparison unit 603 determines the relative positional relationship of two or more keys 10 based on the press amount information of two or more keys 10 that are located within the second rotation range during the same period.

[0062] Furthermore, the comparison unit 603 can also calculate the difference in the press amount information corresponding to each of two or more keys 10. For example, if there are two keys 10 located in the second rotation range during the same period, the comparison unit 603 calculates the difference in the absolute value of the press amount represented by the press amount information corresponding to the two keys 10. In addition, if there are three or more keys located in the second rotation range during the same period, the comparison unit 603 calculates the difference in the absolute value of the press amount represented by the press amount information of two specified keys 10 out of the three or more keys 10, which is the press amount with the largest absolute value and the press amount represented by the press amount information with the smallest absolute value.

[0063] The comparison unit 603 outputs the comparison result to the control signal generation unit 605. The comparison result includes key information corresponding to two or more keys 10, press amount information, and information indicating the relative relationship of the press amounts of the two or more keys 10.

[0064] The control signal generation unit 605 generates a control signal based on the comparison result obtained from the comparison unit 603. The control signal is used to perform prescribed signal processing on the sound signal generated in the signal processing unit 511. The types of these signal processing operations are preset, and the control signal generation unit 605 generates a control signal for controlling the sound signal based on the comparison result. Here, sound signal control means performing prescribed processing on the sound signal. Based on the comparison result, the control signal generation unit 605 determines the type of signal processing to be applied to the sound signal and generates a control signal for performing the determined signal processing.

[0065] The case where there are two keys 10 within the second rotation range during the same period will be described. In this case, the comparison result includes key information corresponding to the two keys 10, press amount information, and the relative relationship between the press amounts of the two keys 10. Here, the relative relationship between the press amounts includes at least one of the relative magnitude relationship between the press amounts of the two keys 10 and the difference between the absolute values ​​of the press amounts of the two keys 10. Based on this information, the control signal generation unit 605 determines the signal processing to be applied to the sound signal.

[0066] The control signal generation unit 605 can also determine the first control (first signal processing) based on the key information corresponding to the two keys 10 and the relative magnitude of the pressed amount of the two keys 10. For example, if the pressed amount of the key 10 with the higher pitch is greater, it can also determine to perform signal processing that gradually changes the volume. In this case, the control signal generation unit 605 can also determine a second control (second signal processing) different from the first control based on the magnitude of the pressed amount represented by the pressed amount information of either of the two keys 10, or the difference between the absolute values ​​of the pressed amounts represented by the pressed amount information of the two keys 10. For example, if the pressed amount represented by the pressed amount information of the key 10 with the higher pitch is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the control signal generation unit 605 can also determine to perform signal processing that gradually increases the volume in the signal processing that gradually changes the volume. Conversely, if the pressed amount represented by the pressed amount information of the key 10 with the lower pitch is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, it can also determine to perform signal processing that gradually decreases the volume in the signal processing that gradually changes the volume. Alternatively, if the difference between the absolute values ​​of the pressed amounts represented by the pressed amounts of the two keys 10 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the control signal generation unit 605 may also decide to perform signal processing that increases the change in volume. If the difference between the absolute values ​​of the pressed amounts represented by the pressed amounts of the two keys 10 is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the control signal generation unit 605 may also decide to perform signal processing that decreases the change in volume.

[0067] The control signal generation unit 605 generates a control signal for performing the determined signal processing and outputs the generated control signal to the signal processing unit 511. The signal processing unit 511 controls the sound signal based on the control signal obtained from the control signal generation unit 605. Specifically, the signal processing unit 511 sets and applies parameters to each structure within itself for signal processing based on the control signal. For example, if the control signal indicates control to gradually increase the volume, the signal processing unit 511 sets the amplification rate based on the control signal and applies this amplification rate to the amplifier. Furthermore, for example, if the control signal indicates control to change the frequency, the signal processing unit 511 sets parameters for removing the desired frequency and applies them to the filter.

[0068] Signal processing based on control signals can be applied to sound signals, waveform data obtained by multiplying sound waveform data and envelope waveform data, and sound waveform data. Thus, when two or more keys 10 are in the second rotation range (i.e., beyond the termination position) during the same period, the signal processing unit 511 generates a control signal and a sound signal based on the key information and press amount information of the two or more keys 10.

[0069] If the determination unit 601 determines that two or more keys 10 are not within the second rotation range during the same period, the determination unit 601 outputs the determination result to the control signal generation unit 605. In this case, the control signal generation unit 605 generates a control signal based on the determination result and outputs it to the signal processing unit 511. This control signal indicates that no processing has been applied to the sound signal generated based on key information and press amount information.

[0070] The output unit 509 outputs the generated sound signal to the speaker 13. The speaker 13 generates sound based on the input sound signal.

[0071] Furthermore, as described above, when the press amount determination unit 501 determines that the value of the press amount information represents a press amount within the first rotation range, the acquisition unit 505 outputs the key information corresponding to the pressed key 10 and the press amount information to the signal processing unit 511 based on the determination result. The signal processing unit 511 then generates a sound signal based on the acquired key information and press amount information. In this case, the acquisition unit 505 may also output the key information corresponding to the pressed key 10 and the press amount information to the adjustment unit 513. When the value of the press amount information is determined to represent a press amount within the first rotation range, the control signal generation unit 605 may also generate a control signal based on the determination result and output it to the signal processing unit 511. This control signal indicates that no processing has been applied to the sound signal generated based on the key information and press amount information.

[0072] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of sound signal generation and processing in sound source 115. First, the press amount determination unit 501 acquires key information and press amount information corresponding to the pressed key 10 from the first detection unit 117 (S701), and determines whether the pressed key 10 is within a first rotation range based on the acquired press amount information (S702). In other words, the press amount determination unit 501 determines whether the pressed key 10 is within a first rotation range or a second rotation range. The press amount determination unit 501 outputs the determination result, along with the key information and press amount information corresponding to the pressed key 10, to the acquisition unit 505.

[0073] If the pressed key 10 is determined to be within the first rotation range (S702: Yes), the acquisition unit 505 outputs the key information and the amount of press information corresponding to the pressed key 10 to the signal processing unit 511. The signal processing unit 511 generates a sound signal based on the acquired key information and the amount of press information (S703) and returns to the processing in S701. On the other hand, if the pressed key 10 is determined to be outside the first rotation range (S702: No), the acquisition unit 505 outputs the key information and the amount of press information of the pressed key 10 to the determination unit 601 of the adjustment unit 513.

[0074] Based on the acquired key information and press amount information of the keys 10, the determination unit 601 determines whether two or more keys 10 are pressed at the same time (S704). As a result of the determination, if it is determined that two or more keys 10 are not pressed at the same time (S704: No), the determination unit 601 outputs the determination result to the control signal generation unit 605. Based on the determination result, the control signal generation unit 605 generates a control signal indicating that no processing is applied to the sound signal generated based on the key information and press amount information (S705), and proceeds to the processing in S711.

[0075] On the other hand, as a result of the determination, if it is determined that two or more keys 10 are pressed simultaneously (S704: Yes), the comparison unit 603 determines the relative relationship of the pressed amounts of the two or more keys 10 based on the pressed amount information (S706). The relative relationship of the pressed amounts of the two or more keys 10 includes the relative magnitude relationship of the pressed amounts of the two or more keys 10, the difference between the pressed amounts of two specified keys 10, etc.

[0076] The control signal generation unit 605 generates a control signal for regulating the sound signal based on key information of two or more keys, key press information, and the comparison result generated in the processing of S706 (S707). The control signal generation unit 605 outputs the generated control signal to the signal processing unit 511, which generates a sound signal that is controlled based on the control signal (S708), and the processing returns to the processing of S701.

[0077] In this way, during performance, the user can apply the desired processing to the sound simply by pressing the keys 10 without performing additional operations on the operation unit 15. Therefore, the keyboard device 1 can play sounds corresponding to various performance methods through the user's simple operation of the keys 10.

[0078] [Variation Example]

[0079] Hereinafter, variations of embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0080] [Variation Example 1]

[0081] The control based on the amount of pressure information output when the key 10 is pressed further down than the end position, exceeding the reference amount of pressure, includes a variety of controls. For example, in addition to controls that gradually change the volume, there are controls for playing methods such as applying vibrato, applying tremolo, and applying harmonics; controls for changing the frequency of the sound; controls for applying noise such as strum noise; controls for continuing the specified control period; the amount of pitch change when applying vibrato; the amount of volume change when applying tremolo; and controls related to accompaniment tones output along with the sound played by the keyboard device 1.

[0082] [Variation Example 2]

[0083] In the above embodiments, it was explained that when determining the control (type of signal processing) for a sound signal based on a comparison result, the control for the sound signal is determined based on the key information corresponding to the pressed key 10, the relative magnitude of the pressed key 10, the magnitude of the pressed key 10's pressed amount, and the difference in the absolute value of the pressed amount information. However, in the control of the sound signal, it is determined by at least one of the following factors: the key information corresponding to the pressed key 10, the relative magnitude of the pressed key 10's pressed amount, the magnitude of the pressed key 10's pressed amount, and the difference in the absolute value of the pressed amount.

[0084] For example, when two or more keys 10 are simultaneously pressed further down than the end position, the control of the sound signal can be determined based on a combination of the key information corresponding to the pressed key 10 and the magnitude of the pressed key 10. Furthermore, the control of the sound signal can be determined based on a combination of the key information corresponding to the pressed key 10 and the magnitude of the pressed key 10. Additionally, the control of the sound signal can be determined based on the difference in the absolute values ​​of the pressed amounts of the two or more pressed keys 10. Alternatively, the control of the sound signal can be determined based on a combination of the key information corresponding to the pressed key 10, the magnitude relationship of the pressed key 10, and the difference in the absolute values ​​of the pressed key 10.

[0085] For example, a control signal instructing the application of vibration to a sound signal (first control) can be generated based on the key information corresponding to the pressed key 10 and the relative magnitude of the pressed key 10. Further, based on the application of vibration (first control), a control signal for specifying the pitch change of the applied vibration (second control) can be generated based on the value of the pressed key 10. Alternatively, the sound of the applied vibration can be specified based on the value of the pressed key 10. Further, the control signal can also, based on the application of vibration (first control), the specification of the pitch change of vibration, or the specification of the sound of the applied vibration (second control), generate a control signal for specifying the duration of the applied vibration (third control) based on the difference in the absolute values ​​of the pressed keys 10.

[0086] The types of controls determined based on the key information corresponding to the pressed key 10 and the amount of pressure are preset. For example, a table relating each control applied to the sound signal to the numerical values ​​of the corresponding key information and the amount of pressure can be stored in the keyboard device 1 or an external device capable of communicating with the keyboard device 1. The control signal generation unit 605 of the sound source 115 can also determine the control corresponding to the comparison result obtained from the comparison unit 603 by referring to this table.

[0087] [Variation Example 3]

[0088] In the above embodiment, the case where the control signal generated by the control signal generation unit 605 is output to the signal processing unit 511 was described. However, the output destination of the control signal can also be an external device capable of communicating with the keyboard device 1. For example, it is conceivable that the control determined based on key information corresponding to the pressed key 10 and the amount of pressing information is related to the accompaniment tone, and the accompaniment tone is generated in an external device. In this case, the control signal generated by the control signal generation unit 605 is output to the external device. Alternatively, if the accompaniment tone is generated in the keyboard device 1, similar to the above embodiment, the control signal is output to the signal processing unit 511 or a structure for generating the accompaniment tone.

[0089] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating the sound source 115A involved in this modified example. When the control determined based on the key information and the amount of key pressed (10) is related to the accompaniment tone, the adjustment unit 513A outputs the determined control signal to the accompaniment tone generation unit 903, which generates the accompaniment tone. The accompaniment tone generation unit 903 may also be included in an external device 9 capable of communicating with the keyboard device 1. The accompaniment tone generation unit 903 reads the user-specified music data from the music data storage unit 901, which stores various types of music data. Based on the control signal obtained from the adjustment unit 513A, the accompaniment tone generation unit 903 processes the music data and outputs the processed music data as an accompaniment tone signal to the output unit 509. Here, the music data storage unit 901 may also be included in an external storage device capable of communicating with the external device 9. Furthermore, when the accompaniment tone is generated in the keyboard device 1, the accompaniment tone signal generation unit 903 may also be included in the sound source 115A.

[0090] [Variation Example 4]

[0091] In the above embodiment, the first detection unit 117 is described as including a magnetic induction type sensor configured for each of the plurality of keys 10. However, the sensors included in the first detection unit 117 are not limited to magnetic induction type sensors. For example, the first detection unit 117 may also include a switch sensor and a pressure sensor. In this case, the amount of key 10 pressed in the first rotation range can also be detected by two or more switch sensors configured for each key 10, and the amount of key 10 pressed in the second rotation range can also be measured by pressure sensors configured for each key 10.

[0092] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating the sound source 115B involved in this modification. In this modification, the first detection unit 117B includes a switch sensor 117-1 and a pressure sensor 117-2. Furthermore, the switch sensor 117-1 includes two or more switch sensors. The first detection unit 117B outputs key information and press amount information corresponding to the pressed key 10. The key information and press amount information output from the first detection unit 117B include key information and press amount information output from the switch sensor 117-1 and key information and press amount information output from the pressure sensor 117-2. The press amount determination unit 501B acquires the key information and press amount information corresponding to the pressed key 10 from the first detection unit 117B. The press amount determination unit 501B determines whether the acquired key information and press amount information are output from the switch sensor 117-1 or from the pressure sensor 117-2, and outputs the acquired key information and press amount information along with the determination result to the acquisition unit 505B. Based on the determination result, the acquisition unit 505B outputs the acquired key information and press amount information to the signal processing unit 511 or the adjustment unit 513. Specifically, when key information and press amount information are output from the switch sensor 117-1, the acquisition unit 505B outputs the key information and press amount information to the signal processing unit 511. Furthermore, when key information and press amount information are output from the pressure sensor 117-2, the acquisition unit 505B outputs the key information and press amount information to the adjustment unit 513. The processing in the signal processing unit 511 and the adjustment unit 513 is the same as in the embodiment described above.

[0093] Furthermore, the sensor included in the first detection unit 117 may also be a light sensor capable of continuously detecting the amount of pressure applied to the key 10 (the position of the key 10). In this case, the first detection unit 117 may also include a light sensor configured for each key 10.

[0094] [Variation Example 5]

[0095] In the above-described embodiment, it was explained that when three or more keys are pressed simultaneously closer to the end position, the comparison unit 603 can also calculate the difference between the absolute values ​​of the largest and smallest absolute values ​​of the pressed keys 10 based on the pressed amount information. However, it is not limited to this. For example, two keys 10 can be selected based on the pitch corresponding to the pressed keys 10, and the pressed amounts of the two selected keys 10 can be compared. In this case, the two keys 10 selected based on pitch can be the lowest and highest keys based on key information, or the Ath key from the highest pitch and the Bth key from the lowest pitch (A and B are natural numbers). Furthermore, two keys 10 can be selected based on the magnitude of the pressed amount. At this time, as in the above implementation, the two keys 10 selected based on the amount pressed can be either the key 10 corresponding to the largest absolute value of the pressed amount and the key 10 corresponding to the absolute value of the pressed amount, or the key 10 whose absolute value of the pressed amount is the Ath from the maximum value and the key 10 whose absolute value of the pressed amount is the Bth from the minimum value (A and B are natural numbers).

[0096] Furthermore, if three or more keys are pressed during the same period, closer to the end position than the end position, the decision to apply control to the sound can be made more complex based on the key information of the three or more pressed keys 10 and the amount of pressing.

[0097] Explanation of symbols

[0098] 1: Keyboard device,

[0099] 9: External devices

[0100] 10: key,

[0101] 13: Speaker

[0102] 15: Operations Department

[0103] 17: Shell,

[0104] 19: Display section

[0105] 20: Pedal mechanism,

[0106] 21: Damper pedal

[0107] 25: Second Inspection Department

[0108] 30: Load section,

[0109] 111: Control Department

[0110] 113: Storage Department

[0111] 115, 115A, 115B: audio source,

[0112] 117, 117B: First Inspection Department

[0113] 117-1: Switch sensor,

[0114] 117-2: Pressure sensor

[0115] 305: Hammer part,

[0116] 351: Lower stopper,

[0117] 353: Upper stop device,

[0118] 501, 501B: Press quantity determination section,

[0119] 505, 505B: Acquisition Department,

[0120] 507: Sound signal generation unit,

[0121] 508: Waveform Data Storage Unit

[0122] 509: Output section

[0123] 511: Signal Processing Unit

[0124] 513, 513A: Adjustment section,

[0125] 601: Judgment Department

[0126] 603: Comparative Section

[0127] 605: Control signal generation unit,

[0128] 700: First circuit board,

[0129] 750: Second circuit board.

[0130] 901: Music Data Storage Department

[0131] 903: Accompaniment sound generation part.

Claims

1. A keyboard device, comprising: Multiple keys; The acquisition unit acquires information about which key among the plurality of keys has been pressed and the amount of time the key has been pressed. as well as The sound signal generation unit generates a sound signal based on the relative relationship between the number of pressed keys, the information of the pressed keys, and the amount of pressing of each of the two or more pressed keys exceeds a reference pressing amount when the number of pressed keys is two or more.

2. The keyboard device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The sound signal generation unit determines the timing of the sound output corresponding to the pressed key based on the amount of the pressed key before reaching the reference pressing amount.

3. The keyboard device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The relative relationship refers to the relative magnitude of the number of times the two or more keys are pressed.

4. The keyboard device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The relative relationship is the difference in the absolute value of the number of times the two or more keys are pressed.

5. A keyboard device, comprising: Multiple keys; The acquisition unit acquires information about which key among the plurality of keys has been pressed and the amount of time the key has been pressed. The control signal generation unit generates a control signal based on the relative relationship between the pressing amounts of the two or more keys when the number of keys pressed is two or more and the pressing amount of each of the two or more keys exceeds a reference pressing amount. as well as The sound signal generation unit generates a sound signal based on information about the pressed key and the amount of time the key was pressed.

6. The keyboard device as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The sound signal generation unit determines the timing of sound emission corresponding to the pressed key based on the amount of the pressed key before reaching the reference pressing amount.

7. The keyboard device as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The relative relationship refers to the relative magnitude of the amount of time the two or more keys are pressed. The control signal generation unit generates the control signal for instructing the first control based on the relative magnitude relationship.

8. The keyboard device as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The control signal generation unit generates a control signal that indicates a second control that is different from the first control, based on the press amount of the key with a relatively large press amount among the two or more keys.

9. A sound generation method, comprising: Obtain information about any one of a plurality of actuators and the amount of time the actuator is pressed; as well as When there are two or more determined operating elements, and the pressing amount of each of the two or more operating elements exceeds a reference pressing amount, an audio signal is generated based on the relative relationship of the pressing amounts of the two or more operating elements, the information of the operating elements, and the pressing amount of the determined operating elements.

10. A sound generation method, comprising: Obtain information about any one of a plurality of actuators and the amount of time the actuator is pressed; A sound signal is generated based on the information of the actuator and the amount of time the actuator is pressed. as well as When the number of the determined operating elements is two or more, and the pressing amount of the two or more operating elements exceeds the reference pressing amount, a control signal is generated based on the relative relationship of the pressing amounts of the two or more operating elements.

11. A program for causing a computer to perform the sound generation method of claim 9 or 10.

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