SOUND OUTPUT DEVICE AND NON-VOIDABLE STORAGE MEDIUM WITH CONTROL PROGRAM FOR SOUND OUTPUT DEVICE

Abstract

Sound output device (100), comprising: a data storage unit (301) that stores a first sound signal, a second sound signal, and a third sound signal; and a sound signal output unit (303) which reads the first and second sound signal or the first and third sound signal from the data storage unit (301) based on initial information, wherein the initial information is contained in an instruction signal which instructs to output a sound, wherein the initial information specifies a magnitude of the sound, and wherein the sound signal output unit outputs the read-out sound signals, wherein the instruction signal contains second information specifying a pitch of the sound, and In a case where the second information changes the pitch of the sound from a first pitch to a second pitch that differs from the first pitch, the pitch of the first sound signal changes according to a pitch difference between the first pitch and the second pitch, and the pitch of the second sound signal and the third sound signal do not change or change by a pitch difference that is less than the change in pitch of the first sound signal.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for generating a sound signal. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Various attempts have been made to approximate the sounds of an electronic piano as closely as possible to those of an acoustic piano. One example is patent literature 1, in which, when playing an acoustic piano, pressing a key produces not only a string strike sound but also a keyboard strike sound along with the key press. In the field of electronic musical instruments, such as electronic pianos, technologies for reproducing such keyboard strike sounds have been disclosed. Patent literature 2 discloses a sound output device comprising a data storage unit that stores a first and a second sound signal, and a sound output unit that combines and outputs the two sound signals depending on the magnitude of the sound, wherein a change in the pitch of the first sound signal results in a smaller or no change in the pitch of the second sound signal. CITATION LIST PATENT LITERATURE Patent Literature 1: JP 2014-59534 A Patent literature 2: US 2007 / 0289435 A1 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONAL TECHNICAL TASK

[0003] Patent literature 1 discloses a musical sound-generating device that outputs a sound containing a keyboard strike sound produced by a key striking the keyboard when pressed. The reproduction of keyboard strike sounds in an electric piano makes it possible to reproduce sounds that approximate those of an acoustic piano. Therefore, to reproduce sounds that approximate those of an acoustic piano, an electronic piano is required to reproduce actual keyboard strike sounds produced by an acoustic piano.

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide a sound output device that can reproduce keyboard floor strike sounds of an acoustic piano more finely. SOLUTION OF THE TASKS

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a sound output device is presented, comprising: a data storage unit that stores a first sound signal, a second sound signal, and a third sound signal; and a sound signal output unit that reads out the first and second sound signals or the first and third sound signals based on first information, wherein the first information is contained in an instruction signal that instructs the output of a sound, wherein the first information specifies a magnitude of the sound, and wherein the sound signal output unit outputs the read-out sound signals, wherein the instruction signal contains second information that specifies a pitch of the sound, and in a case where the second information changes the pitch of the sound from a first pitch to a second pitch that differs from the first pitch,The first sound signal undergoes a change in pitch corresponding to a pitch difference between the first and second pitches, and the pitches of the second and third sound signals either do not change in pitch or change by a pitch difference less than the change in pitch of the first sound signal. Furthermore, a storage medium according to claim 6 is provided, which may advantageously be configured according to claim 7.

[0006] The second and third sound signals can differ from each other in their signal waveform.

[0007] The data storage unit can store several of the second sound signals and several of the third sound signals according to the pitch of the first sound signal.

[0008] The sound signal output unit can select any of the several second sound signals or any of the several third sound signals based on the second piece of information from the instruction signal.

[0009] The sound output device can change a relative relationship between a time of generation of the first sound signal and a time of generation of the second sound signal, or a relative relationship between the time of generation of the first sound signal and the time of generation of the third sound signal, based on the initial information of the instruction signal. IMPACT OF THE INVENTION

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sound output device that can reproduce keyboard floor strike sounds of an acoustic piano more finely. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a sound output device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a diagram showing a mechanical structure (key arrangement) connected to a key according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a sound source according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 4 is a diagram explaining waveform data of the keyboard floor strike sounds according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing functional configurations of a string attack sound signal generation unit and a strike sound signal generation unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram that explains a volume table for string attack sound according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 7 is a table that explains the waveform data read from a waveform memory for attack sound by means of a waveform readout unit for attack sound according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a delay table for string attack sound and a delay table for attack sound according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 9 is a diagram that explains the timing of the production of string strike sounds and strike sounds with reference to Note-On in the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 10 is a diagram explaining waveform data of the keyboard floor strike sounds according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 11 is a table that explains the waveform data read from a waveform memory for attack sound by means of a waveform readout unit for attack sound according to the second embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS

[0011] An electronic musical keyboard instrument according to one embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are examples of embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention is not designed within the limitations of these embodiments. It should be noted that in the drawings referenced in the present embodiment, identical parts or parts with the same functions are given identical or similar symbols (symbols formed simply by adding A, B, or the like to the end of a number), and a repeated description thereof may be omitted. <Erste Ausführungsform> [Configuration of the sound output device]

[0012] Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a sound output device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. A sound output device 100 according to the present embodiment is an electronic musical keyboard instrument. The sound output device 100 is, for example, an electronic piano, which is an example of an electronic musical instrument with multiple keys 101 as playing operators. The operation of a key 101 by a user causes a sound to be produced from a loudspeaker 103. The user can change the sound types (timbres) by using a control unit 105. In this example, when producing sounds, the sound output device 100 can produce sounds that approximate those of an acoustic piano by using a piano timbre.In particular, the sound output device 100 can reproduce sounds of an acoustic piano, including keyboard strike sounds. Each component of the sound output device 100 is described in detail below.

[0013] The sound output device 100 includes the multiple keys 101 (game operators). The multiple keys 101 are rotatably mounted on a housing 107. The housing 107 is equipped with the loudspeaker 103, the control unit 105, and a display unit 109. Within the housing 107 are a control unit 111, a storage unit 113, a sound source 115, and a key behavior measurement unit 117. The components provided in the housing 107 are interconnected via a bus.

[0014] The control unit 111 includes an arithmetic processing circuit such as a CPU and a storage device such as RAM or ROM. The control unit 111 executes a control program stored in the memory unit 113 via the CPU, thereby enabling the sound output device 100 to perform various functions. The operating unit 105 is a device such as a control knob, a touch sensor, or a slider, and outputs a signal to the control unit 111 corresponding to an input command. The display unit 109 displays a screen based on the control input from the control unit 111.

[0015] The storage unit 113 is a storage device, e.g., non-volatile memory. The storage unit 113 contains the control program that is executed by the control unit 111. In addition, the storage unit 113 may contain parameters, waveform data, and the like that are used in the sound source 115. The loudspeaker 103 amplifies and outputs a sound signal that is output by the control unit 111 or the sound source 115, thereby producing a sound corresponding to the sound signal. Although Fig. Figure 1 shows a case in which the sound output device 100 is equipped with two loudspeakers 103, the number of loudspeakers with which the sound output device 100 is equipped is not limited to two, but can also be one or more.

[0016] The key behavior measurement unit 117 measures the behavior of each of the multiple keys 101 and outputs measurement data that represents a measurement result. The key behavior measurement unit 117 outputs information as measurement data corresponding to a pressed key 101 and a pressure quantity (operating quantity) of the key 101. For example, the key behavior measurement unit 117 is configured to output a detection signal corresponding to the pressure quantity when at least one of the first, second, and third pressure quantities of a key 101 is detected. At this point, the information indicating the corresponding key 101 (for example, a key number) is included in the output detection signal, so that the pressed key 101 can be identified. [Keyboard layout configuration]

[0017] Fig. Figure 2 is a diagram showing a mechanical structure (key arrangement) connected to a key 101 of the sound output device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Section 2 provides a description by taking as an example a structure associated with a white key of the keys 101. A keyboard base 201 is an element that forms part of the aforementioned housing 107. A frame 203 is attached to the keyboard base 201. A key support element 205, projecting upwards from the frame 203, is arranged on the frame 203. The key support element 205 carries the key 101, allowing the key 101 to rotate on a spindle 207. A hammer support element 211, projecting downwards from the frame 203, is provided. A hammer 209 is provided on the opposite side from the key 101 with respect to the frame 203. The hammer support element 211 carries the hammer 209, allowing the hammer 209 to rotate on a spindle 213.

[0018] A hammer connecting part 215, projecting to a lower position than the key 101, encloses a coupling part 217 at its lower end. The key connecting part 219, provided at one end of the hammer 209, and the coupling part 217 are slidably connected to each other. The hammer 209 encloses a weight 221 on the side opposite the key connecting part 219 with respect to the spindle 213. When the key 101 is not actuated, the weight 221 is positioned by its own weight against a lower limit stop 223.

[0019] Meanwhile, pressing key 101 causes the key link 219 to move downwards and the hammer 209 to rotate. The rotation of the hammer 209 causes the weight 221 to move upwards. A collision of the weight 221 with an upper limit stop 225 restricts the rotation of the hammer 209, thus stopping the pressure of key 101. A strong press of key 101 causes the weight 221 to strike the upper limit stop 225, and an impact sound is produced at this moment. This impact sound is transmitted via the frame 203 to the keyboard base 201 and output as a sound. In the configuration of Fig. 2. This sound is comparable to the sound of a keyboard striking.

[0020] It should be noted that the key layout does not correspond to that shown in Fig. The structure shown in Figure 2 is limited to a structure in which a striking sound is produced by pressing key 101. For example, the key arrangement may have a structure in which key 101, when pressed, strikes the keyboard floor 201 directly. Alternatively, the key arrangement may have a structure in which, as in Figure 2, the key is pressed directly against the keyboard floor. Fig. As shown in Figure 2, pressing key 101 causes an element moving with key 101 to strike the keyboard base 201 or an element connected to the keyboard base 201. The key arrangement need only be a structure in which pressing key 101 causes a striking sound to be produced by the occurrence of a collision in one part.

[0021] The key behavior measurement unit 117 (first sensor 117-1, second sensor 117-2, third sensor 117-3) is located between the frame 203 and the key 101. Pressing the key 101 causes the first sensor 117-1 to output a first detection signal when the key 101 reaches the first pressure level. The second sensor 117-2 then outputs a second detection signal when the key 101 reaches the second pressure level. Finally, the third sensor 117-3 outputs a third detection signal when the key 101 reaches the third pressure level. The pressing speed of the key 101 can be calculated from the time differences in the output times between the detection signals.

[0022] In the present embodiment, the control unit 111 calculates, for example, a first printing speed based on the time from the output time of the first detection signal to the output time of the second detection signal and predefined distances (here, a distance to the first print quantity and a distance to the second print quantity). Similarly, the control unit 111 calculates a second printing speed based on the time from the output time of the second detection signal to the output time of the third detection signal and predefined distances (here, the distance to the second print quantity and a distance to the third print quantity). The control unit 111 can calculate a pressure acceleration based on the first printing speed and the second printing speed.In addition, when the third detection signal is detected, the control unit 111 outputs a Note-On signal Non to the sound source 115 and, after outputting the Note-On signal Non and after interrupting the output of the first detection signal for the same key, outputs a Note-Off signal Noff to the sound source 115.

[0023] When a Note-On signal (Non) is output, the following information is also output: key number information (Note, second piece of information) and a pressure velocity (Vel, first piece of information). The pressure velocity (Vel) is either the first or second pressure velocity. The key number information (Note) identifies the pressed key (101) and corresponds to information (pitch information) that indicates the pitch of a sound.

[0024] Conversely, if a note-off signal (Noff) is output, the key number information (Note) is output in conjunction with the note-off signal (Noff). It should be noted that in the following description, this information (operating information), which is output by the control unit 111 along with the operation of key 101, is fed to the sound source 115 as an instruction signal, which gives an instruction to produce a sound. The instruction signal may include a speed acceleration (Acc).

[0025] Sound source 115 generates a sound signal according to an instruction signal issued by control unit 111, which includes a note-on signal (Non), a note-off signal (Noff), key number information (Note), a pressure velocity (Vel), and a speed acceleration (Acc), and outputs the sound signal to loudspeaker 103. A sound signal is received for each press of key 101, which is then generated by sound source 115. Furthermore, multiple sound signals obtained through repeated key presses are combined and output by sound source 115. [Sound source configuration]

[0026] Fig. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a sound source according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The sound source 115 includes a data storage unit 301, a sound signal output unit 303, a loudspeaker output synthesizer unit 305, and an amplifier unit 307.

[0027] The data storage unit 301 includes a string attack sound waveform memory 309 and a keystroke sound waveform memory 311. The string attack sound waveform memory 309 contains a sound signal (first sound signal) that is comparable to a piano string attack sound. This sound signal consists of waveform data representing piano string attack sounds. This waveform data is obtained by sampling sounds from an acoustic piano (i.e., sounds produced by string strikes caused by key presses). In this example, waveform data of different pitches are stored in association with key numbers.

[0028] The waveform memory for attack sound 311 contains at least two sound signals (namely a second sound signal and a third sound signal) that are comparable to the keyboard attack sounds of a piano. These sound signals are waveform data representing the keyboard attack sounds of a piano. This waveform data is obtained by sampling at different key press speeds, with keyboard attack sounds being caused by pressing the keys of an acoustic piano. In the case of a change from a given pitch (first pitch) to a different pitch (second pitch), the waveform data representing string attack sounds, which are stored in the aforementioned waveform memory for string attack sound 309, undergo a pitch change according to the pitch difference between the given pitch and the different pitch.Meanwhile, the waveform data representing keyboard sound effects do not experience a change in pitch or exhibit a smaller pitch difference than the waveform data representing string sound effects, even in the case of a change from a given pitch (first pitch) to a different pitch (second pitch).

[0029] The attack sound waveform memory 311 stores waveform data of at least two different keyboard attack sounds based on the speed of key presses of key 101. For example, the attack sound waveform memory 311 may contain waveform data of two different keyboard attack sounds. In this case, the attack sound waveform memory 311 contains first waveform data representing a keyboard attack sound produced when the key press speed Vel is lower than a predefined threshold Vth, and second waveform data representing a keyboard attack sound produced when the key press speed Vel is equal to or higher than the predefined threshold Vth.

[0030] Fig. Figure 4 is a diagram explaining waveform data of two different keyboard floor attack sounds stored in the attack sound waveform memory 311. Fig. Figure 4 shows the first waveform data 401a, representing a keyboard strike sound produced when the key press speed Vel is lower than the specified threshold Vth, and the second waveform data 401b, representing a keyboard strike sound produced when the key press speed Vel is equal to or higher than the specified threshold Vth. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the first waveform data 401a and the second waveform data 401b differ in waveform amplitude and wavelength. The second waveform data 401b has a larger waveform amplitude and a greater number of peaks than the first waveform data 401a. This indicates that in a case where the keystroke speed Vel is high, the volume of a keyboard strike sound is higher and the harmonic of a keyboard strike sound increases compared to the case where the keystroke speed Vel is low.

[0031] The sound signal output unit 303 outputs, based on pitch information contained in an instruction signal delivered in response to the pressing of a key 101, a sound signal (string attack sound signal: first sound signal) comparable to the string attack sound of a piano and a sound signal (attack sound signal: second or third sound signal) comparable to the keyboard sound of a piano. The sound signal output unit 303 includes a string attack sound signal generation unit 313 and an attack sound signal generation unit 315.

[0032] The string attack sound signal generation unit 313 reads waveform data from the string attack sound waveform memory 309 in accordance with an instruction signal, subjects the waveform data to envelope processing, controlled, for example, by ADSR parameters, and outputs the waveform data as a string attack sound signal. The string attack sound signal generation unit 313 outputs the string attack sound signal to the loudspeaker output synthesizer unit 305. The attack sound signal generation unit 319 reads waveform data from the attack sound waveform memory 311 in accordance with the instruction signal and outputs the waveform data as an attack sound signal. The attack sound signal generation unit 319 outputs the attack sound signal to the loudspeaker output synthesizer unit 305. Fig. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing functional configurations of the string attack sound signal generation unit 313 and the attack sound signal generation unit 315 according to the present embodiment. The string attack sound signal generation unit 313 and the attack sound signal generation unit 315 are described with reference to Fig. 5 described in detail.

[0033] The string attack sound signal generation unit 313 includes a string attack sound waveform readout unit 501 (501-1, 501-2, ..., 501-m) and a string attack sound waveform matching unit 503 (503-1, 503-2, ..., 503-m). The symbol "m" corresponds to the number of sounds that can be produced simultaneously (i.e., the number of sound signals that can be generated concurrently) and is 32 in the present embodiment. This means that the string attack sound signal generation unit 313 retains produced sounds until the 32nd key press and forcibly stops the sound signal corresponding to the first produced sound upon the 33rd key press.

[0034] The string attack sound waveform reader 501 determines the pitch of the waveform data to be read based on the note information assigned to the key. This allows the string attack sound waveform reader 501 to generate a string attack sound signal with a pitch corresponding to the note information assigned to the key. The string attack sound waveform reader 501 then outputs this signal to the string attack sound waveform adapter 503.

[0035] The string attack sound waveform adaptation unit 503 performs envelope processing, which is controlled, for example, by ADSR parameters. The string attack sound waveform adaptation unit 503 determines the volume (maximum amplitude) of the string attack sound signal with reference to the string attack sound volume table 315. The string attack sound volume table 315 defines a relationship between a pressure velocity Vel and a string attack sound volume Va. Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram that explains a volume table for string attack sound according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 6 shows that the higher the pressure velocity Vel, the higher the string attack volume Va. Although in Fig. 6. The fact that the pressure velocity Vel and the string attack volume Va are defined by a relationship that can be expressed by a linear function should not impose any limitations. The relationship between the pressure velocity Vel and the string attack volume Va can be any relationship as long as the string attack volume Va can be specified with respect to the pressure velocity Vel.

[0036] The string attack sound waveform matching unit 503 determines a delay time from the receipt of an instruction signal containing a Note-On signal (Non) until the output of a string attack sound signal, with reference to the string attack sound delay table 317. The time of generation (production time) of the string attack sound signal changes according to the delay time. The string attack sound delay table 317 is described later.

[0037] The signal generation unit for keystroke sound 319 includes a waveform readout unit for keystroke sound 505 (505-1, 505-2, ... , 505-n) and a waveform matching unit for keystroke sound 507 (507-1, 507-2, ... , 507-n). The character "n" corresponds to the number of sounds that can be produced simultaneously (i.e., the number of sound signals that can be generated concurrently) and is 32 in the present embodiment. This means that the signal generation unit for keystroke sound 319 retains produced sounds until the 32nd keystroke and, upon the 33rd keystroke, forcibly stops the sound signal corresponding to the first produced sound.

[0038] The attack sound waveform readout unit 505 reads waveform data from the attack sound waveform memory 309 based on the actuation speed Vel contained in the instruction signal. The actuation speed Vel is information that indicates the magnitude of a sound, i.e., the intensity of the sound. Depending on whether the actuation speed Vel is lower than, equal to, or higher than the predefined threshold Vth, the attack sound signal generation unit 319 reads one of the waveform data from the two different keyboard attack sounds (i.e., the first waveform data and the second waveform data) stored in the attack sound waveform memory 311.

[0039] Fig. Figure 7 is a table that explains the waveform data read by the attack sound waveform readout unit 505 from the attack sound waveform memory 311 in the present embodiment. As in Fig. Figure 7 shows that in a case where the printing speed Vel is lower than the specified limit Vth, the waveform readout unit for impact sound 505 reads the first waveform data 401a, which is in Fig. 4 are shown, and outputs them as an impact sound signal. On the other hand, in a case where the pressure velocity Vel is equal to or higher than the specified limit Vth, the impact sound waveform readout unit 505 reads the second waveform data 401b, which are shown in Fig. 4 are shown, and it outputs them as a stop sound signal.

[0040] As mentioned above, the attack sound waveform readout unit 505 generates an attack sound signal based on the printing speed Vel. The attack sound waveform readout unit 505 outputs the attack sound signal to the attack sound waveform adaptation unit 507. When reading waveform data for a specified period according to a command signal, the attack sound waveform readout unit 505 stops generating an attack sound signal according to the command signal.

[0041] The waveform adaptation unit for attack sound 507 determines a delay time from the receipt of an instruction signal, representing a Note-On signal Non, until the output of an attack sound signal, with reference to the delay table for attack sound 321. The time of generation (time of production) of the attack sound signal changes according to the delay time. In the present embodiment, envelope processing of the attack sound signal may or may not be performed. In the case where envelope processing is not performed, the waveform memory for attack sound 311 stores waveform data for a predetermined period.

[0042] Fig. Figure 8 is a diagram that explains the delay table for string attack sound 317 and the delay table for attack sound 321 according to the present embodiment. Both tables define a relationship between the pressure acceleration Acc and a delay time td. Fig. Figure 8 shows the delay table for string attack sound 317 and the delay table for attack sound 321 in contrast to each other. The delay table for string attack sound 317 defines a relationship between the pressure acceleration Acc and the delay time td (delay time for string attack sound t1). The delay table for attack sound 321 defines a relationship between the pressure acceleration Acc and the delay time td (delay time for attack sound t2). As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the delay time td (t1, t2) is shorter in both the delay table for string attack sound 317 and the delay table for attack sound 321 the higher the pressure acceleration Acc is.

[0043] In Fig. 8. If the pressure acceleration Acc A2 is the same, the delay time for string attack sound t1 and the delay time for attack sound t2 are equal. If the pressure acceleration Acc A1 is less than A2, the delay time for attack sound t2 is longer than the delay time for string attack sound t1. Conversely, if the pressure acceleration Acc A3 is greater than A2, the delay time for attack sound t2 is shorter than the delay time for string attack sound t1. Here, A2 can be "0". In this case, A1 takes on a negative value, indicating that the pressure is gradually slowed down. On the other hand, A3 takes on a positive value, indicating that the pressure is gradually accelerated. It should be noted that, although in Fig. 8. The pressure acceleration Acc and the delay time td are defined by a relationship that can be expressed by a linear function, without imposing any restrictions. The relationship between the pressure acceleration Acc and the delay time td can be any relationship as long as the delay time td can be specified with respect to the pressure acceleration Acc. Furthermore, the delay time td can be determined by using the pressure velocity Vel instead of the pressure acceleration Acc, or by using a combination of the pressure velocity Vel and the pressure acceleration Acc.

[0044] Fig. Figure 9 shows a diagram explaining the timing of the production of string pluck sounds and note-on sounds according to the present embodiment. A1, A2 and A3 in Fig. 9 correspond to the values ​​of the pressure acceleration A1, A2 and A3 in Fig. 8. That is, the relationship between the pressure accelerations is defined as A1 < A2 < A3. Fig. Figure 9 shows signals at times along the horizontal axis. The symbol "ON" in Fig. 9 denotes the point in time when an instruction signal containing a Note-On signal Non is received. The symbol "Sa" denotes the point in time when the generation of a string attack sound signal begins, and the symbol "Sb" denotes the point in time when the generation of an attack sound signal begins. Accordingly, the delay time for string attack sound t1 corresponds to the time from "ON" to "Sa". The delay time for attack sound t2 corresponds to the time from "ON" to "Sb". As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the delay in the generation times of both the string attack sound signal and the note-on attack signal decreases as the pressure acceleration Acc increases. Furthermore, the string attack sound signal is larger than the note-on attack signal in proportion to the change in its generation time due to a difference in pressure acceleration Acc. Accordingly, the relative relationship between the generation time of the note-on attack signal and the generation time of the note-on attack signal changes with the pressure acceleration.

[0045] The speaker output synthesizer unit 305 receives a string attack sound signal and a strike sound signal from the sound signal output unit 303. The speaker output synthesizer unit 305 includes amplifier units 323 and 325 and a synthesizer unit 327. Amplifier unit 323 amplifies a string attack sound signal output by the string attack sound signal generation unit 313 by a predetermined gain factor. Amplifier unit 325 amplifies an attack sound signal output by the attack sound signal generation unit 319 by a predetermined gain factor. Synthesizer unit 327 synthesizes, by addition, the string attack sound signal amplified by amplifier unit 323 and the strike sound signal amplified by amplifier unit 325, and outputs a synthesized signal.These configurations cause the 305 loudspeaker output synthesizer unit to output a loudspeaker sound signal, which is generated by synthesizing the string attack sound signal and the attack sound signal at a predetermined sound volume ratio.

[0046] Amplifier unit 307 is set to a predetermined gain factor. Amplifier unit 307 amplifies the loudspeaker audio signal output by loudspeaker output synthesizer unit 305 by a predetermined gain factor. This gain factor can be changed by operating a volume control or similar control on control unit 105. Amplifier unit 307 outputs the loudspeaker audio signal, amplified by the predetermined gain factor, to loudspeaker 103.

[0047] In general, on an acoustic piano, the keyboard sound produced when a key is pressed hard (i.e., when the keystroke speed is high) differs from the keyboard sound produced when a key is pressed lightly (i.e., when the keystroke speed is low). In the present embodiment, waveform data representing these two different keyboard sound sounds are stored in the attack sound waveform memory 311.The waveform data representing two keyboard strike sounds, stored in the strike sound waveform memory 311, are: first waveform data representing a keyboard strike sound produced when the key press speed Vel is lower than the predefined threshold Vth, and second waveform data representing a keyboard strike sound produced when the key press speed Vel is equal to or higher than the predefined threshold Vth. The strike sound signal generation unit 315 reads either the first or the second waveform data from the strike sound waveform memory 311 based on the key press speed Vel and outputs the waveform data as a strike sound signal.By selecting waveform data representing a keyboard sound according to the speed of key press and outputting the selected waveform data, the sound output device of the present invention can thus reproduce keyboard sounds of an acoustic piano more finely.

[0048] In the present embodiment, an example is described in which two different keyboard strike sounds are stored in the attack sound waveform memory 311 based on the speed of the key press. However, the number of keyboard strike sound waveforms stored in the attack sound waveform memory is not limited to two. For example, the attack sound waveform memory 311 can store waveform data representing three or more keyboard strike sounds based on the speed of the key press.

[0049] In the present embodiment, the data storage unit 301, which includes the waveform memory for string attack sound 309 and the waveform memory for attack sound 311, is enclosed in the sound source 115. Alternatively, the waveform memory for string attack sound 309 and the waveform memory for attack sound 311 can be enclosed in the storage unit 113. <Zweite Ausführungsform>

[0050] The first embodiment describes an example in which waveform data representing at least two different keyboard strike sounds based on the speed of key presses are stored in the attack sound waveform memory. A second embodiment describes an example in which waveform data further representing different keyboard strike sounds for each range are stored in the attack sound waveform memory.

[0051] A sound output device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is essentially identical in its configuration to the sound output device 100 according to the previously mentioned first embodiment, except for the difference in the number of waveform data representing keyboard strike sounds stored in the waveform memory for strike sounds. Therefore, a repeated description is omitted.

[0052] Fig. Figure 10 is a diagram explaining waveform data of six different keyboard floor strike sounds stored in the strike sound waveform memory of the sound output device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 10 shows the first waveform data 1001a, the second waveform data 1001b and the third waveform data 1001c, which represent keyboard floor strike sounds produced in a case where the speed of key press Vel is lower than the specified limit Vth, and the fourth waveform data 1003a, the fifth waveform data 1003b and the sixth waveform data 1003c, which represent keyboard floor strike sounds produced in a case where the speed of key press Vel is equal to or higher than the specified limit Vth.

[0053] The first waveform data, 1001a, is lower-range waveform data generated when the keystroke velocity (Vel) is lower than the predefined threshold (Vth). The second waveform data, 1001b, is mid-range waveform data generated when the keystroke velocity (Vel) is lower than the predefined threshold (Vth). The third waveform data, 1001c, is higher-range waveform data generated when the keystroke velocity (Vel) is lower than the predefined threshold (Vth). Similarly, the fourth waveform data, 1003a, is lower-range waveform data generated when the keystroke velocity (Vel) is equal to or greater than the predefined threshold (Vth).The fifth waveform data, 1003b, is mid-range waveform data generated when the keystroke speed, Vel, is equal to or greater than the predefined threshold, Vth. The sixth waveform data, 1003c, is high-range waveform data generated when the keystroke speed, Vel, is equal to or greater than the predefined threshold, Vth. These first through sixth waveform data are obtained by sampling at different keystroke speeds and positions, with the keyboard sounds being produced by pressing the keys of an acoustic piano.

[0054] As mentioned above, on an acoustic piano, the sound produced by pressing a key firmly (i.e., at a high speed) and the sound produced by pressing a key lightly (i.e., at a low speed) generally differ. Furthermore, on an acoustic piano, different key sounds are produced depending on the position of the key press.This means that a keyboard sound produced when a key in the lower register is pressed, a keyboard sound produced when a key in the middle register is pressed, and a keyboard sound produced when a key in the upper register are different from one another. This is because the paths by which keyboard sounds are transmitted from the keyboards to the soundboard vary depending on the positions where the keyboard sounds are produced. It should be noted that the lower, middle, and upper registers are arbitrarily predetermined.

[0055] In the present embodiment, the attack sound signal generation unit reads waveform data from the attack sound waveform memory in accordance with an instruction signal and outputs the waveform data as an attack sound signal. At this point, the attack sound waveform readout unit of the attack sound signal generation unit reads one of the waveform data representing six different keyboard attack sounds stored in the attack sound waveform memory based on the key press velocity (Vel) and the key number information (Note) included in the instruction signal. Fig. Table 11 explains the waveform data that the attack sound waveform readout unit reads from the attack sound waveform memory in the present embodiment. For example, in a case where the key press speed Vel, contained in the instruction information, is lower than the specified limit Vth and the key number belongs to the lower range, the attack sound waveform readout unit reads the first waveform data 1001a, as shown in Fig. 11 shown. On the other hand, in a case where the speed of key press Vel contained in the instruction information is equal to or higher than the specified limit Vth and the key number belongs to the middle range, the attack sound waveform readout unit reads the fifth waveform data 1003b.

[0056] By selecting waveform data representing a keyboard sound according to the speed of key press Vel and the key number information Note, and by reading the waveform data, the sound output device of the present embodiment can thus reproduce keyboard sounds of an acoustic piano more finely.

[0057] It should be noted that, although the present embodiment represents a case in which waveform data from six different keyboard attack sounds are stored in the attack sound waveform memory, the number of waveform data stored in the attack sound waveform memory is not limited to six. The attack sound waveform memory can store waveform data corresponding to the number of ranges arbitrarily defined.

[0058] In the embodiment described above, waveform data for a keyboard strike sound is selected based on the key press velocity (Vel). However, waveform data for a keyboard strike sound can also be selected based on other information, as well as the key press velocity (Vel), or based on a keyboard strike velocity estimated by combining this information. This other information can indicate an action related to a playing action, or it can be the action of certain components (associated with changing a keyboard strike sound) in an action performed based on a playing action. LIST OF REFERENCE MARKS

[0059] 100...Sound output device, 101...Key, 103...Speaker, 105...Operating unit, 107...Housing, 109...Display unit, 111...Control unit, 113...Memory unit, 115...Sound source unit, 201...Keyboard base, 203...Frame, 205...Key support element, 207...Spindle, 209...Hammer, 211...Hammer support element, 213...Spindle, 215...Hammer connection part, 217...Coupling part, 219...Key connection part, 221...Weight, 223...Lower limit stop, 225...Upper limit stop, 310...Data storage unit, 303...Sound signal output unit, 305...Speaker output synthesizer unit, 307... Amplifier unit, 309... Waveform memory for string attack sound, 311... Waveform memory for attack sound, 313... Signal generation unit for string attack sound, 315... Volume table for string attack sound, 317... Delay table for string attack sound, 319... Signal generation unit for attack sound, 321... Delay table for attack sound, 323, 325...Amplifier unit, 327...Synthesizer unit, 501...Waveform readout unit for string attack sound, 503...Waveform adaptation unit for string attack sound, 505...Waveform readout unit for attack sound, 507...Waveform readout unit for attack sound.

Claims

[1] Sound output device (100), comprising: a data storage unit (301) that stores a first sound signal, a second sound signal, and a third sound signal; and a sound signal output unit (303) which reads the first and second sound signal or the first and third sound signal from the data storage unit (301) based on initial information, wherein the initial information is contained in an instruction signal which instructs to output a sound, wherein the initial information specifies a magnitude of the sound, and wherein the sound signal output unit outputs the read-out sound signals, wherein the instruction signal contains second information specifying a pitch of the sound, and In a case where the second information changes the pitch of the sound from a first pitch to a second pitch that differs from the first pitch, the pitch of the first sound signal changes according to a pitch difference between the first pitch and the second pitch, and the pitch of the second sound signal and the third sound signal do not change or change by a pitch difference that is less than the change in pitch of the first sound signal. [2] Sound output device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the second sound signal and the third sound signal differ from each other in the signal waveform. [3] Sound output device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the data storage unit (301) stores several of the second sound signals and several of the third sound signals according to the pitch of the first sound signal. [4] Sound output device (100) according to claim 3, wherein the sound signal output unit (303) selects one of the several second sound signals or one of the several third sound signals based on the second information of the instruction signal. [5] Sound output device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the sound output device (303) changes a relative relationship between a time of generation of the first sound signal and a time of generation of the second sound signal or a relative relationship between the time of generation of the first sound signal and the time of generation of the third sound signal based on the first information of the instruction signal. [6] Non-volatile storage medium (113) which stores a control program executable by a control unit (111) of a sound output device (100) which causes the control unit (111) to do the following: Calculating a first printing speed based on the time from the output time of a first detection signal, which is output when a key (101) of the sound output device (100) reaches a first pressure quantity, to the output time of a second detection signal, which is output when the key (101) reaches a second pressure quantity, and predetermined distances, Calculating a second printing speed based on the time from the output time of the second detection signal to the output time of a third detection signal, which is output when the key (101) reaches a third print quantity, and predefined distances, Output of an instruction signal to a sound source (115) upon detection of the third detection signal, wherein in the instruction signal - a Note-On signal (Non), - the first or second pressure velocity as the first piece of information indicating the magnitude of a sound to be emitted, as well as - Key number information (note) of key (101) is included as a second piece of information, indicating the pitch of the sound to be output, and Output of an instruction signal to the sound source (115) after interruption of the output of the first detection signal, wherein the instruction signal contains a note-off signal (Noff) for the same key (101) and the key number information (Note). [7] Non-volatile storage medium (113) according to claim 6, wherein the control program further causes the control unit (111) to to calculate a pressure acceleration based on the first printing speed and the second printing speed, and wherein the instruction signal issued to the sound source (115) upon detection of the third detection signal includes a velocity acceleration (Acc).

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