Input interface, electronic musical instrument, light emission control method, and program

Abstract

To widen the range of expression of display in an input interface.SOLUTION: A CPU of an electronic musical instrument controls, among a plurality of light emitters of a ring for input, a light emitter corresponding to a contact point or proximity point at which an operation body is in contact with or in proximity to a detection surface and which is detected by a detector to emit light with a relatively higher intensity than that of another light emitter, and controls, while the operation body is moving along the plurality of light emitters in a state in which the operation body is in contact with or in proximity to the detection surface, to gradually reduce a luminous intensity of a light emitter corresponding to a point where the operation body is no longer in contact with or in proximity to the detection surface and to turn off the light in a fixed time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an input interface, an electronic musical instrument, and a light emission control method and program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are devices that can perform operations such as moving a cursor displayed on a screen using an input interface such as a physical button, a dial, or a capacitive touch panel. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a display device that can illuminate a light source at a position corresponding to a finger performing a sliding operation on a sliding operation section and can scroll item images in a scroll image section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-204868 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the display device of Patent Document 1, although there is a description of a configuration in which when it is determined that a finger is touching a specific position on the slide operation section, a position corresponding to the specific position is illuminated and other first light sources are extinguished, the expression of illumination and extinguishing is monotonous.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has an object to broaden the range of expression possible in display in an input interface. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the input interface of the present invention comprises: A detection unit that detects contact or proximity between an operating object and a detection surface; A plurality of light emitting units are provided in a row at positions corresponding to the detection units, and emit light onto the detection surface; a control unit that controls a light-emitting unit corresponding to a contact point or a proximity point between the operation body and the detection surface detected by the detection unit among the plurality of light-emitting units so as to emit light with a relatively high intensity compared to other light-emitting units; the control unit controls, when the operating object moves along the plurality of light-emitting units while in contact with or in proximity to the detection surface, to gradually reduce the light emission intensity of the light-emitting unit corresponding to a location where the contact or proximity of the operating object is no longer detected, and to turn off the light for a certain period of time; It is characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to widen the range of expression of display in an input interface. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an electronic musical instrument equipped with an input interface of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of an electronic musical instrument equipped with an input interface of the present invention; [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is an image diagram showing a case where the input ring is tapped. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of an operation determination process executed by a CPU in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of a light emission control process executed by the CPU of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 11 is a graph showing changes in the light emission intensity of a light-emitting portion at a position on the input ring where finger contact or proximity is no longer detected. [Figure 7]5A is a diagram (graph) showing the relationship of the light emission intensity at a certain time of each light-emitting part corresponding to the part passed by the finger when the finger is quickly slid on the circumference of the input ring in the light emission control process of Fig. 5. (b) is a diagram showing the relationship of the light emission intensity at a certain time of each light-emitting part corresponding to the part passed by the finger when the finger is slowly slid on the circumference of the input ring in the light emission control process of Fig. 5. [Figure 8] 5A is a diagram showing how the input ring lights up when a finger is slid quickly along the circumference of the input ring in the light emission control process of Fig. 5. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing how the input ring lights up when a finger is slid slowly along the circumference of the input ring in the light emission control process of Fig. 5. [Figure 9] 1A is a diagram showing how the input ring in the modified example lights up when a finger is slid quickly along the circumference of the input ring, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing how the input ring in the modified example lights up when a finger is slid slowly along the circumference of input ring 151. [Figure 10] 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of a cursor movement control process executed by the CPU of FIG. 1. [Figure 11] 10A shows the change in position of the cursor displayed on the menu screen of the display unit when a finger is slid quickly around the circumference of the input ring in the cursor movement control process of FIG. 10; and FIG. 10B shows the change in position of the cursor displayed on the menu screen of the display unit when a finger is slid slowly around the circumference of the input ring in the cursor movement control process of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a character input screen. [Figure 13] 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of a character input control process executed by the CPU of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are subject to various limitations that are technically preferable for implementing the present invention. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0010] [Configuration of electronic musical instrument 100] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an electronic musical instrument 100 including an input interface of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the electronic musical instrument 100. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electronic musical instrument 100 is configured to include at least one processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a keyboard 14, an operation unit 15, a display unit 16, a sound system 17, and a communication unit 18, and each unit is connected by a bus 19.

[0011] The CPU 11 reads out the programs and data stored in the ROM 12, and executes various processes using the RAM 13 as a work area, thereby centrally controlling each part of the electronic musical instrument 100. For example, the CPU 11 causes the sound system 17 to output the sound of a musical instrument such as a piano according to the pitch of a pressed key on the keyboard 14, and causes the sound system 17 to output a piece of music selected by the operation unit 15. The CPU 11 also causes the sound system 17 to play music based on audio data input from an external device via the communication unit 18. The CPU 11 also executes various processes, including a light emission control process, an operation discrimination process, a cursor movement control process, and a character input control process, which will be described later, and functions as a control unit of the present invention.

[0012] The ROM 12 stores programs and various data. The RAM 13 provides a working memory space for the CPU 11 and temporarily stores data.

[0013] The keyboard 14 is configured to include a plurality of keys (operators) and outputs information about pressed / released keys to the CPU 11.

[0014] The operation unit 15 has various switches and operation keys, and outputs operation signals according to the operation of the various switches and operation keys by a user to the CPU 11. For example, the operation unit 15 includes function keys (F1 key 152, F2 key 153, F3 key 154, F4 key 155), an ENTER key 156, etc., as shown in FIG.

[0015] In this embodiment, the operation unit 15 includes an input ring 151, which is a ring-shaped (in this embodiment, annular) input interface, as shown in FIG. 2. The input ring 151 includes a detection unit (sensor) that detects the contact position between the operation object and the detection surface, which is one continuous area in a ring shape, by a change in capacitance, and a plurality of light-emitting units (LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes)) that are arranged in a ring shape at positions corresponding to the detection unit and light the detection surface. The input ring 151 detects the contact position of the operation object on the detection surface of the input ring 151 and outputs it to the CPU 11, and emits light from the light-emitting unit corresponding to the position (also called the contact point or contact location) where the operation object contacts, according to the control of the CPU 11. That is, the input interface of the present invention is configured by the input ring 151 and the CPU 11. In addition, the detection by the detection unit does not necessarily require the operation object to be in "contact" with the detection surface, and may detect a change in capacitance when the operation object is in "proximity (non-contact state)" with the detection surface. In other words, if the capacitance changes by a threshold or more, the contact or proximity of the operating object to the detection surface is detected. Also, the detection unit does not have to be a sensor that detects the change in capacitance, and may be an optical sensor or a heat sensor, as long as it can detect the contact or proximity of the operating object. In this embodiment, the operation tool is a finger, but the operation tool is not limited to a finger and may be another tool such as a touch pen.

[0016] The display unit 16 is configured with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and performs display according to instructions of a display signal input from the CPU 11.

[0017] The sound system 17 includes a sound source unit 171 , an audio circuit 172 , and a speaker 173 . The sound source unit 171 , in accordance with a control instruction from the CPU 11 , reads out waveform data pre-stored in the ROM 12 or generates waveform data and outputs it to the audio circuit 172 . The audio circuit 172 performs D / A conversion and amplifies the waveform data output from the sound source unit 171 or the waveform data (audio data) input from the communication unit 18, and the speaker 173 outputs the amplified analog sound.

[0018] The communication unit 18 is a communication network such as the Internet, Bluetooth (registered trademark), US It transmits and receives data to and from external devices such as external terminals and external recording media such as USB memory devices connected via a communication interface such as a Universal Serial Bus (B) cable.

[0019] [Operation of electronic musical instrument 100] Next, the operation of the electronic musical instrument 100 will be described. In this embodiment, the operations related to the input ring 151 in the electronic musical instrument 100 will be described, specifically, the distinction between tap operations and slide operations on the input ring 151, the illumination control of the input ring 151, the cursor movement control by the input ring 151, and character input using the input ring 151.

[0020] (Distinguishing between tap and slide operations) First, a description will be given of the distinction between a tap operation and a slide operation on the input ring 151. Here, a tap operation is an operation of lightly tapping (pressing) the detection surface of the input ring 151 with a finger (operation object), or an operation of bringing the finger (operation object) close to the detection surface of the input ring 151 for an instant (for example, less than 1 second). A slide operation is an operation of moving the finger (operation object) along the ring (along the light-emitting section) while in contact with or close to the detection surface of the input ring 151. Fig. 3 is an image diagram of a case where the input ring 151 is tapped. When the input ring 151 is tapped, as shown in Fig. 3, the light-emitting parts at the position where the tap was detected and in a predetermined range around the position are lit, and the other light-emitting parts are turned off. The image of the light-emitting parts when a slide operation is detected on the input ring 151 will be described later.

[0021] In input ring 151, a slight change in the detected capacitance may cause a fluctuation (tiny movement) the moment a finger touches or approaches the circumference. In this case, the coordinates of the touch position (the position of the contact point or approach point between the finger and the detection surface) detected by input ring 151 will not be a constant value, so a tap operation may be determined to be a slide operation.

[0022] When a touch is detected by a finger touching or approaching the circumference of the input ring 151, the CPU 11 executes the operation determination process shown in FIG. 4 to determine whether the operation is a tap operation or a slide operation. The operation determination process is executed by the CPU 11 in cooperation with a program stored in the ROM 12.

[0023] First, when the CPU 11 starts detecting a touch by the input ring 151, it acquires touch coordinates (coordinates of the contact point or proximity point between the finger and the detection surface) and temporarily stores them in the RAM 13 (step S1). The coordinates referred to here are virtually set on the detection surface to identify the position of the contact point or proximity point, and for example, XY coordinates are used. In the following, "position", "speed", etc. are acquired using the coordinates.

[0024] Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the finger has been removed from the input ring 151 (whether contact or proximity is no longer detected) based on the information from the input ring 151 (step S2). When it is determined that the finger has not been removed from the input ring 151 (step S2; NO), the CPU 111 determines whether or not a predetermined detection time has elapsed since the input ring 151 started to detect touch coordinates (step S3). When it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the detection of the touch coordinates was started (step S3; NO), the CPU 11 returns to step S2.

[0025] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S2 that the finger has been removed from the input ring 151 (step S2; YES), the CPU 11 acquires the coordinates at the time when the finger was removed from the input ring 151 and temporarily stores them in the RAM 13 (step S4). For example, the CPU 11 acquires the coordinates detected immediately before the contact or proximity of the finger with the input ring 151 is no longer detected as the coordinates at the time when the finger was removed.

[0026] Next, the CPU 11 determines whether the coordinate difference between when the finger touches or approaches the input ring 151 (when touch detection starts) and when the finger is released from the input ring 151 is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value TH1 (step S5). If it is determined that the coordinate difference between when the finger touches or approaches (when touch detection begins) and when it is removed is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value TH1 (step S5; YES), the CPU 11 determines that the performed operation is a slide operation (step S6) and terminates the operation determination process. If it is determined that the coordinate difference between when the finger touches or approaches (when touch detection begins) and when it is removed is not greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value TH1 (step S5; NO), the CPU 11 determines that the performed operation is a tap operation (step S7) and terminates the operation determination process.

[0027] On the other hand, if it is determined that the finger has not been removed from the input ring 151 (step S2; NO) and if it is determined that a predetermined detection time has elapsed since detection of touch coordinates began on the input ring 151 (step S3; YES), the CPU 11 determines whether the coordinate difference between the time when touch detection began and the current touch position is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value TH1 (step S8).

[0028] When it is determined that the coordinate difference is not equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value TH1 (step S8; NO), the CPU 11 returns to step S2.

[0029] When it is determined that the coordinate difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value TH1 (step S8; YES), the CPU 11 determines that the performed operation is a slide operation (step S9), and ends the operation determination process.

[0030] In this way, in the operation determination process, even if the coordinates of when a finger touches or approaches the circumference of input ring 151 and when it is released are not constant, if the coordinate difference does not exceed a predetermined threshold TH1, it is determined to be a tap operation, and if it is equal to or greater than threshold TH1, it is determined to be a slide operation. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine whether the user is attempting to perform a slide operation or a tap operation based on the fluctuation of the fingertip touching or approaching input ring 151.

[0031] (Light emission control of input ring 151) Next, light emission control in the input ring 151 will be described. Conventionally, there is a method for illuminating a light source at a position corresponding to a finger that is sliding on a sliding operation section (for example, see Patent Document 1). However, this method of illumination (lighting) is monotonous, and the display does not smoothly follow the movement of the finger. For example, it is not possible to change the display of the input ring 151 according to the speed of the movement of the finger that operates the input ring 151.

[0032] Therefore, in this embodiment, when a slide operation is detected, the CPU 11 executes a light emission control process shown in Fig. 5, thereby enabling display according to the movement of the finger operating the input ring 151. The light emission control process is executed by the CPU 11 in cooperation with a program stored in the ROM 12. Here, when a finger is not touching or is not close to the circumference of the input ring 151, the input ring 151 is in a state of being dimly lit (emitting light) at a predetermined light emission intensity lower than the light emission intensity (maximum light emission intensity) in a normal lighting state. The unit of light emission intensity (brightness) is, for example, nit.

[0033] First, the CPU 11 lights (emits) the light-emitting section corresponding to the position where the detection section of the input ring 151 detects finger contact or proximity at the light-emitting intensity Imax of the normal lighting state (light-emitting state), and turns off (extinguishes) the other light-emitting sections of the input ring 151 (step S21).

[0034] Next, the CPU 11 lights (emits) the light emitting section corresponding to the position (position of the contact point) or the position (position of the proximity point) of the input ring 151 currently touched by the finger, which is detected by the detection section of the input ring 151, at the light emission intensity (maximum light emission intensity Imax) of the normal lighting state, and gradually reduces the light emission intensity of the light emitting section corresponding to the position (position passed by) where the contact or proximity of the finger is no longer detected by the detection section of the input ring 151, and turns off (extinguishes) the light for a predetermined time (fixed time) (step S22). That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the light emission intensity of one light emitting section is gradually reduced within a predetermined time when the contact or proximity of the finger is no longer detected, and is turned off when the predetermined time is reached. This is performed for each light emitting section. As a result, the movement of light (the speed at which the light is turned off) from the position where the contact or proximity of the finger is no longer detected (the position where the light emission intensity is reduced after being turned on with the normal light emission intensity) to the current contact point or proximity point during a slide operation is always constant. Therefore, as described below, when the user slides quickly around the circumference of input ring 151, the light (display) will be such that it leaves a long trail from the finger, and when the user slides slowly around the circumference of input ring 151, the light (display) will be such that it does not leave as much of a trail.

[0035] Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the finger has been removed from the input ring 151 (step S23). If it is determined that the finger has not been removed from the input ring 151 (step S23; NO), the CPU 11 returns to step S22. If it is determined that the finger has been removed from the input ring 151 (step S23; YES), the CPU 11 lights up all the light-emitting elements at a predetermined light emission intensity (dim lighting) lower than the normal lighting state (step S24), and ends the light emission control process.

[0036] FIG. 7(a) is a diagram (graph) showing the relationship of the light emission intensity at a certain time of each light-emitting section corresponding to the location where the finger passes when the finger slides quickly on the circumference of the input ring 151 in the light emission control process. FIG. 7(b) is a diagram showing the relationship of the light emission intensity at a certain time of each light-emitting section corresponding to the location where the finger passes when the finger slides slowly on the circumference of the input ring 151 in the light emission control process. A to G and A' to D' are light-emitting sections corresponding to the location where the finger passes among the multiple light-emitting sections, A and A' represent zero light emission intensity (light-off state), and G and D' are light-emitting sections (light-emitting sections corresponding to contact points or proximity points) that emit light with the maximum light emission intensity Imax. Note that, although the light emission intensities of adjacent light-emitting sections are different in FIG. 7(a) and FIG. 7(b), the light emission may be controlled so that two or more parallel light-emitting sections have the same light emission intensity. Also, for the sake of explanation, the speed at which the finger slides is constant in FIG. 7(a) and FIG. 7(b). Fig. 8(a) is a diagram showing how the input ring 151 emits light when the input ring 151 is slid faster than a certain speed around the circumference of the input ring 151 in the above-mentioned light emission control process. Fig. 8(b) is a diagram showing how the input ring 151 emits light when the input ring 151 is slid slower (or slower than a certain speed) around the circumference of the input ring 151 in the above-mentioned light emission control process. 8 and 9, the luminescence intensity on the input ring 151 is indicated by density. The darker the density, the stronger the luminescence intensity. White indicates that no light is emitted. The solid lines extending around the input ring 151 are imaginary lines indicating that the input ring 151 is emitting light.

[0037] When the finger is slid around the circumference of the input ring 151 faster than a certain speed, the finger moves a larger amount per unit time (the number of light-emitting parts passed by increases), so the light-emitting parts corresponding to the parts the finger touches or is close to light up (emit light) faster than the light-emitting parts corresponding to the parts the finger passes through go out (extinguish). Therefore, as shown in the graph of Fig. 7(a), many light-emitting parts remain that are not completely turned off (emit light with low light intensity), and a long tail is displayed from the finger as shown in Fig. 8(a).

[0038] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8(b), when the finger slides on the circumference of the input ring 151 more slowly (or at a certain speed) than in FIG. 8(a), the amount of movement of the finger per unit time is smaller (the number of light-emitting parts passing through is smaller) than in FIG. 8(a) (or compared to when the finger is moved at a certain speed), so the pace at which the light-emitting parts corresponding to the parts the finger touches or is close to are turned on (emitted) is slower (equal to or slower) than the pace at which the light-emitting parts corresponding to the parts the finger passes through are turned off (extinguished). As shown in FIG. 6, the time from when each of the multiple light-emitting parts is turned on normally (turned on at maximum light-emitting intensity) to when it is turned off is the same as the time from when each of the multiple light-emitting parts is turned on normally to when it is turned off in FIG. 8(a). Therefore, as shown in the graph in FIG. 7(b), there are fewer light-emitting parts emitting light at a relatively low light-emitting intensity compared to FIG. 7(a), and as shown in FIG. 8(b), the display does not have much of a trail.

[0039] In this way, in the light emission control process, when the input ring 151 is slid on its circumference, the light emission intensity of the light emitting part corresponding to the part where the finger of the input ring 151 is no longer detected (the part where the finger passed) is gradually reduced, and the light is turned off (extinguished) after a predetermined time (fixed time). Therefore, when the user quickly slides on the circumference of the input ring 151, a display with a long trail from the finger can be displayed, and when the user slowly slides on the circumference of the input ring 151, a display with a short trail can be displayed. This allows a clear display (light emission) performance to be distinguished on the input ring 151 between a tap operation and a slide operation, so that it is easier to imagine (feel like an operation has been performed) than if the light emitting part at the contact point is simply illuminated. Therefore, according to the present disclosure, the range of expression of the display of the input ring 151 can be expanded according to the speed of the finger movement.

[0040] (Modification of Light Emission Control of Input Ring 151) In addition, when the LED of the light-emitting part of the input ring 151 is a multi-color LED, the color of light emitted may be changed according to the moving speed (angular velocity) of the sliding operation on the circumference of the input ring 151. For example, the CPU 11 may acquire the amount of movement of the touch position on the input ring 151 per unit time (angular velocity with respect to the center of the input ring 151) when the circumference of the input ring 151 is slid with a finger, and determine the color of light emitted by the light-emitting part of the input ring 151 based on a table previously stored in a ROM or the like that associates the moving angular velocity with the light-emitting color according to the moving angular velocity. For example, if the detected (acquired) angular velocity is less than a threshold value, green light may be emitted, and if it is equal to or greater than the threshold value, blue light may be emitted. Also, a plurality of threshold values ​​and the number of colors may be set. Also, instead of a multi-color LED, a plurality of different monochromatic LEDs may be used.

[0041] Furthermore, when a sliding operation of the input ring 151 is detected, the CPU 11 may, in addition to controlling the illumination of the illumination elements of the part through which the finger has passed by the illumination control process described above, further control a plurality of illumination elements existing in the direction in which the finger moves (movement direction) to emit illumination with an illumination intensity that gradually decreases according to the distance (distance in the movement direction) from the contact point or proximity point of the finger and the detection surface.

[0042] Fig. 9(a) is a diagram showing how the input ring 151 in the above modified example emits light when slid faster than a certain speed on the circumference of the input ring 151. Fig. 9(b) is a diagram showing how the input ring 151 in the above modified example emits light when slid slower than in Fig. 9(a) (or slower than a certain speed) on the circumference of the input ring 151. As shown in Figures 9(a) and (b), by controlling the light-emitting elements around the contact or proximity point between the finger and the detection surface to light up (emit light), not only the light-emitting elements where the finger passed, but also the light-emitting elements in the direction in which the finger moves, the contact or proximity point can be more clearly displayed.

[0043] (Cursor movement control processing) Next, cursor movement control on a menu screen or the like using the input ring 151 will be described. Conventionally, a cursor for a menu item or the like displayed on the display unit 16 can be moved by turning a physical encoder (rotary encoder, dial). With such a physical encoder, the cursor moves by the amount the encoder is turned.

[0044] In response to this, when a finger is slid along the circumference of input ring 151 at a timing when a predetermined screen (for example, menu screen 161 (see FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b))) is displayed on display unit 16, CPU 11 executes a cursor movement control process shown in FIG. 10 and changes the movement speed of the cursor displayed on display unit 16 in accordance with the movement speed of the point where the finger is touching (contact point) or the point where the finger is close (close point). The cursor movement control process is executed by cooperation between CPU 11 and a program stored in ROM 12. In this embodiment, the CPU 11 executes the light emission control process for the input ring 151 in parallel with the cursor movement control process.

[0045] When the menu screen 161 is displayed and a finger is slid around the circumference of the input ring 151, the CPU 11 acquires the amount of movement of the touch position on the input ring 151 per unit time (e.g., 100 ms) (angular velocity with respect to the center of the input ring 151; hereinafter, referred to as the movement angular velocity) (step S31).

[0046] Next, the CPU 11 determines the level of the acquired movement angular velocity (step S32). For example, CPU 11 determines that the movement angular velocity is level 1 (low) when it is less than a predetermined first threshold, level 2 (medium) when it is equal to or greater than the first threshold and less than a predetermined second threshold, and level 3 (high) when it is equal to or greater than the second threshold, where the first threshold is smaller than the second threshold.

[0047] When it is determined that the level of the movement angular velocity is 1 (step S32; level 1), the CPU 11 moves the cursor on the display unit 16 by one (one step) for a movement amount of 45 degrees of the touch position (step S33), and proceeds to step S . When it is determined that the level of the movement angular velocity is 2 (step S32; level 2), the CPU 11 moves the cursor on the display unit 16 by one (one step) for a movement amount of 30 degrees of the touch position (step S34), and proceeds to step S36. When it is determined that the level of the movement angular velocity is 3 (step S32; level 3), the CPU 11 moves the cursor on the display unit 16 by one (one step) for a movement amount of 15 degrees of the touch position (step S35), and proceeds to step S36. Here, the CPU 11 moves the cursor forward (downward or rightward) when the slide operation is clockwise, and moves the cursor backward (upward or leftward) when the slide operation is counterclockwise.

[0048] In step S36, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the position of the cursor has reached the upper or lower limit of the menu item (step S36). When it is determined that the cursor position has not reached the upper or lower limit of the menu item (step S36; NO), the CPU 11 returns to step S31 and repeatedly executes steps S31 to S36. When it is determined that the cursor position has reached the upper or lower limit of the menu item (step S36; YES), the CPU 11 stops the movement of the cursor (step S37) and ends the cursor movement control process.

[0049] FIG. 11(a) is a diagram showing the change in position of cursor C displayed on menu screen 161 of display unit 16 when it is slid quickly (at a large angular velocity) around the circumference of input ring 151 in the above-mentioned cursor movement control process. FIG. 11(b) is a diagram showing the change in position of cursor C displayed on menu screen 161 of display unit 16 when it is slid slowly (at a small angular velocity) around the circumference of input ring 151 in the above-mentioned cursor movement control process.

[0050] In Fig. 11(a), six cursors are moving, but in Fig. 11(b), only two cursors are moving. In this way, the moving speed of the cursors (the amount of change in the position of the cursors) can be changed according to the sliding speed (angular velocity) on the circumference of the input ring 151.

[0051] In this way, according to the above cursor movement control process, the movement speed of the cursor C (the amount of change in the cursor position) can be changed depending on the speed at which it slides around the circumference of the input ring 151 (the movement speed (angular velocity) of the contact point or proximity point). When a value is displayed on display unit 16, CPU 11 may change the rate of increase / decrease of the displayed value (such as volume) according to the moving speed (angular velocity) of the contact point or proximity point of the finger with the detection surface on the circumference of input ring 151. That is, when the finger is slid quickly on the circumference of input ring 151, the rate of increase / decrease of the displayed value may be increased, and when the finger is slid slowly on the circumference of input ring 151, the rate of increase / decrease of the displayed value may be decreased.

[0052] (Character input control processing) Next, character input using the input ring 151 will be described. Conventionally, when inputting characters from the character input screen displayed on the display unit 16, cursor keys or a numeric keypad were used to move the cursor or turn characters (select the input character), and even if a physical encoder was provided, a separate cursor key or numeric keypad was still required.

[0053] 12 is displayed, the CPU 11 executes the character input control process shown in Fig. 13 to enable the selection of input characters and the movement of the cursor using the input ring 151. The character input control process is executed by the CPU 11 in cooperation with a program stored in the ROM 12. In this embodiment, the CPU 11 executes the light emission control process for the input ring 151 in parallel with the cursor movement control process.

[0054] First, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a sliding operation of the input ring 151 or a tap operation on the upper area or the lower area has been detected (step S41). The upper region of input ring 151 is the upper region when the circumference of input ring 151 is divided into four regions, top, bottom, left, and right. The lower region of input ring 151 is the lower region when the circumference of input ring 151 is divided into four regions, top, bottom, left, and right.

[0055] When it is determined that a sliding operation of the input ring 151 or a tap operation on the upper area or lower area has been detected (step S41; YES), the CPU 11 selects a character to be input in accordance with the operation, and proceeds to step S43. For example, when a slide operation of input ring 151 is detected, CPU 11 switches and displays the characters to be input each time the touch position moves a predetermined amount on the circumference, and selects the character that was displayed when the slide operation ended as the input character. When the slide operation is clockwise, the characters are switched and displayed in ascending order (for example, from A to Z of the alphabet), and when the slide operation is counterclockwise, the characters are switched and displayed in descending order (for example, from Z to A of the alphabet). Moreover, CPU 11 switches and displays characters in ascending order (for example, from A to Z of the alphabet) every time the lower region of input ring 151 is tapped. Also, CPU 11 switches and displays characters (alphabetical characters in FIG. 12) in descending order (for example, from Z to A of the alphabet) every time the upper region of input ring 151 is tapped. The character that was displayed when the tapping operation was ended is selected as the input character.

[0056] When it is determined that a sliding operation of the input ring 151 or a tap operation in the upper area or the lower area has not been detected (step S41; NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S43.

[0057] In step S43, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a tap operation on the left area or the right area of ​​the input ring 151 has been detected (step S43). The right region of the input ring 151 is the right region when the circumference of the input ring 151 is divided into four regions: top, bottom, left, and right, and the left region of the input ring 151 is the left region when the circumference is divided into four regions: top, bottom, left, and right.

[0058] When it is determined that a tap operation on the left or right area of ​​the input ring 151 has been detected (step S43; YES), the CPU 11 moves the cursor on the display unit 16 in response to the operation (step S44), and proceeds to step S45. For example, each time the right region of the input ring 151 is tapped, the CPU 11 moves the cursor displayed on the display unit 16 to the right by one. When the cursor has been moved to the right end, the CPU 11 either stops the cursor or moves it to the left end. Also, each time the left region of the input ring 151 is tapped, the CPU 11 moves the cursor displayed on the display unit 16 to the left by one. When the cursor has been moved to the left end, the CPU 11 either stops the cursor or moves it to the right end.

[0059] If it is determined that a left or right tap operation on the input ring 151 has not been detected (step S43; NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S45.

[0060] In step S45, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the F1 key 152 has been pressed (step S45). When it is determined that the F1 key 152 has been pressed (step S45; YES), the CPU 11 deletes the character at the current cursor position (step S46), and proceeds to step S47. When it is determined that the F1 key 152 has not been pressed (step S45; NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S47.

[0061] In step S47, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the F2 key 153 has been pressed (step S47). When it is determined that the F2 key 153 has been pressed (step S47; YES), the CPU 11 inserts a character (for example, the default character A) at the current cursor position (step S48), and proceeds to step S49. If it is determined that the F2 key 153 has not been pressed (step S47; NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S49.

[0062] In step S49, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the F3 key 154 has been pressed (step S49). When it is determined that the F3 key 154 has been pressed (step S49; YES), the CPU 11 switches the character at the cursor position between uppercase and lowercase (step S50) and proceeds to step S51. If the cursor position is a number or symbol, it switches it to A (uppercase alphabet). If it is determined that the F3 key 154 has not been pressed (step S49; NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S51.

[0063] In step S51, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the F4 key 155 has been pressed (step S51). When it is determined that the F4 key 155 has been pressed (step S51; YES), the CPU 11 switches the number and symbol at the cursor position (step S52), and proceeds to step S53. Note that if the cursor position is an alphabet character, it switches it to 0 (number). When it is determined that the F4 key 155 has not been pressed (step S51; NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to step S53.

[0064] In step S53, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the ENTER key 156 has been pressed (step S53). If it is determined that the ENTER key 156 has not been pressed (step S53; NO), the CPU 11 returns to step S41. If it is determined that the ENTER key 156 has been pressed (step S53; YES), the CPU 11 stores the input characters (characters displayed on the character input screen 162) in the RAM 13 (step S54), and ends the character input control process.

[0065] In this way, according to the character input control process, the character to be input can be selected (switched) by sliding the circumference of the input ring 151 or by tapping the upper or lower area of ​​the input ring 151. Furthermore, the cursor can be moved to the right or left by tapping the right or left area of ​​the circumference of the input ring 151. Therefore, the character to be input can be selected and the cursor can be moved without providing a cursor key or a numeric keypad.

[0066] As described above, the CPU 11 of the electronic musical instrument 100 of this embodiment controls the light-emitting elements of the input ring 151 that correspond to the contact or proximity of the operating object and the detection surface detected by the detection unit to emit light with a relatively high intensity compared to the other light-emitting elements, and when the operating object moves along the multiple light-emitting elements while in contact with or proximity to the detection surface, gradually reduces the emission intensity of the light-emitting element corresponding to the point where the contact or proximity of the operating object is no longer detected, and controls it to be turned off for a certain period of time. Therefore, when the user slides quickly around the circumference of input ring 151, a display with a long trail from the finger can be produced, and when the user slides slowly around the circumference of input ring 151, a display with less trail can be produced, thereby expanding the range of expression of the display of input ring 151 according to the speed of finger movement.

[0067] In addition, when the operating object moves along the multiple light-emitting elements while in contact with or close to the detection surface of the input ring 151, the CPU 11 controls the light-emitting intensities of the light-emitting elements lined up from the light-emitting element corresponding to the point where the contact or closeness of the operating object is no longer detected to the light-emitting element corresponding to the point where the contact or closeness of the operating object is detected to be different from each other, as shown in Figures 7(a) and (b). Therefore, it is possible to widen the range of expression of the display of the input ring 151 when the operating object moves along the plurality of light-emitting parts while in contact with or close to the detection surface.

[0068] Furthermore, since the detection surface of input ring 151 is one continuous ring-shaped area, the appearance and operability of input ring 151 are smooth.

[0069] In addition, when the operating object moves along the multiple light-emitting elements while in contact with or close to the input ring 151, the CPU 11 further controls the light-emitting elements in the moving direction of the operating object to emit light with a light intensity that gradually decreases depending on the distance from the contact point or close point, thereby making it possible to more clearly display the contact point or close point.

[0070] Furthermore, the CPU 11 changes the movement speed of the cursor displayed on the display unit 16 or the rate of increase / decrease in the value according to the movement speed of the contact point or proximity point between the operating object and the input ring 151, for example, according to the angular velocity at which the contact point or proximity point between the operating object and the input ring 151 moves, thereby realizing a feeling of operation that corresponds to the speed of the user's finger movement.

[0071] The contents described in the above embodiment and modified examples are preferred examples of the input interface, electronic musical instrument, light emission control method, and program according to the present invention, and are not limited to these.

[0072] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was given of an input ring 151 serving as an input interface of the present invention provided within electronic musical instrument 100, but the input interface of the present invention is not limited to being provided in an electronic musical instrument, and may also be provided as an operating unit in other electronic devices.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the input ring 151 is described as having a circular shape, but the shape is not limited to this and may be, for example, an elliptical, square, rectangular, or other shape.

[0074] In addition, in the above embodiment, the lighting control of the input ring 151 is performed by the CPU 11 which controls the entire electronic musical instrument 100, but the input ring 151 may be provided with a CPU or microprocessor which performs the lighting control process.

[0075] In the above embodiment, an example is disclosed in which a semiconductor memory such as a ROM is used as a computer-readable medium for the program according to the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this example. As other computer-readable media, a portable recording medium such as an HDD, an SSD, or a CD-ROM can be applied. In addition, a carrier wave can be applied as a medium for providing data of the program according to the present invention via a communication line.

[0076] In addition, the detailed configuration and operation of the input ring (input interface) can also be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0077] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but is defined based on the claims. Furthermore, the technical scope of the present invention also includes equivalent ranges that are made by adding modifications that are not related to the essence of the present invention from the claims. The inventions described in the claims originally attached to this application are set forth below. The claim numbers in the appended claims are the same as those in the claims originally attached to this application. [Additional Notes] <Claim 1> A detection unit that detects contact or proximity between an operating object and a detection surface; A plurality of light emitting units are provided in a row at positions corresponding to the detection units, and emit light onto the detection surface; a control unit that controls a light-emitting unit corresponding to a contact point or a proximity point between the operation body and the detection surface detected by the detection unit among the plurality of light-emitting units so as to emit light with a relatively high intensity compared to other light-emitting units; the control unit controls, when the operating object moves along the plurality of light-emitting units while in contact with or in proximity to the detection surface, to gradually reduce the light emission intensity of the light-emitting unit corresponding to a location where the contact or proximity of the operating object is no longer detected, and to turn off the light for a certain period of time; An input interface comprising: <Claim 2> the control unit controls, when the operating body moves along the plurality of light-emitting units while in contact with or in proximity to the detection surface, light emission intensities of the light-emitting units arranged from a light-emitting unit corresponding to a location where the contact or proximity of the operating body is no longer detected to a light-emitting unit corresponding to a location where the contact or proximity of the operating body is detected, to be different from each other; 2. The input interface of claim 1 . <Claim 3> The detection surface is a single continuous ring-shaped area; 2. The input interface of claim 1 . <Claim 4> The detection surface is annular, and the plurality of light-emitting units are arranged in a circular shape. 2. The input interface of claim 1 . <Claim 5> the detection unit detects contact or proximity between the operation object and the detection surface based on a change in capacitance; 2. The input interface of claim 1 . <Claim 6> the control unit further controls, when the operating body moves along the plurality of light-emitting units in a state in which the operating body is in contact with or in close proximity to the detection surface, the light-emitting units in the moving direction of the operating body to emit light with a light emission intensity that gradually decreases according to a distance from a contact point or close proximity point between the operating body and the detection surface; 2. The input interface of claim 1 . <Claim 7> the control unit changes a moving speed of a cursor or an increase / decrease speed of a value displayed on a display unit according to a moving speed of a contact point or a proximity point between the operating object and the detection surface; 2. The input interface of claim 1 . <Claim 8> the control unit changes a moving speed of a cursor or an increasing / decreasing speed of a value displayed on a display unit according to an angular velocity from a center of the annular detection surface when a contact point or a proximity point of the operation object moves between the operation object and the annular detection surface; 5. The input interface of claim 4. <Claim 9> the control unit determines a light color to be emitted by the light emitting unit in accordance with a moving speed of a contact point or a proximity point between the operating object and the detection surface; 2. The input interface of claim 1 . <Claim 10> 10. An electronic musical instrument comprising the input interface according to claim 1. <Claim 11> A detection unit that detects contact or proximity between an operating object and a detection surface; A plurality of light emitting units are provided in a row at positions corresponding to the detection units, and emit light onto the detection surface; A computer for controlling an input interface comprising: Among the plurality of light-emitting units, a light-emitting unit corresponding to a contact point or a proximity point between the operating body and the detection surface detected by the detection unit is caused to emit light with a relatively high intensity compared to other light-emitting units, and when the operating body moves along the plurality of light-emitting units while being in contact with or in proximity to the detection surface, the light-emitting intensity of a light-emitting unit corresponding to a point where the contact or proximity of the operating body is no longer detected is gradually reduced and controlled to be turned off for a certain period of time; A light emission control method comprising: <Claim 12> A detection unit that detects contact or proximity between an operating object and a detection surface; A plurality of light emitting units are provided in a row at positions corresponding to the detection units, and emit light onto the detection surface; A computer for controlling an input interface comprising: a function of controlling a light-emitting unit among the plurality of light-emitting units, which corresponds to a contact point or a proximity point between the operating body and the detection surface detected by the detection unit, to emit light with a relatively high intensity compared to other light-emitting units, and when the operating body moves along the plurality of light-emitting units while being in contact with or in proximity to the detection surface, to gradually reduce the emission intensity of a light-emitting unit corresponding to a point where the contact or proximity of the operating body is no longer detected, and to turn off the light for a certain period of time; A program to achieve this. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 100 Electronic Instruments 11 CPU 12 ROM 13 RAM 14 keys 15 Control section 151 Input Ring 16 Display 17. Sound System 171 Sound Source Section 172 Audio Circuit 173 Speaker 18 Communications Department 19 Bus

Claims

1. A detection unit that detects contact or proximity between an operating object and a detection surface; A plurality of light emitting units are provided in a row at positions corresponding to the detection units, and emit light onto the detection surface; A control unit, The control unit is When the detection unit does not detect that the operation object has come into contact with or approached the detection surface, the detection surface is illuminated with light by the plurality of light emitting units at a first intensity; When the detection unit detects that the operating object has come into contact with or proximity to the detection surface, a light-emitting unit among the plurality of light-emitting units corresponding to a contact location or proximity location between the operating object and the detection surface detected by the detection unit is caused to emit light at a second intensity greater than the first intensity. Input interface.

2. The detection surface is a single continuous annular region. The input interface of claim 1 .

3. The control unit is changing the amount of movement of a cursor or the amount of increase or decrease of a value on an item selection screen displayed on a display unit according to a moving speed of a contact point or a proximity point between the operating object and the detection surface; The input interface of claim 1 .

4. The control unit is changing the amount of movement of a cursor or the amount of increase or decrease of a value on an item selection screen displayed on a display unit according to an angular velocity from a center of the annular detection surface when a contact point or a proximity point of the operation object moves between the operation object and the annular detection surface; 3. The input interface of claim 2.

5. The control unit: When the angular velocity is less than a first threshold value, the movement amount of the cursor or the increase or decrease amount of the value is changed by a first movement amount; When the angular velocity is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, the movement amount of the cursor or the increase or decrease amount of the value is changed by a second movement amount larger than the first movement amount.

5. An input interface according to claim 4.

6. An electronic musical instrument comprising the input interface according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A detection unit that detects contact or proximity between an operating object and a detection surface; A plurality of light emitting units are provided in a row at positions corresponding to the detection units, and emit light onto the detection surface; A computer for controlling an input interface comprising: When the detection unit does not detect that the operation object has come into contact with or approached the detection surface, the detection surface is illuminated with light by the plurality of light emitting units at a first intensity; When the detection unit detects that the operating object has come into contact with or proximity to the detection surface, a light-emitting unit among the plurality of light-emitting units corresponding to a contact location or proximity location between the operating object and the detection surface detected by the detection unit is caused to emit light at a second intensity greater than the first intensity. Light emission control method.

8. A detection unit that detects contact or proximity between an operating object and a detection surface; A plurality of light emitting units are provided in a row at positions corresponding to the detection units, and emit light onto the detection surface; A computer for controlling an input interface comprising: When the detection unit does not detect that the operation object has come into contact with or approached the detection surface, the detection surface is illuminated with light by the plurality of light emitting units at a first intensity; a process of causing a light-emitting unit, among the plurality of light-emitting units, which corresponds to a contact point or a proximity point between the operating body and the detection surface detected by the detection unit, to emit light at a second intensity greater than the first intensity when the detection unit detects that the operating body has come into contact with or in proximity to the detection surface; A program to achieve this.

Images