Input device, control method thereof, and program

Abstract

To generate a note-on event even by operation while after-touch effect is imparted.SOLUTION: An input device includes: a sensor 30 for outputting a detection value which detects operation of a pad; a detection part 31 for detecting note-on operation and note-off operation based on the detection value; and a control part 32 for setting a control state to an effective state in which impartation of after-touch effect is made valid or an invalid state in which impartation of after-touch effect is made invalid based on at least the detection value. The control part 32 generates a note-on event or a note-off event based on detected note-on operation or note-off operation, generates an after-touch-on event based on the detection value outputted during the effective state and generates the note-on event even when note-on operation is detected based on the detection value outputted during the effective state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an input device, a control method thereof, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known input devices that provide an after-touch effect among input devices that have a pressed part. For example, in Patent Document 1, when the level of a pressing signal exceeds a threshold, a sound is instructed to be generated. Depending on the subsequent transition of the level of the pressing signal, an after-touch effect is applied to the sound being generated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 06-43867 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, when the after-touch effect is applied, even if the pressure signal level exceeds a threshold, no sound is generated. In other words, even if a strong operation is performed while the after-touch effect is applied, no sound is generated again.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide an input device that can generate a note-on event even when an aftertouch effect is being applied. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one form of the present invention, an input device is provided that has a pressable portion, an output portion that outputs a detection value detecting an operation on the pressable portion, a detection portion that detects a note-on operation and a note-off operation based on the detection value, and a control portion that sets a control state to an effective state that enables the application of an after-touch effect, or an ineffective state that disables the application of an after-touch effect, based on at least the detection value, wherein the control portion generates a note-on event or a note-off event based on the detected note-on operation or note-off operation, and generates an after-touch-on event based on the detection value output during the effective state, and the control portion also generates the note-on event if the note-on operation is detected based on the detection value output during the effective state. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a note-on event can be generated even by an operation while an aftertouch effect is being applied. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an input device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing the sensor configuration of one pad. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of a gold plating pattern. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an input device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks for implementing note processing and aftertouch processing. [Figure 6] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating control transitions in note processing and aftertouch processing in the first mode. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart of a note process. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart of an after-touch process. [Figure 9]13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating examples of control transitions in note processing and aftertouch processing in the first mode of the modified example. [Figure 10] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating control transitions in note processing and aftertouch processing in the first mode in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating control transitions in note processing and aftertouch processing in the second mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (First embodiment) 1 is a plan view of an input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the input device 100 being an input device suitable for inputting musical performance operations, and configured as an electronic musical instrument (electronic percussion instrument) as an example.

[0011] The input device 100 has a housing 102. A panel 103 is provided on the upper side of the housing 102. On the panel 103, a pad operation unit 50, a setting operation unit 90, a display unit 96, and a speaker 97 are arranged. The setting operation unit 90 is an operator that accepts various setting instructions from a user 101. The setting operation unit 90 includes a menu button 91, a mode start / end button 92, a mode switching button 93, other buttons 94, a decision button 95, and an increase / decrease button 98.

[0012] The pad operation unit 50 includes a plurality of pressed parts (hereinafter referred to as pads) operated by the user 101. The pads employed are assumed to be primarily operated by pressing or hitting. The pads included in the pad operation unit 50 include pads K, H1 to H3, C1, C2, S1, S2, R1, R2, M1, M2, and T1 to T6.

[0013] A user 101 normally uses the input device 100 with the pad K positioned in front as shown in Fig. 1. Hereinafter, for convenience, the front side as viewed from the user 101 will be referred to as the front side, and the far side as viewed from the user 101 will be referred to as the rear side, and the left and right directions will also be based on the direction as viewed from the user 101.

[0014] Each pad is assigned an electronic sound tone, for example, a drum tone (which may include percussion). There is no restriction on the tone of the electronic sound assigned. When the user 101 operates a pad, the sound of the tone associated with that pad is emitted from the speaker 97. Hereinafter, "operating a pad" is used synonymously with "pressing (pushing) or hitting the pad." The tone assigned to each pad can be changed. Note that the tone assigned to some pads may be unchanging (fixed). Note that, as will be described later, an aftertouch effect is imparted via the speaker 97 by an aftertouch operation.

[0015] Although the pads vary in shape, they all share the same basic structure: each pad is a physical switch that constitutes an input area for input operations (performance operations).

[0016] Fig. 2 is a schematic side view showing the sensor configuration of one pad. In Fig. 2, the sensor configuration of pad K is illustrated as a representative example, but the sensor configuration is the same for the other pads.

[0017] In the pad K, a printed circuit board 10, a conductive sheet 20, and a surface sheet 21 are arranged in this order from the bottom.

[0018] The surface sheet 21 constitutes the surface of the pad. The surface of the pad is flat and exposed from the panel 103. When performing an input operation, the user 101 may strike the pad with his / her finger. In order to cushion the impact on the finger, for example, a rubber plate is used for the surface sheet 21.

[0019] The printed circuit board 10 has a substrate 11, on which a gold-plated pattern 12 is disposed. A conductive sheet 20 is disposed under a surface sheet 21. The conductive sheet 20 has a film material 22 made of polyethylene terephthalate or the like, on which a carbon pattern 23 is disposed under the film material 22. The conductive sheet 20 further includes an insulating spacer 15, which is disposed under the carbon pattern 23. The gold-plated pattern 12, the carbon pattern 23 and the spacer 15 constitute a sensor 30 (output section).

[0020] The gold-plated pattern 12 and the carbon pattern 23 are both examples of conductors, and other types of conductors may be used. The spacer 15 may be provided as a part of the printed circuit board 10, or may be provided independently of the conductive sheet 20 and the printed circuit board 10.

[0021] 3 is a schematic top view of the gold-plated pattern 12. The gold-plated pattern 12 is composed of an input pattern 13 to which a voltage (Vin) is applied, and a GND pattern 14 for ground (GND). The input pattern 13 and the GND pattern 14 are arranged in a comb-like shape. Due to the presence of a spacer 15, the input pattern 13 and the GND pattern 14 are not electrically connected in the non-operating state.

[0022] When the user 101 applies pressure from above by operating the surface sheet 21 with his / her finger (by tapping or pressing, etc.), the conductive sheet 20 is recessed between the spacers 15, causing the carbon pattern 23 to come into contact with the gold-plated pattern 12. This establishes electrical continuity between the input pattern 13 and the GND pattern 14. The voltage value changes according to the contact area between the carbon pattern 23 and the gold-plated pattern 12. The sensor 30 outputs the voltage value as a detection value that detects an operation on the pad K. The detection value changes continuously according to the strength of the operation. Therefore, the presence or absence of an operation and its strength can be detected as a continuous quantity based on the detection value.

[0023] The configuration of the sensor 30 is not limited to a sensor that detects changes in pressure applied to the pad, but may be a vibration sensor. Or, it may be a sensor that detects the displacement of the pad. Furthermore, it is not essential to detect the operating strength or the displacement of the pad in continuous amounts, and the sensor may output values ​​in multiple stages.

[0024] 4 is a block diagram of the input device 100. Since a sensor 30 is provided for each pad, the output of the sensor 30 becomes performance information generated by operating the corresponding pad. Performance information generated by operating each pad in the pad operation section 50 and operation information generated by operating each operator in the setting operation section 90 are sent to the CPU 81 via the bus 80. The display section 96 is composed of an LCD or the like, and displays various information according to instructions from the CPU 81. In addition, the sound generation section 79, ROM 82, RAM 83, timer 84, storage section 85, and various I / Fs (interfaces) 86 are connected to the CPU 81 via the bus 80.

[0025] The CPU 81 controls the entire device. The ROM 82 stores the control program executed by the CPU 81 and various data. The RAM 83 provides a work area when the CPU 81 executes the control program. The storage unit 85 includes a non-volatile memory and stores various information. The various I / Fs 86 may include a wired or wireless communication I / F as well as a Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI). The sound generation unit 79 includes a speaker 97 (FIG. 1) as well as a sound source circuit and an effect circuit (not shown), and generates sounds based on performance information generated by operating each pad.

[0026] 5 is a diagram showing functional blocks for realizing the note processing (described later in FIG. 7) and the aftertouch processing (described later in FIG. 8). This functional block includes a detection unit 31 and a control unit 32. The functions of the detection unit 31 and the control unit 32 are realized by cooperation of a CPU 81, a ROM 82, a RAM 83, a timer 84, a storage unit 85, etc.

[0027] The detection unit 31 detects a note-on operation and a note-off operation based on a detection value obtained by detecting an operation on the pad. The control unit 32 sets the control state to an enabled state in which the application of an after-touch effect is enabled, or an disabled state in which the application of an after-touch effect is disabled, based on at least the detection value. The control unit 32 generates a note-on event or a note-off event based on the detected note-on operation or note-off operation, and generates an after-touch-on event based on the detection value output during the enabled state. The control unit 32 also generates a note-on event when a note-on operation is detected based on the detection value output during the enabled state.

[0028] 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of control transition in the note processing (described later in FIG. 7) and after-touch processing (described later in FIG. 8) in the first mode. The note processing and after-touch processing are executed in parallel. The first mode, the note processing, and the after-touch processing will be described in detail later.

[0029] In Fig. 6, the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time Time, and the vertical axis represents the detection value output from the sensor 30. Fig. 6 shows the process in which a pad goes from a non-operated state to an operated state and then back to a non-operated state. In Fig. 6, the larger the detection value, the stronger (deeper) the pad is pressed.

[0030] In Fig. 6, the detection values ​​obtained at the timing of the control processing related to the note are shown by dots, and the curve connecting them shows the change in the detection values ​​over time. After Touch Process Time indicates the interval of the control processing related to the after touch. Note that the interval of the control processing related to the note is shorter than the after touch process time, but the two may be the same.

[0031] Figure 6 shows a note threshold THN (Note Min level) (second threshold) and an after-touch threshold THA (After Touch Min Level) (first threshold). In this example, the magnitude relationship is THN < THA. Note that THN = THA or THN > THA may also be possible. Also shown as periods are a note idle period (Note Idle Time), a note rise period (Note Rise Time), a note fall period (Note Fall Time), an after-touch idle period (After Touch Idle Time), and an after-touch active period (After Touch Active Time).

[0032] Here, during the after-touch idle period, the control state regarding after-touch is an inactive state that disables the application of the after-touch effect. During the after-touch active period, the control state regarding after-touch is an active state that enables the application of the after-touch effect. A predetermined speed V1 (Note Min Speed) is a speed threshold for determining a note-on operation.

[0033] The detection of note-on and note-off operations (determining that there are note-on and note-off operations) is controlled as follows.

[0034] First, the detection unit 31 acquires the output detection value at each timing of the control process regarding the note. The detection unit 31 may detect a note-on operation when the detection value exceeds the note threshold THN. Alternatively, the detection unit 31 may detect the operation speed VS of the pad and detect a note-on operation when the operation speed VS exceeds the predetermined speed V1 (V1 < VS). In this case, the detection unit 31 may detect the operation speed VS based on two or more detection values output at different times. The two or more detection values mentioned here may be values that are adjacent in detection order in terms of time, or non-adjacent values. Also, the operation speed VS may be detected from the average or weighted average of three or more detection values.

[0035] In this embodiment, the detection unit 31 detects a note-on operation using both the note threshold value THN and the operation speed VS. For example, the detection unit 31 detects the pad operation speed VS by the above-mentioned method, and detects a note-on operation when the operation speed VS exceeds a predetermined speed V1 while the detected value exceeds the note threshold value THN.

[0036] Furthermore, after a note-on operation is detected, the detection unit 31 detects a note-off operation when the detection value becomes equal to or less than the note threshold value THN. Note that a threshold value for detecting a note-off operation and a threshold value for detecting a note-on operation may be provided separately.

[0037] The setting of the control state regarding aftertouch (whether to set it to the valid state or the invalid state) is controlled as follows.

[0038] First, the detection unit 31 obtains the detection value output at each timing of the control process related to the after-touch. In principle, the control unit 32 sets the control state to the valid state when the detection value exceeds the after threshold THA, and sets the control state to the invalid state when the detection value becomes equal to or less than the after threshold THA. However, the control unit 32 does not transition the control state to the valid state during a transition prohibition period (predetermined time) to after active even if the detection value exceeds the after threshold THA. Here, the "transition prohibition period" corresponds to a note rise period and a note fall period. The note rise period and the note fall period are each a period of a predetermined length. The note-on velocity is determined by the detection value during the note rise period. Note that the method of determining the note-on velocity is not limited. Note that at least one of the note rise period and the note fall period may be zero.

[0039] In the note processing and after-touch processing in the first mode, a note-on event, a note-off event, an after-touch-on event, and an after-touch-off event are generated as events. By outputting these events, the start of sound generation or the start of sound muting corresponding to the event is instructed, and sound generation / mute is controlled by a sound generation process (not shown). For example, in response to the output of a note-on event, a sound assigned to the operated pad is generated from the sound generating unit 79 at a volume corresponding to the note-on velocity. Note that it is not essential that a sound is generated by the output of a note-on event, and a process other than sound generation may be applied. For example, a choke (an effect of muting a sound being generated) or a control change (an effect of converting a note-on into a control change and outputting it) may be applied.

[0040] In addition, a set type of aftertouch effect is applied in response to the output of an aftertouch-on event. The types of aftertouch effects that can be set are not limited, but include, for example, note repeat (an effect of repeatedly sounding a sound assigned to a pad at a predetermined interval in accordance with the tempo), choke (an effect of muting a sound being sounded), volume (an effect of changing the volume of a sound being sounded), and control change (an effect of converting an aftertouch into a control change and outputting it).

[0041] Time points A11 to A15 are timings for control processing related to after-touch (reference signs for some of the timings are not shown).

[0042] The first mode is a processing mode in which a note-on event is generated in response to a note-on operation being detected based on a detection value output during a valid state. The start of the first mode is instructed by operating the setting operation unit 90 (e.g., the mode start / end button 92). The first mode may also be started in response to starting up the input device 100. When the first mode is started, note processing and after-touch processing are started, and first, a note idle period and an after-idle period are entered.

[0043] At time point A11, a detection value exceeding the after threshold THA is obtained during the note idle period (strictly speaking, a detection value exceeding the after threshold THA is obtained at the timing of control processing related to an after-touch during the note idle period; the same applies below). Then, a transition is made to the after active period (valid state), and an after touch-on event corresponding to the detection value is generated and output. Thereafter, while the same state continues, an after touch-on event corresponding to the detection value is generated and output at each timing of control processing (for example, time point A12).

[0044] During the after active period, if a detection value is obtained that indicates an operation speed VS exceeding a predetermined speed V1 in an area exceeding the note threshold THN, a note-on operation is detected. Then, an after touch-off event is generated and output. In response to this, the system transitions to an after idle period (invalid state) and a note rise period (time point A13, time point N11).

[0045] When the note rise period has elapsed (time N12), a note-on event is generated and output based on the detection value during the note rise period, and the period then transitions to a note fall period.

[0046] When the note fall period has elapsed (time N13), the period transitions to a note idle period. If a detection value exceeding the after threshold THA is obtained during the note idle period, the period transitions to an after active period (time A14), and an after touch-on event corresponding to the detection value is generated and output. After that, while the same state continues, an after touch-on event corresponding to the detection value is generated and output at each timing of the control process.

[0047] Thereafter, when a detection value equal to or less than the note threshold THN is obtained, a note-off operation is detected (time N14). Then, a note-off event is generated and output, and the system transitions to a note idle period. When a detection value equal to or less than the after threshold THA is obtained during the after active period (time A15), an after touch-off event is generated and output. In response, the system transitions to an after idle period.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the note processing. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the after-touch processing. The note processing, the after-touch processing, and the sound generation processing (not shown) are realized by the CPU 81 expanding the programs stored in the ROM 82 into the RAM 83 and executing them. The note processing, the after-touch processing, and the sound generation processing are executed in parallel. The note processing and the after-touch processing are started when the input device 100 is started or when the start of the first mode is instructed, and are then executed periodically at the respective processing intervals. In addition, these processes are ended when the input device 100 is stopped or when the end of the first mode is instructed. Note that when the first mode is started, the note idle period and the after-touch period are started for the first time.

[0049] First, the note processing (FIG. 7) will be described. In step S101, the CPU 81 determines whether or not a note-on operation has occurred. As described above, if the operation speed VS exceeds a predetermined speed V1 while the detection value exceeds the note threshold value THN, it is determined that a note-on operation has occurred. Note that at least one of the note threshold value THN and the predetermined speed V1 may be configured to change depending on whether the operation is in an after-active period or an after-idle period. If the CPU 81 does not determine that a note-on operation has occurred, it proceeds to step S109, and if it determines that a note-on operation has occurred, it proceeds to step S102.

[0050] In step S102, the CPU 81 determines whether or not the current state is an after-active period (the control state is a valid state). If the current state is not an after-active period, the CPU 81 proceeds to step S104, and if the current state is an after-active period, the CPU 81 executes step S103 and then proceeds to step S104.

[0051] In step S103, the CPU 81 generates an after-touch-off event and outputs the generated after-touch-off event. Furthermore, the CPU 81 transitions to an after-idle period (invalid state) (time point A13). In step S104, the CPU 81 transitions to a no-rise period (time point N11).

[0052] In step S105, the CPU 81 waits until the note rise period has elapsed. During the note rise period, the CPU 81 monitors and stores the detected value. When the note rise period has elapsed, the CPU 81 proceeds to step S106. In step S106, the CPU 81 generates a note-on event based on the stored value, and outputs the generated note-on event. When the note-on event is output, a sound of the assigned tone color is generated by a sound generation process.

[0053] Therefore, when a note-on operation is performed, a note-on event is generated not only during the after-idle period but also during the after-active period (S102 to S106). Moreover, when a note-on operation is performed during the after-active period, the period transitions to the after-idle period (S102 to S103).

[0054] In step S107, the CPU 81 transitions to a note fall period (time point N12). In step S108, the CPU 81 waits until the note fall period has elapsed, and when the note fall period has elapsed (time point N13), the CPU 81 proceeds to step S109.

[0055] In step S109, the CPU 81 executes other processes. For example, the CPU 81 executes a process of detecting a note-off operation, and generating and outputting a note-off event if a note-off operation is detected (time N14). After step S109, the CPU 81 ends the note process (FIG. 7).

[0056] Next, the after-touch process (FIG. 8) will be described. In step S201, the CPU 81 determines whether or not the current state is an after-active period. If the current state is an after-active period, the CPU 81 proceeds to step S205, and if the current state is not an after-active period, the CPU 81 proceeds to step S202.

[0057] In step S202, the CPU 81 determines whether or not the current period is an afteractive transition prohibition period (either a note rise period or a note fall period). If the current period is a transition prohibition period, the CPU 81 ends this process, and if the current period is not a transition prohibition period, the CPU 81 proceeds to step S203.

[0058] In step S203, the CPU 81 determines whether or not a detection value exceeding the after threshold value THA has been acquired. If a detection value exceeding the after threshold value THA has not been acquired, the CPU 81 ends this process, and if a detection value exceeding the after threshold value THA has been acquired, the CPU 81 proceeds to step S204.

[0059] In step S204, the CPU 81 generates an after-touch-on event according to the detection value, outputs the generated after-touch-on event, and then transitions to an after-active period (valid state) (times A11 and A14). The CPU 81 then ends this process. When the after-touch-on event is output, the assigned type of after-touch effect is applied by the sound generation process.

[0060] In step S205, the CPU 81 determines whether or not the current state is an afteractive transition inhibition period. If the current state is an afteractive transition inhibition period, the CPU 81 proceeds to step S208 (time point N11, time point A13), and if the current state is not an afteractive transition inhibition period, the CPU 81 proceeds to step S206.

[0061] In step S206, the CPU 81 determines whether or not a detection value exceeding the after threshold value THA has been acquired. If a detection value exceeding the after threshold value THA has not been acquired, the CPU 81 proceeds to step S208 (time point A15), and if a detection value exceeding the after threshold value THA has been acquired, the CPU 81 proceeds to step S207.

[0062] In step S207, the CPU 81 generates an after-touch-on event according to the detection value, outputs the generated after-touch-on event, and maintains the after-active period (time point A12). Therefore, during the after-active period, an after-touch effect is applied in response to the acquisition of a detection value exceeding the after threshold THA at each timing of the control process related to the after-touch. Then, the CPU 81 ends this process.

[0063] In step S208, the CPU 81 generates an after-touch-off event, outputs the generated after-touch-off event, and then transitions to an after-idle period. After that, the CPU 81 ends this process.

[0064] According to this embodiment, the control unit 32 generates a note-on event even when a note-on operation is detected based on the detection value output during the valid state (S102 → S103 to S106). Therefore, a note-on event can be generated by an operation while the aftertouch effect is being applied. In addition, a striking sound can be generated by outputting a note-on event.

[0065] In particular, it is assumed that a horizontally elongated pad such as pad K will be operated using both hands. For example, there is known an input device in which an impact sound is not generated even if the same pad is operated with the left hand and then operated with the right hand while performing an after-touch operation. In contrast, in this embodiment, if the same pad is operated while performing an after-touch operation, the application of the after-touch effect is interrupted and an impact sound is generated. This allows for a variety of performance operations.

[0066] Furthermore, in response to the detection of a note-on operation based on the detection value output during the valid state, the control state is set to the invalid state, and an after-touch-off event is generated (S103). Therefore, it is possible to clearly produce an impact sound without applying the after-touch effect. Furthermore, after the control state is set to the invalid state, during the transition prohibition period, the control state is not transitioned to the valid state even if the detection value exceeds the after-touch threshold value THA (S202). Therefore, it is possible to start applying the after-touch effect at an appropriate timing.

[0067] Note that the first mode of the modified example shown in Fig. 9 may be used. Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating the transition of control in the note process and the after-touch process in the first mode of the modified example. The transition of control shown in Fig. 9 is different from the transition of control shown in Fig. 6 in that the period from time A13 to time A14 is an after-active period, but is otherwise similar.

[0068] In the control transition shown in FIG. 6, the control state was set to an invalid state in response to the detection of a note-on operation based on the detection value output during the valid state (S103). Furthermore, the control state was not transitioned to the valid state during the transition prohibited period.

[0069] In contrast to this, in the first mode of the modified example, the note process (FIG. 7) and the aftertouch process (FIG. 8) are controlled independently, except that steps S102 and S103 in FIG. 7 and steps S202 and S205 in FIG. 8 are eliminated.

[0070] For example, the control unit 32 sets the control state to the active state when the detection value exceeds the after threshold THA, and sets the control state to the inactive state when the detection value becomes equal to or less than the after threshold THA. The control unit 32 also maintains the active state even if a note-on operation is detected based on the detection value output during the active state. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 9, the after-active period is maintained from time A13 to time A14.

[0071] Note that the present invention is not limited to the first mode of the modified example, and the valid state may be maintained even if a note-on operation is detected based on a detection value output during the valid state.

[0072] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the sensor 30 detects the operation strength and the displacement of the pad in a continuous amount. In contrast, in the second embodiment of the present invention, from the viewpoint of simplifying the sensor configuration, a configuration is adopted in which the operation strength and the displacement of the pad are detected in stages at multiple locations. The displacement of the pad may be replaced with the stroke position.

[0073] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of control transition in note processing and aftertouch processing in the first mode.

[0074] Although the structure of the sensor to be used is not shown, a known structure such as an optical type can be used. For example, a three-make type structure using an after threshold THA, a note threshold TH1, and a note threshold TH2 as thresholds is used. The magnitude relationship is THA. <TH1<TH2となっている。

[0075] The basic control is the same as that shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 32 transitions to an after-active period (valid state) when the detection value exceeds the after threshold THA. The control unit 32 determines the note-on velocity from the time ΔT from when the detection value exceeds the note threshold TH1 to when it exceeds the note threshold TH2. The control unit 32 transitions to an after-idle period (invalid state) at time T11 when the detection value exceeds the note threshold TH2. The note rise period is from time T11 to time T12, and the note fall period is from time T12 to time T13. The control unit 32 transitions to an after-active period when the note fall period ends (time T13). The control unit 32 transitions to an after-idle period (invalid state) when the detection value becomes equal to or less than the after threshold THA (time T14).

[0076] In this way, the present invention can be realized by using sensors that detect the operating strength and the displacement of the pad at three locations.

[0077] To simplify the configuration, a sensor that detects the operation strength or the displacement of the pad at two points may be used. In that case, for example, the after threshold THA and the note threshold TH1 may be a common threshold.

[0078] When a sensor that detects the strength of operation or the displacement of the pad at four or more points is used, two threshold values ​​for aftertouch may be provided.

[0079] Note that the first mode of the modified example (FIG. 9) may be applied even when a sensor that detects the operating strength or the displacement of the pad at multiple points is used. That is, in FIG. 10, the afteractive period may be maintained from time T11 to time T13.

[0080] According to this embodiment, it is possible to achieve the same effect as in the first embodiment with regard to generating a note-on event even by an operation while the after-touch effect is being applied.

[0081] In the first and second embodiments, the processing mode may be switched between a first mode and a second mode different from the first mode. The switching of the processing mode is instructed by the user 101 operating the mode switching button 93, for example.

[0082] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of control transition in note processing and aftertouch processing in the second mode.

[0083] The first mode is a processing mode in which a note-on event is generated in response to a note-on operation being detected based on the detection value output during the valid state, whereas the second mode is a processing mode in which a note-on event is not generated even if a note-on operation is detected based on the detection value output during the valid state.

[0084] In the second mode, as shown in Fig. 11, at time point A22, a detection value exceeding the after threshold THA is obtained during the note idle period, similar to time point A11 (Fig. 6). Then, a transition is made to the after active period (valid state), and an after touch-on event corresponding to the detection value is generated and output.

[0085] After that, from time point A22 to time point A23, the note idle period is maintained even during the afteractive period, which means that even if a note-on operation is detected during that time, no note-on event is generated.

[0086] At time A23, as at time A15 (FIG. 6), a detection value equal to or less than the after threshold THA is obtained during the after active period. Then, an after touch-off event is generated and output. In response to this, the system transitions to the after idle period. Note that the process when a note-off operation is detected is the same as the control in the first mode (FIG. 6).

[0087] Note that switching is not limited to between the first mode (FIG. 6) and the second mode (FIG. 11), but may be made between the first mode (FIG. 9) and the second mode (FIG. 11) of a modified example. Alternatively, switching may be made between the first mode (FIG. 6) and the first mode (FIG. 9) of a modified example. Alternatively, switching may be made between the first mode (FIG. 6) and the first mode (FIG. 9) and the second mode (FIG. 11) of a modified example.

[0088] By making the mode switchable, a variety of performance operations become possible. Note that the processing modes that the control unit 32 can control are not limited to these exemplified processing modes.

[0089] It should be noted that different processing modes may be applicable to each pad.

[0090] Alternatively, different processing modes may be applicable to each group of two or more pads. For example, a first pad is associated with one or more second pads in advance, and these pads belong to the same group. When the control unit 32 applies a certain processing mode to the first pad, it also applies the same processing mode to the second pad. The association for setting the group may be performed by a user instruction. For example, it is possible to include adjacent pads within a predetermined range, or pads to which the same type of sound is assigned, in the same group.

[0091] It is not essential that the input device 100 has a sound generating function. Therefore, the control unit 32 does not necessarily have to output each generated event to instruct the generation of a sound. For example, each generated event may be stored as data in the storage unit 85 and used for later playback.

[0092] The pads in the input device 100 are physical switches. However, the present invention can also be applied to virtual pads. For example, the pad operation unit 50 may be displayed on the display unit 96, and each pad may be configured to be touch operable. Alternatively, the pad operation unit 50 may be provided on the panel surface of an electronic musical instrument.

[0093] In the above embodiments, in the comparison between the detection value and the thresholds THN and THA, the following rephrasing may be used: "exceeded the note threshold THN", "exceeded the after threshold THA", "not more than the note threshold THN", and "not more than the after threshold THA" may be rephrased as "not less than the note threshold THN", "not less than the after threshold THA", "less than the note threshold THN", and "less than the after threshold THA", respectively. Similarly, "the operation speed VS exceeded a predetermined speed V1" may be rephrased as "the operation speed VS is not less than the predetermined speed V1".

[0094] Although the present invention has been described in detail based on the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Parts of the above-described embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0095] In addition, a storage medium storing a control program represented by software for achieving the present invention may be read into the input device to achieve the same effect as the present invention. In that case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the non-transient computer-readable recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. The program code may also be supplied via a transmission medium, etc., in which case the program code itself constitutes the present invention. In addition, as the storage medium in these cases, in addition to ROM, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, etc. may be used. Non-transient computer-readable recording media also include those that hold a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)) inside a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 30 sensor, 31 detection unit, 32 control unit, 50 pad operation unit

Claims

1. A pressed portion, an output unit that outputs a detection value that detects an operation on the pressed portion; a detection unit that detects a note-on operation and a note-off operation based on the detection value; a control unit that sets a control state to an effective state in which the application of the after-touch effect is effective or an ineffective state in which the application of the after-touch effect is ineffective based on at least the detection value; the control unit generates a note-on event or a note-off event based on the detected note-on operation or the detected note-off operation, and generates an after-touch-on event based on the detection value output during the valid state; The control unit also generates the note-on event when the note-on operation is detected based on a detection value output during the valid state.

2. The input device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit sets the control state to the invalid state in response to detection of the note-on operation based on a detection value output during the valid state.

3. 3. The input device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit does not set the control state to the valid state until a predetermined time has elapsed after setting the control state to the invalid state in response to detection of the note-on operation based on a detection value output during the valid state.

4. The input device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit sets the control state to the invalid state in response to detection of the note-on operation based on a detection value output during the valid state, when the predetermined time has elapsed since the control state was set to the invalid state and the detection value exceeds a first threshold value.

5. The input device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit sets the control state to the valid state when the detection value exceeds a first threshold, and sets the control state to the invalid state when the detection value is equal to or less than the first threshold.

6. The input device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit maintains the valid state even if the note-on operation is detected based on a detection value output during the valid state.

7. the control unit is capable of controlling a second mode in which the note-on event is not generated even if the note-on operation is detected based on the detection value output during the valid state, separately from a first mode in which the note-on event is generated in response to the detection of the note-on operation based on the detection value output during the valid state; The input device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is capable of switching between the first mode and the second mode.

8. The pressed portion includes a plurality of pressed portions, a mode in which the note-on event is generated in response to the detection of the note-on operation based on the detection value output during the valid state is one of a plurality of processing modes controllable by the control unit; The input device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is capable of applying a different processing mode to each of the pressed portions.

9. The pressed portion includes a plurality of pressed portions, a mode in which the note-on event is generated in response to the detection of the note-on operation based on the detection value output during the valid state is one of a plurality of processing modes controllable by the control unit; One or more second pressed portions are previously associated with a first pressed portion among the plurality of pressed portions, The input device according to claim 1 , wherein when the control unit applies a certain processing mode to the first pressed portion, the control unit also applies the same processing mode to the second pressed portion.

10. 2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects the operation speed based on two or more of the detection values ​​output at different times, and detects the note-on operation when the operation speed exceeds a predetermined speed while the detection value exceeds a second threshold value.

11. The input device according to claim 1 , wherein the detection section detects the note-on operation when the detection value exceeds a second threshold value.

12. The input device according to claim 1 , wherein the detection section detects an operation speed based on two or more of the detection values ​​output at different times, and detects the note-on operation when the operation speed exceeds a predetermined speed.

13. A control method for an input device having a pressable portion, the method being implemented by a computer, comprising: Detecting a note-on operation and a note-off operation based on a detection value obtained by detecting an operation on the pressed portion; setting a control state to an effective state in which the application of the after-touch effect is effective or an ineffective state in which the application of the after-touch effect is ineffective based on at least the detection value; generating a note-on event or a note-off event based on the detected note-on operation or the detected note-off operation, and generating an after-touch-on event based on the detection value output during the valid state; A method for controlling an input device, further comprising the step of generating the note-on event even when the note-on operation is detected based on a detection value output during the valid state.

14. A program for causing a computer to execute a control method for an input device having a pressable portion, The method for controlling an input device includes: Detecting a note-on operation and a note-off operation based on a detection value obtained by detecting an operation on the pressed portion; setting a control state to an effective state in which the application of the after-touch effect is effective or an ineffective state in which the application of the after-touch effect is ineffective based on at least the detection value; generating a note-on event or a note-off event based on the detected note-on operation or the detected note-off operation, and generating an after-touch-on event based on the detection value output during the valid state; a program that generates the note-on event also when the note-on operation is detected based on the detection value output during the valid state.

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