Sounding device, sounding method and program

Abstract

To provide a sounding device, a sounding method and a program that enable a user to enjoy playing with sounds through simple operation.SOLUTION: A sounding device 1 comprises a distance sensor 33, a color sensor 34, a sounding part 54, and a control board 55. When first measurement information measured by the distance sensor 33 meets a first condition, the control board 55 sets the sounding part 54 to output a sound corresponding to the first measurement information. When the first measurement information meets a second condition, the control board 55 sets the sounding part 54 to output a sound corresponding to second measurement information measured by the color sensor 34.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sound generation device, a sound generation method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known techniques for outputting various sounds in response to user operations. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a musical tone generating device that allows even beginners and young children to easily enjoy playing and composing music. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-325768 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology for outputting various sounds in response to user operations as described above, there is a demand for enabling users to enjoy playing with sounds through simple operations.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a sound generation device, a sound generation method, and a program that allow users to enjoy playing with sounds through simple operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the sound producing device of the present invention comprises a first sensor, a second sensor, a sound producing unit, and a control unit, and is characterized in that the control unit is configured to output a sound corresponding to first measurement information measured by the first sensor when the first measurement information satisfies a first condition, and to output a sound corresponding to second measurement information measured by the second sensor when the first measurement information satisfies a second condition. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the user can enjoy playing with sounds through simple operations. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of a sound generation device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a sound generation device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 4 is a diagram showing the direction of sensing by the sound generation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control board provided in the sound generation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence table stored in the sound generation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example in which the color of a light-emitting part changes depending on the distance measured by the sound generation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing an example in which the color of a light-emitting unit changes in accordance with the color measured by the sound generation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 3A to 3C are diagrams showing examples of sounds being produced by the sound producing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of sound generation processing executed by the sound generation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of a setting process executed by the sound generation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a setting process executed by the sound generation device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a sound generation device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a sound generation device according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 1, the sound generation device 1 according to the first embodiment is a so-called digital hand bell that simulates a hand bell, and is a device that emits (rings) sound in response to the entire sound generation device 1 being shaken by a user holding the sound generation device 1. As an example, the sound generation device 1 is used as an educational toy for young children to enjoy playing with sounds.

[0010] The sound producing device 1 includes a handle 3 that is held by the user and a main body 5 that produces sound, and is shaped like a musical bell. The handle 3 has an elongated grip shape that makes it easy for the user to hold in one hand. The main body 5 is thicker than the handle 3 and is bell-shaped in the example of FIG. 1. Hereinafter, the direction from the handle 3 to the main body 5 will be referred to as the upward direction, and the direction from the main body 5 to the handle 3 will be referred to as the downward direction.

[0011] 2, the handle 3 includes a battery 31, a sensing button 32, a distance sensor 33, and a color sensor 34. The battery 31 supplies power used by each part of the sound generation device 1 from a dry cell, a rechargeable battery, or the like.

[0012] The sensing button 32 is a button for starting measurement by the distance sensor 33 or the color sensor 34. As shown in FIG. 3 , a user operates the sensing button 32 by pressing the sensing button 32 with a finger. The sensing button 32 is provided on the side of the handle part 3 so that the user can easily press the sensing button with a finger while holding the handle part 3 in one hand. When the sensing button 32 is operated, the sound generation device 1 transitions to a measurement mode using the distance sensor 33 or the color sensor 34. The sensing button 32 is an example of an operation part operated by the user.

[0013] The distance sensor 33 measures the distance D from the sound production device 1 to the object OB as first measurement information. Here, the object OB is various objects present around the user, such as floors, walls, furniture, electronic devices, food, books, etc. As an example, the distance sensor 33 is a Time of Flight (TOF) sensor that receives reflected light of light emitted toward the object OB and measures the distance D to the object OB based on the time of flight of the received light. The distance sensor 33 is an example of a first sensor that measures first measurement information.

[0014] The color sensor 34 measures the color of the object OB as second measurement information. As an example, the color sensor 34 measures the color of the object OB by receiving reflected light of light emitted toward the object OB, detecting the amount of red, blue, and green light received from the received light, and calculating the respective ratios of red, blue, and green light received. The color sensor 34 is an example of a second sensor that measures the second measurement information.

[0015] The distance sensor 33 and color sensor 34 are provided on the end 7 of the handle 3 opposite the main body 5. As shown by the dashed arrow in Fig. 3, the distance sensor 33 and color sensor 34 emit light downward from the end 7 of the handle 3 and receive the light reflected from the object OB. In this way, the distance sensor 33 and color sensor 34 respectively measure the distance D from the end 7 of the handle 3 to the object OB located below it and the color of the object OB.

[0016] Since the sensing button 32 is provided on the side of the handle 3 and the distance sensor 33 and color sensor 34 are provided on the end 7 of the handle 3, the user can easily hold the sound generation device 1 in one hand, press the sensing button 32 with their finger, and point the end 7 towards the object OB. This allows the user to measure the distance D and color of various objects around the user as the object OB with a simple operation.

[0017] Returning to FIG. 2 , the main body 5 includes a light-emitting unit 51, a light-guiding unit 52, an acceleration sensor 53, a sound-emitting unit 54, and a control board 55. The light-emitting unit 51 is provided near the center of the main body 5 and is a unit that emits visible light of various colors under the control of the control board 55. More specifically, the light-emitting unit 51 includes color LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) having red, green, and blue light-emitting elements. The light-emitting unit 51 causes the light-emitting elements of each color to emit light at a ratio specified by the control board 55, causing the color LEDs to emit light in colors such as red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, purple, and white.

[0018] The light-guiding unit 52 is provided to surround the periphery of the light-emitting unit 51. The light-guiding unit 52 is formed from an appropriate optical material such as acrylic that is capable of transmitting visible light, and guides the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 51 to the outside of the main body unit 5. In this way, the light-guiding unit 52 causes the main body unit 5 to glow in the color emitted by the light-emitting unit 51. For example, if the light-emitting unit 51 emits red light, the light-guiding unit 52 guides the red light to the outside of the main body unit 5, causing the main body unit 5 to glow red. Alternatively, if the light-emitting unit 51 emits blue light, the light-guiding unit 52 guides the blue light to the outside of the main body unit 5, causing the main body unit 5 to glow blue.

[0019] The acceleration sensor 53 is a unit that measures the acceleration applied to the sound production device 1. Specifically, the acceleration sensor 53 detects vibrations that occur in the sound production device 1 when the user moves the entire sound production device 1. For example, when the user holds the handle 3 in their hand and shakes the entire sound production device 1, the acceleration sensor 53 detects the shaking motion.

[0020] The sound generation unit 54 is a unit that produces sounds. The sound generation unit 54 is equipped with a speaker, and outputs sounds from the speaker as instructed by the control board 55. More specifically, the sound generation unit 54 produces the sounds of a one-octave scale (for example, the C major scale) of "Do_", "Re", "Mi", "Fa", "So", "La", "Si", and "Do" under the control of the control board 55. In this case, the sound generation unit 54 produces sounds that simulate the bell sounds produced by handbells. Note that "Do_" (the underlined "Do") represents the lower "Do" in one octave, and "Do" (the ununderlined "Do") represents the higher "Do" in one octave. The same applies hereinafter.

[0021] The control board 55 is a unit that controls the sound generation device 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the control board 55 includes a control unit 110 and a storage unit 120. The control board 55 is connected to each of the sensing button 32, the distance sensor 33, the color sensor 34, the light-emitting unit 51, the acceleration sensor 53, and the sound generation unit 54 via appropriate signal lines.

[0022] The control unit 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU includes a microprocessor and is a central processing unit that executes various processes and calculations. In the control unit 110, the CPU reads out a control program stored in the ROM and controls the overall operation of the sound generation device 1 while using the RAM as a work memory.

[0023] The storage unit 120 is a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory or a hard disk. The storage unit 120 stores programs and data executed by the control unit 110, and data generated by the control unit 110. Specifically, the storage unit 120 stores a correspondence table 121. The correspondence table 121 will be described in detail later.

[0024] Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the control unit 110. Functionally, the control unit 110 includes a setting unit 111, a light emission control unit 112, and a sound generation control unit 113. In the control unit 110, the CPU reads out a program stored in the ROM into the RAM, and executes and controls the program, thereby functioning as each of these units.

[0025] The setting unit 111 sets sound information. Here, the sound information is information indicating a sound to be emitted by the sound generation unit 54. As will be described later, the sound generation control unit 113 causes the sound generation unit 54 to output a sound indicated by the sound information set by the setting unit 111. The setting unit 111 sets a pitch as the sound information. Specifically, the setting unit 111 sets one of eight pitches in one octave, namely, "Do," "Re," "Mi," "Fa," "So," "La," "Si," and "Do," depending on the distance D to the object OB measured by the distance sensor 33 or the color of the object OB measured by the color sensor 34.

[0026] In addition to the sound information, the setting unit 111 sets color information. The color information is information indicating the color of light emitted by the light-emitting unit 51. As will be described later, the light-emission control unit 112 causes the light-emitting unit 51 to emit light of the color indicated by the color information set by the setting unit 111. The setting unit 111 sets eight colors, "red," "orange," "yellow," "green," "blue," "indigo," "purple," and "white," as the color information. Specifically, the setting unit 111 sets one of the eight colors, "red," "orange," "yellow," "green," "blue," "indigo," "purple," and "white," depending on the distance D to the object OB measured by the distance sensor 33 or the color of the object OB measured by the color sensor 34.

[0027] More specifically, when the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33 satisfies a first condition, the setting unit 111 sets sound information and color information according to the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33. On the other hand, when the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33 satisfies a second condition, the setting unit 111 sets sound information and color information according to the color measured by the color sensor 34. Here, the first condition is satisfied when the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33 is greater than a predetermined value T. On the other hand, the second condition is satisfied when the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33 is equal to or less than the predetermined value T. In other words, the second condition corresponds to a logical negation condition of the first condition, and is satisfied when the first condition is not satisfied.

[0028] The predetermined value T is a value set in advance for switching between a first measurement mode in which measurement is performed by the distance sensor 33 and a second measurement mode in which measurement is performed by the color sensor 34. Specifically, the predetermined value T is set to 0, which is the distance D between the end 7 of the handle part 3 and the object OB when the end 7 comes into contact with the object OB. In this case, the first condition is met when the distance D is greater than 0, and the second condition is met when the distance D is 0. In other words, when the end 7 of the sound generation device 1 comes into contact with the object OB, the first measurement mode is switched to the second measurement mode. Note that the predetermined value T is not limited to 0 and may be set to any value.

[0029] To set the sound information and the color information, the setting unit 111 refers to a correspondence table 121 stored in the storage unit 120. As shown in FIG. 5 , the correspondence table 121 is a table that associates the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33 with sound information indicating the sound emitted from the sound generating unit 54 and color information indicating the color of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 51. The correspondence table 121 associates eight pitches in one octave, namely, "Do," "Re," "Mi," "Fa," "So," "La," "Si," and "Do," in stages, depending on the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33. More specifically, the correspondence table 121 associates shorter distances D with lower pitches in one octave, and associates longer distances D with higher pitches.

[0030] Furthermore, correspondence table 121 associates the colors "red," "orange," "yellow," "green," "blue," "indigo," "purple," and "white" with the eight pitches in one octave. More specifically, correspondence table 121 associates the seven colors of the rainbow with the seven pitches of "do," "re," "mi," "fa," "sol," "la," and "si" in order of longest wavelength, i.e., in order of decreasing energy. Such correspondence between the seven colors of the rainbow and pitches tends to be common to many people, although there are individual differences, and so the correspondence table 121 follows this tendency.

[0031] If the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33 satisfies the first condition, the setting unit 111 sets the pitch and color associated with the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33 in the correspondence table 121 as the sound information and the color information, respectively. For example, if the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33 falls within a range of 15 to 30 cm, the setting unit 111 sets "re" as the sound information and "orange" as the color information. Alternatively, if the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33 falls within a range of 90 to 105 cm, the setting unit 111 sets "si" as the sound information and "purple" as the color information.

[0032] On the other hand, if the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33 satisfies the second condition, the setting unit 111 sets, as the sound information, the pitch associated with the color measured by the color sensor 34 in the correspondence table 121. Furthermore, the setting unit 111 sets, as the color information, the color that is closest to the color measured by the color sensor 34 among the multiple colors defined in the correspondence table 121.

[0033] Specifically, the setting unit 111 determines which of eight colors—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, purple, and white—the color of the object OB is closest to, based on the respective light receiving ratios of red, blue, and green detected by the color sensor 34. The setting unit 111 then identifies the color closest to the color of the object OB measured by the color sensor 34 from among the eight colors. The setting unit 111 then sets the pitch associated with the identified color in the correspondence table 121 as sound information, and sets the identified color as color information. For example, if the setting unit 111 identifies the color closest to the color measured by the color sensor 34 as "red," the setting unit 111 sets "do" as the sound information and "red" as the color information. Alternatively, if the setting unit 111 identifies the color closest to the color measured by the color sensor 34 as "blue," the setting unit 111 sets "so" as the sound information and "blue" as the color information.

[0034] The setting unit 111 performs such a setting process of sound information and color information when the sensing button 32 is operated. Here, the case where the sensing button 32 is operated corresponds to the case where the sensing button 32 is pressed by the user. Specifically, when the sensing button 32 is operated and the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33 satisfies a first condition, the setting unit 111 sets the sound information and color information according to the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33. Thereafter, if the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33 changes while the sensing button 32 is being operated, the setting unit 111 changes the sound information and color information that have already been set to sound information and color information that correspond to the changed distance D.

[0035] Furthermore, when the sensing button 32 is operated and the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33 satisfies the second condition, the setting unit 111 sets the sound information and color information according to the color measured by the color sensor 34. Thereafter, if the color measured by the color sensor 34 changes while the sensing button 32 is being operated, the setting unit 111 changes the sound information and color information that have already been set to sound information and color information that correspond to the color after the change.

[0036] On the other hand, when the sensing button 32 is not operated, specifically when the sensing button 32 is not pressed, the setting unit 111 does not execute the setting process for the sound information and the color information. Specifically, when the operation of the sensing button 32 is released, the setting unit 111 finalizes the setting of the sound information and the color information. Thereafter, while the sensing button 32 is not operated, even if the distance D to the object OB toward which the end portion 7 is pointed or the color of the object OB changes, the setting unit 111 does not change the sound information and the color information from those last set when the sensing button 32 was operated.

[0037] 4, the light emission control unit 112 controls light emission by the light emitting unit 51. When color information is set by the setting unit 111, the light emission control unit 112 causes the light emitting unit 51 to emit light of a color indicated by the set color information. Specifically, when the sensing button 32 is operated and the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33 satisfies a first condition, the light emission control unit 112 causes the light emitting unit 51 to emit light in a color corresponding to the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33.

[0038] For example, as shown on the left side of Fig. 6, when the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33 is a distance D1 that is greater than a predetermined value T, the light-emission control unit 112 causes the light-emitting unit 51 to emit light in the color associated with the distance D1 in the correspondence table 121. Alternatively, as shown on the right side of Fig. 6, when the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33 is a distance D2 that is greater than the predetermined value T and different from the distance D1, the light-emission control unit 112 causes the light-emitting unit 51 to emit light in the color associated with the distance D2 in the correspondence table 121. In this way, when the user changes the distance D between the sound generation device 1 and the object OB while pressing the sensing button 32, the light-emission control unit 112 changes the color of the light-emitting unit 51 in various ways in accordance with the change in the distance D.

[0039] In response to this, when the sensing button 32 is operated and the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33 satisfies a second condition, the light-emission control unit 112 causes the light-emitting unit 51 to emit light in a color corresponding to the color measured by the color sensor 34. For example, as shown on the left side of FIG. 7 , when the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33 is equal to or less than the predetermined value T, i.e., when the end portion 7 of the sound production device 1 comes into contact with the object OB, the light-emission control unit 112 causes the light-emitting unit 51 to emit light in a color that is closest to the color of the object OB out of eight colors: "red," "orange," "yellow," "green," "blue," "indigo," "purple," and "white." Alternatively, as shown on the right side of FIG. 7 , when the end portion 7 of the sound production device 1 comes into contact with an object OB2 that is a different color from the object OB shown in FIG. 8 , the light-emission control unit 112 causes the light-emitting unit 51 to emit light in a color that is closest to the color of the object OB2 out of the eight colors. In this way, when the user presses the sensing button 32 and brings the end 7 of the sound producing device 1 into contact with objects OB, OB2 of various colors, the light emission control unit 112 changes the color of the light emitting unit 51 in various ways depending on the colors of the objects OB, OB2.

[0040] As described above, the setting unit 111 executes the color information setting process when the sensing button 32 is operated, and does not execute the color information setting process when the sensing button 32 is not operated. Therefore, while the sensing button 32 is being operated, the light-emission control unit 112 changes the color of the light-emitting unit 51 in various ways each time the setting unit 111 sets different color information. In contrast, when the sensing button 32 is not being operated, the light-emission control unit 112 does not change the color of the light-emitting unit 51 from the color last set by the setting unit 111 when the sensing button 32 was operated.

[0041] Returning to FIG. 4 , the sound generation control unit 113 controls the sound generation by the sound generation unit 54. When vibration is detected by the acceleration sensor 53, the sound generation control unit 113 causes the sound generation unit 54 to output a sound indicated by the sound information set by the setting unit 111. Here, the case where vibration is detected by the acceleration sensor 53 corresponds to a case where acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold is applied to the sound generation device 1, such as when a user holds the handle unit 3 and shakes the entire sound generation device 1. When acceleration equal to or greater than the threshold is applied to the sound generation device 1 in this way, the sound generation control unit 113 determines that vibration has been detected by the acceleration sensor 53.

[0042] When vibration is detected by the acceleration sensor 53, the sound generation control unit 113 causes the sound generation unit 54 to output a sound indicated by the sound information set by the setting unit 111. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8 , when the setting unit 111 sets "do" as the sound information and "red" as the color information, the light-emission control unit 112 causes the light-emitting unit 51 to emit light in red. In this state, when the user holds the handle unit 3 and shakes the entire sound generation device 1, the sound generation control unit 113 causes the sound generation unit 54 to output the sound of "do." Alternatively, when the setting unit 111 sets "re" as the sound information and "orange" as the color information, the light-emission control unit 112 causes the light-emitting unit 51 to emit light in orange. In this state, when the user holds the handle unit 3 and shakes the entire sound generation device 1, the sound generation control unit 113 causes the sound generation unit 54 to output the sound of "re." The same applies when the setting unit 111 sets "mi," "fa," ..., etc. as the sound information.

[0043] At this time, the sound generation control unit 113 may cause the sound generation unit 54 to output a louder sound as the magnitude of the vibration detected by the acceleration sensor 53, i.e., the magnitude of the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 53, increases. As a result, when the user shakes the sound generation device 1 more strongly, a louder sound is output, and when the user shakes the sound generation device 1 more gently, a softer sound is output.

[0044] In this way, when vibration is detected by the acceleration sensor 53, the sound production control unit 113 causes the sound production unit 54 to output a sound corresponding to the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33 or a sound corresponding to the color measured by the color sensor 34. In other words, when the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33 satisfies a first condition, the sound production control unit 113 causes the sound production unit 54 to output a sound corresponding to the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33. Furthermore, when the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33 satisfies a second condition, the sound production control unit 113 causes the sound production unit 54 to output a sound corresponding to the color measured by the color sensor 34.

[0045] The sound generation control unit 113 executes such sound generation processing by the sound generation unit 54 when the sensing button 32 is not operated. Specifically, when the sensing button 32 is not operated and vibration is detected by the acceleration sensor 53, the sound generation control unit 113 causes the sound generation unit 54 to output the sound indicated by the sound information last set by the setting unit 111. On the other hand, when the sensing button 32 is operated, the sound generation device 1 has transitioned to the measurement mode, so the sound generation control unit 113 does not execute the sound generation processing even if vibration is detected by the acceleration sensor 53.

[0046] Next, the flow of the sound generation process executed by the sound generation device 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The sound generation process shown in FIG. 9 is an example of a sound generation method. The sound generation process shown in FIG. 9 starts when the sound generation device 1 is powered on. When the sound generation process starts, the control unit 110 performs initial setting (step S1). More specifically, the control unit 110 sets sound information and color information to predetermined initial values, and causes the light-emitting unit 51 to emit light in the color indicated by the set color information. As an example, the control unit 110 sets the sound information to "do_" and the color information to "red," and causes the light-emitting unit 51 to emit light in red.

[0047] Next, the control unit 110 determines whether or not the sensing button 32 has been operated (step S2). Specifically, the control unit 110 determines whether or not the sensing button 32 has been pressed by the user, as shown in FIG. 3. If the sensing button 32 has been operated (step S2; YES), the control unit 110 executes a setting process (step S3). Details of the setting process will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0048] 10 starts, the control unit 110 measures the distance D from the end 7 of the sound generation device 1 to the object OB using the distance sensor 33 (step S31). After measuring the distance D, the control unit 110 determines whether the measured distance D is greater than a predetermined value T (step S32). If the measured distance D is greater than the predetermined value T (step S32; YES), the control unit 110 sets sound information and color information according to the measured distance D (step S33). Specifically, the control unit 110 refers to the correspondence table 121 and sets the pitch and color associated with the measured distance D as the sound information and color information, respectively.

[0049] On the other hand, if the measured distance D is equal to or less than the predetermined value T (step S32; NO), the control unit 110 measures the color of the object OB using the color sensor 34 (step S34). After measuring the color of the object OB, the control unit 110 sets sound information and color information according to the measured color (step S35). Specifically, the control unit 110 identifies the color that is closest to the measured color of the object OB from among the eight colors defined in the correspondence table 121. The control unit 110 then sets the identified color as color information in the correspondence table 121, and sets the pitch associated with the identified color as sound information.

[0050] After setting the sound information and color information in step S33 or step S35, the control unit 110 causes the light-emitting unit 51 to emit light in the color indicated by the set color information (step S36). At this time, if the color indicated by the newly set color information is different from the color already emitted by the light-emitting unit 51, the color of the light-emitting unit 51 changes. On the other hand, if the color indicated by the newly set color information is the same as the color already emitted by the light-emitting unit 51, the color of the light-emitting unit 51 does not change. After causing the light-emitting unit 51 to emit light, the control unit 110 ends the setting process shown in FIG. 10. Note that the control unit 110 functions as the setting unit 111 in steps S31 to S35, and functions as the light-emission control unit 112 in step S36.

[0051] 9, after the control unit 110 executes the setting process, it returns the process to step S2 and determines whether the sensing button 32 continues to be operated. If the sensing button 32 continues to be operated, the control unit 110 executes the setting process of step S3 again. In other words, while the user is pressing the sensing button 32, the control unit 110 continues the measurement mode using the distance sensor 33 or the color sensor 34. The control unit 110 then sets sound information and color information according to the measurement results from the distance sensor 33 or the color sensor 34, and repeats the process of causing the light-emitting unit 51 to emit light in the color indicated by the set color information.

[0052] On the other hand, if the sensing button 32 is not operated in step S2 (step S2; NO), the control unit 110 determines whether or not vibration is detected by the acceleration sensor 53 (step S4). Specifically, the control unit 110 determines whether or not acceleration equal to or greater than a threshold value is applied to the sound production device 1. If vibration is detected (step S4; YES), the control unit 110 causes the sound production unit 54 to output a sound indicated by the sound information set in step S1, step S33, or step S35 (step S5). On the other hand, if vibration is not detected (step S4; NO), the control unit 110 skips step S5. Note that in steps S4 and S5, the control unit 110 functions as the sound production control unit 113.

[0053] Thereafter, the control unit 110 returns the process to step S2 and determines again whether the sensing button 32 has been operated. If the sensing button 32 has been operated, the control unit 110 executes the setting process of step S3. On the other hand, if the sensing button 32 has not been operated, the control unit 110 causes the sound generation unit 54 to output the sound indicated by the last set sound information in response to vibrations detected by the acceleration sensor 53 in steps S4 and S5. The control unit 110 repeats the processes of steps S2 to S5 as long as the sound generation device 1 is powered on.

[0054] As described above, the sound production device 1 according to the first embodiment causes the sound production unit 54 to output a sound corresponding to the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33 when the distance D from the object OB measured by the distance sensor 33 is greater than the predetermined value T, and causes the sound production unit 54 to output a sound corresponding to the color of the object OB measured by the color sensor 34 when the distance D from the object OB measured by the distance sensor 33 is equal to or less than the predetermined value T. In this way, the sound production device 1 according to the first embodiment changes the sound to be output according to the distance D from the object OB or the color of the object OB, so that the user can output various sounds by intuitively holding the sound production device 1 and changing the distance D from the object OB or pointing it at objects OB of various colors. This allows the user to enjoy playing with sounds with simple operations.

[0055] In particular, the sound production device 1 according to the first embodiment can execute, in a single device, a first sound production process that produces a sound according to the distance D from the object OB, and a second sound production process that produces a sound according to the color of the object OB. The user can switch between the two sound production processes by simply moving the sound production device 1 closer to the object OB, a simple operation that even a small child can handle.

[0056] Furthermore, the sound production device 1 according to the first embodiment causes the light-emitting unit 51 to emit light in a color that corresponds to the distance D from the object OB or the color of the object OB, and causes the sound production unit 54 to output a sound that corresponds to the color emitted by the light-emitting unit 51. This allows the user to point the sound production device 1 at various objects around them and search for colors while causing the sound production device 1 to output various sounds, allowing the user to enjoy playing with colors and sounds.

[0057] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Descriptions of configurations and functions similar to those of the first embodiment will be omitted where appropriate. In the first embodiment, the sound production device 1 includes a distance sensor 33 as a first sensor and a color sensor 34 as a second sensor. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the sound production device 1 includes a color sensor 34 as a first sensor and a distance sensor 33 as a second sensor. In other words, in the second embodiment, the first sensor and the second sensor are interchanged with those in the first embodiment. This will be described below.

[0058] In the second embodiment, the color sensor 34 measures the color of the object OB as the first measurement information. The distance sensor 33 measures the distance D from the end 7 of the sound generation device 1 to the object OB as the second measurement information. If the color of the object OB measured by the color sensor 34 satisfies the first condition, the setting unit 111 sets sound information and color information according to the color of the object OB measured by the color sensor 34. On the other hand, if the color of the object OB measured by the color sensor 34 satisfies the second condition, the setting unit 111 sets sound information and color information according to the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33. At this time, the setting unit 111 refers to the correspondence table 121 as in the first embodiment, and sets the sound information and color information associated with the measurement results of the color sensor 34 or the distance sensor 33.

[0059] In the second embodiment, the first condition is met when the color of the object OB measured by the color sensor 34 does not correspond to a specific color. The second condition is met when the color of the object OB measured by the color sensor 34 corresponds to a specific color. Here, the specific color is set in advance to switch between a first measurement mode in which measurement is performed by the color sensor 34 and a second measurement mode in which measurement is performed by the distance sensor 33. As an example, the specific color is set to black.

[0060] More specifically, when the user points the end portion 7 toward an object OB of a color other than black while pressing the sensing button 32, the setting unit 111 sets sound information and color information in the first measurement mode according to the color of the object OB measured by the color sensor 34. On the other hand, when the user points the end portion 7 toward a black object OB while pressing the sensing button 32, the setting unit 111 switches the measurement mode to the second measurement mode. In this case, the setting unit 111 sets sound information and color information according to the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33.

[0061] The setting process executed by the sound production device 1 according to the second embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 11. In step S3 of the sound production process shown in Fig. 9, the sound production device 1 according to the second embodiment executes the setting process shown in Fig. 11 instead of the setting process shown in Fig. 10 in the first embodiment.

[0062] 11 starts, the control unit 110 measures the color of the object OB using the color sensor 34 (step S41). After measuring the color of the object OB, the control unit 110 determines whether the measured color of the object OB corresponds to a specific color (step S42).

[0063] If the color of the measured object OB does not correspond to a specific color (step S42; NO), the control unit 110 sets sound information and color information according to the color of the measured object OB (step S43). Specifically, the control unit 110 identifies the color that is closest to the measured color from among the eight colors defined in the correspondence table 121. Then, the control unit 110 sets the identified color as color information in the correspondence table 121, and sets the pitch associated with the identified color as sound information.

[0064] On the other hand, if the measured color of the object OB corresponds to a specific color (step S42; YES), the control unit 110 measures the distance D from the end 7 of the sound generation device 1 to the object OB using the distance sensor 33 (step S44). After measuring the distance D, the control unit 110 sets sound information and color information according to the measured distance D (step S45). Specifically, the control unit 110 refers to the correspondence table 121 and sets the pitch and color associated with the measured distance D as the sound information and color information, respectively.

[0065] After setting the sound information and color information in step S43 or step S45, the control unit 110 causes the light-emitting unit 51 to emit light in the color indicated by the set color information (step S46). After causing the light-emitting unit 51 to emit light, the control unit 110 ends the setting process shown in Fig. 11. The processes other than the setting process are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described again.

[0066] As described above, the sound production device 1 according to the second embodiment outputs from the sound production unit 54 a sound corresponding to the color of the object OB measured by the color sensor 34 when the color of the object OB measured by the color sensor 34 does not correspond to a specific color, and outputs from the sound production unit 54 a sound corresponding to the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33 when the color of the object OB measured by the color sensor 34 corresponds to a specific color. In this way, even when the priority of the two sensors is reversed from that of the first embodiment, the user can output various sounds with an intuitive operation, allowing the user to enjoy playing with sounds with a simple operation.

[0067] Next, a third embodiment will be described. Descriptions of configurations and functions similar to those of the first and second embodiments will be omitted where appropriate. In the first and second embodiments, the sound production device 1 includes a distance sensor 33 and a color sensor 34. In contrast, the sound production device 1 of the third embodiment includes an air pressure sensor 35 instead of the distance sensor 33. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the sound production device 1 of the third embodiment includes a color sensor 34 as a first sensor and an air pressure sensor 35 as a second sensor.

[0068] The barometric pressure sensor 35 is a sensor that measures barometric pressure, i.e., atmospheric pressure. The barometric pressure sensor 35 measures barometric pressure using known methods such as piezoresistance and capacitance. The barometric pressure sensor 35 can measure the relative height from a reference position by converting the measured barometric pressure value into an altitude value. The reference position is specifically the position where the barometric pressure sensor 35 is activated. For example, if the barometric pressure sensor 35 is activated on the floor, it measures the relative height from the floor. The barometric pressure sensor 35 can measure the height from the reference position with an accuracy of, for example, 10 cm.

[0069] In the third embodiment, the color sensor 34 measures the color of the object OB as the first measurement information. The atmospheric pressure sensor 35 measures the current height of the sound generation device 1 from a reference position as the second measurement information. If the color of the object OB measured by the color sensor 34 satisfies the first condition, the setting unit 111 sets sound information and color information according to the color of the object OB measured by the color sensor 34. On the other hand, if the color of the object OB measured by the color sensor 34 satisfies the second condition, the setting unit 111 sets sound information and color information according to the height measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 35. At this time, the setting unit 111 refers to the correspondence table 121 and sets the sound information and color information associated with the measurement results of the color sensor 34 or the atmospheric pressure sensor 35. The other processes can be similarly explained by replacing "the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33" in the second embodiment with "the height measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 35."

[0070] As described above, the sound production device 1 according to the third embodiment includes an air pressure sensor 35 instead of the distance sensor 33 described in the first and second embodiments. The distance sensor 33 measures the distance D to the object OB, and therefore can measure not only the distance D to the floor but also the distance D to the wall, ceiling, etc., depending on the orientation of the sound production device 1. Therefore, the measurement value of the distance sensor 33 changes when the user changes the orientation of the sound production device 1. In contrast, the air pressure sensor 35 measures the height relative to a reference position, and therefore the measurement value of the air pressure sensor 35 does not change even when the orientation of the sound production device 1 is changed. Therefore, sound information and color information can be set stably even when the user points the sound production device 1 in various directions.

[0071] As a modification of the third embodiment, the sound production device 1 may include an air pressure sensor 35 as the first sensor and a color sensor 34 as the second sensor. In this case, the air pressure sensor 35 measures the current height of the sound production device 1 from a reference position as the first measurement information. The color sensor 34 measures the color of the object OB as the second measurement information. If the height measured by the air pressure sensor 35 satisfies the first condition, the setting unit 111 sets sound information and color information according to the height measured by the air pressure sensor 35. On the other hand, if the height measured by the air pressure sensor 35 satisfies the second condition, the setting unit 111 sets sound information and color information according to the color of the object OB measured by the color sensor 34.

[0072] Here, the first condition and the second condition regarding the height measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 35 can be set as appropriate. As an example, the first condition may be satisfied when the height measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 35 is higher than a specific height, and the second condition may be satisfied when the height measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 35 is equal to or lower than the specific height. Other processes can be similarly explained by replacing "distance D measured by the distance sensor 33" in the first embodiment with "height measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 35."

[0073] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. Descriptions of configurations and functions similar to those of the first embodiment will be omitted where appropriate. In the first to third embodiments, the sound production device 1 includes a color sensor 34 as the first or second sensor. In contrast, the sound production device 1 according to the fourth embodiment includes a camera 36 instead of the color sensor 34. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the sound production device 1 according to the fourth embodiment includes a distance sensor 33 as the first sensor and a camera 36 as the second sensor.

[0074] The camera 36 captures a color image of the object OB by photographing the object OB. The camera 36 then measures the color of the object OB based on the captured image. Other processes can be similarly explained in the first to third embodiments by replacing the "color sensor 34" with the "camera 36."

[0075] It is difficult for the color sensor 34 to measure the color of the object OB without contacting it, but it is easy for the camera 36 to measure the color of the object OB without contacting it. Therefore, by providing the camera 36 instead of the color sensor 34, the sound generation device 1 according to the fourth embodiment can improve the degree of freedom of operation for the user when measuring the color of the object OB.

[0076] As a modification of the fourth embodiment, the sound production device 1 may have the first sensor and the second sensor interchanged, with the camera 36 being provided as the first sensor and the distance sensor 33 being provided as the second sensor. Also, the sound production device 1 may have the air pressure sensor 35 described in the third embodiment as the first or second sensor, instead of the distance sensor 33.

[0077] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to these. In other words, the embodiments of the present invention are applicable to various applications, and all embodiments are included in the scope of the present invention.

[0078] For example, in the above embodiment, the sound production device 1 includes a handle-shaped handle 3 and a bell-shaped main body 5, and has a shape that imitates a hand bell (English bell). However, the shape of the sound production device 1 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1, as long as it can be held and swung by a user. For example, the shape of the main body 5 is not limited to a bell shape, and may be cylindrical, spherical, or another shape. Furthermore, the sound production device 1 may have a shape that imitates another musical instrument, such as a maracas, or may have a shape other than a musical instrument.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the setting unit 111 sets one of eight pitches in one octave, namely, "Do," "Re," "Mi," "Fa," "So," "La," "Si," and "Do," as sound information, based on the distance D to the object OB measured by the distance sensor 33 or the color of the object OB measured by the color sensor 34. However, the setting unit 111 is not limited to setting only one octave, and may set a plurality of pitches in a range exceeding one octave. Furthermore, the setting unit 111 may set semitones such as sharp and flat.

[0080] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the setting unit 111 sets eight pitches in one octave, from "C_" to "C", as the sound information, but the setting unit 111 is not limited to a scale, which is a sequence of notes according to such a predetermined rule, and any pitch may be set. For example, the setting unit 111 may set various pitches that do not have any rule, such as "C#", "Mi", "Fa♭", "La", etc., as the sound information. Such pitches can be freely set according to the user's preference.

[0081] Furthermore, the setting unit 111 may set a tone color as the sound information. Here, the tone color includes musical sounds emitted from musical instruments such as a piano, a violin, a trumpet, and the like, and the barks of animals such as a dog and a cat. For example, the setting unit 111 may set a musical sound of a different instrument or a different animal's bark as the sound information depending on the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33 or the color measured by the color sensor 34. More specifically, the setting unit 111 may set a dog's bark as the sound information when the color measured by the color sensor 34 corresponds to brown, and may set an elephant's roar as the sound information when the color measured by the color sensor 34 corresponds to gray.

[0082] In the above embodiment, when vibration is detected by the acceleration sensor 53, the sound generation control unit 113 causes the sound generation unit 54 to output a sound indicated by the sound information set by the setting unit 111. However, the sound generation control unit 113 is not limited to using the acceleration sensor 53, and may cause the sound generation unit 54 to output a sound in response to any trigger. For example, the sound generation control unit 113 may cause the sound generation unit 54 to output a sound indicated by the sound information set by the setting unit 111 in response to a user operating a specific operation unit, such as pressing a button or touching a contact sensor.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the sensing button 32, which is an example of an operation unit, is provided on the side of the handle 3. However, the sensing button 32 may be provided anywhere as long as it is located in a position that is easy for the user to operate. Furthermore, the operation unit is not limited to being a physical button like the sensing button 32, and may be, for example, a slide switch or a contact sensor that detects contact with a finger.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the sound production device 1 includes two sensors, a first sensor and a second sensor. However, the sound production device 1 may include only one sensor. For example, if the sound production device 1 includes only the distance sensor 33, the sound production control unit 113 controls the sound production unit 54 to output a sound corresponding to the distance D measured by the distance sensor 33 and causes the light-emitting unit 51 to emit a color corresponding to the measured distance D. Alternatively, if the sound production device 1 includes only the color sensor 34, the sound production control unit 113 controls the sound production unit 54 to output a sound corresponding to the color measured by the color sensor 34 and causes the light-emitting unit 51 to emit a color corresponding to the measured color. Even with only one sensor, the sound production device 1 changes the sound output according to the measurement result of the sensor, allowing the user to output various sounds with intuitive operations and enjoy playing with sounds with simple operations. The same applies to a case where the sound production device 1 includes only the air pressure sensor 35 or the camera 36 as a sensor. Furthermore, the sound generation device 1 may be provided with three or more sensors, and may be provided with a type of sensor other than the distance sensor 33, the color sensor , the air pressure sensor 35, or the camera .

[0085] In the above embodiment, the control unit 110 functions as the setting unit 111, the light emission control unit 112, and the sound generation control unit 113 by the CPU executing a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 120. However, the control unit 110 may be dedicated hardware. Dedicated hardware may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. When the control unit 110 is dedicated hardware, the functions of each unit may be realized by individual hardware, or the functions of each unit may be realized collectively by a single piece of hardware. Furthermore, some of the functions of each unit may be realized by dedicated hardware, and other functions may be realized by software or firmware. In this way, the control unit 110 can realize each of the above-described functions by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0086] By applying a program that defines the operation of the above-described sound generation device 1 to an existing computer such as a personal computer or a cloud server, it is possible to make the computer function as the above-described sound generation device 1. Furthermore, such a program may be distributed in any manner, and may be distributed by being stored on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk ROM), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), an MO (Magneto Optical Disk), or a memory card, or may be distributed via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0087] The above describes preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1...sound-emitting device, 3...handle portion, 5...main body portion, 7...end portion, 31...battery, 32...sensing button, 33...distance sensor, 34...color sensor, 35...atmospheric pressure sensor, 36...camera, 51...light-emitting portion, 52...light-guiding portion, 53...acceleration sensor, 54...sound-emitting portion, 55...control board, 110...control portion, 111...setting portion, 112...light-emitting control portion, 113...sound-emitting control portion, 120...storage portion, 121...correspondence table

Claims

1. a first sensor; a second sensor; and The pronunciation section and a control unit, The control unit When first measurement information measured by the first sensor satisfies a first condition, the sound generator is configured to output a sound corresponding to the first measurement information; and when the first measurement information satisfies a second condition, the sound generator is configured to output a sound corresponding to second measurement information measured by the second sensor. A sound generating device characterized by:

2. Further comprising a light emitting unit, The control unit When the first measurement information satisfies the first condition, the light emitting unit is caused to emit light in a color corresponding to the first measurement information; When the first measurement information satisfies the second condition, the light emitting unit is caused to emit light in a color corresponding to the second measurement information.

2. The sound generating device according to claim 1.

3. further comprising an acceleration sensor; When vibration is detected by the acceleration sensor, the control unit causes the sound generator to output a sound corresponding to the first measurement information or a sound corresponding to the second measurement information.

3. The sound generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Further provided with an operation unit, The control unit When the operation unit is operated and the first measurement information satisfies the first condition, setting sound information according to the first measurement information; When the operation unit is operated and the first measurement information satisfies the second condition, the sound information is set according to the second measurement information; outputting a sound indicated by the set sound information to the sound output unit when the operation unit is not operated and the vibration is detected by the acceleration sensor; 4. The sound generating device according to claim 3.

5. the first sensor is a distance sensor that measures a distance to an object as the first measurement information, the second sensor is a color sensor or a camera that measures the color of the object as the second measurement information, the first condition is met when the distance measured by the first sensor is greater than a predetermined value; the second condition is satisfied when the distance measured by the first sensor is equal to or less than the predetermined value; 3. The sound generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the first sensor is a color sensor or a camera that measures a color of an object as the first measurement information, the second sensor is a distance sensor that measures a distance to the object as the second measurement information, or an air pressure sensor that measures a height from a reference position as the second measurement information, the first condition is met when the color measured by the first sensor does not correspond to a specific color; the second condition is satisfied when the color measured by the first sensor corresponds to the specific color; 3. The sound generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The device has a handle and a main body, the first sensor and the second sensor are provided at an end of the handle portion opposite to the main body portion; 3. The sound generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. setting a sound output unit to output a sound corresponding to the first measurement information when the first measurement information measured by the first sensor satisfies a first condition; and when the first measurement information satisfies a second condition, the sound generator is configured to output a sound corresponding to second measurement information measured by a second sensor. A pronunciation method characterized by:

9. On the computer, a process of setting a sound output unit to output a sound corresponding to first measurement information measured by a first sensor when the first measurement information satisfies a first condition; a process of setting the sound generator to output a sound corresponding to second measurement information measured by a second sensor when the first measurement information satisfies a second condition; A program to execute.

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