Operation input device and electronic musical instrument

Abstract

[Problem] To provide an operation input device whereby ease of a playing operation can be enhanced by a simple structure. [Solution] An operation input device 5 used in an electronic musical instrument comprises: a casing 50 having a plurality of long holes 500 arranged such that long sides thereof have a prescribed interval therebetween; a plurality of operating pieces 51 respectively inserted in the plurality of long holes 500 and held by the casing 50 in a state in which distal-end side wall surfaces 510 protrude from the casing 50; an elastic support member 52 having a front surface 520 that supports proximal-end side wall surfaces 511, and a back surface 521 on which a plurality of projections 523 are provided in positions corresponding to the proximal-end side wall surfaces 511; a plurality of pressure-sensitive electroconductive members 53 that are respectively pressed by the plurality of projections 523 and thereby elastically deform; a substrate 54 having a plurality of electrode patterns that respectively contact the plurality of pressure-sensitive electroconductive members 53; and spacer members 55 having a plurality of openings 550 arranged between the elastic support member 53 and the substrate 54 and arranged so as to respectively avoid the plurality of projections 523.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation input device and an electronic musical instrument. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, electronic musical instruments capable of inputting a strumming operation to an operating piece equivalent to a guitar string have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a strumming information input device having a flexible operating piece with one end fixed and the other end protruding, a plurality of contact patterns provided on both sides of the operating piece in the operation direction at a predetermined interval from the operating piece, and a plurality of contact parts provided at positions on both sides of the operating piece corresponding to the contact patterns. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-308962 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the instrument disclosed in Patent Document 1, multiple contact patterns and contact parts are provided on both sides of the operation direction for one operation piece, resulting in a large number of parts and a complex structure, which increases manufacturing costs and reduces maintainability.

[0005] In addition, the playing information input device disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot detect a small amount of operation where the contact part does not come into contact with the contact pattern, even if the operating piece is operated in the operating direction. Furthermore, in the playing information input device disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the operating piece is operated in the operating direction, it can be detected by the contact pattern and the contact part, but it cannot detect an operation in a direction such as hitting or pressing the operating piece from above. Therefore, the amount and direction of operation that can be detected as a performance operation are limited, and there is a problem that it cannot respond to various performance operations.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide an operation input device and an electronic musical instrument that have a simple structure and enable improved operability in performance operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an operation input device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: An operation input device for use in an electronic musical instrument, comprising: a housing having a plurality of long holes arranged at a predetermined interval between long sides; a plurality of operation pieces that are held by the housing and can be operated in a short side direction of the elongated hole and in an insertion direction while being inserted into the plurality of elongated holes and having tip side wall surfaces protruding from the housing; an elastic support member formed of an elastic material having a predetermined thickness, the elastic support member having a surface supporting the base end side wall surfaces of the plurality of operation pieces and a back surface on which a plurality of protrusions are provided at positions corresponding to the base end side wall surfaces of the plurality of operation pieces; a plurality of pressure-sensitive conductive members that are elastically deformed when pressed by the plurality of protrusions; a substrate having a plurality of electrode patterns in contact with the plurality of pressure-sensitive conductive members, respectively; A spacer member is disposed between the elastic support member and the substrate, and has a plurality of openings disposed so as to avoid the respective protrusions. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the operation input device according to one embodiment of the present invention, when a player operates the distal end wall surface of the operation piece in the short side direction of the long hole, the operation piece is inclined in the short side direction of the long hole, and the inclined proximal end wall surface of the operation piece deforms the elastic support member, thereby pressing the pressure-sensitive conductive member via the protrusion provided on the back surface of the elastic support member, causing elastic deformation. When a player operates the distal end wall surface of the operation piece in the insertion direction of the operation piece, the operation piece is pushed in the insertion direction of the operation piece, and the proximal end wall surface of the pushed-in operation piece deforms the elastic support member, thereby pressing the pressure-sensitive conductive member via the protrusion provided on the back surface of the elastic support member, causing elastic deformation. Then, a performance operation on the operation piece is detected based on a change in the electrical resistance value when the pressure-sensitive conductive member is elastically deformed. Therefore, the operability of the performance operation can be improved with a simple structure.

[0009] Other objects, configurations and effects will become apparent from the detailed description of the invention described below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an electronic musical instrument 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a front view showing an example of an electronic musical instrument 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is an enlarged front view of a chord designation button group 3, a chord change button group 4, and a display unit 9 in an electronic musical instrument 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an electronic musical instrument 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 is a functional explanatory diagram showing an example of an electronic musical instrument 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is an exploded top perspective view showing an example of an operation input device 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is an exploded bottom perspective view showing an example of an operation input device 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an operation input device 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an example of an operation input device 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a first detection method when the operation detector 56 detects that a "strong" playing operation has been performed by the operation piece 51 being struck strongly. FIG. [Figure 11] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a first detection method when the operation detector 56 detects that a "weak" playing operation has been performed because the operation piece 51 has been weakly plucked. FIG. [Figure 12] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a first detection method when the operation detector 56 detects that no performance operation has been performed because the operation piece 51 has not been picked. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a second detection method when the operation detector 56 detects that a performance operation has been performed by hitting the operation piece 51 strongly. [Figure 14] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a second detection method when the operation detector 56 detects that a "weak" playing operation has been performed because the operation piece 51 has been struck lightly. FIG. [Figure 15] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a second detection method when the operation detection unit 56 detects that no performance operation has been performed because the operation piece 51 has not been struck. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, the scope necessary for the explanation to achieve the object of the present invention will be shown in a schematic manner, and the scope necessary for the explanation of the relevant part of the present invention will be mainly explained, and the parts that are omitted will be explained as being related to the publicly known technology.

[0012] (About the composition of each part of electronic musical instrument 1) Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an electronic musical instrument 1. Fig. 2 is a front view showing an example of the electronic musical instrument 1. Fig. 3 is an enlarged front view of the chord designation button group 3, the chord change button group 4, and the display unit 9 of the electronic musical instrument 1.

[0013] The electronic musical instrument 1 is an instrument that allows a player to play a variety of music by operating it with one or both hands. The electronic musical instrument 1 has a main body 2 that forms the external shape of the electronic musical instrument 1, and an operation section 10 arranged in various parts of the main body 2, which includes a chord designation button group 3, a chord change button group 4, an operation input device 5, a menu button 6, and an option button group 7. The electronic musical instrument 1 also has a sound generation section 8 and a display section 9, as well as a control section 11, a memory section 12, a battery 13, and an external I / F (interface) section 14 built into the main body 2.

[0014] The main body 2 imitates the shape of a stringed instrument such as a guitar or bass, and is composed of a neck portion 20 corresponding to the neck of a stringed instrument, and a body portion 21 corresponding to the body of a stringed instrument. The main body 2 is formed of a material such as wood, resin, metal, etc., and has a total length of about 400 to 500 mm and a thickness of about 10 mm. The size and shape of the main body 2 may be changed as appropriate. In this embodiment, the main body 2 is composed of two members (a front cover and a back cover) formed into thin plates by resin molding.

[0015] The chord designation button group 3 is made up of a plurality of chord designation buttons 3A to 3I, which are arranged side by side on the neck portion 20. The plurality of chord designation buttons 3A to 3I are formed, for example, in a rectangular shape, and are arranged in a two-dimensional array or a staggered array.

[0016] Chords are assigned to the chord designation buttons 3A-3I, respectively. Specifically, a first root note and a first chord type constituting each chord are assigned to the chord designation buttons 3A-3I, respectively. The assignment of chords to the chord designation buttons 3A-3I, respectively, is not fixed, but can be changed according to a number of change methods (described in detail below). It is preferable that chords including at least primary and secondary triads from I to VI are assigned to the chord designation buttons 3A-3I.

[0017] The chord change button group 4 consists of a plurality of chord change buttons 4A-4K, and is arranged next to the plurality of chord designation buttons 3A-3I on the neck portion 20. The plurality of chord change buttons 4A-4K are formed, for example, in a rectangular shape, and are arranged adjacent to the chord designation button group 3 in a two-dimensional array or a staggered array.

[0018] A plurality of change methods for changing the chord allocation state for the chord designation buttons 3A to 3I are assigned to the chord change buttons 4A to 4K, respectively. The change methods for changing the chord allocation state change at least one of the first root note and the first chord type constituting each chord assigned to the chord designation buttons 3A to 3I, in accordance with a predetermined rule. The chord change methods are classified into the following three types.

[0019] In the "first change method", the allocation state is changed by adding the second chord type to the first chord type, or by replacing the first chord type with the second chord type. For example, if the chord name indicating the chord to be changed is "Am" and "M7" or "aug" is specified as the second chord type, in the first change method, the first chord type "m" is changed to a new chord (addition: "Am" → "AmM7", or replacement: "Am" → "Aaug") by adding the characteristics of the constituent tones specified as the second chord type ("M7") to the first chord type "m", or by replacing the first chord type "m" with the characteristics of the constituent tones specified as the second chord type ("aug"). In this embodiment, as a first change method, the seven chord change buttons 4A, 4B, 4D to 4F, 4H, and 4K are assigned second chord types, namely, “9”, “6”, “sus4”, “7”, “M7”, “dim”, and “m7(-5)”, respectively.

[0020] In the "second change method", when the first chord type corresponds to the third chord type, the first chord type is replaced with a fourth chord type different from the third chord type, and when the first chord type corresponds to the fourth chord type, the first chord type is replaced with the third chord type, thereby changing the allocation state. The chord designation buttons 3A to 3I are assigned the third chord type and the fourth chord type when changing the allocation state by the second change method. For example, if the chord names indicating the chord to be changed are "C" and "Am", and "M" is designated as the third chord type and "m" as the fourth chord type, in the second change method, the third chord type and the fourth chord type are changed to new chords ("C" → "Cm" and "Am" → "A") by swapping (swabbing major and minor). In this embodiment, as the second changing method, a third chord type "M" and a fourth chord type "m" are assigned to the chord change button 4C.

[0021] In the "third change method", the allocation state is changed by adding an alteration symbol (for example, #, ♭, etc.) to the first root note. The alteration symbol when changing the allocation state by the third change method is assigned to the chord designation buttons 3A to 3I. For example, if the chord name indicating the chord to be changed is "C" and "#" or "♭" is designated as the alteration symbol, in the third change method, the first root note is changed to a new chord ("C" → "D♭" or "C" → "C♭") by adding an alteration symbol. In this embodiment, as the third change method, the alteration symbol "#" is assigned to the chord change button 4I.

[0022] The operation input device 5 functions as a performance operation input device for inputting performance operations, and includes a plurality of operation pieces 51A-51F that resemble the strings of a guitar, bass, or the like. The plurality of operation pieces 51A-51F have an elongated and rounded appearance overall, and are arranged side by side toward the center of the body part 21. The operation input device 5 is configured to be able to detect, as performance operations for the operation pieces 51A-51F, a performance operation such as plucking with fingers like the strings of a guitar or bass (strike operation) and a performance operation such as hitting with fingers (percussion operation).

[0023] The menu button 6 is arranged on the neck portion 20 alongside the chord designation buttons 3A to 3I.

[0024] The option button group 7 is arranged on the body portion 21 and consists of a key up button 70A and a key down button 70B for raising and lowering the key (tone), and memory buttons 71A and 71B for reading out user setting data stored in the memory portion 12.

[0025] The sound generation unit 8 is disposed toward one side of the body unit 21. The sound generation unit 8 is composed of a sound output device including, for example, an amplifier circuit, a speaker, and the like. The sound generation unit 8 generates performance sounds corresponding to operations on the chord designation buttons 3 and the chord change buttons 4 by amplifying a signal based on sound generation information (described in detail later) generated by the control unit 11 and emitting the sound to the outside via the speaker. Note that the sound generation unit 8 may be an external device such as an external speaker, headphones, or earphones connected wirelessly or by wire.

[0026] The display unit 9 is disposed between the neck portion 20 and the body portion 21, alongside the chord designation button group 3 and the chord change button group 4. The display unit 9 is configured with a display device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or a touch panel. The display unit 9 displays various screens (such as a performance screen for performance and a setting screen for settings) based on display information generated by the control unit 11.

[0027] 3, the performance screen 90 includes a plurality of chord images 900A-900I corresponding to the chords assigned to the plurality of chord designation buttons 3A-3I, a plurality of change method images 901A-901K corresponding to the change methods assigned to the plurality of chord change buttons 4A-4K, a menu image 902 corresponding to the menu button 6, and a key image 903 indicating the key set by the key up button 70A and the key down button 70B. For the sake of explanation, the chord names assigned to the chord designation buttons 3A-3I are shown in FIG.

[0028] Each of the chord images 900A-900I is an image including a chord name indicating a chord. The change method images 901A, 901B, 901D-901I, and 901K corresponding to the first change method are images including a second chord type. The change method image 901C corresponding to the second change method is an image including a third chord type and a fourth chord type. The change method image 901J corresponding to the third change method is an image including an alteration symbol. On the performance screen 90, the order of the images in which the multiple chord images 900A-900I, the multiple change method images 901A-901K, and the menu image 902 are arranged in a row matches the order of the buttons in which the multiple chord designation buttons 3A-3I, the multiple chord change buttons 4A-4K, and the menu button 6 are arranged in a row.

[0029] The chord designation button group 3, chord change button group 4, menu button 6, and option button group 7 may be formed of any type of sensor capable of detecting the operation state of the performer, for example, a pressure sensor, a contact sensor, a touch panel, etc. The size, shape, and arrangement of the chord designation button group 3, chord change button group 4, menu button 6, and option button group 7 are not limited to the above examples, and may be changed as appropriate. Details of the operation input device 5 will be described later.

[0030] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the electronic musical instrument 1. Fig. 5 is a functional explanatory diagram showing an example of the electronic musical instrument 1.

[0031] The control unit 11 is configured with an arithmetic processing device such as a processor (CPU, etc.), a sound chip, a video chip, etc. The control unit 11 is electrically connected to each part of the electronic musical instrument 1.

[0032] The storage unit 12 is composed of storage devices such as a HDD, memory, etc. The storage unit 12 stores various data necessary for playing the electronic musical instrument 1, such as a scale database 120, a performance method database 121, a sound source database 122, a user setting database 123, and a performance program 124. These data may be updated when the electronic musical instrument 1 is connected to a network such as the Internet.

[0033] The scale database 120 is a database for specifying a scale corresponding to each constituent note of a chord, for example, by a note number. The scale database 120 stores, for example, a node number corresponding to each constituent note of a chord.

[0034] The playing style database 121 is a database for generating sound generation information according to the playing style when generating chords. The playing style database 121 stores sound generation conditions (standard sound generation volume, sound generation length, etc.) for each playing style such as chord, root, stroke, arpeggio, etc.

[0035] The sound source database 122 is a database for generating sound generation information according to the tone color when a chord is generated. The sound source database 122 stores sound source data for each tone color, such as guitar, piano, drums, etc. As the sound source data, various formats such as FM sound source, MIDI sound source, PCM sound source, etc. are used.

[0036] The user setting database 123 is a database for storing various parameters that can be set by the performer. The user setting database 123 is made up of a plurality of user setting data, and for each user setting data, parameters such as assignment status, key, playing method, and tone color are stored. The user setting database 123 is read by the control unit 11 in response to the operation of the memory buttons 71A and 71B, and is configured to be changeable on the setting screen.

[0037] The battery 13 is, for example, a primary battery or a secondary battery. When a power switch (not shown) of the electronic musical instrument 1 is turned on, the battery 13 supplies power to each component of the electronic musical instrument 1. Note that the electronic musical instrument 1 may be supplied with power from an external source via, for example, an AC adapter, a USB cable, or the like.

[0038] The external I / F unit 14 is composed of, for example, a communication device, and is connected to an external device or a network by wire or wirelessly to transmit and receive information. The external I / F unit 14 includes an input / output terminal that is connected to an external device by wire, and a wireless communication unit that supports communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and wireless LAN.

[0039] The control unit 11 executes a performance program 124 stored in the storage unit 12, thereby functioning as an operation receiving unit 110, a chord changing unit 111, a sound information generating unit 112, and a display information generating unit 113. The control unit 11 receives an operation on the operation unit 10, and controls the sound generating unit 8, the display unit 9, and the external I / F unit 14 in accordance with the operation, while referring to various databases 120 to 123 stored in the storage unit 12.

[0040] The operation reception unit 110 receives operations for each of the operation units 10 .

[0041] When an operation on the chord change buttons 4A-4K is accepted by the operation accepting section 110, the chord change section 111 changes the assignment state in accordance with the changing method assigned to the chord change button in that operation. Then, while the chord change button is being operated, the chord change section 111 maintains the changed assignment state, and when the operation on the chord change button is released, it returns the assignment state to the original assignment state.

[0042] When the chord designation buttons 3A to 3I are accepted by the operation accepting unit 110 and an operation on the operation input device 5 (at least one of the multiple operation pieces 51A to 51F) is accepted, the pronunciation information generating unit 112 generates pronunciation information 80 based on the chord assigned to the chord designation buttons 3A to 3I in that operation.

[0043] 5 shows a specific process performed by the pronunciation information generating unit 112 when generating the pronunciation information 80. That is, when an operation on a plurality of chord designation buttons 3A-3I is accepted, the pronunciation information generating unit 112 determines a chord to be sounded by the sound generating unit 8 by specifying a chord corresponding to the operation, for example, by a chord name (first intermediate information 81A). At this time, if a plurality of chord change buttons 4A-4K are operated, the pronunciation information generating unit 112 determines a chord to be sounded by the sound generating unit 8 based on a state in which the assignment state has been changed according to a change method assigned to the chord change buttons 4A-4K in the operation.

[0044] Then, the sound information generating unit 112 refers to the scale database 120 based on the chord name indicated by the first intermediate information 81A, and determines the scale (second intermediate information 81B) corresponding to each constituent note of the chord. The sound information generating unit 112 refers to the playing method database 121, and determines the sounding conditions (third intermediate information 81C = scale + sounding conditions) when the chord is sounded. The sound information generating unit 112 refers to the sound source database 122, and determines the tone color (fourth intermediate information 81D = scale + sounding conditions + tone color) when the chord is sounded. When an operation on the operation input device 5 (at least one of the multiple operation pieces 51A to 51F) is accepted, the sound information generating unit 112 determines the sound volume and sound length based on the performance operation detection data (for example, dynamics, long and short, etc.) sent from the operation input device 5. The pronunciation information generation unit 112 generates pronunciation information 80 for causing the pronunciation unit 8 to pronounce the sound specified by the scale and the tone color in accordance with the pronunciation conditions and the performance operation detection data, based on the fifth intermediate information 81E (scale+sound production conditions+tone color+performance operation detection data), and sends it to the pronunciation unit 8.

[0045] The display information generating unit 113 generates display information 91 for displaying the performance screen 90 (see FIG. 3) and the setting screen on the display unit 9 in response to the operation accepted by the operation accepting unit 110.

[0046] When playing the electronic musical instrument 1 having the above configuration, the performer holds the neck portion 20 of the main body 2 with the left hand (or right hand) and supports the body portion 21 with the right hand (or left hand), for example, while pressing the chord designation button group 3 and the chord change button group 4 with the fingers of the left hand (or right hand) and playing the multiple operation pieces 51A-51F with the fingers of the right hand (or left hand) to play the electronic musical instrument 1. In addition, with the main body 2 placed, for example, on a table, the performer plays the electronic musical instrument 1 by pressing the chord designation button group 3 and the chord change button group 4 with the fingers of the left hand (or right hand) and playing, hitting or holding down the multiple operation pieces 51A-51F with the fingers of the right hand (or left hand).

[0047] (Detailed configuration of operation input device 5) Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 are an exploded top perspective view and an exploded bottom perspective view showing an example of the operation input device 5. Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 are a cross-sectional view and a longitudinal section view showing an example of the operation input device 5. Note that Fig. 8 shows two operation pieces 51C and 51D, and Fig. 9 shows one operation piece 51C, but the other operation pieces are configured in the same way.

[0048] The operation input device 5 includes a housing 50, a plurality of operation pieces 51A to 51F, an elastic support member 52, a plurality of pressure-sensitive conductive members 53, a substrate 54, a spacer member 55, and an operation detection unit 56.

[0049] The housing 50 has a plurality of elongated holes 500 whose long sides are arranged at a predetermined interval. The elongated holes 500 are formed, for example, in a rounded rectangular shape in a front view in accordance with the shapes of the operation pieces 51A to 51F. Note that the shape of the elongated holes may be rectangular or elliptical instead of the rounded rectangular shape, and is not limited thereto.

[0050] In this embodiment, the housing 50 is formed from a part of the main body 2 of the electronic musical instrument 1, and has an accommodating wall 501 erected so as to accommodate the plurality of operation pieces 51A to 51F, respectively, and four screw holes 502.

[0051] The multiple operation pieces 51A to 51F each have a rounded, curved tip side wall surface 510, a base side wall surface 511 formed on the opposite side thereof, a peripheral side surface 512 disposed between the tip side wall surface 510 and the base side wall surface 511, and a receiving portion 513 formed in a stripe shape so as to go around the peripheral side surface 512. In this embodiment, the operation pieces 51A to 51F are formed, for example, by resin molding into a hollow cap shape, and three reinforcing ribs 514 are provided so as to divide the internal cavity at equal intervals in the long side direction.

[0052] The multiple operation pieces 51A-51F are held in the housing 50 so as to be operable in the short side direction (arrows F1, F2 in FIG. 8) and the insertion direction (arrow F3 in FIG. 8) of the long hole 500 with the distal end side wall surface 510 protruding from the housing 50. At this time, the operation pieces 51A-51F are designed so that when inserted into the long hole 500, a predetermined gap (play) exists between the peripheral side surface 512 and the long hole 500, and the receiving portion 513 functions as a retainer for preventing the operation pieces 51A-51F from coming out of the long hole 500.

[0053] The elastic support member 52 is formed of a plate-like elastic material (e.g., silicone rubber) having a predetermined thickness. The elastic support member 52 has a front surface 520 that supports the base end side wall surfaces 511 of the multiple operation pieces 51A to 51F, a back surface 521 that is disposed on the opposite side to the front surface 520 in the thickness direction and has multiple protrusions 523 provided at positions corresponding to the base end side wall surfaces 511 of the multiple operation pieces 51A to 51F, and a side edge portion 522 that is bordered along the side surface.

[0054] The elastic support member 52 has a plurality of support parts 524 formed in a table shape on the front surface 520, which support the base end side wall surfaces 511 of the plurality of operation pieces 51A to 51F with the support surface 524a, and a thin wall portion 525 formed around the plurality of support parts 524 and thinner than the portion where the support parts 524 are formed. The elastic support member 52 has a convex portion 526 formed in a convex shape and a concave portion 527 formed on the back surface 521 so as not to overlap the portion where the plurality of support parts 524 are formed, and a plurality of concave portions 527 formed to include the periphery of the portion where the plurality of support parts 524 are formed. Therefore, the elastic support member 52 has a relatively thick portion where either the support parts 524 or the convex portion 526 is provided, and a relatively thin portion where the support parts 524 and the convex portion 526 are not provided, i.e., the thin wall portion 525.

[0055] The protrusion 523 is provided, for example, in a tapered truncated cone shape, on the opposite side of the base end wall surface 511 supported by the front surface 520 (support surface 524a of the support portion 524) as a position corresponding to the base end wall surface 511 of the operation pieces 51A to 51F, that is, on the back surface 521 located on the opposite side of the support surface 524a across the elastic support member 52. In this embodiment, the protrusion 523 is provided at a position corresponding to the center portion 511a of the base end wall surface 511 (the center portion of the recessed portion 527). The size and shape of the protrusion 523 may be changed as appropriate, and may be, for example, cylindrical, prismatic, or pyramidal.

[0056] The pressure-sensitive conductive members 53 are made of a pressure-sensitive conductive material whose electrical resistance value changes when the pressure-sensitive conductive material is elastically deformed by a predetermined pressure. The pressure-sensitive conductive material is manufactured by adding conductive particles to insulating rubber, for example, and has a high electrical resistance value when no pressure is applied, and the electrical resistance value decreases as the pressure increases.

[0057] The pressure-sensitive conductive members 53 are arranged at positions where they come into contact with the protrusions 523, and are elastically deformed by being pressed by the protrusions 523. The pressure-sensitive conductive members 53 are formed, for example, in a rectangular shape, and are arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the rectangular shape extends along the short side directions F1, F2 of the slot 500 and straddles the openings 550 of the spacer member 55.

[0058] Substrate 54 has a plurality of electrode patterns 540 that respectively contact a plurality of pressure-sensitive conductive members 53. Electrode pattern 540 is, for example, composed of a pair of electrodes formed in a comb shape so as not to contact each other. Substrate 54 also has two positioning holes 541 for positioning spacer member 55, two first through holes 542 through which two screws (not shown) for screwing substrate 54 and spacer member 55 (screw holes 553) pass, and four second through holes 543 through which four screws (not shown) for screwing substrate 54 and housing 50 (screw holes 502) pass.

[0059] Spacer member 55 is formed of a plate-like resin material (e.g., polypropylene resin, urethane resin, etc.) having a predetermined thickness, and has a plurality of rectangular openings 550 and lattice-shaped ribs 551 formed in a lattice shape on the substrate 54 side. Spacer member 55 is disposed between elastic support member 52 and substrate 54, and the plurality of openings 550 are disposed so as to avoid the plurality of protrusions 523, respectively, and have step surfaces 550a formed in a stepped shape for arranging both ends of pressure-sensitive conductive member 53 in the longitudinal direction therein. Spacer member 55 also has two positioning pins 552 inserted into positioning holes 541 of spacer member 55, and two screw holes 553.

[0060] The operation input device 5 is assembled by arranging the pressure-sensitive conductive members 53 in the openings 550 (step surfaces 550a) of the spacer member 55, respectively, and aligning the positioning pins 552 so that they are inserted into the positioning holes 541 of the substrate 54. Then, screws passing through the first through holes 542 of the substrate 54 are fastened into the screw holes 553 of the spacer member 55. This fixes the substrate 54 and the spacer member 55 together with the pressure-sensitive conductive members 53 sandwiched between the substrate 54 and the spacer member 55.

[0061] Then, the multiple operation pieces 51A to 51F are inserted into the multiple long holes 500 of the housing 50 from the tip side wall surface 510, and the elastic support member 52 is arranged in a state where the multiple support portions 524 (support surfaces 524a) of the elastic support member 52 are aligned with the base end side wall surfaces 511 of the operation pieces 51A to 51F. Then, in a state where the multiple protrusions 523 of the elastic support member 52 are aligned to be inserted into the multiple openings 550 of the spacer member 55 to which the substrate 54 and the spacer member 55 are fixed, the screws passing through the second through holes 543 of the substrate 54 are fastened into the screw holes 502 of the housing 50. In this way, the operation input device 5 is assembled.

[0062] The size, shape, arrangement and material of the housing 50, operation pieces 51A-51F, elastic support member 52, pressure-sensitive conductive member 53, substrate 54 and spacer member 55 are not limited to the above examples and may be changed as appropriate. In this case, the Young's modulus (modulus of longitudinal elasticity) of the elastic material that is the material of elastic support member 52 may be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the housing 50 may be configured as a component separate from the main body 2 of the electronic musical instrument 1, and in that case, the operation input device 5 may be attached to the main body 2 after assembly.

[0063] The operation detection unit 56 is composed of, for example, a power supply circuit, a voltage sensor, a current sensor, and a control circuit (for example, a microcontroller composed of a processor, a memory, etc.) provided on the board 54. The operation detection unit 56 may be provided on a board separate from the board 54. The operation detection unit 56 may be provided on a device separate from the operation input device 5, may be incorporated into the control unit 11 as one function of the control unit 11, or may be realized by the performance program 124 as a part of the performance program 124.

[0064] Operation detection unit 56 is connected to each of the plurality of electrode patterns 540 (specifically, a pair of comb-shaped electrodes) and detects a performance operation for each of the plurality of operation pieces 51A-51F based on a change in electrical resistance value when each of the plurality of pressure-sensitive conductive members 53 is elastically deformed. Then, operation detection unit 56 sends performance operation detection data obtained by detecting the performance operation to control unit 11. The performance operation detection data includes, for example, an identifier indicating operation pieces 51A-51F on which the performance operation was performed, the strength of the performance operation when the performance operation was performed, the strength of the performance operation when the performance operation was performed, the length of the performance operation when the performance operation was performed, the type of performance operation when the performance operation was performed (playing, percussion, etc.), etc.

[0065] The operation detection unit 56 converts the electrical resistance value detected when the operation pieces 51A-51F are operated into an operation pressure value P for the operation pieces 51A-51F based on a conversion table or a conversion formula for converting the electrical resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive member 53 into a pressure value. Then, the operation detection unit 56 detects a playing operation for the operation pieces 51A-51F by monitoring a change state (amount of change, speed of change, etc.) of the operation pressure value P. Note that the operation detection unit 56 may detect a playing operation by monitoring a change state of the electrical resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive member 53 without converting the electrical resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive member 53 into an operation pressure value P.

[0066] The detection method used by the operation detection unit 56 to detect a performance operation is classified into the following two types depending on the performance method.

[0067] (First detection method by the operation detection unit 56) Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a first detection method when the operation detection unit 56 detects that a "strong" playing operation has been performed because the operation piece 51 has been strongly plucked. Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a first detection method when the operation detection unit 56 detects that a "weak" playing operation has been performed because the operation piece 51 has been weakly plucked. Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a first detection method when the operation detection unit 56 detects that no playing operation has been performed because the operation piece 51 has not been plucked. The first detection method is a method for detecting a plucking operation when the performer operates the operation piece 51 by plucking it with his / her fingers in the short side directions F1 and F2.

[0068] In the first detection method, the operation detection unit 56 detects the presence or absence and strength of a playing operation by monitoring the change state when the operation pressure value P increases and then decreases. Specifically, the operation detection unit 56 detects the presence or absence of a playing operation when the operation piece 51 is operated in the short side directions F1 and F2 according to the length of a first elapsed time T1 from the time when the operation pressure value P exceeds a predetermined first upper limit threshold U1 and then falls below the first upper limit threshold U1 to the time when it falls below a predetermined first lower limit threshold L1. Furthermore, the operation detection unit 56 detects the strength of the playing operation according to a first peak value after the operation pressure value P exceeds the first upper limit threshold U1.

[0069] 10 to 12, when a player operates the tip end side wall surface 510 of the operation piece 51 with his / her finger in the short side direction F1, an operation pressure acts on the operation piece 51 in the short side direction F1. The operation pressure is transmitted from the base end side wall surface 511 of the operation piece 51 to the support portion 524 of the elastic support member 52, and elastically deforms the elastic support member 52 (particularly the thin portion 525 formed on the short side direction F1 side of the support portion 524), thereby displacing the operation piece 51 so as to incline in the short side direction F1. Then, in accordance with the displacement, the protrusion portion 523 is displaced so as to press the pressure-sensitive conductive member 53, and a predetermined pressing force acts on the pressure-sensitive conductive member 53. Therefore, the operation detection unit 56 detects, as a change in the electrical resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive member 53, that the operation pressure value P has increased and exceeded the first upper limit threshold U1.

[0070] In the above situation, when the player flicks the operation piece 51 by swinging his / her finger to the opposite side of the operation piece 51 as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the time taken for the elastic support member 52 to restore to its original shape becomes shorter as a reaction, and the rate of change in the electrical resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive member 53 becomes faster. At that time, the first elapsed time T1 (=te1-ts1 or te2-ts2) measured when the operation pressure value P decreases becomes shorter, so the operation detection unit 56 compares the first elapsed time T1 with the first operation detection threshold value TA, and detects that a playing operation has been performed if the first elapsed time T1 is equal to or less than the first operation detection threshold value TA (see Figures 10 and 11).

[0071] Then, when the operation piece 51 is struck strongly (see FIG. 10), the first peak value P1 after the operation pressure value P exceeds the first upper limit threshold U1 becomes large, and the operation detection unit 56 detects that a "strong" playing operation has been performed according to the first peak value P1. When the operation piece 51 is struck weakly (see FIG. 11), the first peak value P1 after the operation pressure value P exceeds the first upper limit threshold U1 becomes small, and the operation detection unit 56 detects that a "weak" playing operation has been performed according to the first peak value P1. Note that the operation detection unit 56 may detect the strength of the playing operation as a discrete value or a continuous value according to the magnitude of the first peak value P1.

[0072] On the other hand, when the player returns his / her finger without swinging it all the way to the opposite side of the operation piece 51 as shown in Fig. 12, the time it takes for the elastic support member 52 to restore to its original shape becomes longer as a reaction, and the rate of change in the electrical resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive member 53 becomes slower. Therefore, the first elapsed time T1 (=te3-ts3) measured by the operation detection unit 56 when the operation pressure value P decreases becomes longer. In this case, since the first elapsed time T1 (=te3-ts3) measured when the operation pressure value P decreases becomes longer, the operation detection unit 56 compares the first elapsed time T1 with the first operation detection threshold value TA, and detects that no playing operation has been performed when the first elapsed time T1 exceeds the first operation detection threshold value TA.

[0073] (Second detection method by the operation detection unit 56) Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a second detection method when the operation detection unit 56 detects that a performance operation has been performed because the operation piece 51 has been struck strongly. Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a second detection method when the operation detection unit 56 detects that a "weak" performance operation has been performed because the operation piece 51 has been struck weakly. Fig. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a second detection method when the operation detection unit 56 detects that a performance operation has not been performed because the operation piece 51 has not been struck. The second detection method is a method for detecting a striking operation when a performer operates the operation piece 51 by striking it with a finger in the insertion direction F3 in which the operation piece 51 is pushed in.

[0074] In the second detection method, the operation detection unit 56 detects the presence or absence and strength of a percussion operation by monitoring the change state when the operation pressure value P increases. Specifically, the operation detection unit 56 detects the presence or absence of a performance operation when the operation piece 51 is operated in the insertion direction F3 according to the length of the second elapsed time T2 from the time when the operation pressure value P exceeds a predetermined second lower limit threshold L2 to the time when the operation pressure value P exceeds a predetermined second upper limit threshold U2. Furthermore, the operation detection unit 56 detects the strength of the performance operation according to a second peak value after the operation pressure value P exceeds the second upper limit threshold U2.

[0075] 13 to 15, when a player operates the distal end side wall surface 510 of the operation piece 51 with his / her finger in the insertion direction F3, an operation pressure acts on the operation piece 51 in the insertion direction F3. The operation pressure is transmitted from the proximal end side wall surface 511 of the operation piece 51 to the support portion 524 of the elastic support member 52, and displaces the operation piece 51 so as to be pushed in the insertion direction F3 by elastically deforming the elastic support member 52 (particularly the thin portion 525 formed around the entire periphery of the support portion 524). Then, in accordance with the displacement, the protrusion portion 523 is displaced so as to press the pressure-sensitive conductive member 53, and a predetermined pressing force acts on the pressure-sensitive conductive member 53. Therefore, the operation detection unit 56 detects, as a change in the electrical resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive member 53, that the operation pressure value P has increased and exceeded the second lower limit threshold value L2.

[0076] In the above situation, when the player taps the operation piece 51 with his / her finger in the insertion direction F3 as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the time taken for the elastic support member 52 to be elastically deformed so as to be pushed in the insertion direction F3 becomes shorter, and the rate of change in the electrical resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive member 53 becomes faster. Therefore, the second elapsed time T2 (=te3-ts3) measured by the operation detection unit 56 when the operation pressure value P increases becomes shorter. At that time, since the second elapsed time T2 (= te4-ts4 or te5-ts5) measured when the operation pressure value P increases becomes shorter, the operation detection unit 56 compares the second elapsed time T2 with the second operation detection threshold TB, and detects that a playing operation has been performed if the second elapsed time T2 is equal to or less than the second operation detection threshold TB (see Figures 13 and 14).

[0077] Then, when the operation piece 51 is struck strongly (see FIG. 13), the second peak value P2 after the operation pressure value P exceeds the second upper limit threshold U2 becomes large, and the operation detection unit 56 detects that a "strong" playing operation has been performed according to the second peak value P2. When the operation piece 51 is struck weakly (see FIG. 14), the second peak value P2 after the operation pressure value P exceeds the second upper limit threshold U2 becomes small, and the operation detection unit 56 detects that a "weak" playing operation has been performed according to the second peak value P2. Note that the operation detection unit 56 may detect the strength of the playing operation as a discrete value or a continuous value according to the magnitude of the second peak value P2.

[0078] On the other hand, when the performer places his / her finger on the operation piece 51 without tapping it in the insertion direction F3 as shown in Fig. 15, the time required for the elastic support member 52 to be elastically deformed so as to be pushed in the insertion direction F3 becomes longer, and the rate of change in the electrical resistance value of the pressure-sensitive conductive member 53 becomes slower. Therefore, the second elapsed time T2 (=te6-ts6) measured by the operation detection unit 56 when the operation pressure value P increases becomes longer. In this case, since the second elapsed time T2 (=te6-ts6) measured when the operation pressure value P increases becomes longer, the operation detection unit 56 compares the second elapsed time T2 with the second operation detection threshold TB, and detects that no performance operation has been performed when the second elapsed time T2 exceeds the second operation detection threshold TB.

[0079] The operation detection unit 56 may detect a performance operation using either the first detection method or the second detection method, or may detect a performance operation using both the first detection method and the second detection method. The operation detection unit 56 may be configured to be switchable, via the menu button 6 or a setting screen, between a plucking mode in which a performance operation is detected using the first detection method and a percussion mode in which a performance operation is detected using the second detection method.

[0080] As described above, according to the operation input device 5 of this embodiment, when the player operates the tip side wall surface 510 of the operation pieces 51A to 51F in the short side directions F1, F2 of the long hole 500, the operation pieces 51A to 51F tilt in the short side directions F1, F2 of the long hole 500, and the base end side wall surface 511 of the tilted operation piece 51 elastically deforms the elastic support member 52, thereby pressing the pressure-sensitive conductive member 53 via the protrusion portion 523 provided on the back surface 521 of the elastic support member 52, and elastically deforming the pressure-sensitive conductive member 53. In addition, when the player operates the distal end side wall surface 510 of the operation pieces 51A to 51F in the insertion direction F3 of the operation pieces 51A to 51F, the operation pieces 51A to 51F are pushed in the insertion direction F3 of the operation pieces 51A to 51F, and the proximal end side wall surface 511 of the pushed operation pieces 51A to 51F elastically deforms the elastic support member 52, thereby pressing the pressure-sensitive conductive member 53 via the protrusion 523 provided on the back surface 521 of the elastic support member 52, and elastically deforming the pressure-sensitive conductive member 53. Then, the performance operation on the operation pieces 51A to 51F is detected based on the change in the electrical resistance value when the pressure-sensitive conductive member 53 is elastically deformed. This makes it possible to improve the operability of the performance operation with a simple structure.

[0081] Furthermore, the operation pieces 51A to 51F are structured to be independent of other members, so that even if the operation pieces 51A to 51F are damaged, the parts of the operation pieces 51A to 51F can be easily replaced.

[0082] Furthermore, the protrusion 523 of the elastic support member 52 is provided at a position (the center of the recessed portion 527) corresponding to the center portion 511a of the base end side wall surface 511 of the operation pieces 51A to 51F. Therefore, even if the operation pieces 51A to 51F are operated in any direction of the short side direction F1, F2 or the insertion direction F3, and even if the operation pieces 51A to 51F are operated in any position such as the center portion or both ends in the long side direction, the operation pressure on the operation pieces 51A to 51F can be surely applied to the pressure-sensitive conductive member 53 via the protrusion 523. This can improve the detection performance of the playing operation. Also, since it is not necessary to provide a plurality of sets of pressure-sensitive conductive members 53 and electrode patterns 540 for one operation piece 51A to 51F, an increase in manufacturing costs can be suppressed.

[0083] Furthermore, pressure-sensitive conductive member 53 is formed in a rectangular shape, and the longitudinal direction of the rectangular shape is arranged along the short side directions F1, F2 of slot 500. Therefore, when operation pieces 51A-51F are operated in the short side directions F1, F2 and protrusion 523 is displaced so as to press pressure-sensitive conductive member 53, even if the tip of protrusion 523 is displaced along the short side directions F1, F2, the operation pressure on operation pieces 51A-51F can be reliably applied to pressure-sensitive conductive member 53 via protrusion 523. This can improve the detection performance of playing operations.

[0084] (Other embodiments) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, all of which are included in the technical concept of the present invention.

[0085] For example, in the above embodiment, the number of operation pieces 51A-51F included in the operation input device 5 corresponds to the number of strings on a guitar (six). However, the number of operation pieces 51A-51F included in the operation input device 5 may be changed as appropriate. In this case, the operation input device 5 is configured by changing the numbers of the long holes 500 in the housing 50, the protrusions 523 of the elastic support member 52, the pressure-sensitive conductive member 53, the electrode patterns 540 of the substrate 54, and the openings 550 in the spacer member 55 according to the number of operation pieces 51A-51F.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the case has been described in which the housing 50, the elastic support member 52, the substrate 54, and the spacer member 55 are configured as common parts for the multiple operation pieces 51A to 51F included in the operation input device 5. In contrast, the operation input device 5 may be configured such that the housing 50, the elastic support member 52, the substrate 54, and the spacer member 55 are individually provided for one operation piece 51. In this case, the operation input device 5 is configured by changing the number of the long holes 500 in the housing 50, the protrusions 523 of the elastic support member 52, the pressure-sensitive conductive member 53, the electrode patterns 540 of the substrate 54, and the openings 550 of the spacer member 55 to one for one operation piece 51, respectively.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the operation input device 5 has been described as having one set of the protrusion 523 of the elastic support member 52, the pressure-sensitive conductive member 53, the electrode pattern 540 of the substrate 54, and the opening 550 of the spacer member 55 for one operation piece 51A to 51F. In contrast, the operation input device 5 may have a plurality of sets of the protrusion 523 of the elastic support member 52, the pressure-sensitive conductive member 53, the electrode pattern 540 of the substrate 54, and the opening 550 of the spacer member 55 for one operation piece 51. In this case, the respective sets of the protrusion 523, the pressure-sensitive conductive member 53, the electrode pattern 540, and the opening 550 may be arranged at a predetermined interval in the long side direction of the operation piece 51.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the operation input device 5 is used in an electronic musical instrument 1 that plays chords according to the chord designation button group 3 and the chord change button group 4. However, the operation input device 5 may be used in any electronic musical instrument of another form. For example, the operation input device 5 may be used in an electronic musical instrument that includes a plurality of scale sensors corresponding to the frets of a guitar or bass as the operation unit 10 that replaces the chord designation button group 3 and the chord change button group 4, or may be used in an electronic musical instrument that imitates a Japanese musical instrument such as a shamisen or a Taishogoto. The operation input device 5 may also be attached to the housing of an electronic musical instrument that has a keyboard.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the operation input device 5 is used in the electronic musical instrument 1 to input performance operations. However, the operation input device 5 may be used in electronic devices other than the electronic musical instrument 1 (e.g., portable devices, game devices, home appliances, in-vehicle devices, medical devices, etc.) to function as the operation input device 5 for inputting various operations. In this case, the operation input device 5 may be provided with multiple operation pieces or may be provided with a single operation piece.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the performance program 124 has been described as being stored in the storage unit 12, but it may be provided by being recorded in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD as a file in an installable or executable format. The performance program 124 may be provided by being stored on a server connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1...electronic musical instrument, 2...main body, 3...chord designation button group, 3A to 3I...chord designation button, 4...chord change button group, 4A...chord change button to 4K...chord change button, 5...operation input device, 6...menu button, 7...option button group, 8...sound generation section, 9...display section, 10...operation section, 11...control section, 12...storage section, 13...battery, 14...external I / F section, 20...neck section, 21...body section, 50...housing, 51, 51A to 51F...operation piece, 52...elastic support member, 53...pressure-sensitive conductive member, 54...substrate, 55...spacer member, 56...operation detection section, 5 00...long hole, 501...accommodating wall, 502...screw hole, 510...tip side wall surface, 511...base side wall surface, 511a...center portion, 512...peripheral side surface, 513...receiving portion, 514...reinforcing rib, 520...surface, 521...back surface, 522...side edge portion, 523...projection portion, 524...support portion, 524a...support surface, 525...thin portion, 526...convex portion, 527...concave portion, 540...electrode pattern, 541...positioning hole, 542...first through hole, 543...second through hole, 550...opening, 550a...step surface, 551...lattice-shaped rib, 552...positioning pin, 553...screw hole,

Claims

1. An operation input device for use in an electronic musical instrument, comprising: a housing having a plurality of long holes arranged at a predetermined interval between long sides; a plurality of operation pieces that are held by the housing and can be operated in a short side direction of the elongated hole and in an insertion direction while being inserted into the plurality of elongated holes and having tip side wall surfaces protruding from the housing; an elastic support member formed of an elastic material having a predetermined thickness, the elastic support member having a surface supporting the base end side wall surfaces of the plurality of operation pieces and a back surface on which a plurality of protrusions are provided at positions corresponding to the base end side wall surfaces of the plurality of operation pieces; a plurality of pressure-sensitive conductive members that are elastically deformed when pressed by the plurality of protrusions; a substrate having a plurality of electrode patterns in contact with the plurality of pressure-sensitive conductive members, respectively; a spacer member disposed between the elastic support member and the substrate, the spacer member having a plurality of openings disposed so as to avoid the plurality of protrusions, An operation input device comprising:

2. The plurality of protrusions include provided at positions corresponding to the centers of the base end side wall surfaces of the plurality of operation pieces, 2. The operation input device according to claim 1 .

3. The elastic support member is a plurality of support portions formed in a platform shape on the surface and configured to support the base end side wall surfaces of the plurality of operation pieces, respectively; a thin-walled portion formed around each of the plurality of support portions and having a thickness smaller than that of a portion where the support portions are formed; 3. The operation input device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The pressure-sensitive conductive members include The openings are formed in a rectangular shape, and the longitudinal direction of the rectangular shape is arranged to straddle the plurality of openings along the short side direction of the long hole.

4. The operation input device according to claim 1, wherein the input device is a control device.

5. and an operation detection unit connected to each of the plurality of electrode patterns and configured to detect a performance operation on each of the plurality of operation pieces based on a change in electrical resistance value when each of the plurality of pressure-sensitive conductive members is elastically deformed.

5. The operation input device according to claim 1, wherein the operation input device is a device that inputs an operation signal.

6. The operation detection unit The electrical resistance value is converted into an operating pressure value for the operating piece, detecting whether or not the performance operation has been performed when the operation piece is operated in the short side direction according to a length of a first elapsed time from a point in time when the operation pressure value exceeds a predetermined first upper limit threshold and then falls below the first upper limit threshold to a point in time when the operation pressure value falls below a predetermined first lower limit threshold; detecting the strength of the playing operation according to a first peak value after the operation pressure value exceeds the first upper limit threshold value; 6. The operation input device according to claim 5,

7. The operation detection unit The electrical resistance value is converted into an operating pressure value for the operating piece, detecting whether or not the playing operation has been performed when the operating piece is operated in the insertion direction according to a length of a second elapsed time from a time when the operating pressure value exceeds a second predetermined lower limit threshold to a time when the operating pressure value exceeds a second predetermined upper limit threshold; detecting the strength of the playing operation according to a second peak value after the operation pressure value exceeds the second upper limit threshold value; 6. The operation input device according to claim 5,

8. An operation input device according to any one of claims 1 to 7; a sound generating unit that generates a performance sound based on a performance operation on the operation input device, 1. An electronic musical instrument comprising:

Images