DEVICE FOR DETECTING KEY OPERATION OF A KEYBOARD DEVICE, METHOD FOR DETECTING KEY OPERATION, AND KEYBOARD DEVICE

Abstract

To detect displacement of a key in the yaw direction or roll direction even during a key pressing process.SOLUTION: There is provided a key operation detection device 101 of a key board device which includes: a key-side conductive portion 20 provided on each of a plurality of keys 13; a substrate 15 provided so as to face the plurality of keys 13 in the pressing direction of the plurality of keys 13; at least two signal output units 31 and 32 which are provided on the substrate 15 so that at least two signal output units 31 and 32 correspond to one key of the plurality of keys 13, and each of at least two signal output units 31 and 32 has a coil to output a signal according to a distance from the conductive portion 20 provided on the corresponding key 13; and a detection unit 50 for detecting a displacement of at least one of the yaw direction and the roll direction of the corresponding key 13 based on the signals output from at least two signal output units 31 and 32 in a key pressing process.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a device for detecting key operation of a keyboard device, a method for detecting key operation, and a keyboard device including a detection device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a keyboard instrument in which two pressure-sensitive sensors are arranged on a frame for each key in the key arrangement direction, and sound is controlled based on the difference or sum of the outputs of these two sensors (Patent Document 1). This keyboard instrument uses the two sensors as horizontal sensors, and performs sound control such as pitch bend and portamento based on the difference between the two, and controls the volume based on the sum of the two. The key press is detected by a key switch. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4375302 [Patent Document 2] International Patent Publication "WO2019 / 122867A1" Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, a contact type sensor is used, and the lateral movement (yaw, roll) of the key cannot be detected until the key depression has ended.

[0005] Meanwhile, a keyboard device is known as a non-contact sensor in which a resonant circuit having a coil is provided on the key and on a board, and the position and speed of the key are detected based on a signal output from the resonant circuit provided on the board (Patent Document 2). The resonant circuit in Patent Document 2 can detect the position and speed of the key in the key pressing direction. However, it cannot detect the lateral movement of the key (displacement in the yaw or roll direction).

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a key operation detection device for a keyboard device that can detect the displacement of a key in the yaw direction or roll direction even in the middle of the key depression stroke. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a key lock system comprising: a conductive portion provided on each of a plurality of keys; a substrate provided to face the plurality of keys in a pressing direction of the plurality of keys; and at least two signal output units provided on the substrate to correspond to one of the plurality of keys, each of the at least two signal output units having a coil; The coils are coplanar; A key operation detection device for a keyboard device is provided, which has at least two signal output units that output a signal according to the distance from the conductive unit provided on the corresponding key, and a detection unit that detects displacement of the corresponding key in at least one of the yaw direction and roll direction based on the signals output from the at least two signal output units during a key pressing stroke. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to detect the displacement of a key in the yaw direction or roll direction even during the course of a key depression stroke. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the keyboard device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a partial front view of a keyboard portion of the keyboard device. [Diagram 3] 2 is a schematic diagram of a main part of the operation detection device. FIG. [Figure 4] 5A to 5C are schematic plan views showing configuration examples of a key-side conductive portion and a sensor portion. [Diagram 5] 4 is an enlarged view of a first conductive portion as viewed from above. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an enlarged top view of a first signal output section. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a first conductive part. [Figure 8]FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a first signal output section. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of one key and its corresponding sensor unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of one key and its corresponding sensor unit. [Figure 11] 5A to 5C are schematic plan views showing configuration examples of a key-side conductive portion and a sensor portion. [Figure 12] 13 is a schematic plan view showing a configuration example of a first modified example of a key-side conductive portion and a sensor portion. FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a schematic plan view showing a configuration example of a second modified example of a key-side conductive portion and a sensor portion. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a schematic plan view showing a configuration example of a third modified example of a key-side conductive portion and a sensor portion. FIG. [Figure 15] 13 is a schematic plan view showing a configuration example of a fourth modified example of a key-side conductive portion and a sensor portion. FIG. [Figure 16] 13 is a schematic plan view showing a configuration example of a fifth modified example of a key-side conductive portion and a sensor portion. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a keyboard device to which a key operation detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. Fig. 1 is a view focusing on one key 13 out of a plurality of keys 13 in a keyboard device 100. In Fig. 1, the tip side in the longitudinal direction of the key 13 is the front, and the key pressing surface (front surface) side is the upper side. The left-right direction is referred to as the direction as seen from the front side of the key 13 where the performer is positioned. Therefore, the direction in which the keys are arranged is the same as the left-right direction. The keyboard device 100 is suitable for application to electronic keyboard instruments, but is also suitable as a device that outputs sound signals without generating sound.

[0012] The key 13 is capable of rotating up and down around a fulcrum 12 fixed to the frame 11. The key 13 has a protrusion 16 and a protrusion 17. A key-side conductive part 20, which will be described later, is provided at the tip (lower end) of the protrusion 16. A circuit board 15 is provided on the frame 11. The circuit board 15 is provided facing each of the multiple keys 13 in the pressing direction of the multiple keys 13. A plurality of sensor parts 30, which will be described later, are arranged on the circuit board 15 in correspondence with the key-side conductive parts 20, respectively.

[0013] A coil spring 14 is attached in a compressed state between the key 13 and the frame 11. The coil spring 14 constantly presses the key 13 upward. A lower limit stopper 18 facing a protruding portion 17 is provided on the frame 11. The key 13 in a non-operated state is restricted to the initial position (non-key pressing position) shown in FIG. 1 by hitting an upper limit stopper (not shown). When the player presses the key 13, the coil spring 14 is compressed and the protruding portion 17 hits the lower limit stopper 18. The lower limit position of the key pressing stroke of the protruding portion 17 is restricted by the lower limit stopper 18. The lower limit stopper 18 is elastically deformable within a predetermined range and is elastically deformed by being pressed by the protruding portion 17. The position where the lower limit stopper 18 is elastically deformed within the predetermined range is the lowest limit position of the key pressing stroke of the protruding portion 17. A stopper for determining the lowest limit position may be provided separately from the lower limit stopper 18. When the player releases the key 13 from the end of key depression state in which the protrusion 17 presses the lower limit stopper 18, the force of the coil spring 14 returns the key 13 to its initial position.

[0014] During the depression stroke of the key 13, the key side conductive portion 20 approaches the sensor portion 30, and during the release stroke of the key 13, the key side conductive portion 20 moves away from the sensor portion 30. Even when the protrusion 17 reaches its lowest position, the key side conductive portion 20 does not come into contact with the sensor portion 30. Therefore, the key side conductive portion 20 is always out of contact with the sensor portion 30. As will be described in detail later, the key side conductive portion 20 has a pair of conductive portions 21, 22 (FIG. 3). The sensor portion 30 has, for example, two (pairs of) signal output portions 31, 32 as a plurality of signal output portions that output signals according to the distance from the key side conductive portion 20 of the corresponding key 13 (FIG. 3).

[0015] FIG. 2 is a partial front view of the keyboard portion of the keyboard device 100. The keys 13 include a plurality of white keys 13W and a plurality of black keys 13B. The keys 13 are arranged in the left-right direction (key arrangement direction) as seen by the player. The configurations of each key 13 and the corresponding key-side conductive parts 20 and sensor parts 30 are the same. As shown in FIG. 2, the tip of the key 13 oscillates in the pitch direction, which is the stroke direction, when pressed and released. The key 13 is mainly displaced in the pitch direction, but strictly speaking, it is also displaced in the yaw direction and roll direction. In other words, the key 13 can be displaced in the yaw direction when it receives a force in the left-right direction. Furthermore, when the key 13 receives a force in the left-right direction, or when the key 13 is pressed near the end position in the width direction, the key 13 can be displaced in the direction of rotation (roll direction) around an axis along the longitudinal direction. Displacement in the yaw direction and roll direction (so-called lateral swing) can be caused by a composite force.

[0016] Conventionally, after-touch, which is caused by further operating a key at the end of key pressing, has been used to control sound and expand the range of sound expression. Typically, an increase or decrease in force in the stroke direction is detected as an after-touch at the end of key pressing. In addition, after-touch can also be caused by the player intentionally causing a lateral movement after the protrusion 17 hits the lower limit stopper 18 at the end of key pressing. As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, the combination of the key-side conductive part 20 and the sensor part 30 makes it possible to detect not only the stroke position of the key 13 but also the displacement in the yaw direction or roll direction in a non-contact manner. Moreover, these displacements can be detected not only at the end of key pressing but also during key pressing and key release.

[0017] Although the key 13 is primarily displaced in the pitch direction, as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4375302 and the like, the key 13 may be designed to be displaced in the roll and yaw directions as well.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the main parts of the operation detection device 101. The operation detection device 101 includes an adder 51, a subtracter 52, and a controller 50 in addition to the key-side conductive part 20 and the sensor part 30. The detection part in this disclosure mainly includes the adder 51, the subtracter 52, and the controller 50. The controller 50 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a timer, and the like, which are not shown. The sound generation part 53 includes a sound source circuit and an effect circuit. The controller 50 controls the sound generation by the sound generation part 53 based on the detection result of the operation of each key 13 detected by the sensor part 30. For example, the controller 50 controls the generation and muting of a sound based on the detection result of the pitch direction, and controls the effect of the generated sound based on the detection result of the displacement in the yaw direction or the roll direction. Details of the effect application will be described later.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a configuration example of the key side conductive section 20 and the sensor section 30. In FIG. 4, the key side conductive section 20 is shown as a projection view from above (plan view). The left side of FIG. 4 is the rear of the keyboard device 100 where the fulcrum 12 is located. Note that in FIG. 4, capacitors and resistors are not shown. The key side conductive section 20 includes a pair of conductive sections (a first conductive section 21 and a second conductive section 22). The first conductive section 21 and the second conductive section 22 are arranged side by side in the key arrangement direction. The first conductive section 21 is a circuit having a coil in which two spiral sections (winding sections 23, 24) are connected. The second conductive section 22 is also a circuit having a coil in which two spiral sections (winding sections 25, 26) are connected.

[0020] The sensor unit 30 is provided corresponding to each key 13, and includes a pair of signal output units (first signal output unit 31, second signal output unit 32). The first signal output unit 31 is a circuit having a coil in which two spiral portions (winding portions 33, 34) are connected. The second signal output unit 32 is also a circuit having a coil in which two spiral portions (winding portions 35, 36) are connected. The first conductive unit 21 and the second conductive unit 22 have a common configuration. The first signal output unit 31 and the second signal output unit 32 have a common configuration. The detailed configurations of the first conductive unit 21 and the first signal output unit 31 will be described representatively with reference to Figs. 5 to 8.

[0021] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the first conductive part 21 as viewed from above. The first conductive part 21 has a coil C21 that is generally 8-shaped. The coil C21 is arranged in a planar manner at the tip of the protruding part 16 of the key 13. The coil C21 continues from the via 27 to the via 28 through the capacitor 29. Furthermore, the via 27 and the via 28 are directly connected on the back surface of the board. The winding part 23 and the winding part 24 are adjacent to each other. The respective center positions of the winding parts 23 and 24 are defined as centers of gravity G1 and G2. The centers of gravity G1 and G2 are defined as the center positions of the figures having the substantially circular outer shapes of the winding parts 23 and 24. Alternatively, the centers of gravity G1 and G2 may be defined as the center positions of the winding parts 23 and 24 with attention paid to their masses. A straight line L1 passing through the centers of gravity G1 and G2 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the key 13. A straight line L2 (FIG. 4) passing through centers of gravity G1, G2 of windings 25, 26 of second conductive portion 22 is also approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of key 13. Therefore, first conductive portion 21 and second conductive portion 22 are arranged such that straight lines L1, L2 are approximately parallel to each other.

[0022] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the first signal output unit 31 as viewed from above. The first signal output unit 31 has a coil C31 that is generally 8-shaped. The coil C31 is arranged in a planar manner on the circuit board 15. The coil C31 continues from the via 37 to the via 38 through the capacitors 39 and 40. Furthermore, the via 37 and the via 38 are directly connected on the back surface of the board. The resistor 41 is connected to the capacitor 39, and the resistor 42 is connected to the capacitor 40. It is not essential to provide the resistors 41 and 42. The winding unit 33 and the winding unit 34 are adjacent to each other. The positions of the centers of gravity of the winding units 33 and 34 are defined as centers of gravity G3 and G4, respectively. The definitions of the centers of gravity G3 and G4 are the same as those of the centers of gravity G1 and G2. The straight line L3 passing through the centers of gravity G3 and G4 is approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the key 13. A straight line L4 (FIG. 4) passing through the centers of gravity G1, G2 of the windings 35, 36 of the second signal output unit 32 is also approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the key 13. Therefore, the first signal output unit 31 and the second signal output unit 32 are arranged so that the straight lines L3, L4 are approximately parallel. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the distance between the straight lines L3, L4 is wider than the distance between the straight lines L1, L2.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 5, the windings 23 and 24 have the same spiral direction with the center as the base point. That is, when the via 28 close to the center of gravity G1 is regarded as the starting point, the winding 23 has a right-handed (clockwise) spiral direction. When the via 27 close to the center of gravity G2 is regarded as the starting point, the winding 24 has a right-handed spiral direction. Due to this relationship, when a current flows in a certain direction through the coil C21, the direction of the magnetic flux is opposite between the winding 23 and the winding 24. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 6, the windings 33 and 34 have the same spiral direction with the center as the base point. When a current flows in a certain direction through the coil C31, the direction of the magnetic flux is opposite between the winding 33 and the winding 34.

[0024] FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of the first conductive unit 21. FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of the first signal output unit 31. The first conductive unit 21 is configured as a passive-side resonant circuit. The first conductive unit 21 is a closed circuit. The first signal output unit 31 is configured as an active-side resonant circuit. These resonant circuits are basically similar to the configurations disclosed in WO2019 / 122867A1.

[0025] In the first signal output unit 31, the input terminal 44 is connected to a drive circuit (not shown). A detection signal is taken out from the output terminal 43. As shown in FIG. 3, the detection signal from the second signal output unit 32 is input to the + terminal of the adder unit 51 and the + terminal of the subtracter unit 52. The detection signal from the first signal output unit 31 is input to the other + terminal of the adder unit 51 and the - terminal of the subtracter unit 52. In order to correct a phase shift between the detection signal from the first signal output unit 31 and the detection signal from the second signal output unit 32, the respective outputs may be input to the adder unit 51 and the subtracter unit 52 via a smoothing circuit (not shown). The adder unit 51 outputs the sum of the detection signals from the first signal output unit 31 and the second signal output unit 32 to the control unit 50. The subtraction unit 52 outputs the difference between the detection signal from the first signal output unit 31 and the detection signal from the second signal output unit 32 to the control unit 50. These detection signals are continuous quantities.

[0026] The output of the signal output units 31 and 32 is, for example, a voltage value. When the first conductive part 21 approaches the first signal output unit 31 while the signal output units 31 and 32 are driven at a predetermined resonant frequency, a current flows in the first conductive part 21 in a direction that cancels the magnetic flux generated in the first signal output unit 31. As a result, the magnetic flux of the first signal output unit 31 changes, and the voltage changes. Therefore, the detection signal can be extracted as a voltage value. As the first conductive part 21 approaches the first signal output unit 31, the output of the first signal output unit 31 decreases. Similarly, as the second conductive part 22 approaches the second signal output unit 32, the output of the second signal output unit 32 decreases accordingly. That is, the output (voltage) of the signal output units 31 and 32 changes depending on the distance from the corresponding conductive parts 21 and 22, and decreases as the distance becomes shorter. Note that the change in the resonant signal or the current value may be adopted as the output of the signal output units 31 and 32.

[0027] In particular, as described above, both the coils C21 and C31 are 8-shaped. Therefore, the relationship between the first signal output unit 31 and the first conductive unit 21 is as follows. First, when an upward magnetic flux is generated from the winding unit 33 of the first signal output unit 31 and a downward magnetic flux is generated from the winding unit 34, when the first conductive unit 21 approaches the first signal output unit 31, a current flows in the winding unit 23 of the first conductive unit 21 in a direction that cancels the upward magnetic flux from the winding unit 33. As a result, an upward magnetic flux is generated in the winding unit 24 of the first conductive unit 21, and therefore the downward magnetic flux of the winding unit 34 of the first signal output unit 31 is weakened. Therefore, the change in the output of the first signal output unit 31 is larger than in a configuration in which the winding directions of the winding unit 33 and the winding unit 34 are reversed. As a result, the sensitivity as a sensor is increased.

[0028] From the viewpoint of suppressing crosstalk, the first signal output unit 31 and the second signal output unit 32 may have different resonant frequencies. As disclosed in WO2019 / 122867A1, the resonant frequencies may be different between the multiple sensor units 30. In particular, the resonant frequencies may be different between the sensor units 30 corresponding to adjacent keys 13. As disclosed in WO2019 / 122867A1 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 4375302, when driving each sensor unit 30, a multiplexer and a demultiplexer may be used to perform time-division processing. For example, the multiple sensor units 30 are grouped by key range, so that physically adjacent sensor units 30 are not driven simultaneously. For example, each group may be driven one at a time, starting from the low-frequency sensor unit 30.

[0029] 9 and 10 are schematic front views of one key 13 and the corresponding sensor unit 30. The stroke position and lateral oscillation (displacement in the yaw or roll direction) of the key 13 are detected as follows.

[0030] First, when a key is pressed and the key-side conductive portion 20 approaches the sensor portion 30, the detection signals of the signal output portions 31 and 32 are input to the adder portion 51 and the subtracter portion 52, as shown in Fig. 3. The control portion 50 detects the stroke position of the key 13 based on the sum of the detection signals of the signal output portions 31 and 32 input from the adder portion 51. At that time, for example, the smaller the sum of the detection signals of the signal output portions 31 and 32, the deeper the stroke position is detected to be.

[0031] In parallel with this, the control unit 50 detects the magnitude of the lateral swing of the key 13 based on the difference between the detection signals of the signal output units 31 and 32 input from the subtraction unit 52. At this time, the larger the difference between the detection signals of the signal output units 31 and 32, the larger the value of the lateral swing is detected. As shown in FIG. 9, when the right part of the key pressing surface of the key 13 is pressed, the key 13 rolls to the right. In this case, the distance between the first conductive part 21 and the first signal output unit 31 is shorter than the distance between the second conductive part 22 and the second signal output unit 32. Therefore, the first signal output unit 31 outputs a smaller detection signal than the second signal output unit 32, so the difference between the detection signals becomes larger. As a result, the control unit 50 can detect the roll direction and the magnitude of the roll displacement of the key 13.

[0032] As described above, as shown in FIG. 4, the distance between the straight lines L3 and L4 is wider than the distance between the straight lines L1 and L2. That is, the first signal output unit 31 is shifted to the right in the key arrangement direction with respect to the first conductive portion 21, and the second signal output unit 32 is shifted to the left in the key arrangement direction (the opposite direction to the first signal output unit 31) with respect to the second conductive portion 22. As shown in FIG. 10, when the key 13 receives a force to the right, the key 13 is displaced to the right in the horizontal direction. In this case, the overlapping area between the first conductive portion 21 and the first signal output unit 31 is larger than the overlapping area between the second conductive portion 22 and the second signal output unit 32 in a plan view projection. Therefore, the magnetic flux that the first conductive portion 21 applies to the first signal output unit 31 is stronger than the magnetic flux that the second conductive portion 22 applies to the second signal output unit 32. As a result, the first signal output unit 31 outputs a smaller detection signal than the second signal output unit 32, resulting in a larger difference between the detection signals. As a result, the control unit 50 can detect the magnitude of the displacement of the key 13 in the yaw direction.

[0033] This shift arrangement increases the difference between the detection signals of the signal output units 31, 32 when the key 13 is displaced in the horizontal direction, and therefore increases the sensitivity of detection in the yaw direction. Since roll displacement and yaw displacement occur in a complex manner and it is difficult for a performer to be conscious of both while playing, there is no great significance in distinguishing between roll displacement and yaw displacement when detecting displacement. Therefore, the control unit 50 captures roll displacement and yaw displacement in a complex manner and detects them as lateral shaking, which is useful for effect control.

[0034] The shift direction of the first signal output unit 31 relative to the first conductive unit 21 and the shift direction of the second signal output unit 32 relative to the second conductive unit 22 may be opposite to the structure illustrated in Fig. 4. The shift arrangement is not essential, and the first conductive unit 21 and the second conductive unit 22 and the first signal output unit 31 and the second signal output unit 32 may be arranged so that the interval between the straight lines L1 and L2 and the interval between the straight lines L3 and L4 are the same, and the straight lines L1 and L2 overlap with the straight lines L3 and L4, respectively. In that case, from the viewpoint of crosstalk suppression, it is desirable to arrange the key side conductive unit 20 and the sensor unit 30 so that the center of gravity G1 coincides with the center of gravity G3 and the center of gravity G2 coincides with the center of gravity G4.

[0035] The control unit 50 detects the stroke position of the key 13 at any time, even during key pressing or key release. When the stroke position of the key 13 becomes deeper than a first predetermined position, the control unit 50 generates a note-on event and causes the sound generating unit 53 to start sound generation. After sound generation starts, the control unit 50 performs after-touch control to impart an effect such as vibrato based on the magnitude of the detected lateral oscillation. For example, the control unit 50 increases the degree of the effect imparted or shortens the period as the lateral oscillation of the key 13 increases. Note that the detection results may be used for effect impartation control not only at the end of key pressing but also during key pressing or key release.

[0036] Furthermore, the control unit 50 causes the sound generating unit 53 to start muting sound when the stroke position of the key 13 in the key release stroke becomes shallower than the second predetermined position (shallower than the first predetermined position) during sound generation. The control unit 50 may detect the key depression speed from the time required for the key 13 to reach the first predetermined position from the third predetermined position (shallower than the first predetermined position) and use it for sound control such as volume. Similarly, the key release speed may be detected during a key release operation and used for sound control. There is no limitation on the effect parameters to be controlled.

[0037] The layout shown in Fig. 4 may be applied to both the white keys 13W and the black keys 13B, but it is difficult to realize if the key width is narrow. The layout shown in Fig. 4 is suitable for the white keys 13W. The layout suitable for the narrow black keys 13B will be explained with reference to Fig. 11.

[0038] Fig. 11 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the configuration of the key side conductive unit 20 and the sensor unit 30. In Fig. 11, the key side conductive unit 20 is shown as a projected view from above. Note that capacitors and resistors are not shown in Fig. 11. The individual configurations of the first conductive unit 21, the second conductive unit 22, the first signal output unit 31, and the second signal output unit 32 are similar to the configurations described in Fig. 4.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 11, the straight lines L1 and L2 are aligned, and the conductive parts 21 and 22 are aligned in the key longitudinal direction. The left side in the key longitudinal direction of FIG. 11 is the rear of the keyboard device 100 where the fulcrum 12 is located. On the other hand, the signal output parts 31 and 32 are also aligned in the key longitudinal direction, but are not aligned in a straight line. That is, the straight line L3 is located to the right of the straight line L1, and the first signal output part 31 is shifted to the right in the key arrangement direction relative to the first conductive part 21. The straight line L4 is located to the left of the straight line L2, and the second signal output part 32 is shifted to the left in the key arrangement direction (the opposite direction to the first signal output part 31) relative to the second conductive part 22. This shifted arrangement can achieve the same effect as the arrangement shown in FIG. 4 in terms of increasing the detection sensitivity in the yaw direction. The arrangement shown in FIG. 11 may also be adopted for the white key 13W. Moreover, for comparison, a direct line L1 and a straight line L2 are added to the signal output units 31 and 32 in FIG.

[0040] According to this embodiment, each of the multiple keys 13 is provided with a pair of conductive parts, namely, key-side conductive parts 20. A sensor unit 30 (a pair of signal output units 31, 32) is provided on the circuit board 15 corresponding to each key 13. The sensor unit 30 outputs a signal according to the distance from the key-side conductive part 20 to the corresponding key 13. During the key pressing process, the control unit 50 detects the displacement of the corresponding key 13 in at least one of the yaw direction or roll direction based on the signal output from the sensor unit 30. Therefore, the displacement of the key in the yaw direction or roll direction can be detected even during the key pressing.

[0041] In particular, since the lateral movement of the key 13 can be detected even during the key depression or release stroke, the detection results can be used for sound control not only during aftertouch control but also during key operation, allowing for a wide variety of sound expressions.

[0042] The control unit 50 also detects the stroke position of the corresponding key 13 based on the signals output from the signal output units 31 and 32. For example, the control unit 50 detects a stroke based on the sum of the signals output from the signal output units 31 and 32, and detects a displacement in the yaw or roll direction based on the difference between the signals output. Therefore, the same sensor unit 30 can be used to detect not only the yaw or roll direction of the key, but also the stroke position of the key.

[0043] In particular, since the pair of signal output units 31, 32 are arranged next to each other in the key arrangement direction, they can detect the roll direction displacement of the key 13. Moreover, the shift arrangement shown in Figures 4 and 11 makes it possible to accurately detect the yaw direction displacement.

[0044] Furthermore, in each of the key side conductive section 20 and the sensor section 30, the two spiral portions adjacent to each other in the key longitudinal direction have the same spiral direction from the center as the base point, so crosstalk can be suppressed.

[0045] In this embodiment, the stroke position and lateral vibration of the key 13 can be detected by a common sensor unit, so the configuration can be simplified. There is no need to provide a separate optical sensor for detecting the stroke position and lateral vibration of the key 13. However, an optical or contact type position sensor or speed sensor may be provided separately to detect the stroke position and key depression speed. It is not essential to detect the stroke position from the detection signals of the pair of signal output units 31, 32.

[0046] Various modified examples will be described below with reference to Figs. 12 to 16. Fig. 12 is a schematic plan view showing a configuration example of a first modified example of the key-side conductive portion 20 and the sensor portion 30. In the example of Fig. 12, the winding directions of the winding portions 23, 24 of the first conductive portion 21 are opposite to those of the example of Fig. 4. Therefore, the winding portions adjacent to each other in the key arrangement direction, i.e., the winding portion 23 of the first conductive portion 21 and the winding portion 25 of the second conductive portion 22, have opposite spiral directions with the center as the base point. Similarly, the winding portions 24 and 26 adjacent to each other in the key arrangement direction also have opposite spiral directions with the center as the base point.

[0047] Similarly, in the example of FIG. 12, the winding directions of the winding parts 33 and 34 of the first signal output part 31, which are adjacent to each other in the direction perpendicular to the key arrangement direction, are opposite to each other compared to the example of FIG. 4. Therefore, the winding parts 33 and 35 adjacent to each other in the key arrangement direction have opposite spiral directions with the center as the base point. Similarly, the winding parts 34 and 36 adjacent to each other in the direction perpendicular to the key arrangement direction have opposite spiral directions with the center as the base point. In this way, in each of the key side conductive part 20 and the sensor part 30, the winding parts adjacent to each other in the key arrangement direction have opposite spiral directions with the center as the base point. With this configuration, the direction of the generated magnetic flux is opposite not only in the key longitudinal direction but also between the winding parts adjacent to each other in the key arrangement direction, which further contributes to suppressing crosstalk.

[0048] Fig. 13 is a schematic plan view showing a configuration example of a second modified example of the key side conductive portion 20 and the sensor portion 30. In the example of Fig. 4, the conductive portions 21, 22 and the signal output portions 31, 32 are all substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the key. In contrast, in the example of Fig. 13, the signal output portions 31, 32 are arranged at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the key. The configuration of the key side conductive portion 20 is the same as the example of Fig. 4.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 13, the windings 23 and 33 overlap, and the windings 25 and 35 overlap. Meanwhile, the windings 34 and 36 are located on the outside in the key width direction with respect to the windings 24 and 26. Therefore, the distance between the straight line L3 passing through the centers of gravity G3 and G4 of the windings 33 and 34 of the first signal output unit 31 and the straight line L4 passing through the centers of gravity G3 and G4 of the windings 35 and 36 of the second signal output unit 32 increases toward the tip of the key 13. Therefore, in a plan view, the straight line L3 is located to the right as it approaches the front of the straight line L1, and the distance between them increases toward the tip of the key 13. In a plan view, the straight line L4 is located to the left as it approaches the front of the straight line L2, and the distance between them increases toward the tip of the key 13. For comparison, the straight line L1 and the straight line L2 are added directly to the signal output units 31 and 32 in FIG. 13.

[0050] By arranging the pair of signal output units 31 and 32 in such a tapered shape, it becomes possible to detect yaw displacement and roll displacement without adopting the above-mentioned shift arrangement. That is, when the key 13 is displaced in the roll direction (FIG. 9), a difference in distance occurs between the opposing winding parts, and the output difference between the signal output units 31 and 32 becomes large. As a result, the roll displacement can be detected in the same manner as in the example of FIG. 4. On the other hand, when the key 13 is displaced in the yaw direction (FIG. 10), the tip of the key is rotatably displaced (although not large) around the fulcrum 12. For example, when the conductive parts 21 and 22 are rotatably displaced to the right, the angle between the straight lines L1 and L3 in a plan view becomes smaller, while the angle between the straight lines L2 and L4 becomes larger. When the conductive parts 21 and 22 are rotatably displaced to the left, the opposite action to the above occurs. As a result, the output difference between the signal output units 31 and 32 becomes large, and the yaw displacement can be detected in the same manner as in the example of FIG. 4.

[0051] Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a third modified example of the key-side conductive portion 20 and the sensor portion 30, in which the conductive portions 21, 22 and the signal output portions 31, 32 are arranged in the key longitudinal direction, respectively. The tapered arrangement described in Fig. 13 can also be applied to narrow keys such as the black key 13B. Fig. 14 focuses on the inclination in a plan view, and therefore shows the arrangement of each winding portion at the center of gravity. The straight lines L1 to L4 have the same meaning as in Fig. 11.

[0052] The lines L1 and L2 are aligned, and the conductive portions 21 and 22 are arranged on the same line in the key longitudinal direction. In a plan view, the line L3 is positioned further forward and to the left of the line L1, and the distance between them increases toward the tip of the key 13. In a plan view, the line L4 is positioned further forward and to the right of the line L2, and the distance between them increases toward the tip of the key 13. This tapered arrangement makes it possible to detect yaw displacement and roll displacement for the black key 13B as well, in the same way as the example in FIG.

[0053] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a fourth modified example of the key-side conductive part 20 and the sensor part 30, in which the conductive parts 21, 22 and the signal output parts 31, 32 are arranged in the key longitudinal direction. In FIG. 15, similar to FIG. 14, the arrangement of each winding part is shown at the center of gravity. The center of gravity G1 and the center of gravity G3 do not need to coincide. That is, as shown in FIG. 15, all of the straight lines L1 to L4 may be inclined with respect to the key longitudinal direction in a plan view. In the range between the center of gravity G1 and the center of gravity G2, the straight lines L1 and L3 cross each other. In the range between the center of gravity G1 and the center of gravity G2, the straight lines L2 and L4 cross each other. Even with such a taper arrangement, it is possible to detect yaw displacement and roll displacement. The crossed taper arrangement shown in FIG. 15 can also be applied to the white key 13W.

[0054] 13, 14, and 15, in order to make it possible to detect roll displacement and yaw displacement using a tapered arrangement, the following conditions need only be satisfied: In a plan view, the relative inclination direction of the first signal output portion 31 with respect to the first conductive portion 21 and the relative inclination direction of the second signal output portion 32 with respect to the second conductive portion 22 need only be opposite. In this case, the side where the gap is enlarged due to the tapered shape does not have to be the front in the key longitudinal direction, and may be the rear.

[0055] It is to be noted that both the shift arrangement shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 11 and the taper arrangement shown in FIG. 13 to FIG. 15 may be applied.

[0056] Fig. 16 is a schematic plan view showing a configuration example of a fifth modified example of the key-side conductive portion 20 and the sensor portion 30. As shown in Fig. 16, each of the conductive portions 21 and 22 and the signal output portions 31 and 32 may be configured as a coil consisting of a single spiral rather than two spirals. Also, only either the pair of the conductive portion 21 and the signal output portion 31 or the pair of the conductive portion 22 and the signal output portion 32 may be configured as a pair of coils consisting of a single spiral.

[0057] Although the key-side conductive portion is preferably a reactance element, it is not limited to an induction coil, and a conductive material may be used for the key-side conductive portion. For example, the key-side conductive portion may be provided with conductive metal plates 54, 55 instead of the conductive portions 21, 22, as shown as key-side conductive portion 20-2. The metal plates 54, 55 are made of iron or the like. The metal plates 54, 55 are plate members that are substantially parallel to the key pressing surface. When the distance of the metal plates 54, 55 from the signal output portions 31, 32 changes, the capacitance of the signal output portions 31, 32 changes, and a signal having a magnitude according to the distance can be extracted.

[0058] Alternatively, as shown as key side conductive portion 20-3, a single metal plate 56 having the same conductivity as metal plates 54, 55 may be provided in place of conductive portions 21, 22. Even when key side conductive portion 20-2 or key side conductive portion 20-3 is used, the coil shape of signal output portions 31, 32 may be two spirals or a single spiral.

[0059] It should be noted that it is not essential to use the sum of the signals to detect the stroke position, and the stroke position may be detected from only one of the pair of signal output units 31, 32.

[0060] In each example including the above-mentioned modified examples, the signal output unit that outputs a signal according to the distance from the corresponding key-side conductive unit 20 is not limited to two, as long as two or more signal output units are provided for each of the multiple keys 13. For example, two or more pairs of signal output units may be provided, and the displacement may be detected using the signals from each pair. Alternatively, three signal output units may be arranged in the direction in which the keys are arranged, with the middle signal output unit dedicated to detecting the stroke position.

[0061] It is not essential that the key operation detection device of the present disclosure be capable of detecting the operations of all the keys 13 of the keyboard device 100, but may be configured to detect only some of the keys 13.

[0062] The outer shape of each of the spiral portions of the coils C21 and C31 constituting the conductive parts 21 and 22 and the signal output parts 31 and 32 is not limited to a circle, but may be an oval or a rectangle. Although the coils C21 and C31 are planar, they do not need to be limited to a planar type as long as the arrangement space allows.

[0063] The present disclosure is not limited to the keyboard device 100, but can also be applied to pedals, computer keyboards, and the like.

[0064] In the present embodiment, the term "approximately" does not mean to exclude perfection. For example, "approximately parallel" and "approximately circular" are intended to include perfect parallelism and perfect circularity, respectively.

[0065] The following summarizes aspects of the method for detecting key operations of the keyboard device of the present disclosure. (1) According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for detecting key operation of a keyboard device having a conductive portion provided on each of a plurality of keys, a substrate provided to face the plurality of keys in a direction in which the plurality of keys are separated, and at least two signal output portions provided on the substrate to correspond to one of the plurality of keys, each of the at least two signal output portions having a coil and outputting a signal according to a distance from the conductive portion provided on the corresponding key, the method comprising: The present invention provides a method for detecting key operation, comprising the step of detecting, during a key pressing process, displacement of the corresponding key in at least one of the yaw direction and the roll direction based on signals output from the at least two signal output units.

[0066] (2) The key operation detection device according to (1) above, further comprising a step of detecting a stroke position of the corresponding key based on a signal output from at least one of the at least two signal output units.

[0067] (3) the at least two signal output units are a pair of signal output units corresponding to each of the plurality of keys, The key operation detection device according to (1) or (2) above, further comprising the steps of detecting a stroke of the corresponding key based on a sum of the signals output from the pair of signal output units, and detecting a displacement of the corresponding key in the yaw direction or roll direction based on a difference between the signals output from the pair of signal output units.

[0068] The present disclosure has been described above in detail based on its preferred embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms that do not depart from the gist of the disclosure are also included in the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0069] The key operation detection device, key operation detection method, and keyboard device of the present disclosure are capable of detecting the displacement of a key in the yaw direction or roll direction even in the middle of a key depression stroke. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 13 keys 15 Circuit Board 20 Key side conductive part 21, 22 Conductive part 31, 32 Signal output section 30 Sensor section 50 Control section 101 Operation detection device

Claims

1. A conductive portion provided on each of the plurality of keys; A substrate provided to face the plurality of keys in a pressing direction of the plurality of keys; At least two signal output units are provided on the substrate so as to correspond to one key among the plurality of keys, each of the at least two signal output units has a coil, the coils are on the same plane, and the at least two signal output units output a signal according to a distance from the conductive portion provided on the corresponding key; and a detection unit that detects a displacement of the corresponding key in at least one of a yaw direction and a roll direction based on the signals output from the at least two signal output units during a key pressing stroke. A device for detecting key operation on a keyboard device.

2. The key operation detection device according to claim 1 , wherein the detection section detects a stroke position of the corresponding key based on a signal output from at least one of the at least two signal output sections.

3. the at least two signal output units are a pair of signal output units corresponding to the plurality of keys, 3. The key operation detection device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects a stroke of the corresponding key based on a sum of the signals output from the pair of signal output units, and detects a displacement of the corresponding key in a yaw direction or a roll direction based on a difference between the signals output from the pair of signal output units.

4. The key operation detection device according to claim 3 , wherein the pair of signal output units are arranged in a direction in which the plurality of keys are arranged.

5. 5. The key operation detection device according to claim 4, wherein a first signal output portion of the pair of signal output portions is arranged so as to be shifted relative to the conductive portion in a first direction in the key arrangement direction, and a second signal output portion of the pair of signal output portions is arranged so as to be shifted relative to the conductive portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction in the key arrangement direction.

6. the conductive portion includes a pair of conductive portions corresponding to the pair of signal output portions, the pair of conductive portions being arranged in a key arrangement direction, 5. The key operation detection device according to claim 4, wherein, in a plan view, a relative inclination direction of a first signal output portion of the pair of signal output portions with respect to a first conductive portion of the pair of conductive portions is opposite to a relative inclination direction of a second signal output portion of the pair of signal output portions with respect to a second conductive portion of the pair of conductive portions.

7. The key operation detection device according to claim 3 , wherein the pair of signal output units are arranged side by side in a longitudinal direction of the corresponding key.

8. 8. The key operation detection device according to claim 7, wherein a first signal output portion of the pair of signal output portions is arranged so as to be shifted relative to the conductive portion in a first direction in the key arrangement direction, and a second signal output portion of the pair of signal output portions is arranged so as to be shifted relative to the conductive portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction in the key arrangement direction.

9. the conductive portion includes a pair of conductive portions corresponding to the pair of signal output portions, the pair of conductive portions being arranged in a longitudinal direction of the corresponding key, 8. The key operation detection device according to claim 7, wherein, in a plan view, a relative inclination direction of a first signal output portion of the pair of signal output portions with respect to a first conductive portion of the pair of conductive portions is opposite to a relative inclination direction of a second signal output portion of the pair of signal output portions with respect to a second conductive portion of the pair of conductive portions.

10. a coil of each of the at least two signal output units has two spiral portions adjacent to and connected to each other; 10. The key operation detection device according to claim 1, wherein the two spiral portions have the same spiral direction from their respective centers.

11. the coil of each of the pair of signal output units has two spiral portions adjacent to and connected to each other, The two spiral portions have the same spiral direction from their respective centers, 5. The key operation detection device according to claim 4, wherein in the coils of the first signal output unit and the second signal output unit of the pair of signal output units, the spiral directions of adjacent spiral portions in the key arrangement direction are opposite to each other.

12. The key operation detection device according to claim 1 , wherein the conductive portion is a metal plate that is substantially parallel to a surface of the corresponding key.

13. the conductive portion is a circuit having a coil formed by connecting two spiral portions, The key operation detection device according to claim 1 , wherein the two spiral portions of the conductive part have the same spiral direction with respect to their respective centers.

14. A conductive portion provided on each of a plurality of keys; A substrate provided to face the plurality of keys in a pressing direction of the plurality of keys; At least two signal output units are provided on the substrate so as to correspond to one key among the plurality of keys, each of the at least two signal output units having a coil and outputting a signal according to a distance from the conductive portion provided on the corresponding key; a detection unit that detects a displacement of the corresponding key in at least one of a yaw direction and a roll direction based on the signals output from the at least two signal output units during a key depression stroke, the at least two signal output units are a pair of signal output units corresponding to the plurality of keys, a detection device for detecting key operation of a keyboard device, the detection unit detecting a stroke of the corresponding key based on a sum of the signals output from the pair of signal output units, and detecting a displacement of the corresponding key in a yaw direction or a roll direction based on a difference between the signals output from the pair of signal output units.

15. The key operation detection device according to claim 14, wherein the pair of signal output units are arranged in a key arrangement direction in which the plurality of keys are arranged.

16. A key operation detection device as described in claim 15, wherein a first of the pair of signal output parts is arranged shifted in a first direction in the key arrangement direction relative to the conductive part, and a second of the pair of signal output parts is arranged shifted in a second direction opposite to the first direction in the key arrangement direction relative to the conductive part.

17. The conductive portion has a pair of conductive portions corresponding to the pair of signal output portions, the pair of conductive portions being arranged in a key arrangement direction, 16. The key operation detection device according to claim 15, wherein, in a plan view, a relative inclination direction of a first signal output portion of the pair of signal output portions with respect to a first conductive portion of the pair of conductive portions is opposite to a relative inclination direction of a second signal output portion of the pair of signal output portions with respect to a second conductive portion of the pair of conductive portions.

18. A key operation detection device as described in Claim 14, wherein the pair of signal output units are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the corresponding keys.

19. A key operation detection device as described in claim 18, wherein a first of the pair of signal output parts is arranged shifted in a first direction in the key arrangement direction relative to the conductive part, and a second of the pair of signal output parts is arranged shifted in a second direction opposite to the first direction in the key arrangement direction relative to the conductive part.

20. The conductive portion has a pair of conductive portions corresponding to the pair of signal output portions, the pair of conductive portions being arranged in a longitudinal direction of the corresponding keys, 19. The key operation detection device according to claim 18, wherein, in a plan view, a relative inclination direction of a first signal output portion of the pair of signal output portions with respect to a first conductive portion of the pair of conductive portions is opposite to a relative inclination direction of a second signal output portion of the pair of signal output portions with respect to a second conductive portion of the pair of conductive portions.

21. The coil of each of the at least two signal output units has two spiral portions adjacent to and connected to each other, 21. The key operation detection device according to claim 14, wherein the two spiral portions have the same spiral direction from their respective centers.

22. The coil of each of the pair of signal output units has two spiral portions adjacent to and connected to each other, The two spiral portions have the same spiral direction from their respective centers, 16. The key operation detection device according to claim 15, wherein in the coils of the first signal output unit and the second signal output unit of the pair of signal output units, the spiral directions of adjacent spiral portions in the key arrangement direction are opposite to each other.

23. A key operation detection device as described in any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the conductive portion is a metal plate approximately parallel to the surface of the corresponding key.

24. The conductive portion is a circuit having a coil formed by connecting two spiral portions, 23. The key operation detection device according to claim 14, wherein the two spiral portions of the conductive part have the same spiral direction with respect to their respective centers.

25. A conductive portion provided on each of a plurality of keys; A substrate provided to face the plurality of keys in a pressing direction of the plurality of keys; At least two signal output units are provided on the substrate so as to correspond to one key among the plurality of keys, each of the at least two signal output units having a coil and outputting a signal according to a distance from the conductive portion provided on the corresponding key; a detection unit that detects a displacement of the corresponding key in at least one of a yaw direction and a roll direction based on the signals output from the at least two signal output units during a key depression stroke, the conductive portion is a circuit having a coil formed by connecting two spiral portions, A key operation detection device for a keyboard device, wherein the two spiral portions of the conductive part have the same spiral direction with their respective centers as base points.

26. A conductive portion provided on each of a plurality of keys; A substrate provided to face the plurality of keys in a pressing direction of the plurality of keys; At least two signal output units are provided on the substrate so as to correspond to one key among the plurality of keys, each of the at least two signal output units having a coil and outputting a signal according to a distance from the conductive portion provided on the corresponding key; a detection unit that detects a displacement of the corresponding key in at least one of a yaw direction and a roll direction based on the signals output from the at least two signal output units during a key depression stroke, the at least two signal output units are a pair of signal output units corresponding to the plurality of keys, the pair of signal output units are arranged in a key arrangement direction in which the plurality of keys are arranged, the coil of each of the pair of signal output units has two spiral portions adjacent to and connected to each other, The two spiral portions have the same spiral direction from their respective centers, In the coils of the first signal output unit and the second signal output unit of the pair of signal output units, the spiral directions of the spiral portions adjacent to each other in the key arrangement direction are opposite to each other, the spiral directions being based on the centers of the respective spiral portions. A device for detecting key operation on a keyboard device.

27. ​​A key operation detection device as described in Claim 26, wherein the conductive portion is a metal plate approximately parallel to the surface of the corresponding key.

28. A key operation detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 27, A keyboard device having the plurality of keys.

29. A method for detecting key operation of a keyboard device having a conductive part provided on each of a plurality of keys, a substrate provided so as to face the plurality of keys in a pressing direction of the plurality of keys, and at least two signal output parts provided on the substrate so as to correspond to one of the plurality of keys, each of the at least two signal output parts having a coil, the coils being on the same plane, and outputting a signal according to a distance from the conductive part provided on the corresponding key, comprising: a signal output section that outputs a signal to the corresponding key during a key depression process, the signal output section outputting the signal to the corresponding key during a key depression process, the signal output section outputting the signal to the corresponding key during a key depression process, and the corresponding key depression signal output section outputs a signal to the corresponding key during a key depression process.

30. A method for detecting key operation of a keyboard device having a conductive portion provided on each of a plurality of keys, a substrate provided facing the plurality of keys in the pressing direction of the plurality of keys, and at least two signal output portions provided on the substrate so as to correspond to one of the plurality of keys, each of the at least two signal output portions having a coil and outputting a signal according to a distance from the conductive portion provided on the corresponding key, comprising: During a key depression stroke, a displacement of the corresponding key in at least one of a yaw direction and a roll direction is detected based on the signals output from the at least two signal output units; the at least two signal output units are a pair of signal output units corresponding to the plurality of keys, A key operation detection method comprising: detecting a stroke of the corresponding key based on a sum of the signals output from the pair of signal output units; and detecting a displacement of the corresponding key in the yaw direction or roll direction based on a difference between the signals output from the pair of signal output units.

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