Electronic stringed instrument, method, and program

Abstract

To provide an electronic stringed instrument that is superior in detection precision of string thrumming and musical sound control performance.SOLUTION: An electronic stringed instrument (10) comprises: at least one linear string member (15); a plurality of string support members (15, 40, 42, and 50) which support the string member at different lengthwise positions and deform as the string member is thrummed; plural pieces of detection means (36, 54, 56, and 58) which output signals corresponding to deformation states of the plurality of string support members; and musical sound control signal generation means (22) which generates a musical sound control signal based upon the signals that the plural pieces of detection means output.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic stringed instrument , Method and Program thereof.

Background Art

[0002] An electronic stringed instrument detects an operation (plucking) on a string or a member corresponding to a string, and electrically generates a musical sound based on the detection signal, and there are various types. First, there is a type that only detects the vibration of a string by a sensor and an electronic circuit while following the structure of an existing acoustic instrument. Since this type of electronic stringed instrument is based on the structure of an acoustic instrument and additionally includes electronic detection means, the structure tends to become complicated and the cost tends to increase. In addition, since the acquired string vibration information is subjected to analog-digital conversion and then sound generation processing is performed thereon, there is a problem that the processing time is long and the time lag from the actual plucking operation to sound generation is large.

[0003] As another type of electronic stringed instrument, there is one that does not follow the structure of an acoustic instrument as it is, but has its own operation means and sensing means instead of a string. For example, a product is known in which a portion for performing an operation corresponding to plucking is constituted by a flexible protrusion, and by knocking down this protrusion, a contact provided at the base comes into contact to generate a sound. Although such a product may be included in an electronic stringed instrument in a broad sense, since the performance form is different from that of a normal stringed instrument, the performer feels a sense of discomfort, and it is difficult to be established as an alternative to an acoustic instrument.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a guitar-type electronic stringed instrument including a string member imitating the strings of an acoustic instrument. Although the string member in Patent Document 1 is different from the strings of a guitar in terms of the support structure and the extended length, etc., since the plucking position and the plucking direction with respect to the string member are similar to those of a guitar, it is a configuration with less discomfort during performance for a user having experience in using a guitar.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-251182 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the electronic stringed instrument of Patent Document 1, a leaf spring is connected to one end side in the longitudinal direction of each of a plurality of string members, and the phenomenon of the leaf spring being bent as a result of plucking the string is detected by a sensor (piezoelectric sensor), and the musical sound level and the like are set based on the detection signal.

[0007] By the way, when a linear string member is plucked, it is not always displaced evenly as a whole. For example, when plucking near the longitudinal end of the string member, there is a possibility that a bias occurs in which the portion close to the plucking position moves greatly and the portion far from the plucking position moves little. In the electronic stringed instrument of Patent Document 1, even if the string is plucked with the same intensity, if the displacement bias of the string member as described above occurs, the output of the sensor changes. Therefore, there is a possibility that the detection accuracy of plucking becomes unstable or that faithful musical sound control according to the performance content is not performed.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides an electronic stringed instrument excellent in plucking detection accuracy and musical sound control performance , Method and Program with the aim of providing such an instrument. Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] An electronic stringed instrument according to one aspect of the present invention supports a string member at different positions in the longitudinal direction Flexible a plurality of string support members, and provided respectively on the plurality of string support members, By detecting the deflection of the string support member a plurality of detection means for outputting a signal corresponding to the strength of plucking the string member, and musical sound control signal generation means for generating a musical sound control signal based on the signals output by the plurality of detection means, characterized in that it comprises these components. Effects of the Invention

[0010] According to the above aspects, the detection accuracy of plucking and the performance of musical sound control To improve can be achieved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the hardware structure of an electronic stringed instrument 10 which is an aspect of the present invention. The electronic stringed instrument 10 is composed of an instrument body and a control unit 20. The instrument body of the electronic stringed instrument 10 is in the shape of a guitar and has a body part 11 and a neck part 12. A string operation part 13 is provided on the front (outer surface) of the body part 11, and a fingerboard 14 is provided on the front (outer surface) of the neck part 12. The longitudinal direction of the neck part 12 is defined as the X-axis direction. In the front view of the electronic stringed instrument 10 (FIG. 1), the direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction is defined as the Y-axis direction. Also, the direction perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1) is defined as the Z-axis direction.

[0013] The string operation part 13 includes a plurality of string members 15. The electronic stringed instrument 10 is modeled after a 6-string guitar and has six string members 15 corresponding to the 1st to 6th strings of the guitar. The six string members 15 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the Y-axis direction, and each extends linearly in the X-axis direction. Different from the strings of a general guitar, each string member 15 is arranged only in a partial range of the body part 11 in the X-axis direction, and the string member 15 does not extend to the area of the neck part 12. That is, during the performance of the electronic stringed instrument 10, a fingering operation on the string member 15 is not performed on the fingerboard 14, but a pressing operation imitating fingering is performed on the fingerboard 14.

[0014] Note that the number of the string members 15 is not limited to six. For example, twelve corresponding to a 12-string guitar, four corresponding to a 4-string bass, etc., the number of the string members 15 can be appropriately selected according to the modeled stringed instrument. Also, it is applicable when the number of the string members 15 is a single number. That is, the present invention can be applied to an electronic stringed instrument including at least one string member.

[0015] The electronic stringed instrument 10 is provided with string motion detection means 16 for detecting the motion of each string member 15 in the string operation section 13. In FIG. 1, the string motion detection means 16 is schematically shown outside the instrument body, but the string motion detection means 16 is incorporated in the string operation section 13. Although the details of the string motion detection means 16 will be described later, when each string member 15 is plucked, it generates a detection signal of an output corresponding to the strength of the plucking.

[0016] On the fingerboard 14, a plurality of fret portions 17 extending in the Y-axis direction are formed at predetermined intervals in the X-axis direction. The plurality of fret portions 17 divide the fret portion 12 into a plurality of regions in the X-axis direction. Similar to a guitar, as the plurality of fret portions 17 progress toward the body portion 11 (string operation section 13) side in the X-axis direction, they indicate higher pitches, and as they progress toward the tip side of the fret portion 12, they indicate lower pitches, changing the pitch step by step. Note that the string member 15 does not extend up to the region of the fret portion 12, and since the string member 15 is not pressed against the fret portion 17 during performance, the fret portion 17 does not have to be a substantial structure protruding on the fingerboard 14. The function of the fret portion 17 in the electronic stringed instrument 10 is a mark for the player's fingerboard operation.

[0017] The electronic stringed instrument 10 is provided with fingerboard operation detection means 18 for detecting operations on the fingerboard 14. In FIG. 1, the fingerboard operation detection means 18 is schematically shown outside the instrument body, but the fingerboard operation detection means 18 is incorporated in the fret portion 12. Specifically, the fingerboard operation detection means 18 is composed of a plurality of switches for detecting pressing into the fingerboard 14, a touch sensor for detecting contact of a finger with the fingerboard 14, etc., and can detect in which area among a plurality of areas that divide the fingerboard 14 into a grid pattern in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction the player's pressing operation has been performed. That is, which area between the frets has been operated (operation position in the X-axis direction), and which area on the extension of which of the six string members 15 has been operated (operation position in the Y-axis direction) are detected by the fingerboard operation detection means 18. The fingerboard operation detection means 18 outputs a detection signal including the detected operation position information on the fingerboard 14.

[0018] On the outer surface of the body portion 11, a plurality of setting operation members 19 in the form of knobs, levers, etc. are provided. By operating the setting operation member 19, function selection, adjustment of performance effects, etc. in the electronic stringed instrument 10 can be performed.

[0019] A user (performer) using the electronic stringed instrument 10 selects a pitch by pressing an arbitrary position on the fingerboard 14 with one hand (or treating it as an open string without pressing), and plucks the string member 15 of the string operation portion 13 with the other hand to perform a performance operation imitating the playing of a guitar. The performance operations on the string member 15 and the fingerboard 14 are detected by the string movement detection means 16 and the fingerboard operation detection means 18, and the detection signals from the string movement detection means 16 and the fingerboard operation detection means 18 are sent to the control unit 20. Also, an operation signal when an operation is performed on the setting operation member 19 is input to the control unit 20.

[0020] The control unit 20 comprehensively controls the electronic stringed instrument 10, and includes at least a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage unit in which a program is stored. By the processor performing arithmetic processing according to the program read from the storage unit, various controls regarding the electronic stringed instrument 10 are executed.

[0021] The control unit 20 may be mounted on an external computer provided separately from the instrument body, or may be mounted inside the instrument body. When the control unit 20 is mounted on an external computer, the instrument body and the external computer are connected so as to be communicable by wire or wirelessly, and the detection signals from the string movement detection means 16 and the fingerboard operation detection means 18 are transmitted to the external computer.

[0022] As function blocks of the control unit 20, a tone control means 21 and a tone control signal generation means 22 are included. The tone control means 21 is responsible for controlling the tones generated by the performance of the electronic stringed instrument 10. Based on the content of the performance, it generates tones from the sound source data stored in the control unit 20 and sends the tone signals to the sound generation system 25. The tone control signal generation means 22 has a function of generating a tone control signal based on the detection signals output from the string movement detection means 16 and the fingerboard operation detection means 18. The tone control means 21 controls the generation of tones based on the tone control signal obtained from the tone control signal generation means 22.

[0023] More specifically, based on the detection signal output from the string movement detection means 16, the tone control signal generation means 22 determines the presence or absence of plucking of each string member 15, the intensity of plucking in the plucked string member 15, the direction of plucking in the plucked string member 15, and so on.

[0024] Also, based on the detection signal from the fingerboard operation detection means 18, the tone control signal generation means 22 identifies the presence or absence of a pushing-in operation on the fingerboard 14 and the location of the pushing-in operation, and specifies the pitch for each string member 15 that has been plucked. When there is a pushing-in operation on the fingerboard 14, it is set to the pitch corresponding to the fret portion 17 adjacent to the high-frequency side (toward the string operation portion 13 in the X-axis direction) with respect to the pushing-in operation position. When no pushing-in operation on the fingerboard 14 is detected on the extension of the string member 15, it is set to the pitch of the open string (open sound). Also, when there are pushing-in operations at multiple locations in the X-axis direction on the fingerboard 14 on the extension of one string member 15, the pitch is set based on the pushing-in position on the highest frequency side.

[0025] When the string member 15 is plucked, the tone control signal generation means 22 generates a tone control signal including information on the strength and direction of plucking of the string member 15 determined based on the detection signal from the string movement detection means 16 and information on the pitch determined based on the detection signal from the fingerboard operation detection means 18.

[0026] The tone control means 21 generates a tone signal processable by the sound - generating system 25 by referring to information such as the strength and pitch of plucking included in the tone control signal generated by the tone control signal generation means 22. The tone signal generated by the tone control means 21 is transmitted to the sound - generating system 25. The sound - generating system 25 includes an amplifier and a voice output unit, amplifies the tone signal with the amplifier, and sends it to the voice output unit. The voice output unit is composed of a speaker, a headphone terminal, etc., and emits a tone from the speaker or headphones.

[0027] As described above, when the electronic stringed instrument 10 is played in a form similar to the playing of a guitar, a tone reflecting the performance content is emitted by electrical processing. In such an electronic stringed instrument 10, it is desirable that the operating feeling during playing is excellent (less sense of strangeness in playing compared to existing stringed instruments) and that the performance (performance technique) of the player can be accurately expressed. By satisfying these requirements, the product value can be improved. The electronic stringed instrument 10 of this embodiment satisfies such requirements and will be described in detail below.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 2, the configuration of the string operation unit 13 will be described. The string operation unit 13 has a base 30 supported on the front surface of the body unit 11, and supports six string members 15 on the base 30. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which the support structure of the string member 15 is directly attached to the front surface of the body unit 11 without passing through the base 30.

[0029] Six pedestal members 31 are fixed on the base 30. Each of the six pedestal members 31 is an elongated member with its longitudinal direction in the X - axis direction, and is arranged at a predetermined interval in the Y - axis direction. A pair of string support members 32 are attached near both ends of each pedestal member 31 in the X - axis direction, and one string member 15 is supported by the pair of string support members 32.

[0030] Both end portions of each string member 15 supported by the string support member 32 are covered by a cover 33. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the cover 33 is attached, and FIG. 2 shows a state in which the cover 33 is removed. As shown in FIG. 1, the string support member 32 is protected by the cover 33 without being exposed on the appearance, and only the six string members 15 are exposed in a state where they can be plucked.

[0031] The six string members 15 in the electronic string instrument 10 have the same specifications such as thickness, cross-sectional shape, and length. Each string member 15 is a linear member having a substantially circular cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and having a uniform cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction.

[0032] Note that the shape and structure of the string member 15 are not limited to this. The cross-sectional shape of the string member 15 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction may be an ellipse, an oblong, a rectangle, or the like. Further, the string member 15 may not have a uniform cross-sectional shape throughout the longitudinal direction, and the cross-sectional shape may be different for each part. Also, the string member 15 may have a hollow structure inside. Furthermore, the six string members 15 may have different specifications such as thickness, cross-sectional shape, and roughness of the outer surface.

[0033] The strings of a general string instrument are bent by plucking and produce sound by the vibration when restoring from the bending. On the other hand, the string member 15 of the electronic string instrument 10 has high rigidity so that it hardly bends with the force applied by plucking. As a specific example, the string member 15 is formed of a material such as a steel material like hardened tool steel, a carbon steel wire such as piano wire, or a high-rigidity stainless steel material.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the details of the support structure of the string member 15 (first embodiment) will be described. FIGS. 3 and 4 show the support structure of one string member 15 viewed from one side and the other side in the Y-axis direction. The other five string members 15 are also supported by the same support structure as that shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0035] The pedestal member 31 is formed of a material such as synthetic resin or metal, and has rigidity that does not bend when the string member 15 plucks the string. The pedestal member 31 has a substantially quadrangular prism shape with a pair of side surfaces 31a and 31b facing in the Y-axis direction and an upper surface 31c and a lower surface 31d facing in the Z-axis direction on its outer surface, and the lower surface 31d is fixed on the base 30.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, a pair of recesses 31e that recess a part of the side surface 31a are formed near both ends of the pedestal member 31 in the X-axis direction. In each recess 31e, a pair of protrusions 31f protrude in the Y-axis direction, and a screw hole 31g is formed between the pair of protrusions 31f. The pair of protrusions 31f and the screw hole 31g are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. A tapered surface 31h is formed between the recess 31e and the upper surface 31c. The tapered surface 31h is an inclined surface that approaches the side surface 31b in the Y-axis direction (reduces the distance from the side surface 31b) as it moves away from the recess 31e and approaches the upper surface 31c.

[0037] A pair of string support members 32 are attached to the pair of recesses 31e in the pedestal member 31. The string support member 32 has a flat plate shape with a pair of side surfaces 32a and 32b facing in the Y-axis direction, has its longitudinal direction in the Z-axis direction, and has its short direction in the X-axis direction, and is attached to the pedestal member 31 in a state of overlapping the recess 31e.

[0038] At the base end portion 32c which is one end side in the Z-axis direction of the string support member 32, a pair of engaging holes that engage with the pair of protrusions 31f and a through hole that overlaps with the screw hole 31g are formed, and the position of the base end portion 32c is determined by the engagement with the protrusions 31f. Then, a fixing screw 34 is screwed into the screw hole 31g through the through hole of the base end portion 32c, and by tightening the fixing screw 34 with a torque equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the base end portion 32c is sandwiched between the head of the fixing screw 34 and the recess 31e, and the string support member 32 is fixed to the pedestal member 31. FIG. 3 shows a state in which one of the pair of string support members 32 is fixed with the fixing screw 34 and the other string support member 32 is not fixed.

[0039] A pair of string support members 32 attached near both ends of the pedestal member 31 has a length that protrudes higher than the upper surface 31c in the Z-axis direction, and an upward U-shaped support structure is formed by the pedestal member 31 and the pair of string support members 32. Among each string support member 32, the tip side in the Z-axis direction opposite to the base end portion 32c is a string fixing portion 32d for attaching the string member 15. The string fixing portion 32d is a free end portion that is not fixed to the pedestal member 31. By fixing both ends of the string member 15 to the respective string fixing portions 32d of the pair of string support members 32, a support structure is formed in which the string member 15 is spanned between the pair of string support members 32.

[0040] The string support member 32 is a leaf spring having flexibility and is easily elastically deformed in the Y-axis direction, which is the thickness direction. What is fixed to the pedestal member 31 among the string support members 32 is the base end portion 32c that abuts against the concave portion 31e, and the portion beyond the base end portion 32c is elastically deformable. More specifically, the string support member 32 stands upright linearly in the Z-axis direction from the base end portion 32c and stands on its own in a free state without applying an external force. Then, when the string support member 32 receives an external force, it can perform an operation (rocking) of moving the string fixing portion 32d side forward and backward in the Y-axis direction with the fixed base end portion 32c side as a fulcrum.

[0041] The string support member 32 is set to have lower rigidity and be more easily bent than the string member 15. When the string member 15 is plucked, the string member 15 hardly bends, while the string support member 32 bends preferentially, and the position of the string member 15 changes according to the bending of the string support member 32. As an example of a material for forming the string support member 32 having such characteristics, stainless steel, spring steel, copper alloy for springs, etc. can be selected. The flat plate-shaped string support member 32 facing the pair of side surfaces 32a and 32b in the Y-axis direction is particularly easily bent when receiving a force acting in the Y-axis direction.

[0042] The string fixing part 32d and the string member 15 are firmly fixed, and when the string member 15 is plucked, the force can be surely transmitted to the string support member 32 without separation occurring. The fixing method (fixing structure) of the string member 15 to the string fixing part 32d can be appropriately selected according to the materials of the string support member 32 and the string member 15, and the shape of the contact part between the string fixing part 32d and the string member 15. For example, the string member 15 can be fixed to the string support member 32 by using welding (such as spot welding), soldering, adhesion, screwing, caulking, etc.

[0043] In a general stringed instrument that plays by bending the string itself, parameters such as the displacement amount of the string generated by plucking, the reaction force at that time, the return time of the string due to the reaction force, the vibration of the string, and the attenuation mode of the vibration affect the operating feeling of the player. And, although it depends on the type of instrument and tuning, it is designed on the premise of using it with a relatively high string tension in order to obtain excellent sound quality and good operating feeling. Therefore, high strength and accuracy are required for the string support structure in existing stringed instruments.

[0044] When manufacturing an electronic stringed instrument following such a structure of a stringed instrument, there is a problem that the structure for supporting the string member becomes large and heavy, and the manufacturing cost also increases. In addition, regarding the structural parts for giving a high tension to the string member, the accuracy and setting become severe, and there is a possibility that a slight accuracy error may greatly affect the operating feeling during performance.

[0045] On the other hand, in an electronic stringed instrument, since the string member does not generate sound by its own vibration, there is a degree of freedom in setting the tension of the string member. However, if the tension of the string member is weakened for the purpose of simplifying the support structure, etc., the above-mentioned parameters will be greatly different from those of a stringed instrument and will affect the operating feeling when plucking, and there is a possibility of giving a sense of discomfort to the player.

[0046] In this embodiment, when the string member 15 is plucked, the high-rigidity string member 15 hardly bends, and a pair of string support members 32 that support the string member 15 perform a swing in which they deform in the plucked direction and then deform in the opposite direction by the reaction force, in an amount and number corresponding to the strength of the plucking. As a result, immediately after the plucking, the string member 15 generates reciprocating vibrations. The operation of this string member 15 is similar to the behavior of the strings of a stringed instrument when plucked. Since the string member 15 does not bend excessively, it is possible to give the player an operating feeling similar to that of existing strings arranged under high tension. And, without requiring a complicated and large structure for applying high tension to the string member 15, it is excellent in that an operating feeling similar to that of the strings of a stringed instrument can be obtained with a simple and inexpensive structure in which the string member 15 is supported by a pair of flexible string support members 32.

[0047] Also, as will be described later, the string motion detection means 16 outputs a signal corresponding to the deformation of the string support member 32. Therefore, if a large bend occurs in the string member 15 during plucking, the bend of the string support member 32 will be relatively reduced, and the output of the string motion detection means 16 may decrease. Alternatively, the behavior of the string support member 32 may become unstable due to the bend of the string member 15, and the output accuracy of the string motion detection means 16 may deteriorate. In this embodiment, by bending the string support member 32 without bending the string member 15, such problems can be avoided and high detection accuracy can be obtained.

[0048] The support structure of the string member 15 composed of a pair of string support members 32 has few parts and is simple. Also, for each individual part, both the linear (rod-shaped) string member 15 and the leaf spring string support member 32 can be obtained relatively inexpensively, and manufacturing and assembly are also easy. Therefore, there is an advantage that the manufacturing cost can be suppressed and the operation reliability and maintainability are excellent.

[0049] The string support member 32 has a generally rectangular shape with its longitudinal direction oriented in the Z-axis direction, but it is not a perfect rectangle. A tapered portion 32e is formed on the string fixing portion 32d side, and a widened portion 32f is provided on the base end portion 32c side.

[0050] The tapered portion 32e has an inclined shape that gradually reduces the width of the string support member 32 in the X-axis direction as it advances toward the string fixing portion 32d side in the Z-axis direction. The widened portion 32f projects in the X-axis direction from the base end portion 32c to expand the width of the string support member 32. That is, the string support member 32 is formed in a tapered shape in which the width in the X-axis direction of the string fixing portion 32d is smaller than that of the base end portion 32c. Due to this shape of the string support member 32, the cross-sectional rigidity on the string fixing portion 32d side is slightly lower than that on the base end portion 32c side, and the followability of the deformation of the string support member 32 with respect to the plucking of the string member 15 is improved. Further, since the base end portion 32c contacts the recess 31e with a wide width, the stability of the support of the string support member 32 with respect to the pedestal member 31 is improved.

[0051] The tapered surface 31h formed on the pedestal member 31 functions as an interference prevention portion for smoothly deflecting the string support member 32 without hindering the movement of the string support member 32 in the Y-axis direction. In particular, when the string support member 32 abuts against the pedestal member 31 at the root portion near the base end portion 32c, the amount of deflection of the string support member 32 may be limited or the smoothness of the deflection of the string support member 32 may be impaired. By forming the tapered surface 31h at a position near the base end portion 32c, such problems can be prevented.

[0052] An elastic body 35 is attached to the side surface 32a of the string support member 32. The elastic body 35 is made of an elastic material such as rubber or sponge and contributes to suppressing abnormal noises when the string member 15 is plucked. As factors causing abnormal noises, there are collision noises generated by the string member 15 and the string support member 32 colliding with surrounding structures (including other string members 15 and string support members 32 adjacent in the Y-axis direction), and vibration noises caused by specific vibrations (inherent vibrations different from the displacements due to plucking) generated in the string member 15 and the string support member 32. By making the portion that collides with the surrounding structures into the elastic body 35 that is more flexible than the string member 15 and the string support member 32, the collision noise can be reduced. Further, by attaching the elastic body 35, the attenuation of the vibrations of the string member 15 and the string support member 32 can be promoted, and the vibration noise can be reduced.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 4, the pedestal member 31 is provided with a limiting plate 31i that protrudes in the Z-axis direction from the upper surface 31c. The limiting plate 31i is positioned opposite to the side surface 32b of the string support member 32, and a predetermined gap exists in the Y-axis direction between the string support member 32 and the limiting plate 31i. The maximum deflection amount of the string support member 32 in the Y-axis direction is limited by the limiting plate 31i.

[0054] With the configuration in which the elastic body 35 and the limiting plate 31i are arranged along the string support member 32, excessive deformation of the string support member 32 does not occur, and a plucking force exceeding the allowable range for the string member 15 can be absorbed.

[0055] The deformation (deflection) of the pair of string support members 32 when the string member 15 is plucked is detected by the string movement detection means 16. The string movement detection means 16 is configured to include a piezoelectric sensor 36. Piezoelectric sensors 36 are attached to each of the pair of string support members 32, and the deformation of each string support member 32 is detected at two locations spaced apart in the X-axis direction using the pair of piezoelectric sensors 36.

[0056] The piezoelectric sensor 36 is in a flat plate shape and is attached to the side surface 32b of the string support member 32. In the initial state where the string member 15 is not plucked and the string support member 32 is not swinging in the Y-axis direction, there is a gap of a predetermined size in the Y-axis direction between the piezoelectric sensor 36 and the limiting plate 31i.

[0057] The piezoelectric sensor 36 has a piezoelectric element (such as piezoelectric ceramics) that generates electric charges when receiving mechanical stress, and electrical terminals arranged on both sides thereof. When the piezoelectric element is deflected, an electromotive force is generated. When the string member 15 is plucked, the string support member 32 is bent in the plucking direction and deflection occurs. When the plucking of the string member 15 ends and the external force is released, the string support member 32 returns in the direction opposite to the plucking by the restoring force from the deflection, and then vibrates while attenuating. Due to the deflection and vibration of the string support member 32, the piezoelectric element of the piezoelectric sensor 36 is repeatedly deflected forward and backward, and positive and negative voltages are repeatedly generated each time. The waveform indicating the change in this voltage is output as a detection signal from the piezoelectric sensor 36 and input to the control unit 20.

[0058] Based on the voltage waveform signal output by the piezoelectric sensor 36, the control unit 20 determines the presence or absence of a plucking action and the intensity of the plucking. Also, since the positive or negative direction of a specific pulse (for example, the first pulse representing the initial movement during plucking or the nth pulse indicating the restoring movement) in the voltage waveform output by the piezoelectric sensor 36 is determined by the direction of the plucking of the string member 15, the control unit 20 can analyze the waveform to determine the direction of the plucking.

[0059] Generally, a performer has playing habits. For example, when trying to perform a stroke with a certain intensity in the Y-axis direction, there are often variations in the plucking intensity between plucking from one side and the other side in the Y-axis direction. By analyzing the variations in the output for each plucking direction included in the detection signal from the piezoelectric sensor 36, it is also possible for the tone control signal generation means 22 of the control unit 20 to generate a tone control signal that corrects for the playing habits.

[0060] By the way, in the case of a stringed instrument such as a general guitar, the part where the performer plucks the string extends over a predetermined range in the longitudinal direction of the string. Therefore, also in the electronic stringed instrument 10, in order to realize a playing form similar to that of a guitar, it is necessary to ensure a relatively large plucking range of the string member 15 in the X-axis direction. Specifically, in the string operation unit 13 shown in FIG. 1, the region where the string member 15 is exposed between the covers 33 on both sides is the plucking range.

[0061] Here, even when performing a plucking action with a constant intensity and direction, it is necessary to consider the possibility that the behavior of the string member 15 may vary depending on the position where the string member 15 is plucked. That is, the string member 15, which has an elongated shape, does not always have a uniform displacement magnitude and direction throughout the longitudinal direction during plucking.

[0062] Fig. 5(A) schematically shows a case where the center position P1 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the string member 15 with a both-end supported structure supported by a pair of string support members 32 is plucked to one side in the Y-axis direction. In this case, the pair of string support members 32 supporting both ends of the string member 15 are evenly deflected, and the entire string member 15 is translated in the Y-axis direction, and there is no variation in the amount of movement at each location in the longitudinal direction of the string member 15. Therefore, it can be assumed that equivalent detection results can be obtained regardless of which part in the longitudinal direction of the string member 15 the displacement is detected at.

[0063] Fig. 5(B) shows a case where a position P2 near one end in the longitudinal direction of the string member 15 is plucked to one side in the Y-axis direction. In this case, there is a bias in the magnitude of the input to the pair of string support members 32. The string support member 32 on the side closer to the plucking position P2 has a larger amount of movement (deflection amount) in the Y-axis direction, and the string support member 32 farther from the plucking position P2 has a smaller amount of movement (deflection amount) in the Y-axis direction. As a result, the string member 15 is displaced while being inclined non-parallel to the X-axis. Fig. 5(B) represents the initial movement of the string member 15 during plucking, but in the subsequent vibration of the string member 15, a non-uniform movement non-parallel to the X-axis also occurs.

[0064] In the case of Fig. 5(B), variations will occur in the detection results depending on which position in the longitudinal direction of the string member 15 the displacement is detected at. In particular, if the detection is performed only near either one of the ends in the longitudinal direction of the string member 15, the location with the largest variation in the displacement amount will be detected. As a result, the detection results will be inaccurate, and there is a possibility that in the generation of musical sounds based on this, musical sounds that do not properly reflect the performance performed by the performer will be emitted.

[0065] In addition, as a playing technique for stringed instruments such as guitars, there is one that intentionally changes the plucking position in the longitudinal direction of the strings. For example, in the case of a guitar, when plucking near the neck, the sound becomes soft, and when plucking near the bridge, the sound becomes hard, and a guitarist may perform separate plucking while being aware of such an effect. Even when such separate plucking of the plucking position is performed on the string member 15, the displacement of the string member 15 becomes as shown in Fig. 5(B). And with a method of detecting displacement at only one location in the longitudinal direction of the string member 15, it is difficult to distinguish such differences in plucking position due to the performance intention.

[0066] As described above, if detection is performed at only one location in the longitudinal direction of the string member 15, there is a risk that variations may occur in the detection accuracy, or that musical sound generation different from the performer's intention may be performed due to limitations in the detection performance.

[0067] Fig. 6 shows a string member 150 supported by a support structure different from the support structure of the string member 15 shown in Figs. 3 and 4 as another example when it is difficult to accurately detect the operation of the string member. In this example, only one location near the center in the longitudinal direction of the string member 150 is supported by the string support member 132. The string support member 132 has flexibility similar to the aforementioned string support member 32, and the string member 150 is set to be less flexible than the string support member 132.

[0068] Fig. 6(A) shows the case where the central position P3 in the longitudinal direction of the string member 150 (the support position by the string support member 132) is plucked to one side in the Y-axis direction. When plucking accurately at the support position by the string support member 132 and applying a force linearly in the Y-axis direction, as shown in Fig. 6(A), the entire string member 150 moves parallel in the Y-axis direction, and it is assumed that there is no variation in the amount of movement for each location in the longitudinal direction of the string member 150. However, in actual performance operations, it is extremely rare for such an input to be applied to the string member 150. Also, even if such an input is applied, the structure of supporting with only one string support member 132 tends to make the behavior of the string member 150 unstable, and the string member 150 does not always operate as assumed in the figure.

[0069] (B) of FIG. 6 shows a case where the string member 150 is plucked to one side in the Y-axis direction at a position P4 shifted in the X-axis direction from the support position by the string support member 132. In this case, the string member 150 generates an inclination centered on the support position by the string support member 132, and the position changes in the Y-axis direction are opposite on one side and the other side in the X-axis direction with the support position by the string support member 132 as the boundary. Also, among the string member 150, the amount of movement in the Y-axis direction is small at a position close to the string support member 132, and the amount of movement in the Y-axis direction increases as it moves away from the string support member 132 and approaches the longitudinal end. Then, depending on at which position in the longitudinal direction of the string member 150 the displacement is detected, variations will occur in the detection results. In particular, since the position changes in the Y-axis direction are opposite on both sides in the X-axis direction sandwiching the support position by the string support member 132, there is a risk of false detection that a plucking in the direction opposite to the actual plucking direction has been performed.

[0070] For the above reasons, in order to improve the detection accuracy of plucking performed on the string member in an electronic stringed instrument, it is extremely important how to support the string member in terms of structure and at which position to detect the behavior of the string member.

[0071] In the present embodiment, since the string member 15 is supported by the string support member 32 at a plurality of different positions in the longitudinal direction, the reversal phenomenon of the movement direction during plucking as shown in (B) of FIG. 6 does not occur, and the movement directions can be made uniform throughout the string member 15. Therefore, it is possible to avoid detecting the plucking direction in the reverse direction.

[0072] In addition, by supporting the string member 15 at a plurality of positions, it is excellent in the stability of the support and the stability of the behavior during plucking. In particular, the support by the pair of string support members 32 is performed at both ends (two locations) in the longitudinal direction of the string member 15, and there is no portion connecting to the string member 15 in the middle thereof. Therefore, the stability is extremely high and the behavior of the string member 15 also becomes smooth. In addition, a wide range between the pair of string support members 32 can be effectively used as a region where the string member 15 can be plucked, and there is no possibility that the fingers or pick of the performer touches the support structure such as the string support member 32 and the performance is hindered. Therefore, it is also excellent in terms of ease of performance.

[0073] The string motion detection means 16 of the electronic string instrument 10 individually detects the deformation of the string support member 32 by a plurality of piezoelectric sensors 36 having different positions in the longitudinal direction of the string member 15, and outputs a signal corresponding to the deformation. Therefore, by referring to the detection results of the respective piezoelectric sensors 36 in the control unit 20, the displacement state of the string member 15 can be accurately identified and used for generating musical sounds.

[0074] In particular, by using a pair of piezoelectric sensors 36 to independently detect the amount of deflection of the string support member 32 near both ends where the difference in displacement of the string member 15 is the largest as shown in FIG. 5(B), there is an advantage that it is easy to determine the degree of displacement with high accuracy. As a result, the degree of strength or weakness of the plucking of the string member 15 actually performed, the plucking position with respect to the string member 15, etc. can be detected with high accuracy.

[0075] As an example of musical sound generation using the output from the string motion detection means 16, in the musical sound control signal generation means 22 of the control unit 20, the displacement of the string member 15 can be determined using the average value obtained by averaging the signals output from the pair of piezoelectric sensors 36. By averaging the output from the piezoelectric sensor 36 attached to the string support member 32 on the side with the larger amount of deflection and the output from the piezoelectric sensor 36 attached to the string support member 32 on the side with the smaller amount of deflection, for plucking of the string member 15 at any part within the pluckable range, for plucking of the same intensity, a substantially constant sensor output can be obtained. As a result, the influence of variations in the sensor output due to differences in the plucking position can be eliminated, and a musical sound control signal that appropriately reflects the intensity of the plucking actually performed on the string member 15 can be generated and used for the control of musical sound by the musical sound control means 21.

[0076] Note that when the waveforms of positive and negative voltages are output as they are from the piezoelectric sensor 36, simply averaging the outputs of the pair of piezoelectric sensors 36 may not result in correct values. In this case, processes such as rectifying the output of the piezoelectric sensor 36 with a bridge circuit and then averaging may be performed.

[0077] As another example of musical sound generation using the output from the string motion detection means 16, based on the signals respectively output from the pair of piezoelectric sensors 36, the plucking position in the longitudinal direction of the string member 15 can be estimated, and a musical sound control signal can be generated according to the difference in the plucking position. As a functional block for realizing this, the control unit 20 is provided with a plucking position estimation means 23 (FIG. 1). In the control unit 20, data representing the change in the output of the pair of piezoelectric sensors 36 for each plucking position of the string member 15, an algorithm for obtaining the plucking position of the string member 15 from the content of the output of the pair of piezoelectric sensors 36, etc. are recorded in advance. The plucking position estimation means 23 individually acquires the detection signals output from the pair of piezoelectric sensors 36, compares the content of each output, and executes an operation for estimating which position of the string member 15 has been plucked according to the above-mentioned data and algorithm. Then, the estimated plucking position information is sent to the musical sound control signal generation means 22.

[0078] For example, if the amplitude values of the detection signals output by the pair of piezoelectric sensors 36 are approximately the same, it can be estimated that the string member 15 is plucked near the center. Also, when the amplitude value of the detection signal output by one of the pair of piezoelectric sensors 36 is larger than that of the other, it can be estimated that the portion near the piezoelectric sensor 36 with the larger amplitude value of the detection signal is plucked. And the greater the difference in the amplitude values of the detection signals output by the pair of piezoelectric sensors 36, the more it can be estimated that the portion with a larger deviation from the center of the string member 15 (the portion closer to the longitudinal end) is plucked.

[0079] The musical tone control signal generation means 22 changes the content of the musical tone control signal or adds additional information to the musical tone control signal based on the plucking position estimated by the plucking position estimation means 23, and reflects it in the generation of the musical tone performed by the musical tone control means 21.

[0080] As an example, the musical tone control signal generation means 22 can generate a musical tone control signal so as to change the frequency characteristics of the musical tone according to the difference in the plucking positions of the string member 15 estimated by the plucking position estimation means 23. By changing the frequency characteristics, so-called softness and hardness of the sound can be adjusted. Therefore, it becomes possible to express a difference in musical tones similar to that between plucking at a position near the neck and plucking at a position near the bridge on a guitar also in the electronic stringed musical instrument 10 by performing different pluckings with different plucking positions of the string member 15.

[0081] As another example, the musical tone control signal generation means 22 can generate a musical tone control signal so as to change the timbre according to the difference in the plucking position of the string member 15 estimated by the plucking position estimation means 23. The sound source data stored in the control unit 20 includes various timbres corresponding to a plurality of types of musical instruments, sound effects, and the like. Then, by associating the plucking area of the string member 15 with the timbres included in the sound source data, a specific timbre corresponding to the plucking position is selected from among the plurality of timbres. For example, when the first region in the longitudinal direction of the string member 15 is plucked, it can be made to sound with the timbre of the first musical instrument, and when the second region is plucked, it can be made to sound with the timbre of the second musical instrument, and the like. Note that the proper use of timbres is not limited to two types, and the plucking area of the string member 15 may be divided into three or more parts and controlled so as to be selected from three or more types of timbres.

[0082] As can be seen from these control examples, by estimating the plucking position of the string member 15 and applying an effect corresponding to the estimated plucking position to control the musical tone, the range of performance expression can be expanded, and the product value of the electronic stringed musical instrument 10 can be improved.

[0083] The user may be allowed to arbitrarily select what kind of musical tone control is to be performed based on the outputs of the pair of piezoelectric sensors 36. For example, based on the above-described control examples, an averaging correction mode in which the outputs of the pair of piezoelectric sensors 36 are averaged and used, a frequency characteristic change mode in which the frequency characteristics of the musical tone are changed according to the difference in the plucking position, a timbre change mode in which the timbre is changed according to the difference in the plucking position, etc. are prepared, and the user selects a desired mode via the operation of the setting operation member 19.

[0084] Note that the use of the string movement detection means 16 provided with the pair of piezoelectric sensors 36 is applicable not only to the control of musical tones. For example, when the electronic stringed musical instrument 10 is used as a teaching material for performance practice, it is also possible to detect variations in the plucking position, variations in the plucking intensity, etc., and notify the user to enhance the learning effect. Alternatively, it is also possible to apply such that which position of the string member 15 is plucked is displayed on a monitor or the like to obtain a visual effect.

[0085] As a performance operation other than plucking in a stringed instrument, there is an operation in which a performer touches a string to mute it. It is possible to detect such a muting operation by providing an electrical connection between the string member 15 and the string support member 32.

[0086] Specifically, the string member 15 and the string support member 32 are each made of a conductive material. Also, regarding the portion where the string fixing portion 32d is fixed to the string member 15, it is brought into conductive contact using soldering or the like. As shown in FIG. 3, a capacitance sensor 38 is provided, and a part of the string support member 32 (for example, the widened portion 32f) and the capacitance sensor 38 are connected by a lead wire 37. By connecting the lead wire 37 to a widened portion 32f which is a part of the base end portion 32c fixed to the pedestal member 31, it is possible to prevent the lead wire 37 and the capacitance sensor 38 from becoming an obstacle or resistance to the deformation of the string support member 32.

[0087] In this case, in addition to the piezoelectric sensor 36, the capacitance sensor 38 also constitutes the string movement detection means 16. The capacitance of each string member 15 in a state where the performer is not touching is measured in advance and stored in the storage unit of the control unit 20, and by comparing it with the change in the capacitance of the string member 15 detected by the capacitance sensor 38, it is possible to detect whether the performer is touching the string member 15. Then, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the musical tone control signal generation means 22 determines that a muting operation is being performed, and sends a musical tone control signal indicating the muting state to the musical tone control means 21. Based on this, the musical tone control means 21 executes a muting process so as to cut off all sound production including the reverberant sound. The predetermined condition indicating a muting operation is, for example, when the performer touches not only one string member 15 but a plurality of preset string members 15.

[0088] Note that when it is not necessary to detect the muting operation on the string member 15, the capacitance sensor 38 can be omitted, or the string member 15 and the string support member 32 can be configured not to be electrically connected. For example, the string member 15 and the string support member 32 can be formed of a non-metallic material such as synthetic resin, or a non-conductive material can be arranged at the connection portion between the string member 15 and the string support member 32.

[0089] In the support structure of the string member 15 in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the deflection of the pair of string support members 32 mainly occurs in the Y-axis direction, and the plucking in the Y-axis direction can be efficiently detected. Different support structures of the string member 15 are shown as the second embodiment in FIG. 7 and the third embodiment in FIG. 8. Regarding the parts common to the configurations of FIGS. 3 and 4, the same reference numerals are used in FIGS. 7 and 8 and the description thereof is omitted.

[0090] In each of the pair of string support members 40 in the second embodiment of FIG. 7, a plurality of slits 41 extending in the X-axis direction are formed in an intermediate portion between the base end portion 32c and the string fixing portion 32d. The slit 41 is a groove portion in which one end in the X-axis direction is open and is cut from the open portion to the middle in the X-axis direction. Five slits 41 are formed in each string support member 40 at a predetermined interval in the Z-axis direction, and the slits 41 adjacent to each other in the Z-axis direction are open in opposite directions in the X-axis direction. By forming these slits 41, the portion between the base end portion 32c and the string fixing portion 32d becomes bellows-like, and the string support member 40 can expand and contract in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the string support member 40 is configured to be easily deflected not only in the Y-axis direction but also in the Z-axis direction. In addition, operations such as twisting the string support member 40 in each direction are also facilitated.

[0091] In each of the pair of string support members 42 in the third embodiment of FIG. 8, a through hole 43 is formed in an intermediate portion between the base end portion 32c and the string fixing portion 32d, and both sides of the through hole 43 are a pair of thin bridging portions 44. By forming the through hole 43, the flexibility of the string support member 42 is increased, and the degree of freedom in the direction of deflection is also increased. For example, by independently deflecting the pair of thin bridging portions 44, operations such as changing the position of the string fixing portion 32d in the Z-axis direction and twisting the string support member 42 in each direction are facilitated.

[0092] The string support member 40 in FIG. 7 and the string support member 42 in FIG. 8 have a higher degree of freedom in the direction of deflection compared to the string support member 32. Therefore, it is easy for the string member 15 to follow and displace even in operations other than the playing operation of stroking in the Y-axis direction. For example, even when performing a slap technique including a pushing component in the Z-axis direction, the movement of the string member 15 can be accommodated. And the piezoelectric sensors 36 attached to the string support member 40 and the string support member 42 can also detect deflection in the Z-axis direction and the like.

[0093] Although not shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, an elastic body similar to the elastic body 35 of the first embodiment (FIG. 3) may be attached to the string support member 40 or the string support member 42 to suppress abnormal sounds and promote vibration attenuation.

[0094] Thus, the displacement direction of the string member to be detected in the present invention only needs to be a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the string member, and is not limited to only plucking in the direction (Y-axis direction) in which a plurality of string members are arranged.

[0095] In the configurations of FIGS. 3, 4, 7, and 8, a pair of piezoelectric sensors 36 are used as the string motion detection means 16, but it is also possible to use detection means other than piezoelectric sensors. For example, the string motion detection means 16 may be constituted by a pair of strain gauges attached to a pair of string support members 32. A strain gauge measures the change in resistance value accompanying the deformation of a resistor such as metal, and can detect the deformation of the string support member 32 in the same manner as the piezoelectric sensor 36 described above.

[0096] The support structure of the string member and the means for detecting the operation of the string member are not limited to those described above. Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, another embodiment in which the support structure of the string member and the means for detecting the operation of the string member are different is shown. In FIGS. 9 to 11, only one end of each string member 15 in the longitudinal direction is shown, and the illustration of the other end of each string member 15 is omitted, but both ends of each string member 15 have the same structure. That is, each embodiment of FIGS. 9 to 11 is common to the first, second, and third embodiments described above in that both ends of the string member 15 are supported by a pair of flexible string support members, and the operations of both string support members are detected independently. Also, although some of the string members 15 are omitted in FIGS. 9 and 10, it is assumed that there are six string members 15 arranged in the Y-axis direction.

[0097] In the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 9, a pair of string support members 50 that support both ends of each string member 15 are directly fixed on the base 30, and a member corresponding to the pedestal member 31 of the first to third embodiments is not provided. The string support member 50 has a leg portion 50a fixed on the base 30 and a plate-shaped standing wall portion 50b rising in the Z-axis direction from the leg portion 50a, and a cylindrical portion 50c is provided at the tip of the standing wall portion 50b. The cylindrical portion 50c has a cylindrical shape penetrating in the X-axis direction, and an end of the string member 15 is inserted into the inside thereof, and the string member 15 and the cylindrical portion 50c are fixed to each other.

[0098] The string support member 50 has an extension portion 50d projecting in the X-axis direction from the standing wall portion 50b. A bent portion 50e that bends in the Y-axis direction is provided at the tip of the extension portion 50d in the X-axis direction. An elastic body 51 is attached to the side surface of the extension portion 50d. A permanent magnet 52 is attached to the bent portion 50e.

[0099] A sensor support member 53 is provided on the base 30. The sensor support member 53 is an elongated member extending in the Y-axis direction and is arranged so as to straddle the extension portions 50d of a plurality (six) of string support members 50.

[0100] The sensor support member 53 has a groove portion 53a at a position corresponding to each string support member 50. The groove portion 53a has a concave shape cut in the X-axis direction, and the extension portion 50d is inserted into the groove portion 53a. In the Y-axis direction, the width of the groove portion 53a is larger than the combined thickness of the extension portion 50d and the elastic body 51, and the extension portion 50d is movable in the Y-axis direction by the clearance amount with respect to the sensor support member 53 and the groove portion 53a. When the side surface of the extension portion 50d or the elastic body 51 abuts against the inner surface of the groove portion 53a, the further movement of the string support member 50 in the Y-axis direction is restricted.

[0101] The elastic body 51 has the same role as the elastic body 35 in the first embodiment (FIG. 3). By the elastic body 51 abutting against the inner surface of the groove portion 53a, the impact sound is suppressed. Further, the elastic body 51 promotes the attenuation of the vibration of the string support member 50 and reduces the vibration sound. The excessive deformation of the string support member 50 is suppressed by the inner surface of the groove portion 53a, and the plucking force exceeding the allowable range to the string member 15 can be absorbed by the elastic body 51.

[0102] The sensor support member 53 has a pedestal portion 53b in which the groove portion 53a is formed, and a support plate portion 53c protruding from the pedestal portion 53b in the Z-axis direction. A plurality (six) of magnetic sensors 54 are provided on the support plate portion 53c at intervals in the Y-axis direction. Each magnetic sensor 54 is arranged at a position facing the permanent magnet 52 of each string support member 50 in the X-axis direction.

[0103] The magnetic sensor 54 constitutes the string movement detection means 16 (FIG. 1). When the string member 15 is plucked and the string support member 50 bends, and when the position of the permanent magnet 52 changes along with the bending of the string support member 50, the magnetic sensor 54 detects the change in the magnetic field. As the magnetic sensor 54, a Hall element, a Hall IC, a coil, or the like can be used. All of these generate a voltage according to the change in the magnetic flux density due to the relative position change with the permanent magnet 52, so that the displacement of the string support member 50 accompanying the plucking of the string member 15 can be detected by the magnetic sensor 54.

[0104] For example, when a coil is used as the magnetic sensor 54, a voltage waveform similar to that obtained when the piezoelectric sensor 36 described above is used can be obtained. Since the variation in the magnetic field differs depending on the direction of movement of the permanent magnet 52, the plucking direction of the string member 15 can be detected based on the output from the coil of the magnetic sensor 54.

[0105] The configuration of FIG. 9 is a so-called moving magnet type detection structure in which a permanent magnet 52 is provided on the string support member 50 which is a movable part. As advantages of this structure, the wiring extending from the magnetic sensor 54 is on the side of the fixed sensor support member 53, and no wiring is connected to the movable string support member 50 side, so there is less operating resistance and it is difficult for a load to be applied to the electrical equipment system including the magnetic sensor 54. However, conversely to the configuration of FIG. 9, even if the magnetic sensor 54 is provided on the string support member 50 and the permanent magnet 52 is provided on the sensor support member 53, it is possible to detect the operation of the string support member 50, and such a configuration is not excluded.

[0106] The fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 10 is common to the fourth embodiment of FIG. 9 except for the components of the string operation detection means 16. For parts common to the configuration of FIG. 9, the same reference numerals are used in FIG. 10 and the description thereof is omitted.

[0107] The string support member 50 has a reflector 55 extending in the X-axis direction from the extension part 50d. The string support member 50 and the reflector 55 are integrally formed. Note that a structure in which the reflector 55 formed as a separate member is attached to the string support member 50 may also be used. The reflector 55 has a flat plate shape with both sides facing in the Z-axis direction.

[0108] A support plate portion 53d is provided on a pedestal portion 53b of the sensor support member 53, and a plurality (six) of reflective optical sensors 56 are provided on the support plate portion 53d at intervals in the Y-axis direction. Each reflective optical sensor 56 is arranged at a position facing a reflector 55 of each string support member 50 in the Z-axis direction. In the reflective optical sensor 56, a light emitting portion 56a and a light receiving portion 56b are arranged in parallel in the Y-axis direction. The light emitting portion 56a has a light source such as an LED and projects light toward the reflector 55 side. The light receiving portion 56b includes a photoelectric conversion element that converts light energy into electrical energy.

[0109] The reflective optical sensor 56 constitutes string operation detection means 16 (FIG. 1). Light emitted from the light emitting portion 56a of the reflective optical sensor 56 is reflected by the reflector 55 and received by the light receiving portion 56b. When the string member 15 is plucked, the string support member 50 bends, and when the position of the reflector 55 changes as the string support member 50 bends, the amount of light received by the light receiving portion 56b fluctuates. By analyzing this fluctuation in the amount of received light, the operation of the string member 15 can be detected.

[0110] In the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 11, components other than those of the string operation detection means 16 are common to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 9. For parts common to the configuration of FIG. 9, the same reference numerals are used in FIG. 11 and the description thereof is omitted.

[0111] The string support member 50 has a light shielding plate 57 extending in the X-axis direction from an extension portion 50d. The string support member 50 and the light shielding plate 57 are integrally formed. Note that a structure in which the light shielding plate 57 formed as a separate member is attached to the string support member 50 may also be used. The light shielding plate 57 has a flat plate shape with both sides facing in the Z-axis direction.

[0112] A support plate portion 53e is provided on a pedestal portion 53b of the sensor support member 53, and a plurality (six) of transmissive optical sensors 58 are provided on a side surface of the support plate portion 53e at intervals in the Y-axis direction. Each transmissive optical sensor 58 has a light emitting portion 58a and a light receiving portion 58b that face each other with a space therebetween in the Z-axis direction, and the light shielding plate 57 of each string support member 50 is positioned between the light emitting portion 58a and the light receiving portion 58b.

[0113] The transmissive optical sensor 58 constitutes the string movement detection means 16 (FIG. 1). The light emitted from the light emitting portion 58a of the transmissive optical sensor 58 is blocked at the portion where the light shielding plate 57 is present, and is received by the light receiving portion 58b at the portion where the light shielding plate 57 is absent. When the string member 15 is plucked, the string support member 50 bends, and as the position of the light shielding plate 57 changes with the bending of the string support member 50, the amount of light received by the light receiving portion 58b fluctuates. By analyzing this fluctuation in the amount of light received, the operation of the string member 15 can be detected.

[0114] A plurality of slit-shaped holes may be formed in the light shielding plate 57 at intervals in the Y-axis direction. These holes penetrate in the Z-axis direction, and since the light received by the light receiving portion 58b becomes pulsed, the vibration speed of the string member 15 can be detected based on the light reception period of the pulse.

[0115] In the reflective optical sensor 56 of FIG. 10 and the transmissive optical sensor 58 of FIG. 11, since the output is not like the positive and negative of the voltage in the piezoelectric sensor 36 described above, it may be difficult to detect the plucking direction of the string member 15. As a countermeasure, an auxiliary sensor for detecting the moving direction of the string support member 50 may be used.

[0116] In the configuration from FIG. 9 to FIG. 11, an electrical connection may be provided between the string member 15 and the string support member 50, and a capacitance sensor (not shown) may be connected to the string support member 50 to detect a damping operation on the string member 15.

[0117] In the configurations of FIGS. 9 to 11 above, the position changes of the permanent magnet 52, the reflector 55, and the light shielding plate 57, which are the detected portions in each string support member 50, are individually detected by the pair of magnetic sensors 54, the pair of reflective optical sensors 56, and the pair of transmissive optical sensors 58, which are the detection means provided in the vicinity of each of the pair of string support members 50. Therefore, the same effects as those of the first to third embodiments described above can be obtained in terms of the high detection accuracy of the operation of the string member 15 using the string movement detection means 16 and the high degree of freedom in tone control based on the detection results of the string movement detection means 16.

[0118] Each of the embodiments described above has its own advantages, and a suitable configuration can be selected as needed. It is also possible to appropriately combine the configurations of each embodiment.

[0119] In the first embodiment (Figs. 3 and 4), the second embodiment (Fig. 7), and the third embodiment (Fig. 8), the string motion detection means 16 is constituted by a pair of piezoelectric sensors 36 respectively attached to a pair of string support members 32 (40, 42). This has the advantage of having a small number of parts and being able to simplify the peripheral structure of the string member 15.

[0120] In the first embodiment, since both of the pair of string support members 32 that support the string member 15 are simple flat plates, the unit price of the parts is low and the durability is excellent. In the second and third embodiments, the string member 15 is supported by a pair of string support members 40 and a pair of string support members 42 that are easily deformed in directions other than the Y-axis direction, making it easier to detect various playing forms.

[0121] In the fourth embodiment (Fig. 9), the fifth embodiment (Fig. 10), and the sixth embodiment (Fig. 11), a detected part (permanent magnet 52, reflector 55, light shielding plate 57) is provided on a pair of string support members 50 which are movable parts that move along with the string member 15, and string motion detection means 16 (magnetic sensor 54, reflection type optical sensor 56, transmission type optical sensor 58) is provided on the sensor support member 53 side which is a fixed part that does not move along with the string member 15. Since it is non-contact between the detected part and the string motion detection means 16 and no wiring or the like connected to the detected part is required, weight reduction on the movable part side and improvement of the operation response can be achieved.

[0122] By using the piezoelectric sensor 36 of the first to third embodiments or the magnetic sensor 54 (coil) of the fourth embodiment, not only the intensity of the vibration of the string member 15 but also the direction of the vibration can be detected relatively easily.

[0123] Each of the above embodiments shows specific examples for easy understanding of the invention. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible without departing from the gist of the invention. As an example, the content of the embodiment and corresponding modification examples are shown below.

[0124] In each of the foregoing embodiments, the plurality of string members 15 have the same specifications, and the support structures for supporting the respective string members 15 are also common. Thereby, effects such as reduction of manufacturing costs due to commonization of parts and improvement of maintainability can be obtained. Further, since the string operation portion 13 has a structure with symmetry in the Y-axis direction, adjustments similar to restringing the strings for right-handed picking and left-handed picking of the guitar are unnecessary.

[0125] However, it is also possible to make the support structures for supporting the plurality of string members different from each other. For example, when the string support member is a leaf spring, by making differences in the thickness of the leaf spring, the width of the leaf spring, the material forming the leaf spring, etc., a difference occurs in the ease of bending of the leaf spring. Thereby, the operating resistance and repulsion when plucking the plurality of string members can be made different from each other, and it becomes possible to customize the operation feeling for each string member.

[0126] In each of the foregoing embodiments, a pair of sensors with common specifications are provided on both sides in the longitudinal direction of each string member 15. When the pair of sensors have common specifications, the introduction cost can be low and the control burden can also be reduced. In particular, since signals output by a plurality of sensors are used for controlling musical sounds with mutual reference, from the viewpoints of ease of control and detection accuracy, the advantage of the common specifications of each sensor is great.

[0127] However, different from each of the foregoing embodiments, the present invention is also useful in a configuration in which a single string member is provided with a plurality of detection means having different types and specifications. Regarding the plurality of detection means, it is only necessary to satisfy the requirement of outputting signals corresponding to respective deformations of the plurality of string support members, and the form of the signals and the method of detection are not limited.

[0128] In each of the foregoing embodiments, a pair of string support members are connected to both ends of the string member 15. This configuration is excellent in that the stability of the string member 15 is high, the smooth operation of the string member 15 during plucking can be realized, the plucking range of the string member 15 is wide, and the detection accuracy by the string motion detection means 16 is high.

[0129] However, different from each of the foregoing embodiments, it is also possible to adopt a structure in which a pair of string support members support the string member at positions other than both ends of the string member (positions closer to each other than both ends), or a structure in which the string support members support the string member at three or more positions in the longitudinal direction of the string member. The present invention is also useful in such a configuration. That is, for the support structure of the string member in the present invention, it is sufficient to satisfy the requirement that a plurality of string support members support the string member at different positions in the longitudinal direction and each string support member is deformed by plucking the string member.

[0130] Hereinafter, the invention described in the claims at the time of filing of the present application will be appended. [Appendix 1] At least one linear string member, a plurality of string support members that support the string member at different positions in the longitudinal direction and are deformed by plucking the string member, a plurality of detection means that output signals corresponding to the deformation of each of the plurality of string support members, a musical tone control signal generation means that generates a musical tone control signal based on the signals output by the plurality of detection means, and an electronic stringed musical instrument characterized by comprising the same. [Appendix 2] The electronic stringed musical instrument according to Appendix 1, wherein the plurality of string support members are a pair of string support members that support both ends in the longitudinal direction of the string member. [Appendix 3] The electronic stringed musical instrument according to Appendix 2, wherein the plurality of detection means are a pair of sensors respectively attached to the pair of string support members to detect the deformation of the string support members. [Appendix 4] The plurality of detection means are a pair of sensors provided in the vicinity of each of the pair of string support members, and are configured to detect a change in the position of a detected portion provided on the pair of string support members. The electronic stringed musical instrument according to appended note 2, characterized in that. [Appended note 5] The musical tone control signal generation means generates a musical tone control signal based on the average value of the signals output by the plurality of detection means respectively. The electronic stringed musical instrument according to any one of appended notes 1 to 4, characterized in that. [Appended note 6] The electronic stringed musical instrument according to any one of appended notes 1 to 4, characterized by comprising plucking position estimation means for estimating a plucking position in the longitudinal direction of the string member based on the signals output by the plurality of detection means respectively. [Appended note 7] The musical tone control signal generation means generates a musical tone control signal with the frequency characteristics of the musical tone controlled based on the plucking position estimated by the plucking position estimation means. The electronic stringed musical instrument according to appended note 6, characterized in that. [Appended note 8] The musical tone control signal generation means generates a musical tone control signal with the timbre controlled based on the plucking position estimated by the plucking position estimation means. The electronic stringed musical instrument according to appended note 6, characterized in that.

Explanation of symbols

[0131] 10: Electronic stringed musical instrument 11: Body part 12: Armrest part 13: String operation part 14: Fingerboard 15: String member 16: String movement detection means (detection means) 18: Fingerboard operation detection means 20: Control part 21: Musical tone control means 22: Musical tone control signal generation means 23: Plucking position estimation means 25: Sound generation system 30: Base 31: Pedestal member 32: String support member 35: Elastic body 36: Piezoelectric sensor (detection means) 38: Capacitive sensor 40: String support member 41: Slit 42: String support member 43: Through-hole 44: Bridging part 50: String support member 51: Elastic body 52: Permanent magnet (detected part) 53: Sensor support member 54: Magnetic sensor (detection means) 55: Reflector (detected part) 56: Reflective optical sensor (detection means) 57: Light shielding plate (detected part) 58: Transmission optical sensor (detection means)

Claims

1. A plurality of flexible string support members that support a string member at different positions in the longitudinal direction, A plurality of detection means provided respectively on the plurality of string support members, and outputting a signal corresponding to the strength of plucking the string member by detecting the deflection of the string support member, Music tone control signal generation means for generating a music tone control signal based on the signals output by the plurality of detection means, An electronic stringed instrument characterized by comprising the above.

2. The electronic stringed instrument according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of string support members are provided on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the string member.

3. The electronic stringed instrument according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of detection means are a pair of sensors.

4. The electronic stringed instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the music tone control signal generation means generates a music tone control signal based on the average value of the signals output by the plurality of detection means respectively.

5. The electronic stringed instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising plucking position estimation means for estimating the plucking position of the string member in the longitudinal direction based on the signals output by the plurality of detection means respectively.

6. The electronic stringed instrument according to claim 5, wherein the music tone control signal generation means generates a music tone control signal for controlling the frequency characteristics of the music tone based on the plucking position estimated by the plucking position estimation means.

7. The electronic stringed instrument according to claim 5, wherein the music tone control signal generation means generates a music tone control signal for controlling the timbre based on the plucking position estimated by the plucking position estimation means.

8. A plurality of string support members that support a string member at different positions in the longitudinal direction, A detected portion provided on each of the plurality of string support members, A plurality of detection means provided at positions corresponding to each of the plurality of string support members, and detecting a change in the position of the plurality of detected portions due to plucking of the string member by detecting the deflection of the string support member, Music tone control signal generation means for generating a music tone control signal corresponding to the plucking state of the string member based on the change in position output by the plurality of detection means, An electronic stringed instrument characterized by comprising the above.

9. A computer, A method for generating a musical tone control signal based on a signal corresponding to the strength of plucking the string member, which is output by detecting the deflections of a plurality of string support members that support the string member at different positions in the longitudinal direction, respectively, by a plurality of detection means provided at different positions in the longitudinal direction of the string member. Method. **Claim 10** On a computer, To cause the computer to generate a musical tone control signal based on a signal corresponding to the strength of plucking the string member, which is output by detecting the deflections of a plurality of string support members that support the string member at different positions in the longitudinal direction, respectively, by a plurality of detection means provided at different positions in the longitudinal direction of the string member. Program.

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