Electronic musical instrument, method and program

Abstract

To provide an electronic music instrument which is improved for reproducing performance expression of a music instrument and to provide a method and a program for generating musical sound.SOLUTION: An electronic music instrument 1 includes: a plurality of performance operators (keyboards 16) arranged side by side in a prescribed direction; and a plurality of sensors 18 for detecting vibration. The plurality of sensors are arranged in parallel to the plurality of performance operators in the prescribed direction, detect vibration positions in the prescribed direction on the basis of output of the plurality of sensors and generate musical sound corresponding to the detected vibration positions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosure herein relates to an electronic musical instrument, a method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Various improvements have been made to electronic musical instruments to reproduce the performance expressions of various musical instruments. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a specific configuration of an electronic musical instrument that can reproduce the performance expressions of a guitar.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a shoulder keyboard that can be worn over the shoulder like a guitar. The shoulder keyboard described in Patent Document 1 allows performances equivalent to guitar choking (bending) by operating an operating lever provided on the neck. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 6-55196 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] There are various musical expressions other than choking on musical instruments, so there is a continuing need for improvements in electronic musical instruments to be able to reproduce various musical expressions.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide an improved electronic musical instrument, method, and program for reproducing musical instrument performance expressions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An electronic musical instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of performance operators arranged in a predetermined direction; arranged in parallel with the plurality of performance operators in the predetermined direction vibration or contact Multiple sensors that detect a housing extending in the predetermined direction, the housing holding the , at least one processor; Equipped with The at least one processor identifies two or more performance operators arranged in a range in the predetermined direction corresponding to a vibration range or a contact range based on outputs from the plurality of sensors, and generates musical tones whose pitches change continuously within two or more pitch ranges associated with the two or more identified performance operators. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an improved electronic musical instrument, method and program for reproducing musical instrument performance expression is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of an electronic musical instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic musical instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of piezo elements provided in an electronic musical instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing the processing of a musical tone generating program executed by a processor of an electronic musical instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 5 is a subroutine showing the housing sound generation process in step S103 of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 5 is a subroutine showing the pitch bend generation process in step S104 of FIG. 4. [Figure 7] 5 is a subroutine showing the vibrato generation process in step S105 of FIG. 4. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for assisting in the explanation of the processing of each subroutine in FIGS. 5 to 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An electronic musical instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of an electronic musical instrument 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic musical instrument 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 1A of the electronic musical instrument 1 is shaped like a guitar. The housing 1A has a main body portion 1a that resembles a guitar body and a neck portion 1b that resembles a guitar neck. The main body portion 1a has a shape that extends in direction A (a predetermined direction) and has a width in direction B (width direction) that is perpendicular to direction A.

[0012] A strap 2 is attached to the main body 1a of the housing 1A. A performer (user) can play the electronic musical instrument 1 while it is suspended from the shoulder by the strap 2. An electronic musical instrument 1 of this type is called, for example, a shoulder keyboard or a keytar. In the example of FIG. 1, when the performer puts the strap 2 on his shoulder, the electronic musical instrument 1 is suspended with the keyboard 16 positioned on the lower side. In another embodiment, for example, by attaching the strap 2 to the keyboard 16 side, when the performer puts the strap 2 on his shoulder, the electronic musical instrument 1 may be suspended with the keyboard 16 positioned on the upper side.

[0013] Various improvements have been made to the electronic musical instrument 1 to reproduce the performance expression of an instrument such as a guitar. Generally, the electronic musical instrument 1 includes a plurality of performance controls arranged in a predetermined direction and a plurality of sensors for detecting vibrations. The sensors are arranged in parallel with the performance controls in the predetermined direction. The electronic musical instrument 1 also includes a housing, a vibration detection unit for detecting vibrations of the housing, and at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to detect the vibration position on the housing where the vibration is applied based on the output of the vibration detection unit, and generate a musical tone corresponding to the detected vibration position. By configuring the electronic musical instrument 1 in this way, it is possible to generate a sound produced by striking the housing of the instrument or to modulate the musical tone (for example, by applying vibrato or pitch bend to the musical tone) in a playing style that imitates slam playing, thereby reproducing the performance expression of an instrument such as a guitar.

[0014] The technology of the present invention that reproduces the performance expression of an instrument such as a guitar may be applied to electronic instruments other than shoulder keyboards.

[0015] The electronic musical instrument 1 includes, as its hardware configuration, a processor 10, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a switch panel 13, an operation unit 14, an input / output interface 15, a keyboard 16, a key scanner 17, a piezoelectric element 18, a sound source LSI (Large Scale Integration) 19, a D / A converter 20, an amplifier 21, and a speaker 22. The various components of the electronic musical instrument 1 are connected via a bus 23.

[0016] The processor 10 controls the electronic musical instrument 1 in an integrated manner by reading out the programs and data stored in the ROM 12 and using the RAM 11 as a work area.

[0017] The processor 10 may be, for example, a single processor or a multi-processor, and may include at least one processor. If the processor 10 includes multiple processors, the processor 10 may be packaged as a single device, or may be configured as multiple physically separate devices within the electronic musical instrument 1.

[0018] The RAM 11 temporarily stores data and programs, and stores programs and data read from the ROM 12, as well as other data required for communication.

[0019] The ROM 12 is a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and serves as a secondary storage device or auxiliary storage device. The ROM 12 stores programs and data used by the processor 10 to perform various processes, including a musical tone generating program 120 and multiple waveform data 121.

[0020] The switch panel 13 and the operation unit 14 are examples of input devices. The switch panel 13 is provided on the main body 1a of the housing 1A. The operation unit 14 is provided on the neck 1b of the housing 1A. When the performer operates the switch panel 13 or the operation unit 14, a signal indicating the operation is output to the processor 10 via the input / output interface 15. The switch panel 13 and the operation unit 14 are composed of, for example, mechanical, capacitive non-contact, or membrane type key switches, buttons, etc. The switch panel 13 and the operation unit 14 may be a touch panel.

[0021] In this embodiment, the performer can select the tone (instrument) to be produced by the electronic musical instrument 1 by operating the switch panel 13 or the operation unit 14. Instruments that can be selected by operating the switch panel 13 or the operation unit 14 include, for example, piano, electronic piano, organ, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, acoustic bass, fretless electric bass, fretless guitar, violin, erhu, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, flute, viola, etc. For convenience, the tone selected by operation (including the tone that is selected when the electronic musical instrument 1 system is started up) will be referred to as the "selected tone" or "selected instrument."

[0022] By arranging the switch panel 13, which allows various operations including the selection of a performance mode (described in detail below) and a tone color, and the operation unit 14 adjacent to each other, the operability of the electronic musical instrument 1 is improved. This makes it easier to reproduce the performance expression intended by the performer. Note that there is a degree of freedom in the configuration of the switch panel 13 and the operation unit 14, and various design modifications are possible. For example, the operation unit 14 may be arranged adjacent to the keyboard 16 instead of the switch panel 13.

[0023] The keyboard 16 has a plurality of white keys and black keys as a plurality of performance operators. The keys are arranged in a line in direction A (a predetermined direction). Each key corresponds to a different key. In this specification, a key may also be referred to as a pitch.

[0024] The key scanner 17 monitors key presses and releases on the keyboard. When the key scanner 17 detects a key press by a performer, for example, it outputs key press event information to the processor 10. The key press event information includes information on the pitch of the key related to the key press (key number) and its speed (velocity value). The velocity value can also be said to be a value indicating the strength of the key press. The key number is also called a key number, MIDI key, or note number.

[0025] Piezo element 18 is an example of a sensor that detects vibrations, and operates as a vibration detection unit that detects vibrations in main body 1a of housing 1A. A plurality of piezo elements 18 are held in area R1 (see dashed line in FIG. 1) above keyboard 16 within main body 1a of housing 1A. The plurality of piezo elements 18 are arranged in parallel with the plurality of keys (performance operators) that make up keyboard 16 in direction A.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the piezo elements 18. As shown in FIG. 3, the piezo elements 18 are arranged at predetermined equal intervals D in direction A. Note that the number and arrangement of the piezo elements 18 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 3. As an example, the same number of piezo elements 18 as the keys on the keyboard 16 may be arranged. In this case, each piezo element 18 may be arranged at the same position as each key on the keyboard 16 in direction A. In other words, each piezo element 18 may be arranged at a position corresponding to each key in direction A. Also, in this embodiment, the piezo elements 18 are arranged within a range corresponding to the entire length of the keyboard 16 in direction A. However, in another embodiment, the piezo elements 18 may be arranged only in a portion of this range. Furthermore, the range in which the piezo elements 18 are arranged may be changed as appropriate depending on the shape and size of the musical instrument. As such, there is a degree of freedom in the configuration of the piezo elements 18, and various design modifications are possible. Note that in FIG. 3 and FIG. 8 (described later), for clarity of the drawings, only some of the piezo elements are labeled with reference numerals.

[0027] 3, which is a plan view, the piezo elements 18 are arranged in the width direction (direction B) of the main body 1a closer to the keyboard 16 (performance controls) than the center of the width direction of the main body 1a (see the two-dot chain line DL in FIG. 3). The closer the piezo elements 18 are arranged to the keyboard 16 in the width direction of the main body 1a, the smaller the movement of the player's arms when pressing the keys 16 and striking the casing 1A (described in detail later), improving the operability of the electronic musical instrument 1. This makes it easier to reproduce the performance expression intended by the player.

[0028] Consider a case where the switch panel 13 is equipped with key switches and buttons. It is difficult for a player to perform tapping operations at locations where the key switches and buttons are provided. Therefore, it is advisable to provide the key switches and buttons closer to the side surface 1c of the main body 1a than the piezo elements 18 in direction B. In other words, it is advisable to position the piezo elements 18 closer to the keyboard 16 than the key switches and buttons in direction B. This allows the player to perform tapping operations at a position closer to the keyboard 16. This has the effect of improving the operability of the electronic musical instrument 1 by suppressing the movement of the player's arms.

[0029] The processor 10 instructs the sound source LSI 19 to read out the corresponding waveform data 121 from among the plurality of waveform data 121 stored in the ROM 12. The waveform data 121 to be read out is determined, in principle, by the selected tone color and key press event information (i.e., the key number of the pressed key and the velocity value at the time of key press). However, in the cabinet sound generation process and pitch bend generation process described below, the waveform data 121 to be read out is determined by how the performer struck the cabinet 1A.

[0030] The tone generator LSI 19 generates musical tones based on waveform data read from the ROM 12 under the instruction of the processor 10. The tone generator LSI 19 has, for example, 128 generator sections and can simultaneously generate up to 128 musical tones. In this embodiment, the processor 10 and the tone generator LSI 19 are configured as separate devices, but in another embodiment, the processor 10 and the tone generator LSI 19 may be configured as a single processor.

[0031] The audio signal of the musical sound generated by the sound source LSI 19 is subjected to D / A conversion by a D / A converter 20, amplified by an amplifier 21, and output to a speaker 22.

[0032] 4 is a flowchart showing the processing of the musical tone generation program 120 executed by the processor 10 in one embodiment of the present invention. A method according to one embodiment of the present invention is realized by executing the musical tone generation program 120.

[0033] The performer can set a performance mode by operating the switch panel 13 or the operation unit 14. The performance modes that can be set include cabinet sound mode, pitch bend mode, and vibrato mode. When one of the cabinet sound mode, pitch bend mode, and vibrato mode is set, the process of the flowchart in FIG. 4 begins.

[0034] In each of the performance modes, namely, the cabinet sound mode, the pitch bend mode, and the vibrato mode, the performer can reproduce the performance expression of an instrument such as a guitar by striking the area R1 of the cabinet 1A. For example, the performer can reproduce the performance expression of an instrument such as a guitar by using a technique that imitates a slam technique.

[0035] However, if the switch panel 13 is accidentally operated by striking the area R1 of the housing 1A, the electronic musical instrument 1 may perform an operation that is not intended by the performer. Therefore, when the performance mode is set to any of the housing sound mode, pitch bend mode, and vibrato mode, the processor 10 disables operations on the switch panel 13 (step S101).

[0036] When the cabinet sound mode is set (step S102: cabinet sound mode), the processor 10 executes cabinet sound generation processing (step S103). When the pitch bend mode is set (step S102: pitch bend mode), the processor 10 executes pitch bend generation processing (step S104). When the vibrato mode is set (step S102: vibrato mode), the processor 10 executes vibrato generation processing (step S105).

[0037] Fig. 5 is a subroutine showing the housing sound generation process of step S103 in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a subroutine showing the pitch bend generation process of step S104 in Fig. 4. Fig. 7 is a subroutine showing the vibrato generation process of step S105 in Fig. 4. Fig. 8 is a diagram to assist in explaining the processing of each subroutine in Figs. 5 to 7.

[0038] The housing sound generation process will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In this specification, the sound that imitates the sound that is produced when the housing of a musical instrument is struck will be referred to as "housing sound."

[0039] In the housing sound generation process, the processor 10 monitors the output of each of the plurality of piezo elements 18 (step S201). The processor 10 determines whether the electronic musical instrument 1 (more precisely, the area R1 of the housing 1A) has been struck by the performer (step S202).

[0040] For example, in step S202, the processor 10 determines whether or not a vibration amplitude equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold is detected in at least one piezo element 18. If a vibration amplitude equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold is detected in at least one piezo element 18, the processor 10 determines that the electronic musical instrument 1 has been struck by a performer. By providing a threshold determination for the vibration amplitude, erroneous determinations (for example, erroneously determining that vibrations generated when the electronic musical instrument 1 is moved are vibrations generated when the electronic musical instrument 1 is struck) are prevented.

[0041] In step S202, a threshold determination may be performed on the vibration frequency instead of the vibration amplitude. Specifically, the processor 10 may determine whether the electronic musical instrument 1 has been struck by the performer based on whether a vibration frequency equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold is detected in at least one piezoelectric element 18.

[0042] When the electronic musical instrument 1 is struck by a performer (step S202: YES), the processor 10 detects the position on the housing 1A where vibrations are applied by the strike by the performer (vibration position) (step S203). In other words, the processor 10 detects the vibration position in direction A.

[0043] Here, in FIG. 8, the location struck by the performer is designated by the symbol P. When the performer strikes the striking location P, a plurality of piezo elements 18 are assumed to detect a vibration amplitude equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. Of the piezo elements 18 that detect vibration amplitudes equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the piezo element 18 that detects the largest vibration amplitude is designated by the symbol 18a, and the piezo element 18 that detects the second largest vibration amplitude is designated by the symbol 18b. Furthermore, the vibration range when the performer strikes the striking location P is designated by the symbol R2. The vibration range R2 (dotted line in FIG. 8) is, for example, a range that includes all piezo elements 18 that detect vibration amplitudes equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold.

[0044] As a specific example of step S203, the processor 10 identifies a piezoelectric element 18a from among the piezoelectric elements 18 that have detected a vibration amplitude greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, and detects the position where the identified piezoelectric element 18a is located as the vibration position.

[0045] As another specific example of step S203, the processor 10 identifies piezo elements 18a and 18b from among the piezo elements 18 that detected a vibration amplitude equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, calculates the ratio of the vibration amplitude Aa detected by piezo element 18a to the vibration amplitude Ab detected by piezo element 18b (vibration amplitude Aa / vibration amplitude Ab), and detects the vibration position based on the calculated ratio. As an example, the larger the calculated ratio, the more the processor 10 detects a position between piezo elements 18a and 18b, but closer to piezo element 18a, as the vibration position. In this example, a position closer to the tapping location P can be detected as the vibration position, thereby improving the accuracy of the detected vibration position.

[0046] As another specific example of step S203, the processor 10 may identify the piezo element 18a from among the piezo elements 18 that detected a vibration amplitude equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, calculate the ratio between the vibration amplitude Aa detected by the piezo element 18a and the vibration amplitude detected by the piezo element 18 adjacent to the right (or left) of the piezo element 18a, and detect the vibration position based on the calculated ratio. This enables more accurate detection of the tapping point P.

[0047] As another specific example of step S203, even if only one piezoelectric element 18 detects a vibration amplitude equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the processor 10 may identify the piezoelectric element 18a, calculate the ratio between the vibration amplitude Aa detected by the piezoelectric element 18a and the vibration amplitude detected by the piezoelectric element 18 adjacent to the right (or left) of the piezoelectric element 18a (i.e., the vibration amplitude less than the predetermined threshold), and detect the vibration position based on the calculated ratio.

[0048] As another specific example of step S203, when there are three or more piezo elements 18 that have detected a vibration amplitude equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the processor 10 may detect, as the vibration position, a predetermined position within a range in the A direction that includes at least all of these three or more piezo elements 18. As yet another specific example, the processor 10 may calculate the ratio between the vibration amplitude detected by a piezo element 18 located at one end of the range in the A direction that includes all of the three or more piezo elements 18, and the vibration amplitude detected by a piezo element 18 located outside the range adjacent to this, and detect the vibration position based on the calculated ratio.

[0049] The processor 10 generates a musical sound according to the vibration position detected in step S203 (step S204).

[0050] Specifically, the processor 10 issues a sound generation instruction to the sound source LSI 19 according to the vibration position detected in step S203. For example, the closer the vibration position detected in step S203 is to a key associated with a lower key, the more the processor 10 instructs the sound source LSI 19 to generate a lower sound for the housing sound. In other words, the closer the vibration position detected in step S203 is to a key associated with a higher key, the more the processor 10 instructs the sound source LSI 19 to generate a higher sound for the housing sound.

[0051] This sound generation instruction causes the generator section of the sound source LSI 19 to start reading out waveform data 121 (waveform data of the enclosure sound) and performs the musical sound generation process, and the enclosure sound of the instrument selected by the switch panel 13 or operation unit 14 is output from the speaker 22.

[0052] It should be noted that a fixed housing sound may be generated regardless of the vibration position by the performer's setting operation on the switch panel 13 or the operation unit 14. In this case, the process of step S203 may be omitted.

[0053] Until the setting of the cabinet sound mode is cancelled, the processor 10 continues to execute the cabinet sound generation process of Fig. 5. When the setting of the cabinet sound mode is cancelled (step S205: YES), the processor 10 ends the cabinet sound generation process of Fig. 5 (in other words, the process of step S103 of Fig. 4) and the process of the flowchart of Fig. 4.

[0054] The processor 10 may generate the housing sound not only in accordance with the vibration position but also in accordance with the magnitude of the vibration amplitude detected based on the output of the piezoelectric element 18. For example, the larger the detected vibration amplitude, the louder the volume of the housing sound generated by the processor 10.

[0055] When the cabinet sound mode is set, the performer can generate cabinet sounds by striking the cabinet 1A of the electronic musical instrument 1. This allows the performer to perform a performance that imitates the slam technique of striking the body of a guitar to generate percussive sounds, for example.

[0056] The pitch bend generation process will be described with reference to FIG.

[0057] In the pitch bend generation process, similar to steps S201 to S202 in FIG. 5, the processor 10 monitors the output of each of the plurality of piezo elements 18 (step S301) and determines whether the electronic musical instrument 1 has been struck by a performer (step S302).

[0058] When the electronic musical instrument 1 is struck by the performer (step S302: YES), the processor 10 detects the range (vibration range R2) in the housing 1A to which vibrations have been applied by the strike by the performer (step S303).

[0059] For example, in step S303, the processor 10 identifies the piezoelectric elements 18 that have detected a vibration amplitude equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and for each identified piezoelectric element 18, determines a range of radius D / 2 (half the equal interval D) centered on the piezoelectric element 18, and detects the range in direction A that includes all of the determined ranges as the vibration range R2.

[0060] The processor 10 generates musical sounds whose pitch changes continuously in accordance with the vibration range R2 detected in step S303 (step S304).

[0061] Specifically, the processor 10 issues a sound generation instruction corresponding to the vibration range R2 detected in step S303 to the sound source LSI 19. This sound generation instruction causes the generator section of the sound source LSI 19 to start reading out the waveform data 121, and a process of generating musical tones is performed, and musical tones whose pitches change continuously, i.e., musical tones to which pitch bending has been applied, are output from the speaker 22.

[0062] More specifically, in step S304, processor 10 identifies all keys (performance operators) included in range R3. Range R3 indicates a range of keyboard 16 in direction A that corresponds to vibration range R2. That is, in step S304, processor 10 identifies two or more keys arranged in range R3 that corresponds to vibration range R2.

[0063] Next, the processor 10 issues a sound generation instruction to the sound source LSI 19 so as to generate musical tones whose pitches change continuously from the lowest pitch to the highest pitch among the pitches associated with the identified keys. In other words, the processor 10 issues a sound generation instruction to the sound source LSI 19 so as to generate musical tones whose pitches change continuously among two or more pitches associated with the two or more identified keys.

[0064] As a result, musical tones are generated whose pitches change continuously among two or more pitches associated with two or more keys arranged in range R3 corresponding to vibration range R2.

[0065] Note that the performer may set the switch panel 13 or the operation unit 14 to produce musical tones whose pitches change continuously from the highest pitch to the lowest pitch among two or more pitches associated with two or more keys arranged in range R3. Alternatively, musical tones whose pitches change continuously from the pitch associated with the key closest to the piezo element 18a that vibrates most strongly to the higher or lower pitch may be produced.

[0066] Until the pitch bend mode is released, processor 10 continues to execute the pitch bend generation process of Fig. 6. When the pitch bend mode is released (step S305: YES), processor 10 ends the pitch bend generation process of Fig. 6 (in other words, the process of step S104 of Fig. 4) and the process of the flowchart of Fig. 4.

[0067] The processor 10 may generate musical tones whose pitch changes continuously in accordance with not only the vibration range R2 but also the magnitude of the vibration amplitude detected based on the output of the piezoelectric element 18. For example, the greater the detected vibration amplitude, the louder the volume of the musical tones whose pitch changes continuously that the processor 10 generates.

[0068] When the pitch bend mode is set, the performer can produce musical tones with a pitch bend effect by striking the housing 1A of the electronic musical instrument 1. Therefore, the performer can produce a performance that imitates a choking technique, for example, by striking the housing 1A with an action that imitates a choking technique. The stronger the strike on the housing 1A of the electronic musical instrument 1, the wider the vibration range R2 becomes, and the weaker the strike on the housing 1A, the narrower the vibration range R2 becomes. The performer can freely change the range of the pitch bend by changing the strength with which he strikes the housing 1A.

[0069] The vibrato generation process will be described with reference to FIG.

[0070] In the vibrato generation process, similar to steps S301 to S303 in FIG. 6, the processor 10 monitors the output of each of the multiple piezoelectric elements 18 (step S401), determines whether the electronic musical instrument 1 has been struck by a performer (step S402), and detects the vibration range R2 (step S403).

[0071] Next, the processor 10 determines whether a musical tone is being generated by a key depression operation on any key belonging to range R3 that corresponds to the vibration range R2 detected in step S403 (step S404). For convenience, a musical tone being generated by a key depression operation on any key belonging to range R3 is referred to as a "key depression musical tone."

[0072] If a key-pressed musical tone is being generated (step S404: YES), the processor 10 adds vibrato to the key-pressed musical tone being generated (step S405).

[0073] Specifically, the processor 10 instructs the sound source LSI 19 to add vibrato to the key-pressed musical tone being generated. In response to this instruction, the generator section that is currently generating the key-pressed musical tone generates the vibrato-added key-pressed musical tone, and outputs it from the speaker 22.

[0074] In this way, in the vibrato generation process, when a performance operator (key) is operated, the processor 10 generates a musical sound of the pitch associated with the operated performance operator with vibrato added, according to the vibration position (here, vibration range R2).

[0075] In addition, when a performance operator (here, a key belonging to range R3) located at a position corresponding to the vibration position (here, vibration range R2) is operated, processor 10 generates a musical sound of the pitch corresponding to the operated performance operator with vibrato added.

[0076] Until the vibrato mode setting is cancelled, processor 10 continues to execute the vibrato generation process of Fig. 7. When the vibrato mode setting is cancelled (step S406: YES), processor 10 ends the vibrato generation process of Fig. 7 (in other words, the process of step S105 of Fig. 4) and the process of the flowchart of Fig. 4.

[0077] The processor 10 may generate a musical tone with vibrato added not only in accordance with the vibration range R2 but also in accordance with the magnitude of the vibration amplitude detected based on the output of the piezo element 18. For example, the larger the detected vibration amplitude, the more the processor 10 adds a vibrato with a larger pitch fluctuation range to the key-press musical tone.

[0078] The processor 10 may further control another parameter related to the vibrato (for example, the volume of the vibrato) according to the vibration range R2 and the magnitude of the vibration amplitude detected based on the output of the piezoelectric element 18. The processor 10 may also control the period of the vibrato based on the number of strikes on the housing 1A.

[0079] When the vibrato mode is set, the performer can add vibrato to the musical tones being produced by striking the housing 1A of the electronic musical instrument 1. Therefore, the performer can create a performance that imitates vibrato playing, for example, by striking the housing 1A with an action that imitates vibrato playing.

[0080] Thus, according to this embodiment, a performer can achieve a variety of performance expressions by changing the position and strength of the strike on the housing 1A of the electronic musical instrument 1. That is, according to this embodiment, an electronic musical instrument 1 improved to reproduce a variety of performance expressions, a method executed by the electronic musical instrument 1 which is a computer, and a musical tone generating program 120 are provided.

[0081] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the functions performed in the above-described embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combinations as much as possible. The above-described embodiments include various steps, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriate combinations of the disclosed multiple constituent elements. For example, if the effect can be obtained even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiments, the configuration from which these constituent elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the electronic musical instrument 1 is configured to generate sound by the performer striking the housing 1A of the electronic musical instrument 1, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. In another embodiment, the electronic musical instrument 1 may be configured to generate sound by the performer touching the housing 1A.

[0083] In an electronic musical instrument 1 according to another embodiment, the switch panel 13 arranged over the entire area R1 of the housing 1A serves as a touch panel. The touch panel functions as a touch detector that detects a player (user) touching the housing 1A. In another embodiment, the player's touch position on the switch panel 13 corresponds to the "vibration position" in the above embodiment. Furthermore, the touch range, for example, when the player touches the housing with an open palm, corresponds to the "vibration range R2" in the above embodiment. That is, in another embodiment, the player can generate a housing sound according to the touch position on the switch panel 13. Furthermore, depending on the touch range on the switch panel 13, the player can generate musical tones whose pitch changes continuously or add vibrato to musical tones currently being generated. The player can perform a variety of musical expressions with, for example, a light touch operation.

[0084] Thus, in another embodiment, the processor 10 can obtain the contact position on the housing that the performer has contacted based on the output of the contact detection unit, and generate a musical sound corresponding to the obtained contact position.

[0085] The inventions described in the claims of the present application as originally filed are as follows: [Appendix 1] a plurality of performance operators arranged in a predetermined direction; a plurality of sensors for detecting vibrations; the plurality of sensors are arranged in parallel with the plurality of performance operators in the predetermined direction; Electronic musical instrument. [Appendix 2] a housing extending in the predetermined direction and holding the plurality of sensors; the plurality of sensors are arranged closer to the performance operators than the center of the width direction of the housing in the width direction of the housing perpendicular to the predetermined direction, 1. An electronic musical instrument as described in Appendix 1. [Appendix 3] at least one processor; The at least one processor: Detecting a vibration position in the predetermined direction based on outputs of the plurality of sensors; Generates a musical sound according to the detected vibration position. 1. An electronic musical instrument according to claim 1 or 2. [Appendix 4] The at least one processor: Select an instrument, When the vibration position is detected, a sound produced when the selected instrument is struck is generated as the musical tone. 1. An electronic musical instrument as described in Appendix 3. [Appendix 5] the vibration position in the predetermined direction indicates a vibration range in the predetermined direction, The at least one processor: Identifying two or more performance operators arranged in a range corresponding to the vibration range; generating musical tones whose pitches change continuously among two or more pitches associated with the two or more identified performance operators; 1. An electronic musical instrument as described in Appendix 3. [Appendix 6] When a performance operator disposed at a position corresponding to the vibration position is operated, the at least one processor generates a musical tone of a pitch corresponding to the operated performance operator with vibrato added. 1. An electronic musical instrument as described in Appendix 3. [Appendix 7] the at least one processor detects a magnitude of a vibration amplitude based on outputs of the plurality of sensors; The musical tone is generated in accordance with the magnitude of the detected vibration amplitude. 7. An electronic musical instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 6. [Appendix 8] The housing and a vibration detection unit that detects vibration of the housing; at least one processor; The at least one processor: Detecting a vibration position on the housing to which vibration is applied based on an output of the vibration detection unit; Generates a musical sound according to the detected vibration position. Electronic musical instrument. [Appendix 9] The at least one processor: Select an instrument, When the vibration position is detected, a sound produced when the selected instrument is struck is generated as the musical tone. 1. An electronic musical instrument as described in Appendix 8. [Appendix 10] the vibration position indicates a vibration range in the housing to which vibration is applied, the at least one processor generates musical sounds whose pitches change continuously in accordance with the vibration range; 1. An electronic musical instrument as described in Appendix 8. [Appendix 11] At least one performance operator is provided, When the performance operator is operated, the at least one processor generates a musical tone of a pitch associated with the performance operator with vibrato added in accordance with the vibration position. 1. An electronic musical instrument as described in Appendix 8. [Appendix 12] the at least one processor detects a magnitude of a vibration amplitude in the housing to which vibration is applied based on an output of the vibration detection unit; The musical tone is generated in accordance with the magnitude of the detected vibration amplitude. 12. An electronic musical instrument according to any one of claims 8 to 11. [Appendix 13] An electronic musical instrument comprising a housing and a vibration detection unit that detects vibrations of the housing, detecting a vibration position in the housing to which vibration is applied based on an output of the vibration detection unit; Generates a musical sound according to the detected vibration position. method. [Appendix 14] An electronic musical instrument comprising a housing and a vibration detection unit that detects vibrations of the housing, detecting a vibration position in the housing to which vibration is applied based on an output of the vibration detection unit; Generates a musical sound according to the detected vibration position. program. [Appendix 15] The housing and a contact detection unit that detects contact with the housing by a user; at least one processor; The at least one processor: acquires a contact position on the housing that the user touches based on an output of the contact detection unit; generating a musical sound according to the acquired contact position; Electronic musical instrument. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1: Electronic instruments 1A: Housing 1a: Main body 1b: Neck 2: Strap 10: Processor 11: RAM 12:ROM 13: Switch panel 14:Operation section 15: Input / output interface 16: Keyboard 17: Key scanner 18: Piezo element 19: Sound source LSI 20: D / A converter 21: Amplifier 22: Speaker 23: Bus 120:Musical sound generation program 121: Waveform data

Claims

1. a plurality of performance operators arranged in a predetermined direction; a housing extending in the predetermined direction and containing therein a plurality of sensors for detecting vibration or contact, the sensors being arranged in parallel with the plurality of performance operators in the predetermined direction; at least one processor; The at least one processor based on the outputs of the plurality of sensors, identifying two or more performance operators arranged in a range in the predetermined direction corresponding to a vibration range or a contact range; generating musical tones whose pitches change continuously within two or more pitch ranges associated with the two or more identified performance operators; Electronic musical instrument.

2. The plurality of sensors are arranged closer to the performance operator than the center of the width direction of the housing in the width direction of the housing perpendicular to the predetermined direction, 2. The electronic musical instrument according to claim 1.

3. The at least one processor Select an instrument, When the vibration position is detected, a sound produced when the selected instrument is struck is generated as the musical tone.

2. The electronic musical instrument according to claim 1.

4. When a performance operator disposed at a position corresponding to the vibration position is operated, the at least one processor generates a musical tone of a pitch corresponding to the operated performance operator with vibrato added.

2. The electronic musical instrument according to claim 1.

5. the at least one processor detects a magnitude of a vibration amplitude based on outputs of the plurality of sensors; The musical tone is generated in accordance with the magnitude of the detected vibration amplitude.

5. An electronic musical instrument according to claim 1.

6. The at least one processor determining a range of half the distance between the centers of each of the identified sensors; specifying a range of half the distance between the determined centers in the predetermined direction as the vibration range or the contact range; identifying two or more of the performance operators that extend in a width direction of the housing perpendicular to the predetermined direction and that correspond to the vibration range or the contact range; generating musical tones whose pitches change continuously among two or more pitches associated with the two or more identified performance operators; 2. The electronic musical instrument according to claim 1.

7. An electronic musical instrument comprising: a housing extending in a predetermined direction, the housing holding therein a plurality of performance controls arranged in a row in the predetermined direction, a plurality of sensors for detecting vibration or contact arranged in parallel with the plurality of performance controls in the predetermined direction, and at least one processor, based on the outputs of the plurality of sensors, identifying two or more performance operators arranged in a range in the predetermined direction corresponding to a vibration range or a contact range; generating musical tones whose pitches change continuously within two or more pitch ranges associated with the two or more identified performance operators; method.

8. An electronic musical instrument comprising: a housing extending in a predetermined direction, the housing holding therein a plurality of performance controls arranged in a row in the predetermined direction, a plurality of sensors for detecting vibration or contact arranged in parallel with the plurality of performance controls in the predetermined direction, and at least one processor, based on the outputs of the plurality of sensors, identifying two or more performance operators arranged in a range in the predetermined direction corresponding to a vibration range or a contact range; generating musical tones whose pitches change continuously within two or more pitch ranges associated with the two or more identified performance operators; program.

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