Sound generation control device, keyboard instrument, sound generation control method and program

Abstract

To generate performance sound corresponding to performance operation with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A sound generation controller includes: a position detection unit for detecting a position of a key changing in a moving range R from a start E1 to an end E2 according to performance operation; and a sound generation control unit for generating performance sound according to the position of the key within the moving range R. The sound generation control unit controls a sound generation characteristic of performance sound according to first moving speed of the key within a first range in the moving range R and second moving speed of the key within a second range different from the first range in the moving range R.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for controlling sound generation in response to operations on each of a plurality of keys. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, various techniques have been proposed for controlling the characteristics of sounds produced in response to performance operations such as key depression. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration for controlling the velocity of musical sounds in response to the proximity or separation of the performer's fingers from the surface of the keys. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-150936 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the sensor for detecting the approach or separation between the player's fingers and the surface of the key must be installed separately from the sensor for detecting the performance operation. In consideration of the above circumstances, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to produce performance sounds corresponding to performance operations with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, a sound generation control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a position detection unit that detects the position of a key that moves within a movement range from a start position to an end position in response to a performance operation, and a sound generation control unit that generates a performance sound in response to the position of the key within the movement range, and the sound generation control unit controls the sound generation characteristics of the performance sound in response to a first movement speed of the key within a first range of the movement range and a second movement speed of the key within a second range of the movement range that is different from the first range.

[0006] A keyboard instrument according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a keyboard including keys that move within a range of movement from a start position to an end position in response to a performance operation, a position detection unit that detects the position of the keys within the range of movement, and a sound generation control unit that generates a performance sound in response to the position of the keys within the range of movement, wherein the sound generation control unit controls the sound generation characteristics of the performance sound in response to a first movement speed of the keys within a first range of the range of movement and a second movement speed of the keys within a second range of the range of movement that is different from the first range.

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a sound generation control method includes a sound generation control device having a position detection unit that detects the position of a key that moves within a movement range from a start position to an end position in response to a performance operation, and generates a performance sound in response to the position of the key within the movement range. In generating the performance sound, the sound generation characteristics of the performance sound are controlled in response to a first movement speed of the key within a first range of the movement range and a second movement speed of the key within a second range of the movement range that is different from the first range.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer of a sound generation control device, which has a position detection unit that detects the position of a key that moves within a movement range from a start position to an end position in response to a performance operation, to function as a sound generation control unit that generates a performance sound in response to the position of the key within the movement range, and the sound generation control unit controls the sound generation characteristics of the performance sound in response to a first movement speed of the key within a first range of the movement range and a second movement speed of the key within a second range of the movement range that is different from the first range. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a keyboard instrument according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram regarding displacement of each key. [Figure 3]FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram regarding displacement of each key. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a table for specifying sound generation characteristics from displacement characteristics. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a sound generation control process. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of sound generation characteristics in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A: First embodiment 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a keyboard instrument 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The keyboard instrument 100 is an electronic musical instrument that produces sounds (hereinafter referred to as "performance sounds") in response to performances by a performer. The keyboard instrument 100 includes a keyboard 10, a sound generation control device 20, a sound source device 30, and a sound emission device 40.

[0011] The keyboard 10 is composed of a plurality of keys 12 corresponding to different pitches. The keys 12 are arranged horizontally across the player's body and include a plurality of white keys and a plurality of black keys. FIG. 2 is a side view focusing on an arbitrary key 12. As illustrated in FIG. 2, each key 12 moves vertically within a range of movement R in response to a performance operation by the player. The range of movement R is the range between a start position E1 and an end position E2. The start position E1 is the upper end of the range of movement R, and the end position E2 is the lower end of the range of movement R. The start position E1 is the position of the surface of the key 12 in a released state, where the player's finger is not touching the key 12. On the other hand, the end position E2 is the position of the surface of the key 12 in a pressed state, where the player has fully depressed the key 12. As can be understood from the above explanation, when a released key 12 is pressed, the position Z of that key 12 descends over time from the start position E1 and finally stops when it reaches the end position E2. When a pressed key 12 is released, the position Z of that key 12 ascends over time from the end position E2 and finally stops when it reaches the start position E1. As illustrated above, each of the multiple keys 12 moves within a movement range R from the start position E1 to the end position E2 in response to a performance operation.

[0012] 1 generates an audio signal V representing a waveform of a performance sound corresponding to a performance operation by a performer. Specifically, an audio signal V representing a performance sound of a pitch corresponding to a key 12 pressed by the performer is generated. A sound emitting device 40 emits the performance sound represented by the audio signal V. For example, a speaker or headphones may be used as the sound emitting device 40.

[0013] The sound production control device 20 is a computer system that detects the position Z of each of the multiple keys 12 within the movement range R, and controls the sound source device 30 in accordance with the position Z of each key 12. The sound production control device 20 includes a position detection unit 21, a control device 22, and a storage device 23.

[0014] The position detection unit 21 detects the position Z of each of the multiple keys 12 within the movement range R. For example, the position detection unit 21 is a magnetic sensor that detects the position Z by utilizing fluctuations in a magnetic field corresponding to the position Z of each key 12, or an optical sensor that detects the position Z by utilizing fluctuations in the amount of received light corresponding to the position Z of each key 12. However, the method and configuration used by the position detection unit 21 to detect the position Z of each key 12 are not limited to the above examples.

[0015] 1 is composed of one or more processors that control each element of the keyboard instrument 100. For example, the control device 22 is composed of one or more types of processors, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an SPU (Sound Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0016] The storage device 23 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 22 and data used by the control device 22. For example, a time series of the positions Z detected for each key 12 by the position detection unit 21 is stored in the storage device 23 for each key 12. The storage device 23 is configured using a known storage medium, such as a magnetic recording medium or a semiconductor recording medium. The storage device 23 may also be configured using a combination of multiple types of storage medium. Alternatively, the storage device 23 may be a portable storage medium that is detachable from the keyboard instrument 100, or an external storage medium (e.g., online storage) with which the keyboard instrument 100 can communicate. The control device 22 may implement the functions of the sound source device 30 by executing a program stored in the storage device 23. In other words, the sound source device 30 dedicated to generating the acoustic signal V may be omitted.

[0017] Fig. 3 is a graph showing the change over time in position Z detected by the position detection unit 21 for any one key 12. Specifically, Fig. 3 shows the change over time in position Z for a key 12 that the performer begins to press at time Ton on the time axis. The position Z detected for each key 12 by the position detection unit 21 in the first embodiment is a continuous value that represents any point within the movement range R from the start position E1 to the end position E2.

[0018] The movement range R includes the setting range Q1 and the sound production range Q2. The setting range Q1 and the sound production range Q2 are each part of the movement range R. The setting range Q1 is closer to the starting position E1 than the sound production range Q2. The sound production range Q2 is closer to the ending position E2 than the setting range Q1. Assuming a point M within the movement range R, the setting range Q1 is the range between the starting position E1 and point M, and the sound production range Q2 is the range between point M and the ending position E2. In other words, point M corresponds to the boundary between the setting range Q1 and the sound production range Q2. The width of the setting range Q1 and the sound production range Q2 is arbitrary. In other words, it is possible for the setting range Q1 to be wider than the sound production range Q2, for the setting range Q1 to be narrower than the sound production range Q2, or for the setting range Q1 and the sound production range Q2 to be the same width.

[0019] A sound generation position P is set within the sound generation range Q2. The sound generation position P is a specific position within the sound generation range Q2. In FIG. 3, a position near the end point E2 is shown as an example of the sound generation position P, but the upper or lower end of the sound generation range Q2 (end point E2) may also be set as the sound generation position P.

[0020] The control device 22 functions as an element (sound generation control unit) for controlling the sound generator device 30 by executing a program stored in the storage device 23. Specifically, the control device 22 instructs the sound generator device 30 to generate or mute a performance sound according to the position Z of each key 12 detected by the position detection unit 21. For example, when the position Z of a key 12 reaches the sound generation position P from the start position E1 side within the sound generation range Q2 (i.e., when the key is pressed), the control device 22 instructs the sound generator device 30 to generate a performance sound corresponding to that key 12. That is, the control device 22 instructs the sound generator device 30 to generate a performance sound at time t1 when the position Z reaches the sound generation position P from the start position E1 side. Furthermore, when the position Z of a key 12 reaches the sound generation position P from the end position E2 side within the sound generation range Q2 (i.e., when the key is released), the control device 22 instructs the sound generator device 30 to mute the performance sound corresponding to that key 12. That is, the control device 22 instructs the sound source device 30 to mute the performance sound at time t2 when position Z reaches sound generation position P from the end position E2 side. As can be understood from the above explanation, the control device 22 generates or mute the performance sound corresponding to the key 12 depending on the position Z of the key 12 within the sound generation range Q2. Specifically, the control device 22 generates or mute the performance sound when position Z of the key 12 reaches sound generation position P.

[0021] In addition to the sound generation / silence control exemplified above, the control device 22 controls the characteristic Fb of the played sound corresponding to the key 12 in accordance with the characteristic Fa of the change over time of the position Z of the key 12 within the set range Q1 (hereinafter referred to as the "displacement characteristic"). The displacement characteristic Fa may be, for example, the pattern of change over time of the position Z (i.e., the time series of the position Z), the moving speed which is the rate of change of the position Z, or the acceleration which is the rate of change of the moving speed. For the moving speed, for example, a representative value (e.g., average value) of the moving speed within the set range Q1 or a pattern of change over time of the moving speed within the set range Q1 is used as the displacement characteristic Fa. Similarly, for the acceleration, for example, a representative value (e.g., average value) of the acceleration within the set range Q1 or a pattern of change over time of the acceleration within the set range Q1 is used as the displacement characteristic Fa.

[0022] The sound generation characteristic Fb of a performance sound is an acoustic characteristic of the performance sound. The sound generation characteristic Fb is, for example, a characteristic related to the performance technique (performance method) of the performance sound. For example, the sound generation characteristic Fb is selectively instructed to the sound source device 30 to be a performance sound performed using a normal performance technique, a performance sound performed with short notes staccato, or a performance sound performed continuously legato. For example, assuming that the movement speed or acceleration of the key 12 is represented by the displacement characteristic Fa, the control device 22 instructs the performance sound performed using the normal performance technique when the value of the displacement characteristic Fa is within a predetermined range (hereinafter referred to as the "reference range"). On the other hand, the control device 22 instructs the performance sound to be performed using a staccato performance when the value of the displacement characteristic Fa exceeds the maximum value of the reference range, and instructs the performance sound to be performed legato when the value of the displacement characteristic Fa is below the minimum value of the reference range.

[0023] The table T shown in FIG. 4 stored in the storage device 23 is used to determine the sound generation characteristic Fb corresponding to the displacement characteristic Fa. Table T is a data table that associates each of a plurality of displacement characteristics Fa (Fa1, Fa2, ...) with each of a plurality of sound generation characteristics Fb (Fb1, Fb2, ...). The control device 22 generates a displacement characteristic Fa within a set range Q1 from the time series of the position Z detected for each key 12 by the position detection unit 21, and searches table T for a sound generation characteristic Fb corresponding to the displacement characteristic Fa. The control device 22 then instructs the sound generator device 30 to use the sound generation characteristic Fb retrieved from table T. For example, the control device 22 determines and instructs the sound generation characteristic Fb at time t0 when the position Z of the key 12 reaches the lower end of the set range Q1 (i.e., point M).

[0024] Assume that a series of performance operations are performed in which the key 12 is continuously moved from the start position E1 to the end position E2. The control device 22 first instructs the sound source device 30 to set a sound generation characteristic Fb corresponding to the displacement characteristic Fa within the setting range Q1. Then, after instructing the sound generation characteristic Fb for a performance sound, the control device 22 instructs the sound generation of that performance sound at time t1 when the position Z of that key 12 reaches the sound generation position P. As can be understood from the above explanation, for each of a plurality of performance sounds corresponding to different keys 12, a sound generation characteristic Fb corresponding to the displacement characteristic Fa of that key 12 is set individually for that key 12.

[0025] 5 is a flowchart illustrating the specific steps of the process (hereinafter referred to as the "sound generation control process") in which the control device 22 controls the sound source device 30 in accordance with the position Z of each key 12. For example, the sound generation control process is repeated at intervals that are sufficiently short compared to the length of time it takes for the position Z of the key 12 to change due to key depression.

[0026] When the sound generation control process starts, the control device 22 selects one of the multiple keys 12 (hereinafter referred to as the "selected key 12") (S1). The control device 22 acquires the position Z of the selected key 12 from the position detection unit 21 (S2), and determines whether the position Z has passed through the set range Q1 (S3). In other words, it determines whether the position Z has reached the point M from the start position E1 side.

[0027] If the position Z of the selected key 12 passes through the setting range Q1 (S3: YES), the control device 22 calculates the displacement characteristic Fa of the selected key 12 within the setting range Q1 (S4). The control device 22 then instructs the sound generator device 30 on the sound generation characteristic Fb corresponding to the displacement characteristic Fa in the table T (S5). If the position Z of the selected key 12 does not pass through the setting range Q1 (S3: NO), the calculation of the displacement characteristic Fa (S4) and the instruction of the sound generation characteristic Fb (S5) are not executed.

[0028] The control device 22 determines whether the position Z of the selected key 12 has reached the sound generation position P from the start position E1 side (S6). If the position Z has reached the sound generation position P from the start position E1 side (S6: YES), the control device 22 instructs the sound source device 30 to generate a performance sound corresponding to the selected key 12 (S7). The sound source device 30, upon receiving the instruction to generate a performance sound, generates an audio signal V representing a performance sound having the sound generation characteristic Fb previously instructed for the selected key 12. The audio signal V is supplied from the sound source device 30 to the sound emission device 40, which emits a performance sound having the sound generation characteristic Fb corresponding to the displacement of the selected key 12 within the setting range Q1. If the position Z has not reached the sound generation position P from the start position E1 side (S6: NO), the instruction to generate a performance sound (S7) is not executed.

[0029] The control device 22 determines whether the position Z of the selected key 12 has reached the sound generation position P from the end position E2 side (S8). If the position Z has reached the sound generation position P from the end position E2 side (S8: YES), the control device 22 instructs the sound source device 30 to mute the performance sound corresponding to the selected key 12 (S9). The sound source device 30, which has been instructed to generate the performance sound, stops generating the audio signal V representing the performance sound. Therefore, the production of the performance sound corresponding to the selected key 12 is stopped.

[0030] The control device 22 determines whether the above processing has been performed for all keys 12 (S10). If there are any unprocessed keys 12 (S10: NO), the control device 22 selects a new unselected key 12 (S1) and performs the above-described processing (S2 to S10) for the selected key 12. If the processing has been performed for all keys 12 (S10: YES), the control device 22 ends the sound generation control processing.

[0031] As explained above, in the first embodiment, a performance sound is generated in accordance with the position Z of the key 12 within the sound generation range Q2 within the movement range R of the key 12. Furthermore, the sound generation characteristic Fb of the performance sound is controlled in accordance with changes in the position Z of the key 12 within the set range Q1 of the movement range R, which is closer to the starting position E1 than the sound generation range Q2. In other words, the position detection unit 21, which detects the position Z of the key 12 within the movement range R, is used both to generate a performance sound and to control the sound generation characteristic Fb of the performance sound. This makes it possible to generate a performance sound in accordance with a performance operation using a simple configuration.

[0032] Furthermore, a series of performance operations that move the key 12 from the setting range Q1 to the sound generation range Q2 (sound generation position P) controls the control of the sound generation characteristic Fb of the performance note and the generation of the performance note. That is, the sound generation characteristic Fb is controlled in response to changes in the position Z of the key 12 within the setting range Q1, and the sound generation of the performance note is controlled in response to the position Z of the key 12 within the sound generation range Q2 to which the key 12 immediately moves. With the above configuration, the performer does not need to specify the sound generation characteristic Fb and generate the performance note by separate operations. That is, the specification of the sound generation characteristic Fb and the generation of the performance note are executed by a series of performance operations that move the key 12 within the movement range R. This has the advantage of allowing the generation of performance notes with a variety of sound generation characteristics Fb while minimizing the burden on the performer.

[0033] B: Second embodiment In the first embodiment, the sound generation characteristic Fb related to the performance technique of the performance sound is exemplified. In the second embodiment, the sound generation characteristic Fb is the characteristic of the attack section of the performance sound. Note that for elements whose functions are the same as those of the first embodiment in the following exemplary aspects, the symbols used in the explanation of the first embodiment are used and detailed explanations of each element are omitted as appropriate.

[0034] 6 is an explanatory diagram of the sound generation characteristic Fb in the second embodiment. The section in which a performance sound is generated includes an attack section Ca corresponding to the rising edge of the performance sound. The sound generation characteristic Fb in the second embodiment is the characteristic of the attack section Ca in the performance sound. For example, the sound generation characteristic Fb is the time length (attack time) of the attack section Ca, or the volume (attack level) at the end point of the attack section Ca. The rate of change in the volume in the attack section Ca is also used as the sound generation characteristic Fb.

[0035] As explained above, the control device 22 of the second embodiment controls the sound generation characteristic Fb of the attack section Ca of the performed sound. For example, assuming that the movement speed or acceleration of the key 12 is the displacement characteristic Fa, the control device 22 controls the sound source device 30 so that the larger the displacement characteristic Fa, the larger or smaller the sound generation characteristic Fb. The configuration and operation other than the content of the sound generation characteristic Fb are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, the second embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0036] Although the above description has exemplified the sound generation characteristic Fb for the attack section Ca, characteristics for sections other than the attack section Ca in the performance sound can also be used as the sound generation characteristic Fb. For example, the duration or volume of the sustain section Cs, in which the volume is steadily maintained, can be used as the sound generation characteristic Fb. Also, the duration of the decay section Cd between the attack section Ca and the sustain section Cs, or the duration of the release section Cr, in which the volume of the performance sound attenuates immediately after the sustain section Cs, can be used as the sound generation characteristic Fb. The rate of change in volume in the release section Cr can also be used as the sound generation characteristic Fb.

[0037] C: Third embodiment The control device 22 in the third embodiment controls the volume of the performance sound according to the displacement characteristic Fa of the key 12 within the setting range Q1. That is, the sound generation characteristic Fb that the control device 22 instructs the sound generator device 30 to set is the volume of the performance sound. For example, assuming that the displacement characteristic Fa is the movement speed or acceleration of the key 12, the control device 22 controls the sound generator device 30 so that the larger the numerical value of the displacement characteristic Fa, the larger the volume of the performance sound. The configuration and operation other than the content of the sound generation characteristic Fb are the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the third embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0038] D: Modification Specific modified embodiments that can be added to each of the embodiments exemplified above are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be combined as appropriate within the scope of not being mutually contradictory.

[0039] (1) The sound generation characteristics Fb of the performance sound, which are controlled in accordance with the displacement characteristics Fa within the setting range Q1, are not limited to the above examples (performance technique, characteristics of each section of the performance sound, and volume of the performance sound). For example, the control device 22 may control the presence or absence of performance techniques (musical expression) such as ties or slurs in the performance sound in accordance with the displacement characteristics Fa.

[0040] (2) In the above-described embodiments, the sound generation characteristic Fb of the performed sound is controlled in accordance with the displacement characteristic Fa within the setting range Q1. However, the control device 22 controls any setting (parameter) related to the keyboard instrument 100 in accordance with the displacement characteristic Fa within the setting range Q1. In other words, the keys 12 used for the performance operation to generate the sound are also used to control various settings related to the keyboard instrument 100.

[0041] The following are examples of settings controlled in accordance with the displacement characteristic Fa. As in the above-described embodiments, a performance sound is generated when the position Z of each key 12 reaches the sound generation position P. However, when changing settings related to the keyboard instrument 100, it is not essential that the position Z of each key 12 reaches the sound generation position P (i.e., that a performance sound is generated). In the following explanation, a numerical value such as the moving speed or acceleration of the key 12 is assumed to be the displacement characteristic Fa. Two or more embodiments selected from the following examples may be combined with each other.

[0042] [Aspect 1] When a performer plays a chord by pressing multiple keys 12 in parallel, the control device 22 may control the chord of the performed sound according to the displacement characteristic Fa within the setting range Q1. For example, if the value of the displacement characteristic Fa is within a reference range, the control device 22 instructs the sound generator device 30 to play a performance sound of the chord played by the performer. On the other hand, if the value of the displacement characteristic Fa exceeds the reference range, the control device 22 instructs the sound generator device 30 to play a performance sound of a tension chord corresponding to the chord played by the performer. Furthermore, if the value of the displacement characteristic Fa is below the reference range, the control device 22 instructs the sound generator device 30 to play a performance sound of a power chord corresponding to the chord played by the performer. The control device 22 may also control the type of chord of the performed sound according to the displacement characteristic Fa. For example, the control device 22 sets the chord of the performed sound to either a major chord or a minor chord according to the displacement characteristic Fa.

[0043] [Aspect 2] Assume that the keyboard instrument 100 automatically performs a specific performance part of a piece of music (hereinafter referred to as the "specific part"). The specific part is, for example, an accompaniment part of the piece of music. The control device 22 may control the settings related to the specific part in accordance with a displacement characteristic Fa within a setting range Q1. For example, the tempo of the specific part, the rhythm pattern of the specific part, the type of instrument used to perform the specific part, or the performance style of the specific part may be controlled in accordance with the displacement characteristic Fa. Specifically, it is assumed that the larger the value of the displacement characteristic Fa, the higher the tempo of the specific part, or that the larger the value of the displacement characteristic Fa, the more the specific part is changed to a performance part with a clearer rhythm. When a performer periodically changes the position Z of the key 12 within the setting range Q1, the control device 22 may control the keyboard instrument 100 so that the specific part is automatically performed at a tempo corresponding to the period of the change.

[0044] [Aspect 3] The periodic variation of the performance sound may be controlled according to the displacement characteristic Fa within the set range Q1. Examples of periodic variations of the performance sound include vibrato, in which the pitch of the performance sound continuously changes, tremolo, in which a performance sound of the same pitch is repeatedly produced, and trill, in which the performance sound of two different notes is alternately produced. When the performer periodically varies the position Z of the key 12 within the set range Q1, the control device 22 controls the sound source device 30 so that the performance sound periodically varies with a period corresponding to the variation (e.g., a period equal to the variation). The depth of the vibrato in the performance sound may also be controlled according to the amplitude of the position Z.

[0045] [Aspect 4] An external device is connected to the keyboard instrument 100. The external device is, for example, an audio device that processes the audio signal V generated by the sound source device 30. Examples of the audio device include an effector that applies various audio effects to the audio signal V, an amplifier that amplifies the audio signal V, and a recording device that records the audio signal V. The control device 22 may control various settings (parameters) of the audio device in accordance with the displacement characteristic Fa within the setting range Q1. Another example of an external device connected to the keyboard instrument 100 is a communication device that transmits the audio signal V generated by the sound source device 30. The control device 22 may control various settings of the communication device in accordance with the displacement characteristic Fa within the setting range Q1. As can be understood from the above explanation, the displacement characteristic Fa within the setting range Q1 is used to control settings related to the keyboard instrument 100 as well as settings related to devices other than the keyboard instrument 100.

[0046] (3) The performer may be notified that position Z of the key 12 has reached point M within the movement range R. For example, a configuration is possible in which a notification sound is emitted from the sound emitting device 40 when position Z reaches point M, or a configuration is possible in which a light-emitting element is made to emit light when position Z reaches point M. The performer may be notified that position Z has reached point M by displaying an image on a display device. The performer may also be made to perceive that position Z has reached point M through tactile sensation. For example, a configuration is possible in which a vibrator is activated when position Z reaches point M, thereby vibrating the key 12. Furthermore, if a protrusion that the key 12 abuts against is provided at point M, the key 12 vibrates when it abuts against the protrusion, allowing the performer to perceive that position Z has reached point M.

[0047] (4) The sound generation characteristic Fb corresponding to the displacement characteristic Fa when each key 12 is pressed may be stored in the storage device 23, and the sound generation characteristic Fb may be applied (i.e., reused) to the generation of a performance sound when a key is pressed the next time or thereafter. For example, the sound generation characteristic Fb at the first key press after the performer starts playing may be stored in the storage device 23 for each key 12. The sound generation characteristic Fb at the first key press after the performer issues an instruction to save the sound generation characteristic Fb may also be stored in the storage device 23. When a performance sound is generated when each key 12 is pressed, the sound generation characteristic Fb stored in the storage device 23 for that key 12 is reused. For example, the sound generation characteristic Fb stored in the storage device 23 may be reused for a length of time specified by the performer. The sound generation characteristic Fb stored in the storage device 23 may also be reused for a number of key presses specified by the performer. Furthermore, the sound generation characteristic Fb stored in the storage device 23 may be erased, for example, in response to an instruction from the performer. For example, the sound generation characteristics Fb corresponding to all the keys 12 may be erased all at once, or the sound generation characteristics Fb corresponding to the key 12 designated by the performer may be erased selectively.

[0048] In the above description, the sound generation characteristic Fb is stored in the storage device 23, but the displacement characteristic Fa that is the basis of the sound generation characteristic Fb may also be stored in the storage device 23. For example, the displacement characteristic Fa at the time of pressing each key 12 is stored in the storage device 23, and the sound generation characteristic Fb corresponding to the displacement characteristic Fa is applied to the generation of a performance sound upon subsequent key presses.

[0049] (5) In each of the above-described embodiments, a keyboard instrument 100 having multiple keys 12 has been exemplified, but the instruments to which the present disclosure is applicable are not limited to the keyboard instrument 100. For example, the present disclosure can also be applied to an electronic wind instrument including multiple controls. Specifically, the sound generation characteristic Fb of a performance sound is controlled in accordance with the displacement characteristic Fa of each of the multiple controls. As can be understood from the above examples, the present disclosure is applicable to instruments having controls that are displaced in response to performance operations, and the keys 12 exemplified in each of the above-described embodiments are an example of controls.

[0050] (6) In the above-described embodiments, the sound generation characteristic Fb and the generation of the performance sound are individually instructed to the sound source device 30. However, the sound generation characteristic Fb and the generation of the performance sound may be instructed collectively to the sound source device 30. For example, the control device 22 transmits control data to the sound source device 30, the control data including the designation of the sound generation characteristic Fb and the instruction to generate the performance sound.

[0051] (7) In the above-described embodiments, the keyboard instrument 100 is illustrated as including a sound generation control device 20 and a sound source device 30. However, the sound generation control device 20 and the sound source device 30 may be configured as separate devices. The sound generation control device 20 transmits, for example, control data instructing the generation / silencing of a performance sound or control data specifying a sound generation characteristic Fb to the sound source device 30 installed outside the sound generation control device 20. The control data instructing the generation of a sound is, for example, a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface / registered trademark) note-on message, and the control data instructing the silencing of a sound is, for example, a MIDI note-off message. The control data specifying a sound generation characteristic Fb is, for example, a MIDI control message. Note that the control data may also be transmitted from the sound generation control device 20 to the sound source device 30 using a communication protocol such as OpenSound Control.

[0052] As can be understood from the above explanation, the sound generation control unit is collectively expressed as an element that generates a performance sound and controls the characteristics of the performance sound. In addition to an element that controls the sound source device 30 configured integrally with the sound generation control device 20, the concept of the sound generation control unit also includes an element that instructs an external device separate from the sound generation control device 20 (for example, the sound source device 30) to generate a performance sound or control the characteristics of the performance sound.

[0053] (8) In the above-described embodiments, the movement range R is divided into one setting range Q1 and one sound generation range Q2, but the number of setting ranges Q1 or the number of sound generation ranges Q2 included in the movement range R is arbitrary. For example, the movement range R may include two or more setting ranges Q1 or two or more sound generation ranges Q2. For example, the sound generation characteristic Fb is controlled according to the displacement characteristic Fa within each setting range Q1 or the average of the displacement characteristic Fa across multiple setting ranges Q1. Furthermore, different types of sound generation characteristic Fb corresponding to each sound generation range Q2 may be controlled for the performance sound. Furthermore, the method of setting each range within the setting range Q1 or sound generation range Q2 is also arbitrary.

[0054] (9) In the above-described embodiments, the setting range Q1 and the sound generation range Q2 are adjacent to each other. However, a predetermined distance may be provided between the setting range Q1 and the sound generation range Q2. A configuration in which the setting range Q1 and the sound generation range Q2 overlap each other is also conceivable. Specifically, a portion of the setting range Q1 on the end position E2 side and a portion of the sound generation range Q2 on the start position E1 side may overlap each other.

[0055] The sound generation characteristic Fb may be controlled according to the displacement characteristic Fa within the overlapping range of the setting range Q1 and the sound generation range Q2 (hereinafter referred to as the "overlapping range"). For example, the control device 22 (sound generation control unit) controls the sound generation characteristic Fb for each section in FIG. 6 (particularly from the decay section Cd to the release section Cr) according to the displacement characteristic Fa within the overlapping range. Specifically, the movement speed v1 of the key 12 within the range outside the overlapping range of the setting range Q1 (hereinafter referred to as the "non-overlapping range") and the movement speed v2 of the key 12 within the overlapping range are used as the displacement characteristic Fa. For example, the ratio between the movement speed v1 and the movement speed v2 is suitable for the displacement characteristic Fa. The non-overlapping range is the range from the start position E1 of the movement range R to the overlapping range.

[0056] For example, when the movement speed v2 within the overlapping range is greater than the movement speed v1 within the non-overlapping range (v2>v1), the control device 22 sets the volume of the sustain section Cs to a value greater than a predetermined reference value, and when the movement speed v2 is smaller than the movement speed v1 (v2<v1), the control device 22 sets the volume of the sustain section Cs to a value smaller than the reference value. Note that the volume of the sustain section Cs may be controlled continuously or stepwise according to the movement speed v2.

[0057] Furthermore, when the movement speed v2 within the overlapping range is greater than the movement speed v1 within the non-overlapping range (v2>v1), the control device 22 sets the time length of the release section Cr to a value shorter than a predetermined reference value, and when the movement speed v2 is smaller than the movement speed v1 (v2<v1), the control device 22 sets the time length of the release section Cr to a value longer than the reference value. Note that the time length of the release section Cr may be controlled continuously or stepwise according to the movement speed v2. Also, the time length of the sustain section Cs may be controlled according to the movement speed v2. Note that in the above explanation, the sound generation characteristic Fb was controlled according to the displacement characteristic Fa within two ranges, the overlapping range and the non-overlapping range within the setting range Q1. However, the number of ranges dividing the setting range Q1 and the method for setting each range are not limited to the above example.

[0058] (10) As mentioned above, the functions exemplified above are realized by cooperation between one or more processors constituting the control device 22 and a program stored in the storage device 23. The program according to the present disclosure may be provided in a form stored on a computer-readable recording medium and installed on a computer. The recording medium may be, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, such as an optical recording medium (optical disk) such as a CD-ROM, but may also include any known type of recording medium, such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. Note that a non-transitory recording medium includes any recording medium other than a transitory, propagating signal, and does not exclude volatile recording media. Furthermore, in a configuration in which a distribution device distributes a program via a communication network, the storage device 23 storing the program in the distribution device corresponds to the non-transitory recording medium.

[0059] E: Notes From the above-described exemplary embodiments, the following configurations can be understood, for example.

[0060] A sound generation control device according to one aspect (first aspect) of the present disclosure includes a position detection unit that detects the position (detection position) of a key that moves within a movement range from a start position to an end position in response to a performance operation, and a sound generation control unit that generates a performance sound in response to the position of the key within a sound generation range that is a part of the movement range. The sound generation control unit controls the characteristics of the performance sound in response to changes in the position of the key within a set range of the movement range that is closer to the start position than the sound generation range. In the above aspect, a performance sound is generated in response to the position of the key within the sound generation range that is a part of the movement range of the key, and the characteristics of the performance sound are controlled in response to changes in the position of the key within a set range of the movement range that is closer to the start position than the sound generation range. In other words, the position detection unit that detects the position of the key within the movement range is used both to generate a performance sound and to control the characteristics of the performance sound. This makes it possible to generate a performance sound in response to a performance operation with a simple configuration.

[0061] In a specific example (second aspect) of the first aspect, the sound generation control unit generates the performance sound when the position of the key reaches a sound generation position within the sound generation range.

[0062] In a specific example (third aspect) of the first or second aspect, when the position of the key moves from the set range to the sound generation range, the sound generation control unit controls the characteristics of the performance sound to be generated according to the position of the key within the sound generation range in accordance with the displacement of the key within the set range. In the above aspect, a series of performance operations that move the key from the set range to the sound generation range can control the control of the characteristics of the performance sound and the generation of the performance sound. In other words, the characteristics of the performance sound are controlled according to the displacement of the key within the set range, and the sound of the performance sound is generated according to the position of the key within the sound generation range to which the key immediately moves.

[0063] The characteristics of the performance sound controlled by the sound generation control unit are arbitrary, but examples include characteristics related to the performance technique of the performance sound, characteristics of the attack section of the performance sound, or the volume of the performance sound.

[0064] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a sound generation control method includes a sound generation control device having a position detection unit that detects the position of a key that moves within a movement range from a start position to an end position in response to a performance operation, and the computer generates a performance sound in response to the position of the key within a sound generation range that is part of the movement range, and in generating the performance sound, controls the characteristics of the performance sound in response to changes in the position of the key within a set range of the movement range that is closer to the start position than the sound generation range.

[0065] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer of a sound generation control device, which has a position detection unit that detects the position of a key that moves within a movement range from a start position to an end position in response to a performance operation, to function as a sound generation control unit that generates a performance sound in response to the position of the key within a sound generation range that is part of the movement range, and the sound generation control unit controls the characteristics of the performance sound in response to changes in the position of the key within a set range of the movement range that is closer to the start position than the sound generation range. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 100... keyboard instrument, 10... keyboard, 12... key, 20... sound generation control device, 21... position detection unit, 22... control device, 23... storage device, 30... sound source device, 40... sound emission device.

Claims

1. a position detection unit that detects the position of a key that moves within a range of movement from a start position to an end position in response to a performance operation; a sound generation control unit that generates a performance sound in accordance with the position of the key within a sound generation range that is a part of the movement range, The sound generation control unit controls the sound generation characteristics of the played sound in accordance with a first moving speed of the key within a first range of a set range that is closer to the start position than the sound generation range within the movement range, and a second moving speed of the key within a second range of the set range that is different from the first range. Sound control device.

2. The sound generation characteristics are characteristics relating to a specific section among an attack section, a decay section, a sustain section, and a release section of the performance sound. The sound generation control device according to claim 1.

3. The sound characteristics are the volume of the specific section. The sound generation control device according to claim 2.

4. The sound generation control unit When the second movement speed is greater than the first movement speed, the volume of the specific section is set to a value greater than a reference value; When the second movement speed is lower than the first movement speed, the volume of the specific section is set to a value smaller than the reference value. The sound generation control device according to claim 3.

5. The pronunciation characteristic is the time length of the specific section. The sound generation control device according to claim 2.

6. The sound generation control unit When the second movement speed is higher than the first movement speed, the time length of the specific section is set to a time shorter than a reference value; When the second movement speed is lower than the first movement speed, the time length of the specific section is set to a time longer than the reference value. The sound generation control device according to claim 5.

7. The sound generation characteristics are characteristics related to the playing technique of the played sound. The sound generation control device according to claim 1.

8. The sound generation characteristic is the volume of the performance sound. The sound generation control device according to claim 1.

9. a part of the set range on the end position side overlaps with the sound generation range, the first range is a range of the set range that does not overlap with the sound generation range, The second range is a range of the set range that overlaps with the sound generation range. The sound generation control device according to claim 1.

10. a keyboard including keys that move within a range of movement from a start point position to an end point position in response to a performance operation; a position detection unit that detects the position of the key within the movement range; a sound generation control unit that generates a performance sound in accordance with the position of the key within a sound generation range that is a part of the movement range, The sound generation control unit controls the sound generation characteristics of the played sound in accordance with a first moving speed of the key within a first range of a set range that is closer to the start position than the sound generation range within the movement range, and a second moving speed of the key within a second range of the set range that is different from the first range. Keyboard instrument.

11. A position detection unit that detects the position of a key that changes within a range of movement from the start position to the end position in response to a performance operation. A computer of a sound generation control device comprising: a performance sound is generated in accordance with the position of the key within a sound generation range that is a part of the movement range; When the performance sound is generated, the sound generation characteristics of the performance sound are controlled in accordance with a first moving speed of the key within a first range of a set range that is closer to the starting point position than the sound generation range within the movement range, and a second moving speed of the key within a second range of the set range that is different from the first range. Sound control method.

12. A position detection unit that detects the position of a key that changes within a range of movement from the start position to the end position in response to a performance operation. A computer of a sound generation control device comprising: a sound generation control unit that generates a performance sound according to the position of the key within a sound generation range that is a part of the movement range; A program that functions as The sound generation control unit controls the sound generation characteristics of the played sound in accordance with a first moving speed of the key within a first range of a set range that is closer to the start position than the sound generation range within the movement range, and a second moving speed of the key within a second range of the set range that is different from the first range. program.

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