Signal generation method, signal generation system, electronic musical instrument, and program

Abstract

To generate acoustic signals with various acoustic characteristics in response to operations by a user with simple processing.SOLUTION: A signal generation system 30 comprises: a signal generation unit 72 that generates acoustic signals V in response to operations on a plurality of keys including a first key and a second key; and an operation control unit 73 that controls generation of the acoustic signals V in response to a reference position, which is a position of the first key at a time point of the operation on the second key, when the second key is operated during the operation on the first key.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technology for generating an acoustic signal in response to an operation by a user. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, various techniques have been proposed for detecting the amount of operation of a key on a keyboard instrument. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that uses a strain sensor that deforms when a key is pressed to detect the key being pressed. Also, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique that detects the position of a key by utilizing changes in a magnetic field that correspond to the key being pressed / released. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-56315 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-81615 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Meanwhile, there has been a demand for the development of a technology for generating audio signals with various acoustic characteristics in response to operations on controls such as keys, etc. In consideration of the above circumstances, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to generate audio signals with various acoustic characteristics in response to operations by a user through simple processing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, a signal generation method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure generates an acoustic signal in response to the operation of multiple keys including a first key and a second key, and when the second key is operated while the first key is being operated, controls the generation of the acoustic signal in response to a reference position, which is the position of the first key at the time the second key is operated.

[0006] A signal generation system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a signal generation unit that generates an acoustic signal in response to an operation of a plurality of keys including a first key and a second key, and an operation control unit that controls the generation of the acoustic signal in response to a reference position, which is the position of the first key at the time the second key is operated, when the second key is operated while the first key is being operated.

[0007] An electronic musical instrument according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of keys including a first key and a second key, a detection system that detects operation of each of the plurality of keys, and a signal generation system, wherein the signal generation system includes a signal generation unit that generates the acoustic signal in response to the operation of the plurality of keys, and an operation control unit that, when the second key is operated while the first key is being operated, controls the generation of the acoustic signal in response to a reference position, which is the position of the first key at the time the second key is operated.

[0008] A program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer system to function as a signal generating unit that generates an acoustic signal in response to an operation of a plurality of keys including a first key and a second key, and an operation control unit that controls the generation of the acoustic signal in response to a reference position, which is the position of the first key at the time the second key is operated, when the second key is operated while the first key is being operated. [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. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a detection system and a signal generation system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating the configuration of a magnetic sensor. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a signal generation system. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram regarding the position of each key. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the signal generating unit during continuous operation. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram relating to the relationship between a reference position and the time length of a transition section. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed procedure of a control process. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a waveform signal. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of a signal generating unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of a signal generating unit in the third embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed procedure of a control process in the third embodiment. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of the operation of a signal generating unit in a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A: First embodiment 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic musical instrument 100 according to a first embodiment. The electronic musical instrument 100 is an instrument that outputs sounds in response to performance by a user, and includes a keyboard 10, a detection system 20, a signal generation system 30, and a sound emission device 40. The electronic musical instrument 100 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as multiple devices configured separately from each other.

[0011] The keyboard 10 is composed of N keys K[1] to K[N] (N=1 to N) corresponding to different pitches P[n] (n=1 to N), where N is a natural number of 2 or greater. The N keys K[1] to K[N] include multiple white keys and multiple black keys, and are arranged in a predetermined direction. Each key K[n] is an operator that displaces vertically in response to user operation. The user operation is a performance operation that includes key pressing and key release.

[0012] The detection system 20 detects a user's operation on each key K[n]. The signal generation system 30 generates an audio signal V in response to the user's operation of each key K[n]. The audio signal V is a time signal representing a sound of a pitch P[n] corresponding to the key K[n] operated by the user.

[0013] The sound emitting device 40 reproduces the sound represented by the audio signal V. The sound emitting device 40 is, for example, a speaker or headphones. The sound emitting device 40 may be separate from the electronic musical instrument 100 and connected to the electronic musical instrument 100 by wire or wirelessly. For convenience, a D / A converter that converts the audio signal V from digital to analog and an amplifier that amplifies the audio signal V are not shown in the figure.

[0014] 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the detection system 20 and the signal generation system 30. The detection system 20 includes N magnetic sensors 21 corresponding to different keys K[n] and a drive circuit 22 that controls each of the magnetic sensors 21. The magnetic sensor 21 corresponding to any one key K[n] is a sensor that detects the position Z[n] of that key K[n] in the vertical direction. Each of the N magnetic sensors 21 includes a detection circuit 50 and a detected part 60. That is, a pair of the detection circuit 50 and the detected part 60 is provided for each key K[n].

[0015] A detection target portion 60 corresponding to each key K[n] is installed for that key K[n]. Therefore, the detection target portion 60 moves vertically in conjunction with the user's operation of the key K[n]. On the other hand, the detection circuit 50 is installed on the housing of the electronic musical instrument 100. In other words, the position of the detection circuit 50 is not linked to the user's operation of the key K[n]. Therefore, the distance between the detection circuit 50 and the detection target portion 60 changes in conjunction with the user's operation of the key K[n].

[0016] 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating the configuration of the detection circuit 50 and the detected portion 60. The detection circuit 50 is a resonant circuit including an input terminal 51, an output terminal 52, a resistive element 53, a coil 54, a capacitive element 55, and a capacitive element 56. One end of the resistive element 53 is connected to the input terminal 51, and the other end of the resistive element 53 is connected to one end of the capacitive element 55 and one end of the coil 54. The other end of the coil 54 is connected to the output terminal 52 and one end of the capacitive element 56. The other end of the capacitive element 55 and the other end of the capacitive element 56 are grounded.

[0017] The detected part 60 is a resonant circuit including a coil 61 and a capacitive element 62. Specifically, both ends of the capacitive element 62 and both ends of the coil 61 are connected to each other. The resonant frequency of the detection circuit 50 and the resonant frequency of the detected part 60 are the same frequency. However, the resonant frequency of the detection circuit 50 and the resonant frequency of the detected part 60 may be different.

[0018] The coil 54 and the coil 61 corresponding to any one key K[n] face each other at a distance in the vertical direction. Therefore, the distance between the coil 54 and the coil 61 changes depending on the operation of each key K[n] by the user. Specifically, the distance between the coil 54 and the coil 61 decreases when the user presses a key and increases when the user releases the key.

[0019] The drive circuit 22 in FIG. 2 supplies a reference signal R to each of the multiple detection circuits 50. Specifically, the drive circuit 22 supplies the reference signal R to each detection circuit 50 in a time-division manner. The reference signal R is a periodic signal whose level fluctuates at a predetermined frequency. The reference signal R is supplied to the input terminal 51 of each detection circuit 50. The frequency of the reference signal R is set to, for example, the resonant frequency of the detection circuit 50 or the detected portion 60.

[0020] As can be seen from FIG. 3, the reference signal R is supplied to the coil 54 via the input terminal 51 and the resistive element 53. The supply of the reference signal R generates a magnetic field in the coil 54. The magnetic field generated in the coil 54 causes an induced current in the coil 61 of the detected part 60 due to electromagnetic induction. The magnetic field generated in the coil 61 changes depending on the distance between the coils 54 and 61. Therefore, a detection signal d with an amplitude δ corresponding to the distance between the coils 54 and 61 is output from the output terminal 52 of the detection circuit 50. In other words, the amplitude δ of the detection signal d changes depending on the position Z[n] of each key K[n] in the vertical direction.

[0021] The drive circuit 22 in FIG. 2 generates a detection signal D from the detection signal d output by each detection circuit 50. The detection signal D is a signal that is sequentially set to a level corresponding to the amplitude δ of each detection signal d. As described above, the amplitude δ changes according to the position Z[n] of each key K[n]. Therefore, the detection signal D is a signal that represents the vertical position Z[n] of each of the N keys K[1] to K[N]. The position Z[n] is, for example, the position on the top surface of each key K[n] that is in contact with the user's finger.

[0022] 2, the signal generating system 30 includes a control device 31, a storage device 32, and an A / D converter 33. The signal generating system 30 may be configured as a single device, or may be configured as multiple devices configured separately from each other. The A / D converter 33 converts the detection signal D from analog to digital.

[0023] The control device 31 is composed of one or more processors that control each element of the electronic musical instrument 100. Specifically, the control device 31 is composed of one or more types of processors, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), SPU (Sound Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control device 31 generates an acoustic signal V in response to the detection signal D converted by the A / D converter 33.

[0024] The storage device 32 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 31 and data used by the control device 31. For example, a well-known recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium, or a combination of multiple types of recording media, may be used as the storage device 32. Note that, for example, a portable recording medium that is detachable from the electronic musical instrument 100, or a recording medium to which the control device 31 can write or read via a communication network (e.g., cloud storage) may also be used as the storage device 32.

[0025] The storage device 32 of the first embodiment stores a plurality of waveform signals W[n] corresponding to different keys K[n]. The waveform signal W[n] corresponding to any one key K[n] is a signal representing the sound of the pitch P[n] corresponding to that key K[n]. That is, the waveform signal W[n] is supplied to the sound emission device 40 as the acoustic signal V, thereby reproducing the sound of that pitch P[n]. The data format of the waveform signal W[n] is arbitrary.

[0026] 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the control device 31. The control device 31 executes a program stored in the storage device 32 to realize multiple functions (a position identification unit 71, a signal generation unit 72, and an operation control unit 73) for generating an acoustic signal V from a detection signal D.

[0027] The position identification unit 71 identifies the position Z[n] of each of the N keys K[1] to K[N] by analyzing the detection signal D. Specifically, the position identification unit 71 identifies the position Z[n] according to the level of the portion of the detection signal D that corresponds to the key K[n].

[0028] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the position Z[n] of each key K[n]. As illustrated in FIG. 5, each key K[n] moves vertically within a range Q between an upper end position ZH and a lower end position ZL (hereinafter referred to as the "movement range") in response to a user's operation. The upper end position ZH is the position of the key K[n] when the user is not operating the key K[n]. In other words, the upper end position ZH is the upper end position of the movement range Q. On the other hand, the lower end position ZL is the position of the key K[n] when the user has fully pressed the key K[n]. In other words, the lower end position ZL is the lower end position of the movement range Q. The lower end position ZL can also be expressed as the position of the key K[n] when the displacement of the key K[n] is at its maximum. The detection system 20 of the first embodiment can detect the position of each key K[n] throughout the movement range Q. That is, the position Z[n] indicated by the detection signal D for each key K[n] is any one point within the entire movement range Q. The upper end position ZH is an example of a "first end position," and the lower end position ZL is an example of a "second end position."

[0029] An actuation position Zon and a release position Zoff are set within the movement range Q. The actuation position Zon is the position at which it is determined that the key K[n] has been actuated by the user. That is, when the key K[n] is depressed and the position Z[n] reaches the actuation position Zon, it is determined that the key K[n] has been actuated. On the other hand, the release position Zoff is the position at which it is determined that the actuation of the key K[n] has been released. That is, when the key K[n] is released and the position Z[n] rises and reaches the release position Zoff, it is determined that the key K[n] has been released. The actuation position Zon is located between the release position Zoff and the bottom end position ZL. Note that the actuation position Zon may coincide with either the top end position ZH or the bottom end position ZL. Similarly, the release position Zoff may coincide with either the top end position ZH or the bottom end position ZL. Furthermore, the release position Zoff may be located between the actuation position Zon and the bottom end position ZL.

[0030] The key K[n] descends from the upper end position ZH when operated by the user. During the process of descent, the key K[n] passes through the operation position Zon and finally reaches the lower end position ZL. Furthermore, when the user releases the operation, the key K[n] rises from the lower end position ZL. During the process of rising, the key K[n] passes through the release position Zoff and finally reaches the upper end position ZH.

[0031] 4 generates an audio signal V in response to a user's operation on each of the multiple keys K[n]. Specifically, the signal generation unit 72 generates an audio signal V in response to the position Z[n] of each key K[n].

[0032] First, assume that any one key K[n] on the keyboard 10 is operated alone. When the key K[n] is operated alone, the signal generation unit 72 generates an audio signal V using the waveform signal W[n] corresponding to the key K[n] among the N waveform signals W[1] to W[N] stored in the storage device 32. Specifically, when the key K[n] is depressed and the position Z[n] reaches the operation position Zon, the signal generation unit 72 outputs the waveform signal W[n] to the sound output device 40 as the audio signal V. Therefore, a sound having a pitch P[n] is reproduced from the sound output device 40. Note that the audio signal V may be generated by performing various audio processes on the waveform signal W[n]. As can be understood from the above description, the signal generation unit 72 corresponds to a PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) sound source.

[0033] Next, consider the case where key K[n2] is operated while key K[n1] is being operated (hereinafter referred to as "continuous operation"). Key K[n1] (n1 = 1 to N) is any one of the N keys K[1] to K[N]. On the other hand, key K[n2] (n2 = 1 to N, n2 ≠ n1) is one of the N keys K[1] to K[N] other than key K[n1]. Key K[n1] and key K[n2] may be two adjacent keys K[n] or two keys K[n] spaced apart with one or more keys K[n] in between. Key K[n2] corresponds to a pitch P[n2] that is different from pitch P[n1].

[0034] As illustrated in Fig. 5, "during operation of key K[n1]" refers to the period from when key K[n1] passes through operation position Zon during the descent process until when key K[n1] passes through release position Zoff during the ascending process following the descent (hereinafter referred to as "operation period"). "During consecutive operations" refers to the period in which the operation period of key K[n1] and the operation period of key K[n2] overlap on the time axis. Specifically, during consecutive operations, the latter part of the operation period of key K[n1], including the end point, and the former part of the operation period of key K[n2], including the start point, overlap with each other.

[0035] During successive operations in which key K[n2] is operated while key K[n1] is being operated, signal generation unit 72 generates audio signal V using waveform signal W[n1] corresponding to key K[n1] and waveform signal W[n2] corresponding to key K[n2]. Key K[n1] is an example of a "first key," and key K[n2] is an example of a "second key." Furthermore, waveform signal W[n1] is an example of a "first waveform signal," and waveform signal W[n2] is an example of a "second waveform signal."

[0036] Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the signal generating unit 72 during successive operations. As illustrated in Fig. 6, it is assumed that the user operates the key K[n2] while the key K[n1] that the user has been operating is being released and is rising (i.e., during successive operations).

[0037] In the above situation, the signal generation unit 72 generates an audio signal V including a first interval X1, a second interval X2, and a transition interval Xt. The first interval X1 is an interval corresponding to the operation of the key K[n1]. The second interval X2 is an interval corresponding to the operation of the key K[n2]. The second interval X2 is located after the first interval X1 on the time axis. The transition interval Xt is an interval located between the first interval X1 and the second interval X2.

[0038] The start point tS of the transition section Xt is the time t on of the operation on the key K[n2]. Specifically, the start point tS is the time t on when the position Z[n2] reaches the operation position Z on as the key K[n2] descends due to the key being pressed. On the other hand, the end point tE of the transition section Xt is a time point that is a time length T after the start point tS of the transition section Xt. The time length T will be described later. The start point tS is also expressed as the end point of the first section X1, and the end point tE is also expressed as the start point of the second section X2.

[0039] The signal generating unit 72 supplies the waveform signal W[n1] corresponding to the key K[n1] to the sound emitting device 40 as the first section X1 of the audio signal V. Therefore, a sound of pitch P[n1] (hereinafter referred to as the "first sound") is reproduced by the sound emitting device 40. In other words, the first section X1 of the audio signal V represents the first sound of pitch P[n1] corresponding to the key K[n1].

[0040] The signal generating unit 72 supplies the waveform signal W[n2] corresponding to the key K[n2] to the sound emitting device 40 as the second section X2 of the audio signal V. Therefore, a sound of pitch P[n2] (hereinafter referred to as the "second sound") is reproduced by the sound emitting device 40. That is, the second section X2 of the audio signal V represents the second sound of pitch P[n2] corresponding to the key K[n2]. The pitch P[n1] of the first sound in the first section X1 is different from the pitch P[n2] of the second sound in the second section X2. Note that while FIG. 6 conveniently illustrates a case where pitch P[n2] is higher than pitch P[n1], cases where pitch P[n2] is lower than pitch P[n1] are also conceivable.

[0041] Furthermore, the signal generation unit 72 uses the waveform signals W[n1] and W[n2] to generate a transition section Xt of the audio signal V. Specifically, the signal generation unit 72 generates the transition section Xt of the audio signal V by crossfading the waveform signals W[n1] and W[n2] and controlling the pitch P[n]. The generation of the transition section Xt will be described in detail below.

[0042] The signal generation unit 72 decreases the volume of the waveform signal W[n1] over time from the start point tS to the end point tE of the transition section Xt. The volume of the waveform signal W[n1] decreases continuously within the transition section Xt. Specifically, the signal generation unit 72 multiplies the waveform signal W[n1] by a coefficient (gain) that decreases over time from a maximum value of 1 to a minimum value of 0 from the start point tS to the end point tE. The signal generation unit 72 also increases the volume of the waveform signal W[n2] over time from the start point tS to the end point tE of the transition section Xt. The volume of the waveform signal W[n2] increases continuously within the transition section Xt. Specifically, the signal generation unit 72 multiplies the waveform signal W[n2] by a coefficient (gain) that increases over time from a minimum value of 0 to a maximum value of 1 from the start point tS to the end point tE.

[0043] The signal generation unit 72 also changes the pitch of the waveform signal W[n1] over time from the start point tS to the end point tE of the transition section Xt. Specifically, the signal generation unit 72 changes the pitch of the waveform signal W[n1] over time from the pitch P[n1] to the pitch P[n2] from the start point tS to the end point tE. That is, the pitch of the waveform signal W[n1] rises or falls from the pitch P[n1] at the start point tS to reach the pitch P[n2] at the end point tE. The signal generation unit 72 also changes the pitch of the waveform signal W[n2] over time from the start point tS to the end point tE of the transition section Xt. Specifically, the signal generation unit 72 changes the pitch of the waveform signal W[n2] over time from the pitch P[n1] to the pitch P[n2] from the start point tS to the end point tE. That is, the pitch of waveform signal W[n2] rises or falls from pitch P[n1] at start point tS, similar to waveform signal W[n1] described above, and reaches pitch P[n2] at end point tE.

[0044] The signal generating unit 72 generates the transition section Xt of the audio signal V by adding the processed waveform signals W[n1] and W[n2] exemplified above. That is, as described above, the transition section Xt is generated by crossfading the waveform signals W[n1] and W[n2]. The pitch of the transition section Xt transitions from the pitch P[n1] of the first note to the pitch P[n2] of the second note. As can be understood from the above explanation, the transition section Xt is a section in which the sound represented by the audio signal V transitions over time from the first note to the second note. That is, by operating the key K[n2] while operating the key K[n1], the user can impart musical effects equivalent to legato or portamento to the sound emitted by the sound emitting device 40.

[0045] The operation control unit 73 in FIG. 4 controls the generation of the audio signal V by the signal generation unit 72. The operation control unit 73 of the first embodiment controls the duration T of the transition section Xt. Specifically, when the key K[n1] and the key K[n2] are successively operated, the operation control unit 73 controls the duration T of the transition section Xt in accordance with the position Z[n1] of the key K[n1] at the time ton when the key K[n2] is operated (hereinafter referred to as the "reference position Zref"). As illustrated in FIG. 6, the reference position Zref is the position Z[n1] of the key K[n1] at the time ton when the position Z[n2] of the key K[n2] reaches the operation position Zon by key depression. In other words, when the distance L between the upper end position ZH and the reference position Zref is taken into consideration, the operation control unit 73 controls the duration T of the transition section Xt in accordance with the distance L. The distance L can also be expressed as the amount of operation of the key K[n] by the user.

[0046] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the reference position Zref and the time length T. In FIG. 7, positions Z1 and Z2 within the movement range Q are assumed as specific examples of the reference position Zref. Position Z2 is closer to the bottom end position ZL than position Z1. In other words, the distance L2 between position Z2 and the top end position ZH is greater than the distance L1 between position Z1 and the top end position ZH (L2>L1). Note that position Z1 is an example of a "first position," and position Z2 is an example of a "second position."

[0047] When the reference position Zref is at position Z1, the operation control unit 73 sets the transition section Xt to a time length T1. On the other hand, when the reference position Zref is at position Z2, the operation control unit 73 sets the transition section Xt to a time length T2. The time length T2 is longer than the time length T1 (T2>T1). As can be understood from the above explanation, the operation control unit 73 controls the time length T of the transition section Xt so that the closer the reference position Zref is to the bottom end position ZL, the longer the time length T of the transition section Xt. In other words, the longer the distance L between the top end position ZH and the reference position Zref, the longer the time length T of the transition section Xt.

[0048] 8 is a flowchart illustrating the detailed procedure of the process (hereinafter referred to as "control process") executed by the control device 31. For example, the process of FIG. 8 is repeated at a predetermined cycle.

[0049] When the control process starts, the control device 31 (position identification unit 71) identifies the position Z[n] of each key K[n] by analyzing the detection signal D (Sa1). The control device 31 (signal generation unit 72) determines whether any of the N keys K[1] to K[N] (key K[n2]) has been operated by referring to the position Z[n] of each key K[n] (Sa2). Specifically, the control device 31 determines whether the position Z[n2] of any of the keys K[n2] has reached the operation position Zon due to the descent of the key K[n2].

[0050] If it is determined that the key K[n2] has been operated (Sa2: YES), the control device 31 (signal generating unit 72) determines whether another key K[n1] is being operated (Sa3). If another key K[n1] is not being operated (Sa3: NO), this means that the key K[n2] has been operated alone. Therefore, the control device 31 outputs the waveform signal W[n2] to the sound emitting device 40 as the acoustic signal V, thereby causing the sound emitting device 40 to reproduce the second sound of pitch P[n2] (Sa4).

[0051] On the other hand, if key K[n2] is operated while key K[n1] is being operated (Sa3: YES), that is, during continuous operation, the control device 31 (signal generation unit 72) generates an acoustic signal V using the waveform signal W[n1] corresponding to key K[n1] and the waveform signal W[n2] corresponding to key K[n2] (Sa5-Sa7).

[0052] First, the control device 31 (operation control unit 73) identifies the reference position Zref, which is the position Z[n1] of the key K[n1] at the time t on of the operation on the key K[n2] (Sa5). The control device 31 (operation control unit 73) also sets the duration T of the transition section Xt in accordance with the reference position Zref (Sa6). Specifically, as described above, the control device 31 sets the duration T of the transition section Xt so that the duration T increases as the reference position Zref approaches the bottom end position ZL. The control device 31 (signal generation unit 72) generates the audio signal V by cross-fading the waveform signal W[n1] and the waveform signal W[n2] within the transition section Xt of the duration T (Sa7). The control device 31 (signal generation unit 72) outputs the audio signal V generated by the above process to the sound emission device 40 (Sa8). The control process exemplified above is repeated periodically.

[0053] As described above, in the first embodiment, when key K[n2] is operated while key K[n1] is being operated, generation of audio signal V is controlled according to reference position Zref, which is the position of key K[n1] at time t o of key K[n2] operation. Therefore, by a simple process of identifying position Z[n1] (=Zref) of key K[n1] at time t o of key K[n2] operation, audio signal V with various acoustic characteristics according to user operations can be generated. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the duration T of transition section Xt, during which the sound represented by audio signal V transitions from a first note (pitch P[n1]) to a second note (pitch P[n2]), is controlled according to reference position Zref. Therefore, various audio signals V can be generated in which the duration T of transition section Xt changes according to user operations on key K[n1] and key K[n2].

[0054] Incidentally, it is assumed that when a user intends to quickly transition from the first note to the second note, the user will tend to shorten the overlapping time between the operation periods of the keys K[n1] and K[n2], whereas when a user intends to gradually transition from the first note to the second note over a reasonable period of time, the user will tend to ensure a sufficient overlapping time between the operation periods of the keys K[n1] and K[n2]. In the first embodiment, when the reference position Zref is at position Z2, which is closer to the bottom end position ZL than position Z1, the transition section Xt is set to a time length T2, which is longer than the time length T1. This has the advantage that the user can easily set the transition section Xt to the intended time length T through intuitive operation.

[0055] B: Second embodiment A second embodiment will be described. Note that, for elements in the following exemplary aspects that have the same functions as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment will be used, and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0056] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of each waveform signal W[n]. The waveform signal W[n] includes a sound generation portion Wa and a steady portion Wb. The sound generation portion Wa is the period immediately after the start of generation of the sound represented by the waveform signal W[n]. For example, the sound generation portion Wa includes an attack period during which the volume of the sound represented by the waveform signal W[n] rises, and a decay period during which the volume decreases immediately after the attack period. On the other hand, the steady portion Wb is the period following the sound generation portion Wa. Specifically, the steady portion Wb follows the sound generation portion Wa. For example, the steady portion Wb corresponds to the sustain period during which the volume of the sound represented by the waveform signal W[n] is steadily maintained.

[0057] When the key K[n] is operated alone, the signal generation unit 72 uses the entire waveform signal W[n] to generate the sound signal V. That is, the signal generation unit 72 supplies the entire waveform signal W[n] including the sound generation portion Wa and the steady portion Wb to the sound emitting device 40 as the sound signal V. Therefore, a sound including both the sound generation portion Wa and the steady portion Wb is reproduced from the sound emitting device 40.

[0058] On the other hand, during consecutive key operations in which key K[n2] is operated while key K[n1] is being operated, the signal generation unit 72 generates the audio signal V by selectively using the steady portion Wb of the waveform signal W[n2]. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 10 , during the transition section Xt, the steady portion Wb of waveform signal W[n2] other than the sounding portion Wa is cross-faded with the preceding waveform signal W[n1] to generate the audio signal V. In other words, the sounding portion Wa of waveform signal W[n2] is not used to generate the audio signal V. Note that the configuration and operation are the same as those of the first embodiment, except that the sounding portion Wa of waveform signal W[n2] is not used during consecutive key operations. Therefore, the second embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0059] In the configuration (first embodiment) in which the sound portion Wa of the waveform signal W[n2] is used to generate the audio signal V during successive operations, the sound portion Wa of the second sound is perceptibly pronounced within the transition section Xt. That is, the user perceives clearly that a separate second sound has begun to be produced following the first sound. Therefore, the impression of a continuous transition between the first sound and the second sound may not be fully perceived. In the second embodiment, the sound portion Wa of the second sound following the first sound is not used. Therefore, an audio signal V can be generated in which the first sound and the second sound are smoothly connected with a natural auditory impression.

[0060] On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the sound generation portion Wa of the waveform signal W[n2] is used in the audio signal V, but the volume of the waveform signal W[n2] is suppressed during the cross-fade in the transition section Xt, so depending on the waveform of the waveform signal W[n2] within the sound generation portion Wa, it may be difficult to audibly perceive the sound generation portion Wa of the second sound. On the other hand, according to the first embodiment, there is no need to exclude the sound generation portion Wa of the waveform signal W[n2] when generating the audio signal V, which has the advantage of reducing the processing load on the control device 31 compared to the second embodiment.

[0061] C: Third embodiment 11 is an explanatory diagram of the operation performed by the signal generation unit 72 of the third embodiment during successive operations. Similar to the first embodiment, successive operations occur when key K[n2] is operated while key K[n1] is being operated. During successive operations, the signal generation unit 72 generates an audio signal V including a first interval X1, a second interval X2, and an additional interval Xa. Similarly to the first embodiment, when key K[n] is operated alone, a waveform signal W[n] is output as audio signal V.

[0062] As in the first embodiment, in the first section X1, the signal generation unit 72 supplies a waveform signal W[n1] corresponding to the key K[n1] to the sound emitting device 40 as the sound signal V. Furthermore, in the second section X2, the signal generation unit 72 supplies a waveform signal W[n2] corresponding to the key K[n2] to the sound emitting device 40 as the sound signal V. In the third embodiment, a waveform signal W[n2] including both the sound generation portion Wa and the steady portion Wb is supplied to the sound emitting device 40 as the sound signal V from the start point of the second section X2. That is, the beginning of the sound generation portion Wa in the waveform signal W[n2] is reproduced from the start point of the second section X2. However, as in the second embodiment, reproduction of the sound generation portion Wa of the waveform signal W[n2] may be omitted.

[0063] The signal generating unit 72 supplies the additional signal E to the sound emitting device 40 as the additional section Xa of the audio signal V. The additional signal E is a signal representing an additional sound. The additional sound is an additional sound effect separate from the first sound or the second sound. Specifically, an example of the "additional sound" is a sound that occurs in association with playing an instrument (for example, a sound other than the original instrument sound). For example, an example of the additional sound is finger noise (fret noise) that occurs due to friction between fingers and strings when playing a stringed instrument, or a breath sound that occurs when playing a wind instrument or singing. As can be understood from the above explanation, the additional sound is reproduced by the sound emitting device 40 between the first sound and the second sound.

[0064] The operation control unit 73 of the third embodiment controls the acoustic characteristics of the additional sound in the additional section Xa according to the reference position Zref. Specifically, the operation control unit 73 controls the volume of the additional sound according to the reference position Zref. For example, the operation control unit 73 increases the volume of the additional sound as the reference position Zref is closer to the bottom end position ZL. Specifically, assuming that positions Z1 and Z2 are the reference position Zref as in the first embodiment, the volume of the additional sound when the reference position Zref is position Z2 exceeds the volume of the additional sound when the reference position Zref is position Z1. In other words, the longer the distance L between the top end position ZH and the reference position Zref, the higher the volume of the additional sound. Note that, contrary to the above example, a configuration is also conceivable in which the volume of the additional sound decreases as the distance L between the top end position ZH and the reference position Zref increases.

[0065] Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed procedure of the control process in the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, steps Sa6 and Sa7 of the control process in the first embodiment are replaced with steps Sb6 and Sb7 in Fig. 12, which are illustrated below. The processes other than steps Sb6 and Sb7 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0066] When the reference position Zref is identified (Sa5), the control device 31 (operation control unit 73) acquires the additional signal E from the storage device 32 and sets the volume of the additional signal E according to the reference position Zref (Sb6). Then, the control device 31 (signal generation unit 72) adjusts the additional signal E to the acquired volume and generates the audio signal V using the adjusted additional signal E as the additional section Xa (Sb7). As in the first embodiment, the control device 31 (signal generation unit 72) outputs the audio signal V to the sound emitting device 40 (Sa8). The control process exemplified above is repeated periodically.

[0067] As described above, in the third embodiment, when key K[n2] is operated while key K[n1] is being operated, generation of audio signal V is controlled according to reference position Zref, which is the position of key K[n1] at time ton when key K[n2] is operated. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, audio signal V with a variety of acoustic characteristics according to the operation by the user can be generated by a simple process of identifying position Z[n1] (=Zref) of key K[n1] at time ton when key K[n2] is operated. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, a variety of audio signals V can be generated in which an additional sound with acoustic characteristics according to reference position Zref is generated between the first and second sounds.

[0068] In the first and second embodiments, an example was given in which the time length T of the transition section Xt is controlled in accordance with the reference position Zref. In the third embodiment, an example was given in which the acoustic characteristics of the additional sound in the additional section Xa is controlled in accordance with the reference position Zref. The first to third embodiments are collectively expressed as an example in which the operation control section 73 controls the generation of the acoustic signal V in accordance with the reference position Zref.

[0069] D: Modification Specific modified embodiments that can be added to each of the embodiments exemplified above are exemplified below. Multiple embodiments arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be combined as appropriate within the scope of not mutually contradicting each other.

[0070] (1) In the first and second embodiments, the pitch of the audio signal V changes in the transition section Xt. However, the acoustic characteristics that change in the transition section Xt are not limited to pitch. For example, the volume of the audio signal V may transition from the volume of a first note to the volume of a second note in the transition section Xt. The volume of the first note is set according to the moving speed of the key K[n1] (i.e., the rate of change of the position Z[n1]). The volume of the second note is set according to the moving speed of the key K[n2]. Furthermore, the timbre of the audio signal V may transition from the timbre of the first note to the timbre of the second note in the transition section Xt. The first note and the second note have different timbres. The first note and the second note may be expressed as having different frequency characteristics. In the above-described example, when a transition section Xt is set between the first section X1 and the second section X2, the duration T of the transition section Xt may be controlled in accordance with the reference position Zref, as in the first or second embodiment. The transition section Xt is expressed as a section in which the sound represented by the audio signal V transitions from a first sound to a second sound. The first sound and the second sound are collectively expressed as sounds with different acoustic characteristics.

[0071] (2) In the third embodiment, the volume of the additional sound in the additional section Xa is controlled according to the reference position Zref, but the acoustic characteristics of the additional sound controlled according to the reference position Zref are not limited to the volume. For example, the pitch or timbre (frequency characteristics) of the additional sound may be controlled according to the reference position Zref. Two or more acoustic characteristics of the additional sound may be controlled according to the reference position Zref.

[0072] Also, a configuration is envisioned in which the signal generating unit 72 selectively uses one of a plurality of additional signals E representing different additional sounds as the additional section Xa of the audio signal V. The plurality of additional signals E are stored, for example, in the storage device 32. Each of the plurality of additional signals E represents a different type of additional sound. In the above configuration, the signal generating unit 72 may select an additional signal E from the plurality of additional signals E according to the reference position Zref. In other words, the additional signal E used as the additional section Xa of the audio signal V is changed according to the reference position Zref.

[0073] (3) In the first and second embodiments, the configuration in which the time length T of the transition section Xt is controlled in accordance with the reference position Zref has been exemplified. In the third embodiment, the configuration in which the acoustic characteristics of the additional sound in the additional section Xa are controlled in accordance with the reference position Zref has been exemplified. The configuration in which the reference position Zref is reflected in the generation of the audio signal V by the signal generation unit 72 is not limited to the above examples. For example, in a configuration in which the signal generation unit 72 generates an audio signal V to which various audio effects have been applied, the operation control unit 73 may control variables related to the audio effects in accordance with the reference position Zref. Examples of audio effects that can be applied to the audio signal V include various effects such as reverb, overdrive, distortion, compressor, equalizer, and delay. The configuration described above is also an example of a configuration in which the operation control unit 73 controls the generation of the audio signal V in accordance with the reference position Zref.

[0074] (4) In the above-described embodiments, the audio signal V is generated by selectively using N waveform signals W[1] to W[N] corresponding to different keys K[n]. However, the configuration and method for generating the audio signal V are not limited to the above examples. For example, an embodiment is also possible in which the signal generator 72 generates the audio signal V by performing a modulation process to modulate a base signal stored in the storage device 32. The base signal is a periodic signal whose level fluctuates at a predetermined frequency. According to the modulation process, the first section X1 and the second section X2 of the audio signal V are continuously generated by modulating the base signal, so the cross-fade illustrated in the first and second embodiments is not necessary. In an embodiment using the modulation process, the signal generator 72 changes the acoustic characteristics (e.g., volume, pitch, or timbre) of the audio signal V in the transition section Xt by controlling the conditions of the modulation process on the base signal.

[0075] (5) In the above embodiments, the volume of waveform signal W[n1] and waveform signal W[n2] is changed over time from start point tS to end point tE of transition section Xt. However, the section in which the volume of waveform signal W[n1] and waveform signal W[n2] is controlled may be a part of transition section Xt. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13 , signal generator 72 decreases the volume of waveform signal W[n1] over time from start point tS of transition section Xt to time point tE' before end point tE. Furthermore, signal generator 72 increases the volume of waveform signal W[n2] over time from time point tS' after start point tS of transition section Xt to end point tE. In other words, waveform signal W[n1] and waveform signal W[n2] are actually mixed in the section from time point tS' to time point tE'.

[0076] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, the pitch of the audio signal V is changed linearly within the transition section Xt, but the conditions for changing the acoustic characteristics of the audio signal V are not limited to the above examples. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 13, the signal generating unit 72 may change the pitch of the audio signal V in a curved manner from pitch P[n1] to pitch P[n2] within the transition section Xt. Also, embodiments in which the acoustic characteristics of the audio signal V change stepwise within the transition section Xt are conceivable.

[0077] (6) In the above-described embodiments, the position Z[n] of each key K[n] is detected by the magnetic sensor 21. However, the configuration and method for detecting the position Z[n] of each key K[n] are not limited to the above examples. For example, an optical sensor that detects the position Z[n] based on the amount of light reflected from each key K[n], or a pressure sensor that detects the position Z[n] based on changes in the pressing force of each key K[n] may be used to detect the position Z[n] of each key K[n].

[0078] (7) In the above-described embodiments, the key K[n] constituting the keyboard 10 is exemplified, but the operator operated by the user is not limited to the key K[n]. For example, any element operated by the user, such as a pedal operated by the user by stepping on it, a valve on a brass instrument (e.g., a trumpet or trombone), or a key on a woodwind instrument (e.g., a clarinet or saxophone), is exemplified as an "operator." As illustrated above, an operator in the present disclosure is any element operated by the user. For example, a virtual operator displayed on a touch panel and operated by the user is also included in the concept of an "operator" in the present disclosure. An operator moves within a predetermined movement range in response to an operation by the user. Note that the movement of an operator is not limited to linear movement. For example, a rotary operator (e.g., an operation knob) that rotates in response to an operation by the user is also envisioned as an example of an "operator." The "position" of a rotary operator refers to the angle of rotation relative to a standard state.

[0079] (8) As described above, the functions of the signal generation system 30 are realized through cooperation between one or more processors constituting the control device 31 and the program stored in the storage device 32. The program can be provided in a form stored on a computer-readable recording medium and installed on a computer. The recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, such as an optical recording medium (optical disk) such as a CD-ROM, but also includes 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 recording medium storing the program in the distribution device corresponds to the non-transitory recording medium described above.

[0080] E: Notes From the above-described exemplary embodiments, the following configurations can be understood, for example.

[0081] A signal generation method according to one aspect (aspect 1) of the present disclosure generates acoustic signals in response to operations on a plurality of operators including a first operator and a second operator, and when the second operator is operated while the first operator is being operated, controls generation of the acoustic signals in response to a reference position, which is the position of the first operator at the time of the operation on the second operator. In the above aspect, generation of the acoustic signals is controlled in response to the position (reference position) of the first operator at the time of the operation on the second operator. Therefore, acoustic signals with a variety of acoustic characteristics can be generated in response to operations by a user through a simple process of identifying the position of the first operator at the time of the operation of the second operator.

[0082] An "audio signal" is a signal representing a sound, and is generated in response to an operation on a control. The relationship between the operation on the control and the audio signal is arbitrary. For example, the sound represented by the audio signal may be generated / muted in conjunction with the operation on the control, or the acoustic characteristics of the audio signal may change in conjunction with the operation on the control. The acoustic characteristics of the audio signal may be any acoustic characteristic, such as volume, pitch, or timbre (i.e., frequency characteristics).

[0083] "When a second operator is operated while a first operator is being operated" refers to, for example, a case where the operation period of the first operator and the operation period of the second operator overlap on the time axis. Specifically, a later period of the operation period of the first operator, including the end point, and an earlier period of the operation period of the second operator, including the start point, overlap with each other. The "operation period" of each operator is the period during which the operator is operated. For example, the "operation period" corresponds to the period from when it is determined that the operator has been operated to when it is determined that the operation of the operator has been released. For example, assume that an operation position and a release position exist within the movement range of the operator. The operation position is the position at which it is determined that the operator has been operated, and the release position is the position at which it is determined that the operation of the operator has been released. The operation period is the period from when the operator reaches the operation position to when it reaches the release position. Note that the relationship between the operation position and the release position within the movement range is arbitrary. For example, the operation position and the release position may be different positions within the movement range or the same position.

[0084] The time point at which the second operator is operated is the time point at which it is determined that the second operator has been operated. For example, the time point at which the second operator starts to move from the position of the second operator in a non-operated state due to the operation by the user, as well as the time point at which the second operator reaches a specific point within its movement range due to the operation by the user, are included in the "time point at which the second operator is operated."

[0085] The "position of an operator" refers to the location of an operator when the operator moves in response to a user's operation. Furthermore, when the operator rotates in response to a user's operation, the "position of an operator" in this disclosure also encompasses the angle by which the operator has rotated. The "position of an operator" may also be expressed as, for example, the "amount of operation" for the operator. The amount of operation is, for example, the distance by which the operator has moved or the angle by which the operator has rotated from a reference position as a result of the user's operation.

[0086] In a specific example (aspect 2) of aspect 1, the audio signal includes a first section representing a first sound corresponding to the first operator, a second section representing a second sound corresponding to the second operator, and a transition section between the first and second sections in which the audio characteristics transition from the audio characteristics of the first sound to the audio characteristics of the second sound, and the control of generation of the audio signal includes controlling the time length of the transition section in accordance with the reference position. In the above aspect, the time length of the transition section in which the sound represented by the audio signal transitions from the first sound to the second sound is controlled in accordance with the position of the first operator at the time of operation of the second operator. Therefore, it is possible to generate a variety of audio signals in which the time length of the transition section changes in accordance with the user's operation of the first and second operators.

[0087] The "first sound" is a sound that is generated in response to an operation of the first operator. Similarly, the "second sound" is a sound that is generated in response to an operation of the second operator. The first sound and the second sound differ, for example, in their acoustic characteristics. As described above, the acoustic characteristics are any acoustic characteristics, such as volume, pitch, or timbre (i.e., frequency characteristics).

[0088] In a specific example (Aspect 2) of Aspect 1, the audio signal includes a first section representing a first sound corresponding to the first operator, a second section representing a second sound corresponding to the second operator, and a transition section generated between the first section and the second section by crossfading a first waveform signal representing the first sound with a second waveform signal representing the second sound, and the generation of the audio signal is controlled by controlling the time length of the transition section in accordance with the reference position. In the above aspect, the time length of the transition section in which the first waveform signal of the first sound and the second waveform signal of the second sound are crossfaded is controlled in accordance with the position of the first operator at the time of operation of the second operator. Therefore, it is possible to generate a variety of audio signals in which the time length of the transition section changes in accordance with the user's operation of the first and second operators.

[0089] "Crossfading a first waveform signal and a second waveform signal" refers to a process of mixing a first waveform signal and a second waveform signal while decreasing the volume of the first waveform signal (first sound) over time and increasing the volume of the second waveform signal (second sound) over time. Crossfading a first waveform signal and a second waveform signal can also be described as "crossfading a first sound and a second sound."

[0090] In a specific example (Aspect 4) of Aspect 3, when the second control is operated alone, the audio signal is generated using a second waveform signal including a sound portion located immediately after the start of the second sound and a steady portion after the sound portion, and the cross-fade uses the steady portion of the second waveform signal. In the above aspect, the steady portion of the second waveform signal is used for the cross-fade. Therefore, an audio signal can be generated in which the first sound and the second sound are smoothly connected with an auditory natural impression.

[0091] In a specific example (Aspect 5) of Aspects 2 to 4, each of the multiple operators is movable between a first end position in a non-operated state and a second end position spaced apart from the first end position. In controlling the generation of the acoustic signal, the transition section is set to a first duration when the reference position is the first position, and the transition section is set to a second duration longer than the first duration when the reference position is the second position closer to the second end position than the first position. When a user intends to quickly transition from a first sound to a second sound, the user tends to shorten the overlapping duration between the operation periods of the first and second operators. Furthermore, when a user intends to gradually transition from the first sound to the second sound over a reasonable period of time, the user tends to ensure a sufficient overlapping duration between the operation periods of the first and second operators. In the above-described aspect, when the reference position is the second position closer to the second end position than the first position, the transition section is set to a second duration longer than the first duration. For example, the closer the reference position is to the second end position, the longer the time length of the transition section. This has the advantage that the user can easily set the transition section to a time that suits their intention through an intuitive operation.

[0092] The "non-operated state" is a state in which the operator is not being operated by the user, and the "first end position" is the position of the operator in the non-operated state. The "second end position" is the position of the operator in a state in which the operator is being operated by the user. Specifically, the second end position is the position of the operator when the user has operated the operator to the maximum extent. The "first end position" is one end position of the operator's range of movement, and the "second end position" is the other end position of the range of movement.

[0093] In a specific example (Aspect 6) of Aspect 1, the audio signal includes a first interval representing a first sound corresponding to the first operator, a second interval representing a second sound corresponding to the second operator, and an additional interval representing an additional sound between the first interval and the second interval, and in controlling the generation of the audio signal, acoustic characteristics of the additional sound are controlled according to the reference position. According to the above aspect, it is possible to generate a variety of audio signals in which an additional sound having acoustic characteristics according to the reference position is generated between the first sound and the second sound.

[0094] An "additional sound" is an additional sound effect that is separate from the first sound or the second sound. For example, sounds that occur in association with the playing of a musical instrument (e.g., sounds other than musical tones) are exemplified as "additional sounds." For example, finger noise (fret noise) that occurs due to friction between fingers and strings when playing a stringed instrument, or breath sounds that occur when playing a wind instrument or singing are exemplified as "additional sounds."

[0095] In a specific example (Aspect 7) of any one of Aspects 1 to 6, the plurality of operators are a plurality of keys that constitute a keyboard. According to the above aspects, when playing a keyboard instrument, sound signals with a variety of sound characteristics can be generated by simple processing in response to operations (i.e., key presses) by a user.

[0096] A signal generation system according to one aspect (aspect 7) of the present disclosure includes a signal generation unit that generates an acoustic signal in response to an operation of a plurality of operators including a first operator and a second operator, and an operation control unit that, when the second operator is operated while the first operator is being operated, controls generation of the acoustic signal in response to a reference position that is the position of the first operator at the time of the operation of the second operator. Note that each of the above-described aspects 2 to 6 is similarly applied to the signal generation system according to aspect 7.

[0097] An electronic musical instrument according to one aspect (aspect 8) of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of operators including a first operator and a second operator, a detection system that detects operations on each of the plurality of operators, and a signal generation system, wherein the signal generation system includes a signal generation unit that generates an acoustic signal in response to the operation on the plurality of operators, and an operation control unit that, when the second operator is operated while the first operator is being operated, controls the generation of the acoustic signal in response to a reference position, which is the position of the first operator at the time of the operation on the second operator.

[0098] A program according to one aspect (aspect 9) of the present disclosure causes a computer system to function as a signal generation unit that generates an acoustic signal in response to operation of multiple operators including a first operator and a second operator, and an operation control unit that, when the second operator is operated while the first operator is being operated, controls the generation of the acoustic signal in response to a reference position, which is the position of the first operator at the time of operation of the second operator. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 100...electronic musical instrument, 10...keyboard, 20...detection system, 21...magnetic sensor, 22...drive circuit, 30...signal generation system, 31...control device, 32...memory device, 33...A / D converter, 40...sound emission device, 50...detection circuit, 60...detected portion, 71...position identification portion, 72...signal generation portion, 73...operation control portion.

Claims

1. generating acoustic signals in response to operations of a plurality of keys including the first key and the second key; When the second key is operated while the first key is being operated, generation of the acoustic signal is controlled according to a reference position, which is the position of the first key at the time of the operation of the second key within a range in which the first key can move in response to the operation.

1. A computer system-implemented signal generation method, comprising: The acoustic signal is a first section representing a first note corresponding to the first key; a second section representing a second note corresponding to the second key; a transition section between the first section and the second section in which the acoustic characteristics transition from the acoustic characteristics of the first sound to the acoustic characteristics of the second sound, In controlling the generation of the acoustic signal, the time length of the transition section is controlled according to the reference position. Signal generation method.

2. generating acoustic signals in response to operations of a plurality of keys including the first key and the second key; When the second key is operated while the first key is being operated, generation of the acoustic signal is controlled according to a reference position, which is the position of the first key at the time of the operation of the second key within a range in which the first key can move in response to the operation.

1. A computer system-implemented signal generation method, comprising: The acoustic signal is a first section representing a first note corresponding to the first key; a second section representing a second note corresponding to the second key; a transition section between the first section and the second section, the transition section being generated by cross-fading a first waveform signal representing the first sound and a second waveform signal representing the second sound; In controlling the generation of the acoustic signal, the time length of the transition section is controlled according to the reference position. Signal generation method.

3. In generating the acoustic signal, generating the acoustic signal using the second waveform signal including a sound generation portion located immediately after the start of the second sound and a steady portion after the sound generation portion when the second key is operated alone; In the cross-fade, the stationary portion of the second waveform signal is utilized. The signal generating method of claim 2.

4. Each of the plurality of keys is movable between a first end position in a non-operated state and a second end position spaced apart from the first end position, In controlling the generation of the acoustic signal, If the reference position is a first position, setting the transition section to a first time length; When the reference position is a second position closer to the second end position than the first position, the transition section is set to a second time length longer than the first time length.

4. The signal generating method according to claim 1.

5. generating acoustic signals in response to operations of a plurality of keys including the first key and the second key; When the second key is operated while the first key is being operated, generation of the acoustic signal is controlled according to a reference position, which is the position of the first key at the time of the operation of the second key within a range in which the first key can move in response to the operation.

1. A computer system-implemented signal generation method, comprising: The acoustic signal is a first section representing a first note corresponding to the first key; a second section representing a second note corresponding to the second key; an additional section representing an additional sound between the first section and the second section, In controlling the generation of the sound signal, the acoustic characteristics of the additional sound are controlled according to the reference position. Signal generation method.

6. The operation period of the first key and the operation period of the second key overlap each other on the time axis.

6. A signal generating method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. a signal generating unit that generates an acoustic signal in response to an operation of a plurality of keys including a first key and a second key; an operation control unit that, when the second key is operated while the first key is being operated, controls the generation of the acoustic signal in accordance with a reference position that is a position of the first key at the time of the operation of the second key within a range in which the first key can be moved in accordance with the operation of the first key; Equipped with The acoustic signal is a first section representing a first note corresponding to the first key; a second section representing a second note corresponding to the second key; a transition section between the first section and the second section in which the acoustic characteristics transition from the acoustic characteristics of the first sound to the acoustic characteristics of the second sound, The operation control unit controls the time length of the transition section in accordance with the reference position. Signal generation system.

8. a signal generating unit that generates an acoustic signal in response to an operation of a plurality of keys including a first key and a second key; an operation control unit that, when the second key is operated while the first key is being operated, controls the generation of the acoustic signal in accordance with a reference position that is a position of the first key at the time of the operation of the second key within a range in which the first key can be moved in accordance with the operation of the first key; Equipped with The acoustic signal is a first section representing a first note corresponding to the first key; a second section representing a second note corresponding to the second key; a transition section between the first section and the second section, the transition section being generated by cross-fading a first waveform signal representing the first sound and a second waveform signal representing the second sound; The operation control unit controls the time length of the transition section in accordance with the reference position. Signal generation system.

9. The signal generation unit generating the acoustic signal using the second waveform signal including a sound generation portion located immediately after the start of the second sound and a steady portion after the sound generation portion when the second key is operated alone; In the cross-fade, the stationary portion of the second waveform signal is utilized. The signal generating system of claim 8.

10. Each of the plurality of keys is movable between a first end position in a non-operated state and a second end position spaced apart from the first end position, The operation control unit If the reference position is a first position, setting the transition section to a first time length; When the reference position is a second position closer to the second end position than the first position, the transition section is set to a second time length longer than the first time length.

10. The signal generating system according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

11. The operation period of the first key and the operation period of the second key overlap each other on the time axis.

11. The signal generating system according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

12. a plurality of keys including a first key and a second key; a detection system for detecting an operation on each of the plurality of keys; a signal generating system; The signal generating system comprises: a signal generating unit that generates an acoustic signal in response to an operation on the plurality of keys; an operation control unit that, when the second key is operated while the first key is being operated, controls the generation of the acoustic signal in accordance with a reference position that is a position of the first key at the time of the operation of the second key within a range in which the first key can be moved in response to the operation of the first key; The acoustic signal is a first section representing a first note corresponding to the first key; a second section representing a second note corresponding to the second key; a transition section between the first section and the second section in which the acoustic characteristics transition from the acoustic characteristics of the first sound to the acoustic characteristics of the second sound, The operation control unit controls the time length of the transition section in accordance with the reference position. Electronic musical instrument.

13. a plurality of keys including a first key and a second key; a detection system for detecting an operation on each of the plurality of keys; a signal generating system; The signal generating system comprises: a signal generating unit that generates an acoustic signal in response to an operation on the plurality of keys; an operation control unit that, when the second key is operated while the first key is being operated, controls the generation of the acoustic signal in accordance with a reference position that is a position of the first key at the time of the operation of the second key within a range in which the first key can be moved in response to the operation of the first key; The acoustic signal is a first section representing a first note corresponding to the first key; a second section representing a second note corresponding to the second key; a transition section between the first section and the second section, the transition section being generated by cross-fading a first waveform signal representing the first sound and a second waveform signal representing the second sound; The operation control unit controls the time length of the transition section in accordance with the reference position. Electronic musical instrument.

14. a signal generating unit that generates an acoustic signal in response to an operation of a plurality of keys including a first key and a second key; an operation control unit that, when the second key is operated while the first key is being operated, controls the generation of the acoustic signal in accordance with a reference position that is a position of the first key at the time of the operation of the second key within a range in which the first key can be moved in accordance with the operation of the first key; A program that causes a computer system to function as The acoustic signal is a first section representing a first note corresponding to the first key; a second section representing a second note corresponding to the second key; a transition section between the first section and the second section in which the acoustic characteristics transition from the acoustic characteristics of the first sound to the acoustic characteristics of the second sound, The operation control unit controls the time length of the transition section in accordance with the reference position. program.

15. a signal generating unit that generates an acoustic signal in response to an operation of a plurality of keys including a first key and a second key; an operation control unit that, when the second key is operated while the first key is being operated, controls the generation of the acoustic signal in accordance with a reference position that is a position of the first key at the time of the operation of the second key within a range in which the first key can be moved in accordance with the operation of the first key; A program that causes a computer system to function as The acoustic signal is a first section representing a first note corresponding to the first key; a second section representing a second note corresponding to the second key; a transition section between the first section and the second section, the transition section being generated by cross-fading a first waveform signal representing the first sound and a second waveform signal representing the second sound; The operation control unit controls the time length of the transition section in accordance with the reference position. program.

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