Acoustic device

Abstract

This acoustic device comprises: a cross fader (2) that has slide operators and adjusts the sound volume balance between a first tune reproduced on a first channel and a second tune reproduced on a second channel; magnetic field generation units (4A, 4B, 10A, 10B, 13A, 13B, 16A, 16B) that are provided near at least one end of the operation ranges of the slide operators and generate electromagnetic fields; and magnetic body units (23, 93) that are provided at positions opposite the magnetic field generation units when a slide operator among the slide operators is operated to the end part, the magnetic field generation units generating electromagnetic fields that produce forces attracting the magnetic body units or repulsive forces against the magnetic body units.

Description

sound equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to an acoustic device.

[0002] For example, as described in Patent Document 1, a technique is known in which information for practicing performance is presented in devices such as DJ players and DJ controllers operated by DJs (Disc Jockeys).

[0003] International Publication No. 2019 / 239486

[0004] One of the most common controls on DJ equipment is the crossfader. The crossfader is used for juggling, switching between tracks on multiple channels, and scratching. Each of these operations requires the crossfader to be operated with the appropriate amount and timing.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an audio device that can assist a user in operating DJ equipment.

[0006] [1] An audio device comprising: a crossfader having a slide operator and adjusting the volume balance between a first song played on a first channel and a second song played on a second channel; a magnetic field generating unit provided near at least one end of the operating range of the slide operator and generating an electromagnetic field; and a magnetic material unit provided on the slide operator at a position facing the magnetic field generating unit when the slide operator is operated to the end, wherein the magnetic field generating unit generates an electromagnetic field that generates a force that attracts or repels the magnetic material unit. [2] The audio device described in [1], wherein the magnetic field generating unit is capable of adjusting the magnitude of the electromagnetic field by adjusting the amount of current. [3] The audio device described in [1] or [2], wherein the audio device comprises a position detecting unit that detects the operating position of the slide operator, wherein the magnetic field generating unit changes the magnitude of the electromagnetic field depending on the operating position. [4] The audio device described in [3], wherein the magnetic field generating unit reduces the magnitude of the electromagnetic field to approximately zero when the operating position reaches the end of the operating range. [5] The audio device according to [3] or [4], further comprising a speed detection unit that detects the operation speed of the slide operator, and the magnetic field generation unit changes the magnitude of the electromagnetic field according to at least one of the operation position and the operation speed. [6] The audio device according to any of [1] to [5], further comprising a cushion unit arranged between the magnetic field generation unit and the magnetic material unit, wherein the mixing curve set for the crossfader is a curve in which the volume of either the first music piece or the second music piece changes from minimum to maximum or from minimum to maximum within a predetermined range at the end of the operation range, and the magnetic field generation unit generates an electromagnetic field that generates a force that repels the magnetic material unit when the slide operator is operated within the predetermined range. [7] The audio device according to any of [1] to [6], further comprising a cushion unit arranged between the magnetic field generation unit and the magnetic material unit.

[0007] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an audio device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a mixing curve; FIG. 2 is another diagram showing an example of a mixing curve; FIG. 3 is a diagram explaining a user operation performed using a crossfader; FIG. 4 is another diagram explaining a user operation performed using a crossfader; FIG. 5 is another diagram explaining a crossfader; FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of a DJ controller according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is another diagram explaining a crossfader; FIG. 8 is another diagram explaining a crossfader; FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram explaining an operation position and an operation speed of a slide operator; FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of a DJ controller according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 12 is another diagram explaining a crossfader; FIG. 13 is another diagram explaining a crossfader; FIG. 14 is another diagram explaining a crossfader; FIG. 10 is another diagram illustrating a crossfader. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of a DJ controller according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of a DJ controller according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0009] (First Embodiment) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a DJ controller according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The DJ controller 100 is an audio device in this embodiment, and plays music using audio data acquired from an external source. In this case, a user can use controls such as platters 1A and 1B, a crossfader 2, and channel faders 3A and 3B arranged on the DJ controller 100 to control the playback of the audio data and apply various effects to the played audio data.

[0010] The DJ controller 100 described above is capable of independently playing back first audio data using the platter 1A and channel fader 3A, etc., and second audio data using the platter 1B and channel fader 3B, etc. In the following description, the operation and processing system related to the first song played on the first channel will be referred to as deck A, and the operation and processing system related to the second song played on the second channel will be referred to as deck B. Meanwhile, the operators also include those that are common to deck A and deck B, such as the crossfader 2.

[0011] Among the controls of the DJ controller 100, the platters 1A and 1B are controls for controlling the playback position of the audio data played on Deck A and Deck B, respectively. Specifically, the user can advance the playback position of the audio data by rotating the rotary controls platters 1A and 1B clockwise, and can move the playback position of the audio data back by rotating them counterclockwise. For example, in a scratch operation, reversing the rotation direction of the platters 1A and 1B alternates between forward and reverse playback of the audio data. Meanwhile, the crossfader 2 is a slide control for controlling the balance of the playback volume between the audio data of a first song and the audio data of a second song.

[0012] 2A and 2B show examples of mixing curves set for the crossfader 2. FIG. 2A shows a mixing curve in which the volume balance described above gradually changes. When such a mixing curve is set for the crossfader 2, positioning the crossfader 2 at the end 2L on the A-deck side results in a playback volume ratio of A:B = 100:0 between deck A and deck B. Conversely, positioning the crossfader 2 at the end 2R on the B-deck side results in a playback volume ratio of A:B = 0:100. Changing the operating position of the crossfader 2 from the end 2L on the A-deck side to the end 2R on the B-deck side, or from the end 2R on the B-deck side to the end 2L on the A-deck side, allows songs to be switched by gradually changing the volume balance described above, i.e., by fading in and out.

[0013] 2B shows a mixing curve in which the volume balance described above changes sharply. When this mixing curve is set for the crossfader 2, positioning the crossfader 2 at the end 2L on the A-deck side results in a playback volume ratio of A:B = 100:0 between deck A and deck B. Moving the crossfader 2 toward the end 2R on the B-deck side results in a playback volume ratio of A:B = 0:100 within a predetermined range A1 including the end 2R on the B-deck side. In other words, within the predetermined range A1, the playback volume of deck A changes from maximum to minimum. Conversely, positioning the crossfader 2 at the end 2R on the B-deck side results in a playback volume ratio of A:B = 0:100 between deck A and deck B. Moving the crossfader 2 toward the end on the A-deck side results in a playback volume ratio of A:B = 100:0 within a predetermined range A2 including the end 2L on the A-deck side. In other words, within the predetermined range A2, the playback volume of deck B changes from maximum to minimum. Furthermore, in range A3 excluding range A1 and range A2, the ratio of the playback volumes is A:B=100:100.

[0014] When juggling, the mixing curve shown in Fig. 2B is used to repeatedly change the volume balance gradually using the crossfader 2. When scratching, the mixing curve shown in Fig. 2B is used to repeatedly mute the deck on which the scratch is being performed using the crossfader 2, that is, to temporarily set the playback volume to zero and cut off the sound.

[0015] The two types of mixing curves described above can be configured to be switchable by the user. Also, instead of or in addition to the two types of mixing curves described above, other mixing curves may be set to the crossfader 2.

[0016] It should be noted that the DJ controller 100 is configured in the same way as a normal DJ controller with respect to parts other than the processing functions described below, including the platters 1A, 1B and crossfader 2, and therefore detailed description of these parts will be omitted.

[0017] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating user operations performed using the crossfader 2. In each of these figures, when juggling, the user changes the position of the crossfader 2 for a first song being played on deck A, switching to a second song being played on deck B. On the other hand, when scratching, the user uses their left hand to reverse the rotation direction of the platter 1A, which is the rotary control, for the first song being played on deck A, repeating forward and reverse playback of the audio data, while simultaneously changing the position of the crossfader 2 with their right hand to mute the sound on deck A.

[0018] When juggling, the user moves the crossfader 2 in the +X direction to the end 2R on the B deck side (arrow a in FIG. 3B) as shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, at the timing when the sound on the A deck is turned off.

[0019] When executing a scratch, the user operates the platter 1A with their left hand (not shown), and at the timing when they want to turn off the sound on Deck A, they quickly move the crossfader 2 in the +X direction with their right hand to the end 2R on the Deck B side (arrow a in Figure 3B), as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, and then they reverse the direction of operation and quickly move the crossfader 2 in the -X direction from the end 2R on the Deck B side (arrow b in Figure 3C), as shown in Figures 3B and 3C. This type of operation is called "turning off the crossfader" or "cutting the crossfader."

[0020] 3A and 3B show an example in which the crossfader 2 is moved in the +X direction with the thumb of the right hand, but the same applies when the crossfader 2 is moved in the +X direction with a finger other than the thumb. The same also applies when the crossfader 2 is moved in the +X direction with multiple fingers, for example, the thumb and index finger. The example in FIGS. 3B and 3C shows an example in which the crossfader 2 is moved in the -X direction with the index finger of the right hand, but the same also applies when the crossfader 2 is moved in the -X direction with a finger other than the index finger. The same also applies when the crossfader 2 is moved in the -X direction with multiple fingers, for example, the thumb and index finger.

[0021] 3A and 3B is performed. If the crossfader 2 is moved quickly, a rebound phenomenon that the user does not intend may occur at the end of the operational range of the crossfader 2 (end 2R on the B deck side in the example of FIG. 3B).

[0022] In juggling operations, it is desirable to cut the playback volume of one deck to zero at the end of the operating range of the crossfader 2. However, even when the crossfader 2 is operated to the end, if an elastic force is applied due to the structure of the end of the operating range of the crossfader 2, or if the crossfader 2 bounces back at the end, the crossfader 2 may move slightly away from the end. Generally, the range in which the volume becomes completely zero is very narrow, so in such cases, the playback volume changes from zero, resulting in the problem that the playback volume cannot be cut.

[0023] Therefore, the DJ controller 100 according to this embodiment is provided with a function to assist the movement of the crossfader 2 when juggling is performed.

[0024] 4A to 4C are cross-sectional views in the X-Z plane near the end 2R of the crossfader 2 on the B deck side. Also, FIGS. 4A to 4C illustrate a function for assisting the juggling operation described above. As shown in FIG. 4A, the crossfader 2 is equipped with a slide operator 20, which includes a shaft 21, a knob 22 provided on the top of the shaft 21, and a magnetic part 23.

[0025] The magnetic material portion 23 includes a magnetic material such as iron. The magnetic material portion 23 may be provided in any position and in any shape as long as it moves in conjunction with the shaft 21 and the knob 22. For example, the magnetic material portion 23 may be provided inside the shaft 21, as part of the shaft 21, or in the vicinity of the shaft 21.

[0026] The DJ controller 100 is provided near the end 2R of the crossfader 2 on the B deck side, and includes a magnetic field generating unit 4A that generates an electromagnetic field, and a cushion unit 5A that is placed between the magnetic field generating unit 4A and the magnetic material unit 23. The functions of each of the magnetic material unit 23, the magnetic field generating unit 4A, and the cushion unit 5A will be described later.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of the DJ controller 100 according to the first embodiment. Note that in FIG. 5, illustration and detailed description of the controls other than the crossfader 2 are omitted. As shown in FIG. 5, the DJ controller 100 includes magnetic field generation units 4A and 4B, a music data storage unit 6, a control unit 7, and an audio output unit 8. The functions of each of the above units are realized by a processor operating according to a program in, for example, an audio device having a computer hardware configuration. The functions of each unit are further described below.

[0028] 5, the crossfader 2 includes a detection unit 2D that detects the movement of the slide operator 20. The detection unit 2D includes, for example, a sensor including a Hall element, a pressure sensor, a resistive position sensor, an image sensor, etc., and detects the movement of the slide operator 20 and outputs the detected movement to the control unit 7.

[0029] The music data storage unit 6 is configured to store music data using a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory, etc. The music data storage unit 6 stores music data for multiple songs in a predetermined format, such as MP3 format. In addition to audio information, the music data includes tag information such as the song's BPM, artwork, title, artist name, album name, key, number of DJ plays, and genre. The music data stored in the music data storage unit 6 is associated with a timestamp, which is information about the playback position.

[0030] The control unit 7 is implemented in the audio device 1 by, for example, a communication interface, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a memory that serves as a working area, and controls the operation of the audio device 1. The control unit 7 includes a reception unit 71, a first reproduction unit 72, a second reproduction unit 73, and a current amount determination unit 74, which are realized by the processor operating in accordance with a program stored in the memory or received via the communication interface.

[0031] The reception unit 71 detects and receives user operations on various controls including the crossfader 2. The reception unit 71 then supplies information indicating the content of the user operation to each unit in the control unit 7.

[0032] In response to a user operation, the first playback unit 72 plays back the first song on deck A and outputs an audio signal to the audio output unit 8. Similarly, the second playback unit 73 plays back the second song on deck B and outputs an audio signal to the audio output unit 8.

[0033] The current amount determination unit 74 determines the amount of current in the magnetic field generation units 4A and 4B in accordance with the movement of the slide operator 20 detected by the detection unit 2D.

[0034] The DJ controller 100 may also be configured to include a communication interface, and acquire music data stored in an external storage device, a computer, etc. via the communication interface (not shown), and store the data in the music data storage unit 6. In this case, the DJ controller 100 does not include the music data storage unit 6, and the external storage device functions as the music data storage unit 6. The audio output unit 8 includes an audio output terminal such as a speaker terminal or a headphone terminal, and outputs audio signals of the music played by the first playback unit 72 and the second playback unit 73 as audio information.

[0035] The functions of each section of the DJ controller 100 described above will be explained again with reference to Figures 4A to 4C. As described above, the magnetic section 23 is provided at a position of the slide operator 20 of the crossfader 2 that faces the magnetic field generating section 4A when the slide operator 20 is operated to the end 2R on the B deck side. As described above, the magnetic section 23 contains a magnetic material such as iron, and therefore receives a magnetic force in response to an external magnetic field.

[0036] The magnetic material part 23 is provided at a position facing the magnetic field generating part 4A, and it is desirable to consider the contact accuracy between the facing parts of the magnetic material part 23 and the magnetic field generating part 4A. For example, if the facing parts of the magnetic material part 23 and the magnetic field generating part 4A each have a planar structure, it is advisable to employ a tracing action structure equipped with an elastic member or the like to improve the contact accuracy.

[0037] As described above, the magnetic field generating unit 4A is provided near the end 2R on the B deck side of the operating range of the slide control 20. The magnetic field generating unit 4A has an electromagnet and a power supply unit, and generates a magnetic force based on the amount of current supplied. For example, if the amount of current determined by the current amount determining unit 74 is zero, the amount of current in the magnetic field generating units 4A and 4B becomes zero, and no magnetic field is generated by the magnetic field generating units 4A and 4B. The power supply unit may be provided integrally with the magnetic field generating unit 4A or separately from the magnetic field generating unit 4A.

[0038] As described above, the cushion portion 5A is disposed between the magnetic field generating portion 4A and the magnetic material portion 23. The cushion portion 5A is a buffer material that prevents the magnetic field generating portion 4A and the magnetic material portion 23 from coming into close contact with each other and becoming difficult to separate.

[0039] Consider the action of a user juggling, moving the slide operator 20 in the +X direction to the end 2R on the B deck side. When the slide operator 20 of the crossfader 2 is moved in the +X direction to the end 2R on the B deck side, that is, when the state changes from FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B and then to FIG. 4C, in the states of FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the magnetic material portion 23 is not affected by the electromagnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 4A and is therefore not attracted to the magnetic field generator 4A. Then, when the state of FIG. 4C is reached and the magnetic material portion 23 of the slide operator 20 is brought sufficiently close to the magnetic field generator 4A, the magnetic material portion 23 is attracted to the magnetic field generator 4A, as indicated by arrow c. As a result, the slide operator 20 is attracted to and fixed at the end 2R on the B deck side.

[0040] Up to this point, we have used the example of performing juggling at the end 2R of the slide operator 20 on the B deck side as an explanation, but the same applies to performing juggling at the end 2L of the slide operator 20 on the A deck side.

[0041] When juggling is performed at the end 2L of the slide operator 20 on the A deck side, an example is shown in which the user changes the position of the crossfader 2 for the second song being played on the B deck, thereby switching to the first song being played on the A deck.

[0042] 6A to 6C are cross-sectional views in the XZ plane near the end 2L of the crossfader 2 on the A deck side. The DJ controller 100 is provided near the end 2L of the crossfader 2 on the A deck side, and is equipped with a magnetic field generating unit 4B that generates an electromagnetic field, and a cushion unit 5B that is placed between the magnetic field generating unit 4B and the magnetic material unit 23. The configuration of the magnetic field generating unit 4B is the same as that of the magnetic field generating unit 4A, and the configuration of the cushion unit 5B is the same as that of the cushion unit 5A, so their explanations are omitted.

[0043] When juggling, the slide operator 20 of the crossfader 2 is moved in the -X direction to the end 2L on the A deck side. That is, when the slide operator 20 is moved from the state shown in FIG. 6A to the state shown in FIG. 6B and then to the state shown in FIG. 6C, the magnetic material portion 23 is not attracted to the magnetic field generator 4B because it is not affected by the electromagnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 4B. Then, when the state shown in FIG. 6C is reached and the magnetic material portion 23 of the slide operator 20 is brought sufficiently close to the magnetic field generator 4A, the magnetic material portion 23 is attracted to the magnetic field generator 4B, as shown by arrow d. As a result, the slide operator 20 is attracted to and fixed at the end 2L on the A deck side.

[0044] As explained so far, by providing the magnetic field generating unit 4A at the end 2R of the operating range of the slide operator 20 of the crossfader 2, the slide operator 20 can be reliably attracted to and fixed to the end 2R when juggling, and by providing the magnetic field generating unit 4B at the end 2L, the slide operator 20 can be reliably attracted to and fixed to the end 2L when juggling. Therefore, when juggling, it is possible to reliably cut the playback volume of one deck to zero at the end of the operating range of the crossfader 2.

[0045] It should be noted that, in cases other than when juggling, for example when scratching, it may not be desirable for the slide operator 20 to be attracted and fixed at the end of the operational range of the crossfader 2 as described above.

[0046] Therefore, the control unit 7 performs control according to the operation position and operation speed of the slide operator 20. More specifically, when it is determined that juggling is being performed, the control unit 7 adheres and fixes the slide operator 20 to suppress unintended rebound phenomena at the end, and in other cases, including when a scratch is being performed, the control unit 7 controls the slide operator 20 to be in a free state without adhering or fixing it.

[0047] 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation position and operation speed of the slide operator 20. In Fig. 7, position P(L0) corresponds to the end 2L, position P(R0) corresponds to the end 2R, and position P(C) corresponds to the midpoint between positions P(L0) and P(R0).

[0048] First, position P(L1) is a prerequisite position for juggling to be performed at end 2L, and is set so that when slide operator 20 of crossfader 2 passes position P(L1) in the -X direction, it is determined that juggling may be performed at end 2L. When slide operator 20 of crossfader 2 passes position P(L1) in the -X direction, control unit 7 puts magnetic field generation unit 4B into a standby state.

[0049] 7 illustrates an example in which position P(L1) is located near position P(R0), but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, position P(L1) may be set at any position between position P(L2) and position P(R0), which will be described later. However, in order to more accurately grasp the content of the user operation, position P(L1) is preferably set between position P(C) and position P(R0).

[0050] Next, positions P(L2) and P(L3) are set to determine that there is a high possibility that juggling will be performed at end 2L. When slide operator 20 of crossfader 2 passes from position P(L2) to P(L3) in the −X direction at a speed faster than a predetermined speed Vth, control unit 7 determines that there is a high possibility that juggling will be performed at end 2L and turns on magnetic field generation unit 4B.

[0051] The predetermined speed Vth is a threshold value for determining whether juggling is being performed. When the operation speed of the slide operator 20 of the crossfader 2 is equal to or greater than the predetermined speed Vth, it can be determined that the slide operator 20 of the crossfader 2 is being operated in one direction at a constant speed, and therefore it can be determined that there is a high possibility that a juggling operation is being performed. On the other hand, when the operation speed of the slide operator 20 of the crossfader 2 is less than the predetermined speed Vth, it can be determined that the slide operator 20 of the crossfader 2 is being operated relatively slowly, or that there is a high possibility that an operation other than a juggling operation is being performed.

[0052] Note that the positions P(L2) and P(L3) in the example of FIG. 7 are merely examples and are not limited to these. However, in order to more accurately grasp the content of the user's operation, it is preferable that positions P(L2) and P(L3) be set between positions P(C) and P(L0). Furthermore, instead of each position P(C) described in FIG. 7, a configuration may be adopted in which the user can select or set a reference position for determining positions P(L2) and P(L3). The same applies to the predetermined speed Vth.

[0053] By performing such control, the magnetic field generating unit 4B is put into standby mode when it is determined that there is a possibility that juggling will be performed, and when it is determined that there is a high possibility that a juggling operation is being performed, the magnetic field generating unit 4B is put into an on state before the slide operator 20 of the crossfader 2 reaches the end 2L, thereby making it possible to assist the movement of the crossfader 2 when juggling is being performed.

[0054] 7, position P(R1) is a prerequisite position for juggling to be performed at end 2R, and is set in order to determine that there is a possibility that juggling will be performed at end 2R when slide operator 20 of crossfader 2 passes position P(R1) in the +X direction. Positions P(R2) and P(R3) are also set in order to determine that there is a high possibility that juggling will be performed at end 2R.

[0055] Here, after magnetic field generating unit 4A is turned on and slide operator 20 is attracted and fixed at end 2R, or after magnetic field generating unit 4B is turned on and slide operator 20 is attracted and fixed at end 2L, it is desirable to turn magnetic field generating units 4A and 4B off at an appropriate timing. This is because, if magnetic field generating units 4A and 4B remain on, they may act as a resistance to subsequent user operations. Also, leaving magnetic field generating units 4A and 4B on unnecessarily increases the risk of malfunction.

[0056] For this reason, it is desirable to automatically turn off magnetic field generating units 4A and 4B when a predetermined time has elapsed after they have turned on and attracted and fixed slide operator 20 at ends 2L and 2R. When magnetic field generating units 4A and 4B are turned on and slide operator 20 has been attracted and fixed at ends 2L and 2R, control unit 7 monitors the actual elapsed time since slide operator 20 was attracted and fixed using a predetermined timer, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, performs control to turn off magnetic field generating units 4A and 4B.

[0057] Furthermore, in the example described above, when the slide operator 20 of the crossfader 2 passes from position P(L2) to position P(L3) in the −X direction at a speed faster than the predetermined speed Vth, the control unit 7 determines that juggling is likely to occur at the end 2L and turns on the magnetic field generator 4B. When the slide operator 20 of the crossfader 2 passes from position P(R2) to position P(R3) in the +X direction at a speed faster than the predetermined speed Vth, the control unit 7 determines that juggling is likely to occur at the end 2R and turns on the magnetic field generator 4A. However, this determination may be erroneous. In such a case, the magnetic field generators 4A and 4B may remain on even when no juggling is actually occurring.

[0058] Therefore, if the slide operator 20 of the crossfader 2 does not reach position P(R0) even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the magnetic field generating unit 4A is turned on, it is desirable to automatically turn off the magnetic field generating unit 4A. Similarly, if the slide operator 20 of the crossfader 2 does not reach position P(L0) even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the magnetic field generating unit 4B is turned on, it is desirable to automatically turn off the magnetic field generating unit 4B. When the magnetic field generating units 4A and 4B are turned on, the control unit 7 monitors the elapsed time of the on state using a predetermined timer, and if the slide operator 20 of the crossfader 2 does not reach the ends 2L and 2R even after the predetermined time has elapsed, it determines that juggling is not being performed and controls the magnetic field generating units 4A and 4B to be turned off.

[0059] Next, the operation of the control unit 7 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 8. Note that the example in Fig. 8 will be described taking as an example a case where juggling is performed at the end 2L of the slide operator 20 on the A deck side, as described with reference to Figs. 6A to 6C. The control unit 7 determines whether the slide operator 20 of the crossfader 2 has passed position P(L1) in the -X direction based on the output of the detection unit 2D, and if it determines that it has passed (YES in step S101), then determines whether the slide operator 20 of the crossfader 2 has passed position P(L3) in the -X direction (step S102).

[0060] If the control unit 7 determines based on the output of the detection unit 2D that the slide operator 20 of the crossfader 2 has passed through position P(L3) in the -X direction (step S102 YES), it calculates the speed VL between position P(L2) and position P(L3) (step S103). On the other hand, if it determines that the slide operator 20 of the crossfader 2 has not passed through position P(L3) in the -X direction (step S102 NO), it returns to step S101.

[0061] The control unit 7 determines whether the calculated speed VL is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed Vth (step S104), and if it determines that the speed VL is equal to or greater than the predetermined speed Vth (step S104 YES), proceeds to step S105, and if it determines that the speed VL is less than the predetermined speed Vth (step S104 NO), return to step S101.

[0062] The control unit 7 controls the current amount determination unit 74 to turn on the magnetic field generation unit 4B (step S105). That is, the control unit 7 performs feedforward control of the juggling operation. Then, the control unit 7 starts a timer A (step S106). Here, the timer A is a timer that measures the elapsed time since the magnetic field generation unit 4B was turned on.

[0063] Next, the control unit 7 determines whether the slide operator 20 of the crossfader 2 has reached position P (L0) based on the output of the detection unit 2D (step S107). If it determines that the slide operator 20 has reached position P (L0) (step S107 YES), it proceeds to step S109 described below; if it determines that the slide operator 20 has not reached position P (L0) (step S107 NO), it proceeds to step S108.

[0064] If the slide operator 20 has not reached the position P(L0) (step S107 NO), the control unit 7 determines whether or not the timer A has expired (step S108). If the control unit 7 determines that the timer A has expired (step S108 YES), the process proceeds to step S112, which will be described later, and if the control unit 7 determines that the timer A has not expired (step S108 NO), the process returns to step S107.

[0065] When it is determined that the slide operator 20 has reached position P(L0) (step S107 YES), the control unit 7 resets timer A (step S109) and starts timer B (step S110). Here, timer B is a timer that measures the actual elapsed time since the slide operator 20 was attracted and fixed after the magnetic field generating unit 4B was turned on.

[0066] Next, the control unit 7 determines whether or not timer B has ended (step S111), and if it determines that timer B has ended (step S111 YES), it controls the current amount determination unit 74 to turn off the magnetic field generating unit 4B (step S112), and returns to step S101.

[0067] As described above, the first embodiment of the present invention includes a crossfader 2 having a slide operator 20 for adjusting the volume balance between a first music piece played on a first channel and a second music piece played on a second channel, a magnetic field generator 4A (4B) disposed near at least one end of the operating range of the slide operator 20 and generating an electromagnetic field, and a magnetic material portion 23 disposed on the slide operator 20 at a position facing the magnetic field generator 4A (4B) when the slide operator 20 is operated to the end of the operating range. The magnetic field generator 4A (4B) generates an electromagnetic field that generates a force that attracts the magnetic material portion 23. This can assist a user in operating DJ equipment. In particular, assistance can be provided by suppressing unintended repulsion at the end of the crossfader 2 during juggling.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic field generating unit 4A (4B) can adjust the magnitude of the electromagnetic field by adjusting the amount of current, thereby reducing unnecessary magnetic force.

[0069] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the crossfader 2 is provided with a detection unit 2D that is a position detection unit that detects the operation position of the slide operator 20, and the magnetic field generation unit 4A (4B) changes the magnitude of the electromagnetic field depending on the operation position. Therefore, it is possible to generate an appropriate electromagnetic field depending on the operation position of the slide operator 20.

[0070] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic field generating unit 4A (4B) reduces the magnitude of the electromagnetic field to approximately zero when the operation position reaches the end of the operation range. Therefore, the magnetic field generating unit 4A (4B) can be turned on, attract and fix the slide operator 20 in the magnetic field generating unit 4A (4B), and then automatically turned off. This solves the problem of the force attracting the magnetic material unit 23, which is caused by the electromagnetic field generated by turning on the magnetic field generating unit 4A (4B), acting as a resistance to subsequent user operations, and reduces the risk of malfunction.

[0071] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the detector 2D is a speed detector that detects the operation speed of the slide operator 20 of the crossfader 2, and the magnetic field generator 4A (4B) changes the magnitude of the electromagnetic field in accordance with at least one of the operation position and operation speed. Therefore, the content of the user operation can be determined and the magnitude of the electromagnetic field can be appropriately changed in accordance with the characteristics of the user's operation of the crossfader 2. Therefore, it is possible to assist the user's operation of the DJ equipment only when it is useful.

[0072] Second Embodiment In the second embodiment, only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the parts that are the same as the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0073] In the first embodiment, a DJ controller 100 having a function for assisting the movement of the crossfader 2 when juggling has been described. In the second embodiment, a DJ controller that can assist the user's operation when scratching will be described.

[0074] First, referring again to Figures 3A and 3B, the user's operations when executing a scratch will be described. When executing a scratch, it is important to quickly perform the series of steps described in Figures 3A to 3C in sync with the operation of the platter 1A performed with the left hand. However, the series of steps described above are complex operations and are known to be difficult for beginners to master.

[0075] When the processing from Figure 3A to Figure 3B is performed favorably, the sound is quickly turned off, and the volume changes from maximum to minimum in an instant. As a result, each scratch sound ends with a satisfying "bang." Furthermore, when the processing from Figure 3B to Figure 3C is performed favorably, the volume returns from mute to maximum in an instant, and the volume changes from minimum to maximum in an instant. As a result, each scratch sound begins with a powerful "bang." In this way, when the crossfader is operated favorably during scratch execution, the scratch sound is evaluated as being sharp, with little lag, and so on, making it a stylish sound.

[0076] On the other hand, if the processing from FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B is slow or otherwise not performed properly, the sound will not be muted quickly, resulting in a gradual change in volume from maximum to minimum. As a result, the volume of each scratch sound will gradually change at the end, creating a fade-out-like lingering sound. Furthermore, if the processing from FIG. 3B to FIG. 3C is slow or otherwise not performed properly, the volume will not return quickly from mute to maximum, resulting in a gradual change in volume from minimum to maximum. As a result, the volume of each scratch sound will gradually change at the beginning, creating a blurred beginning like a fade-in. Thus, if the crossfader cannot be operated properly during scratch execution, the scratch sound will be evaluated as lacking sharpness, sluggish, or otherwise unattractive.

[0077] The above series of operations is necessary to perfect the performance technique known as scratching, but as mentioned above, it is not easy for beginners to master these operations. Therefore, in this embodiment, a function to assist the movement of the crossfader is provided.

[0078] Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of a DJ controller 200 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, the DJ controller 200 according to the second embodiment includes a crossfader 9 instead of the crossfader 2 of the DJ controller 100 according to the first embodiment, magnetic field generation units 10A and 10B instead of the magnetic field generation units 4A and 4B, and a control unit 11 instead of the control unit 7.

[0079] As in the first embodiment, the control unit 10 includes a reception unit 111, a first reproduction unit 112, and a second reproduction unit 113, which are realized by a processor operating in accordance with a program stored in a memory or received via a communication interface. The reception unit 111, the first reproduction unit 112, and the second reproduction unit 113 have the same configurations as the reception unit 71, the first reproduction unit 72, and the second reproduction unit 73 of the first embodiment, respectively.

[0080] The functions of each part of the DJ controller 200 described above when performing a scratch will be described with reference to Figures 10A to 10C. As shown in Figure 10A, the crossfader 9 has a slide operator 90, which includes a shaft 91, a knob 92 provided on the top of the shaft 91, and a magnetic part 93.

[0081] Similar to the magnetic material section 23 of the first embodiment, the magnetic material section 93 is provided at a position of the slide operator 90 of the crossfader 9 that faces the magnetic field generating section 10A when the slide operator 90 is operated to the end 2R on the B deck side. The magnetic material section 93 includes a magnetic material such as a permanent magnet, and receives a magnetic force according to an external magnetic field.

[0082] As described above, the magnetic field generating unit 10A is provided near the end 2R on the B deck side within the operating range of the slide operator 90. The magnetic field generating unit 10A includes a coil and a power supply unit, and generates a magnetic force based on the amount of current supplied. Fig. 11A is a diagram showing a mixing curve corresponding to Fig. 2B, and the magnetic field generating unit 10A generates an electromagnetic field that generates a force that repels the magnetic material unit 93 within a predetermined range A1 shown in Fig. 11A.

[0083] Consider a series of actions during scratch execution: a user quickly moves the slide operator 90 in the +X direction to the end 2R on the B-deck side, then reverses the direction of operation of the slide operator 90 and quickly moves the slide operator 90 in the -X direction from the end 2R on the B-deck side. First, when the slide operator 90 of the crossfader 9 is quickly moved in the +X direction to the end 2R on the B-deck side, i.e., when the state is changed from FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B and then to FIG. 10C, in the states of FIGS. 10A and 10B, the influence of the electromagnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 10A is small or is not affected by the electromagnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 10A, so the magnetic material portion 93 and the magnetic field generator 10A do not repel each other. Then, in the state of FIG. 10C, the magnetic material portion 93 and the magnetic field generator 10A repel each other, as indicated by arrow e, but the slide operator 90 can still be moved in the +X direction.

[0084] Next, when the slide operator 90 of the crossfader 9 is quickly moved in the -X direction from the end 2R on the B deck side, that is, when the operation is changed from FIG. 10C to FIG. 10B and then to the state of FIG. 10A, in the state of FIG. 10C, the magnetic material part 93 and the magnetic field generator 10A are repelling each other, as indicated by arrow e. When the force applied by the user in the +X direction becomes smaller than the repulsive force between the magnetic material part 93 and the magnetic field generator 10A, as indicated by arrow e, the magnetic material part 93 repels the magnetic field generator 10A and is moved in the -X direction, resulting in the state of FIG. 10B and then to the state of FIG. 10A. As a result, operation of the slide operator 90 in the -X direction is assisted.

[0085] In the series of actions required for scratching, operation of the slide operator 90 in the -X direction from the end 2R on the deck B side is assisted, allowing the user to concentrate on quickly moving the slide operator 90 in the +X direction to the end 2R on the deck B side. Furthermore, this operation requires pressing the magnetic material part 93 against the magnetic field generating unit 10A against the repulsive force between the magnetic material part 93 and the magnetic field generating unit 10A, allowing the user to master the scratching action.

[0086] The above-described functions assist the user in switching the slide operator 90 when performing a scratch. Therefore, when practicing a scratch, the user can concentrate on the operation of quickly moving the slide operator 90 in the +X direction toward the end 2R on the B deck side, and on the timing of this operation. Furthermore, when practicing a scratch, the user can concentrate on operating the platters 1A and 1B. Furthermore, because the user can omit some of the operations required for scratching, the user can perform a scratch with one finger or with simple operations.

[0087] Up to this point, the explanation has been given using as an example a so-called normal type scratch in which a scratch is performed at the end 2R of the slide operator 90 on the B deck side. However, the present invention can also be applied to a so-called hamster type scratch in which the first and second channels corresponding to the crossfader 9 are swapped and a scratch is performed at the end 2L of the slide operator 90 on the A deck side. Note that the swapping of the first and second channels is performed, for example, by software, as in known technology. Note that, for a hamster type scratch, the mixing curve set for the crossfader 9 and the settings of the channel faders 3A and 3B are the same as those for a normal DJ controller, and therefore a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0088] In the hamster type scratch, for the first song being played on the A deck, a series of actions are performed in which the slide operator 90 is quickly moved in the -X direction with the right hand to the end 2L on the A deck side at the timing when the sound on the A deck is turned off, and then the operating direction of the slide operator 90 is reversed and switched back, and the slide operator 90 is quickly moved in the +X direction from the end 2L on the A deck side.

[0089] FIG. 11B shows a mixing curve corresponding to FIG. 2B. However, the first and second channels in FIG. 11B are reversed from those in FIG. 11A. The magnetic field generating unit 10B generates an electromagnetic field that generates a repulsive force with the magnetic material unit 93 within a predetermined range A2 shown in FIG. 11B. FIGS. 12A to 12C are cross-sectional views in the X-Z plane near the crossfader 9 for hamster-type scratching. The DJ controller 200 includes a magnetic field generating unit 10B that generates an electromagnetic field and is located near the end 2L of the crossfader 9 on the A deck side, and a cushion unit 5B that is located between the magnetic field generating unit 10B and the magnetic material unit 93.

[0090] When performing a hamster-type scratch, first, the slide operator 90 of the crossfader 9 is quickly moved in the -X direction to the end 2L on the A deck side. That is, when the operation is performed from Figure 12A to Figure 12B and then to Figure 12C, in the states of Figures 12A and 12B, the influence of the electromagnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 10B is small, or there is no influence from the electromagnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 10B, so there is no repulsion between the magnetic material part 93 and the magnetic field generator 10B. Then, in the state of Figure 12C, as indicated by arrow f, the magnetic material part 93 and the magnetic field generator 10B repel each other, but the slide operator 90 can be moved in the -X direction.

[0091] Next, when the slide operator 90 of the crossfader 9 is quickly moved in the +X direction from the end 2L on the A deck side, that is, when the operation is changed from FIG. 12C to FIG. 12B and then to the state of FIG. 12A, in the state of FIG. 12C, the magnetic material part 93 and the magnetic field generator 10B are repelling each other, as indicated by arrow f. When the force applied by the user in the -X direction becomes smaller than the repulsive force between the magnetic material part 93 and the magnetic field generator 10B, as indicated by arrow f, the magnetic material part 93 repels the magnetic field generator 10B and is moved in the +X direction, resulting in the state of FIG. 12B and then to the state of FIG. 12A. As a result, operation of the slide operator 90 in the +X direction is assisted.

[0092] In the series of movements required for hamster-type scratching, operation of the slide operator 90 in the +X direction from the end 2L on the A deck side is assisted, allowing the user to concentrate on quickly moving the slide operator 90 in the -X direction to the end 2L on the A deck side. Furthermore, this operation requires pressing the magnetic material part 93 against the magnetic field generating unit 10B against the repulsive force between the magnetic material part 93 and the magnetic field generating unit 10B, allowing the user to master the scratching movement.

[0093] The above-described functions assist with the operation of turning the slide controller 90 when performing hamster-type scratching. Therefore, when practicing scratching, the user can concentrate on the operation of quickly moving the slide controller 90 in the -X direction toward the end 2L on the A deck side, and on the timing of that operation. Furthermore, because the user can omit some of the operations involved in scratching, they can perform scratching with one finger or with simple operations.

[0094] The above describes the configuration for utilizing the repulsive force between the magnetic material part 93 and the magnetic field generating part 10A or 10B for both the normal type and hamster type scratching, but the DJ controller 200 may be equipped with, for example, only one of them, two of them, or two or more of them that can be switched between as appropriate.

[0095] The second embodiment of the present invention described above includes a crossfader 9 having a slide operator 90 for adjusting the volume balance between a first song played on a first channel and a second song played on a second channel, a magnetic field generator 10A (10B) disposed near at least one end of the operating range of the slide operator 90 and generating an electromagnetic field, and a magnetic material portion 93 disposed on the slide operator 90 at a position facing the magnetic field generator 10A (10B) when the slide operator 90 is operated to the end of the operating range. The magnetic field generator 10A (10B) generates an electromagnetic field that generates a repulsive force against the magnetic material portion 93. This can assist with scratching operations on DJ equipment. In particular, assistance can be provided effectively for club scratching, which involves flicking movements with multiple fingers.

[0096] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the mixing curve set for the crossfader 9 is a curve in which the volume of either the first song or the second song changes from minimum to maximum or from minimum to maximum within a predetermined end range of the operation range, and the magnetic field generating unit 10A (10B) generates an electromagnetic field that produces a repulsive force with the magnetic material unit 93 when the slide operator 90 is operated within the predetermined range. Therefore, it is possible to assist the scratch operation on the DJ equipment while preventing the influence of unnecessary electromagnetic fields from interfering with the user's operation.

[0097] Third Embodiment The third embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, only the parts that are different from the second embodiment will be described, and the parts that are the same as the second embodiment will not be described.

[0098] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of a DJ controller according to a third embodiment. The DJ controller 300 according to the third embodiment includes magnetic field generators 13A and 13B instead of the magnetic field generators 10A and 10B of the DJ controller 200 according to the second embodiment, and a control unit 14 instead of the control unit 11. As in the second embodiment, the magnetic field generators 13A and 13B utilize the repulsive force between the magnetic material section 93 and the magnetic field generators 13A and 13B for normal-type and hamster-type scratching, respectively. For example, only one of the magnetic field generators 13A and 13B may be implemented, or two or more of the magnetic field generators may be implemented in a switchable manner. The magnetic field generators 13A and 13B can adjust the magnitude of the electromagnetic field by adjusting the amount of current according to control by the control unit 14.

[0099] As in the second embodiment, the control unit 14 includes a reception unit 141, a first reproduction unit 142, a second reproduction unit 143, and a current amount determination unit 144, which are realized by the processor operating in accordance with a program stored in memory or received via a communication interface.

[0100] The current amount determination unit 144 determines the amount of current in the magnetic field generation units 13A and 13B depending on the operation position of the slide operator 90. More specifically, the current amount determination unit 144 determines a larger current amount as the distance between the slide operator 90 and the end 2L on the A deck side becomes smaller, and determines a smaller current amount as the distance between the slide operator 90 and the end 2L on the A deck side becomes larger. Furthermore, the current amount determination unit 144 determines a larger current amount as the distance between the slide operator 90 and the end 2R on the B deck side becomes smaller, and determines a smaller current amount as the distance between the slide operator 90 and the end 2R on the B deck side becomes larger. As a result, a stronger magnetic force is generated closer to the end in the operation range of the slide operator 90. In this way, by appropriately attenuating the magnetic force depending on the operation position of the slide operator 90, it is possible to assist the scratch operation of the DJ equipment at the end of the operation range of the slide operator 90 while reducing unnecessary magnetic force in the center.

[0101] Next, the operation of the control unit 14 in the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 14. When it is determined that the crossfader 9 has been operated (YES in step S201), the current amount determination unit 144 determines the amount of current according to the operation position of the crossfader 9 (step S202). Then, the current amount determination unit 144 outputs information indicating the determined amount of current to the magnetic field generation units 13A and 13B (step S203). The control unit 14 executes the processes of steps S201 to S203 every time the crossfader 9 is operated, thereby causing the magnetic field generation units 13A and 13B to generate magnetic forces according to the operation position of the crossfader 9.

[0102] According to the third embodiment of the present invention as described above, the magnetic field generating units 13A and 13B can adjust the magnitude of the electromagnetic field by adjusting the amount of current, which makes it possible to reduce unnecessary magnetic force in addition to the effects of the second embodiment.

[0103] Furthermore, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic field generating units 13A and 13B adjust the amount of current in accordance with the operation position of the slide operator 20. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the second embodiment, depending on the operation position of the slide operator 20, it is possible to assist the scratch operation on the DJ equipment at the ends of the operation range of the slide operator 20 while reducing unnecessary magnetic force in the center.

[0104] In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the magnetic field generating units 13A and 13B are configured to assist in the operation of the scratch by utilizing the repulsive force between the magnetic material unit 93 and the magnetic field generating unit 13A or 13B for each of the normal and hamster type scratches. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the magnetic field generating units 13A and 13B may be configured to assist in the operation of the scratch by utilizing the attractive force between the magnetic material unit 93 and the magnetic field generating unit 13A or 13B for each of the normal and hamster type scratches. In such a case, the magnetic field generating units 13A and 13B can adjust the magnitude of the electromagnetic field by adjusting the amount of current, thereby reducing unnecessary magnetic force.

[0105] Furthermore, by adjusting the amount of current according to the operating position of the slide operator 20, the magnetic field generating units 13A and 13B can assist the scratch operation of the DJ equipment at the ends of the operating range of the slide operator 20 while reducing unnecessary magnetic force in the center, depending on the operating position of the slide operator 20.

[0106] (Fourth Embodiment) The fourth embodiment is a modification of the second and third embodiments. In the fourth embodiment, only the parts that are different from the second and third embodiments will be described, and the parts that are the same as the second and third embodiments will not be described.

[0107] 15 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of a DJ controller according to a fourth embodiment. The DJ controller 400 according to the fourth embodiment includes a crossfader 15 instead of the crossfader 9 of the DJ controller 200 according to the second embodiment, magnetic field generators 16A and 16B instead of the magnetic field generators 10A and 10B, and a control unit 17 instead of the control unit 11. As in the second embodiment, the magnetic field generators 16A and 16B utilize the repulsive force between the magnetic material section 93 and the magnetic field generator 16A or 16B for normal-type and hamster-type scratching, and may include, for example, only one of the magnetic field generators 16A or 16B, or two or more of the magnetic field generators may be implemented in a switchable manner.

[0108] The crossfader 15 includes a detection unit 15D that detects the movement of the slide operator. The detection unit 15D includes, for example, a pressure sensor, and detects the movement of the slide operator and outputs the detected movement to the control unit 17.

[0109] The magnetic field generating units 16A and 16B can adjust the magnitude of the electromagnetic field by adjusting the amount of current under the control of the control unit 17.

[0110] As in the second embodiment, the control unit 17 includes a reception unit 171, a first reproduction unit 172, a second reproduction unit 173, and a current amount determination unit 174, which are realized by the processor operating in accordance with a program stored in memory or received via a communication interface.

[0111] The current amount determination unit 174 determines the amount of current in the magnetic field generation units 16A and 16B according to the movement of the slide operator detected by the detection unit 15D. More specifically, for example, the current amount determination unit 174 determines the amount of current so that a constant repulsive force is generated regardless of the magnitude of the force applied to the slide operator. Furthermore, for example, the current amount determination unit 174 determines the amount of current taking into consideration the user's operation style, preferences, purpose, proficiency, etc. in addition to the movement of the slide operator detected by the detection unit 15D.

[0112] In this way, by controlling the magnetic force in response to the movement of the slide operator, the content and strength of the assistance can be flexibly and freely adjusted when assisting the scratch operation of DJ equipment. Note that if the amount of current is determined by further considering the characteristics of the mixing curve set in the crossfader 15, the content and strength of the assistance can be adjusted even more flexibly and freely.

[0113] Next, the operation of the control unit 17 in the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 16 . When it is determined that the output of the detection unit 15D has been acquired (YES in step S301), the current amount determination unit 174 determines the current amount based on the detection result by the detection unit 15D (step S302). Then, the current amount determination unit 174 outputs information indicating the determined current amount to the magnetic field generation units 16A and 16B (step S303). The control unit 17 executes the processes of steps S301 to S303 each time it acquires the output of the detection unit 15D, thereby causing the magnetic field generation units 16A and 16B to generate magnetic forces corresponding to the operation of the crossfader 15.

[0114] According to the fourth embodiment of the present invention as described above, a detection unit 15D that detects the movement of the slide operator is further provided, and the magnetic field generation units 16A and 16B adjust the amount of current in accordance with the movement detected by the detection unit 15D. Therefore, by controlling the magnetic force in accordance with the movement of the slide operator, it is possible to flexibly and freely adjust the content and strength of the assistance when assisting the scratch operation on DJ equipment.

[0115] In the fourth embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the magnetic field generating units 13A and 13B are configured to assist the scratch operation by utilizing the repulsive force between the magnetic material unit 93 and the magnetic field generating unit 13A or 13B for normal-type and hamster-type scratching, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the magnetic field generating units 13A and 13B may be configured to assist the scratch operation by utilizing the attractive force between the magnetic material unit 93 and the magnetic field generating unit 13A or 13B for normal-type and hamster-type scratching, respectively. In such a case, the magnetic field generating units 13A and 13B can control the magnetic force in accordance with the movement of the slide operator by adjusting the amount of current in accordance with the movement detected by the detection unit 15D that detects the movement of the slide operator. Therefore, when assisting the scratch operation on DJ equipment, the content and strength of the assistance can be flexibly and freely adjusted.

[0116] Note that the configurations in the above-described embodiments are merely examples and are not limited to the present embodiments. For example, in each of the second to fourth embodiments, a configuration may be adopted in which a first mode in which a magnetic force is generated by a magnetic force generating unit and a second mode in which a magnetic force is not generated are provided, and mode switching is possible. The mode switching may be performed based on a user operation or may be performed automatically in accordance with predetermined conditions. Also, a configuration may be adopted in which an operator for mode switching is provided.

[0117] The magnetic material portion described in each of the above embodiments is merely an example and is not limited to the present embodiment. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a metal, an electromagnet, or the like is provided instead of the magnetic material.

[0118] The controls described in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not limited to the present embodiments. For example, the present invention can be similarly applied to the channel faders 3A and 3B. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to controls such as the crossfader 2, but can also be similarly applied to controls configured as software using a GUI (Graphical User Interface) or the like.

[0119] The mixing curves described in the above embodiments are merely examples, and are not limited to these embodiments. For example, asymmetric mixing curves can also be used in the same way.

[0120] The above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely illustrative and may be modified in various ways. For example, while a DJ controller has been described as an audio device in the above embodiments, similar functions can be implemented in other DJ equipment, such as a mixer or an all-in-one DJ system (a digital audio player with communication and mixing functions). The above functions can also be implemented using a DJ application on a terminal device, such as a PC or smartphone. In these cases, the audio device itself does not necessarily need to be equipped with controls such as a platter or crossfader; for example, an operation signal can be received from a control on an external device, such as a DVS (Digital Vinyl System) turntable. At least some of the above functions may be implemented in a server that transmits audio data to the terminal device via a network, and the server may function as the audio device. Furthermore, while a two-channel audio device has been described in the above embodiments, similar functions can also be implemented in, for example, a four-channel audio device.

[0121] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0122] 100, 200, 300, 400...DJ controller, 1A, 1B...platter, 2, 9, 12, 13...crossfader, 3A, 3B...channel fader, 4A, 4B, 10A, 10B, 13A, 13B, 16A, 16B...magnetic field generating unit, 5A, 5B...cushion unit, 6...music data storage unit, 7, 11, 14, 17...control unit, 8...audio output unit, 71, 111, 141, 171...reception unit, 72, 112, 142, 172...first playback unit, 73, 113, 143, 173...second playback unit, 74, 144, 174...current amount determination unit.

Claims

1. An audio device comprising: a crossfader having a slide operator and adjusting the volume balance between a first song played on a first channel and a second song played on a second channel; a magnetic field generating unit that is provided near at least one end of the operating range of the slide operator and generates an electromagnetic field; and a magnetic material unit that is provided on the slide operator at a position that faces the magnetic field generating unit when the slide operator is operated to the end, wherein the magnetic field generating unit generates the electromagnetic field that generates a force that attracts or repels the magnetic material unit.

2. The acoustic device according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic field generating unit is capable of adjusting the magnitude of the electromagnetic field by adjusting the amount of current.

3. An acoustic device as described in claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a position detection unit that detects an operating position of the slide operator, and the magnetic field generation unit changes the magnitude of the electromagnetic field depending on the operating position.

4. The acoustic device according to claim 3, wherein the magnetic field generating unit reduces the magnitude of the electromagnetic field to approximately zero when the operation position reaches an end of the operation range.

5. An acoustic device as described in claim 3 or claim 4, further comprising a speed detection unit that detects the operation speed of the slide operator, and the magnetic field generation unit changes the magnitude of the electromagnetic field according to at least one of the operation position and the operation speed.

6. The audio device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the mixing curve set for the crossfader is a curve in which the volume of either the first music piece or the second music piece changes from minimum to maximum or from minimum to maximum within a specified range at the ends of the operation range, and the magnetic field generating unit generates the electromagnetic field that produces a repulsive force against the magnetic material unit when the slide operator is operated within the specified range.

7. An acoustic device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a cushion section disposed between the magnetic field generating section and the magnetic material section.

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