Electronic Musical Instrument Key Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic musical instruments have complex configurations to replicate the varying reaction forces of an acoustic piano, making it difficult to provide a realistic playing experience with the sense of manipulating keys similar to an acoustic piano.
Innovation Solution
An electronic musical instrument with a simplified configuration using main and ancillary reaction force tables to calculate composite reaction forces based on key depression depth, velocity, and damper pedal position, applying these forces through a solenoid system to mimic the acoustic piano's reaction force characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional reaction force tables are used to replicate acoustic piano characteristics, then the playing experience becomes more realistic, but the system configuration becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction force characteristics are segmented into two separate tables: a main reaction force table containing common characteristics applicable to all keys, and an ancillary reaction force table containing additional characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to replicate acoustic piano realism without requiring a single complex comprehensive table, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining playing experience quality.
2Measurement precision
If multiple reaction force tables are used to account for different playing conditions, then the accuracy of reaction force replication improves, but the data storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reaction force characteristics into two consolidated tables (main and ancillary) that can be combined through addition to produce the total reaction force. This approach maintains the accuracy needed for different playing conditions while reducing data storage requirements compared to maintaining entirely separate tables for each condition, as the main table serves as a common foundation for all keys.
3Ease of operation
If the reaction force calculation considers multiple parameters (depth, velocity, pedal position), then the fidelity to acoustic piano feel improves, but the computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computational complexity is segmented by separating the reaction force calculation into two distinct lookup tables that are independently accessed and then added together. This allows the system to consider multiple parameters (key depression depth, velocity, and pedal position) without requiring a single complex computational model, as each table can be optimized for specific aspects of the reaction force characteristics.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The instrument provides a more faithful reproduction of the acoustic piano's key manipulation feel, including let-off feeling, with a simpler table configuration compared to conventional systems, enhancing the player's experience.
Implementation Method 1
controlling a driving signal which is to be supplied to a solenoid for applying a reaction force to the key
Data Source
AI summary
A computer portion 70 determines main reaction force RF0 by use of a main reaction force table storing main reaction forces which vary according to the velocity and the depth of a depression of the key 11. The computer portion 70 determines first ancillary reaction force RF1 by use of a first ancillary reaction force table storing first ancillary reaction forces which vary according to the amount of depression of a lever 32 of a pedal apparatus 30. The computer portion 70 adds the first ancillary reaction force RF1 to the main reaction force RF0 to obtain a composite reaction force to control a solenoid 21 on the basis of the composite reaction force so that a reaction force which is to be exerted on the key 11 will be the composite reaction force.