Keyboard Control Device Synchronizing Remote Ensemble Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In ensemble performances across multiple communication bases, it is challenging for performers to achieve a sense of unity due to the distance and resulting communication delays.
Innovation Solution
A control device is implemented, which includes a first transmission unit to send performance data, a first receiving unit to receive data from other bases, and a first generation unit to produce drive signals for sound generation based on received data, incorporating key position signals to synchronize performances across bases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If performers play at distant communication bases, then ensemble flexibility and accessibility are improved, but communication delay and loss of unity sensation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by transmitting performance data and generating drive signals in advance based on predicted timing. The control device calculates expected sound generation timing and prepares drive signals before actual performance occurs, compensating for communication delays. This allows remote performers to play without feeling the delay, as the system proactively adjusts timing and generates sounds at appropriate moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring performance data from multiple communication bases and adjusting drive signal generation accordingly. The control device receives performance data, analyzes timing information, and dynamically adjusts the generation of drive signals to maintain synchronization. This closed-loop feedback ensures that despite distance and communication delays, all performers experience unified timing and maintain ensemble cohesion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sound is generated at remote communication bases, then ensemble accessibility is improved, but synchronization precision and unity sensation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates accurate copies of performance data between communication bases. When a performer plays at one base, the performance data is transmitted and copied to generate drive signals at remote bases. This copying mechanism ensures that the same performance information is reproduced across different locations with high fidelity, maintaining synchronization precision despite physical distance. The drive signals are generated as precise copies of the original performance data, ensuring unity in the ensemble sound.
3Adaptability or versatility
If communication bases are connected via network, then ensemble flexibility is improved, but communication delay and timing coordination worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The control device acts as an intermediary between multiple communication bases, centralizing the complex timing coordination functions. Rather than requiring each base to independently coordinate with others (which would be extremely complex), the control device receives performance data from all bases, performs centralized timing calculations, and generates appropriate drive signals. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture while enabling flexible remote ensemble participation.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device in one embodiment includes a first transmission unit, a first receiving unit, and a first generation unit. The first transmission unit is configured to transmit first performance data including contents of playing a keyboard instrument at a first communication base to a second communication base. The first receiving unit is configured to receive second performance data from the second communication base. The first generation unit is configured to generate a drive signal to produce a sound in accordance with the second performance data and output the drive signal to a sound generation device at the first communication base. At least one of the first performance data and the second performance data includes a key position signal indicating a key press amount on the keyboard instrument.