Dynamic Sound Delay Control for Keyboard Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric keyboard musical instruments fail to replicate the nuanced sound generation characteristics of acoustic and electric pianos, organs, and harpsichords, leading to discomfort for performers accustomed to playing these instruments.
Innovation Solution
An electric keyboard instrument with a detection unit, selection unit, and sound generation delay determination, allowing for delayed sound production based on the type of instrument selected, mimicking the latency times and key-pressing dynamics of various keyboard instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed sound generation delay time is used for all tones, then the device complexity is reduced, but the realism of sound reproduction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the sound generation delay time based on the selected tone. Different tones (acoustic piano, electric piano, organ, harpsichord) are assigned different delay time parameters that match their characteristic sound generation timings. This resolves the contradiction by making the delay time a variable parameter rather than a fixed value, thereby improving sound realism without significantly increasing device complexity through the use of pre-stored delay time data for each tone.
2Speed
If immediate sound generation is implemented upon key detection, then the responsiveness is improved, but the authenticity of instrument simulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the timing parameter dynamically based on the selected instrument tone. Instead of immediate sound generation, the system introduces a delay time parameter that varies by tone type. Acoustic piano has a longer delay to simulate hammer string interaction, while electric piano has a shorter delay. This maintains responsiveness by keeping delays short and instrument-specific, while achieving authenticity through parameter variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing delay time data for each tone type in advance. When a tone is selected, the corresponding delay time is immediately retrieved and applied, allowing the system to prepare the correct timing parameter before sound generation occurs. This ensures both responsiveness and instrument characteristic accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If multiple contact timings are used to detect key-pressing speed, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the key-pressing detection into multiple contact points (first contact, second contact, third contact) along the key travel path. Each contact detects a different stage of the key press, allowing the system to calculate key-pressing speed by comparing the timing between contacts. This segmented approach improves measurement precision while keeping each individual contact simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the key-pressing speed calculation as an intermediary to select appropriate delay time data. The multiple contact timings provide precise speed measurement, which then serves as a basis for selecting the most appropriate delay time parameter. This intermediary calculation bridges the detection mechanism and the sound generation control.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric keyboard musical instrument 10 includes: keys 32; third switches 36 that detect that the keys 32 are pressed down to a position x3; various switches 12 to 15 that receive a selection of a kind of tone; and a CPU 21 that executes generating a sound with a tone of the kind received by various switches 12 to 15 in response to the third switch 36 detecting that a key 32 is pressed down to a position x3. The CPU 21 changes a time from when the third switch 36 detects that a key 32 is pressed down to position x3 until sound generation is executed, according to a kind of tone received through the various switches 12 to 15.