Keyboard Unit Optical Detection for Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In keyboard musical instruments, the synchronization between the key and the displacement member, such as a hammer, is often inaccurate, leading to inconsistent sound generation timing and volume, causing discomfort for the player due to mismatched key pressing timing and sound production.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard unit with detection sections that determine sound generation timing and key pressing velocity by detecting the displacement member's direction change from the forward stroke to the returning direction, using first and second detection sections to generate sound indication information based on the timing and position of the displacement member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the key and displacement member are used for musical sound control based on the premise of accurate synchronization, then the control system is simple, but the sound generation timing and volume become inconsistent causing player discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical synchronization assumptions with optical detection systems. Light receiving sections detect the position and movement state of the displacement member (hammer) using optical fields instead of mechanical contacts, enabling non-contact measurement of the hammer's forward stroke and returning direction to determine accurate sound generation timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the displacement member's position and movement state through detection sections. The control unit receives real-time detection results and adjusts sound generation timing based on the actual hammer state, creating a closed-loop system that ensures accurate synchronization between key pressing and sound production.
2Ease of manufacture
If the sound generation timing is determined based on the displacement member reaching a specific position in the forward stroke direction, then the control method is simple, but accurate sound control cannot be carried out when the displacement member bounces back
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static position-based detection to dynamic state-based detection. Instead of merely detecting when the hammer reaches a specific position, the system detects the hammer's movement state (forward stroke vs. returning direction) using light receiving sections that monitor changes in light reception over time, enabling accurate determination of sound generation timing even during bouncing back.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical detection methods to replace mechanical position sensing. Light receiving sections detect the hammer's position and movement state by monitoring light field changes, providing precise measurement of the hammer's forward stroke and returning motion without mechanical contact, thereby achieving accurate sound generation timing determination.
3Measurement precision
If multiple detection sections are added to detect the displacement member's operation direction change, then the sound generation timing accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs light receiving sections that perform multiple functions: they detect both the position of the displacement member and its movement state (forward stroke vs. returning direction) using the same optical detection mechanism. This multi-functional approach improves measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single detection system handles multiple measurement tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard unit includes: a key; a displacement member which is configured to be driven directly or indirectly with the key by a pressing operation of the key to be moved in a forward stroke direction; a detector which is configured to detect that an operation direction of the displacement member has changed from the forward stroke direction to a returning direction; and a generator which is configured to generate sound generation indication information based on information detected by the detector.