Keyboard Portamento Control via Key Duration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The portamento process in electronic keyboard instruments is difficult to control during performance, especially when disabling it mid-performance, as existing methods require manual operation of control buttons, which can disrupt the musical flow.
Innovation Solution
An electronic keyboard device with a control unit, memory, and DSP that generates sound signals based on key operations, allowing for automatic control of pitch transition speed based on key depression duration, enabling seamless switching between normal and portamento modes without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control buttons are used to disable portamento process during performance, then the portamento process can be disabled, but the musical flow is disrupted and performance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects key operation duration and autonomously adjusts the portamento process without requiring manual intervention. The electronic keyboard device monitors the duration of key depression and automatically disables or enables portamento based on whether the duration exceeds a predetermined threshold, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring the performer to manually control the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors key operation duration as feedback and uses this information to dynamically adjust the portamento process. By detecting the duration of key depression and comparing it against a threshold value, the system receives real-time feedback about performer intent and automatically adjusts sound generation accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to performance needs.
2Stability of the object's composition
If portamento process is enabled for smooth pitch transitions, then pitch changes smoothly between notes, but the pitch change speed becomes fixed and less expressive
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the portamento process based on real-time detection of key operation duration. Instead of using a fixed pitch change speed, the system varies the portamento behavior adaptively - enabling smooth pitch transitions when key duration exceeds the threshold and disabling them when it doesn't - allowing the pitch change characteristics to change dynamically according to performance context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the portamento process based on detected key duration. By comparing the actual key operation duration against a predetermined threshold, the system adjusts whether portamento is applied, effectively changing the pitch transition parameter from a fixed state to a variable state that adapts to the performer's playing style and intent.
3Productivity
If automatic control based on key duration is implemented, then seamless switching between modes is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical control (physical buttons and switches) with an automatic detection and control system that monitors key operation duration electronically. This substitution of mechanical control with electronic sensing and automated processing enables seamless mode switching while the added complexity is confined to the electronic control logic rather than requiring additional physical controls.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a signal generation device includes a memory storing a program and a processor communicatively connected to the memory and executing the program to function as a signal generating unit and a sound generation control unit. The signal generating unit generates a sound signal in response to operation of a plurality of operators. The plurality of operators includes a first operator and a second operator. The sound generation control unit controls a sound generation form of a second sound signal generated in response to a second operation of the second operator following a first operation, based on a duration of the first operation of the first operator.