Keyboard Instrument Sound Control via Key Displacement Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sound production control systems for musical instruments require separate sensors for detecting finger proximity and playing operations, leading to a complex configuration that complicates the control of sound characteristics based on key displacement.
Innovation Solution
A sound production control apparatus for keyboard instruments that includes a position detector, memory for storing instructions, and processors to produce sound and control sound characteristics based on key displacement within a defined movement range, integrating detection and control functions for a simple configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate sensors are installed for detecting finger proximity and playing operations, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the proximity detection function and playing operation detection function into a single sensor system. The sensor detects both the approach of the player's finger (proximity) and the actual key press (playing operation) through continuous position monitoring, eliminating the need for separate sensors and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects both proximity (for preparatory actions) and playing operations (for actual sound production). This multi-functional sensor replaces what would traditionally require separate specialized sensors, simplifying the device architecture while preserving measurement precision for both detection tasks
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate operations are required to specify sound characteristics, then sound control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects the player's finger approach and preparatory movements before the actual key press occurs. By monitoring the key's position during the approach phase (before sounding), the system allows players to control sound characteristics through natural preparatory gestures, eliminating the need for separate control operations and making the instrument more intuitive to play
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor continuously monitors the key's position throughout the entire playing sequence, from finger approach through press to release. This continuous detection enables sound characteristic control to be integrated into the natural flow of playing motion, allowing players to specify sound parameters through the continuous movement itself rather than through discrete separate operations
Data Source
AI summary
A sound production control apparatus has a position detector that detects, in accordance with a playing operation of a musical instrument, a position of a key displaceable within a movement range from a start position to an end position. The movement range includes a sounding range including a sounding position and a setting range that is closer to the start position than the sounding range. The apparatus causes a played sound associated with the key to be produced upon the detected position of the key reaching the sounding position, while controlling a characteristic of the played sound depending on a displacement characteristic of the key within the setting range before the key is positioned in the sounding range.