JPH0774949B2 - Electronic stringed instrument - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic stringed instrument, and more particularly to an electronic stringed instrument capable of producing a sound effect similar to that obtained when a special performance peculiar to a natural stringed instrument such as a level crossing method or an octave playing method is performed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An electronic stringed instrument is an electronic musical instrument that detects a picking operation of a string and electronically generates a musical tone having a pitch corresponding to the fret operation position of the picked string.

Electronic stringed instruments are roughly classified into a trigger type and a pitch extraction type according to a method of determining the pitch of a musical tone. Trigger-type electronic string instruments set the pitch of a musical sound by directly sensing the fret operation position. Generally, the string trigger switch that independently detects the start / end of vibration of each string and the fret operation position of each string. There is a fret switch for sensing.

In this trigger type electronic stringed instrument,
When the start of string vibration is detected by the trigger switch, the fret operation position is obtained from the state (status) of the fret switch, and pitch data is created from the fret operation position and the information of the string that started vibration, and the internal or external The tone generation circuit provided in the above section generates a tone corresponding to the pitch data. Therefore, when a string is plucked (picking operation), a musical tone with a pitch corresponding to the fret operation position of the plucked string is sounded.

On the other hand, the pitch extraction type electronic string instrument is provided with a pickup for individually sensing the vibration of each string corresponding to each string, and a fundamental frequency is detected from a sense signal containing a harmonic component sensed by the pickup. The component (pitch) is extracted, and the pitch of the musical tone is set based on the extracted fundamental frequency component.

Then, the timing for starting / ending the sound emission of the set musical tone is determined depending on whether or not the output of the pickup exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

[0007]

In the case of a stringed instrument, a predetermined scale note (pitch) is assigned to each string, unlike the case of a keyboard instrument. Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously press a plurality of fret positions having the same pitch relationship. Therefore, if a plurality of strings that have been fret-operated so as to have the same pitch relationship are simultaneously picked, musical tones having the same pitch can be generated at the same time. The playing method peculiar to this stringed instrument is known as the so-called level crossing method.

The tone generated in the level crossing method is remarkably different from the tone color generated during a normal picking operation, and a tone color similar to the alarm tone emitted from an alarm device at the level crossing is generated. This is because the strings picked at the same time have different thicknesses, vibration states, and the like.

In addition, there is a special rendition method called a so-called octave rendition method in which two strings that are two octave pitches above or below each other and whose pitches are specified are picked at the same time. To be done.

However, in the conventional electronic stringed musical instrument, the musical tone of the pitch corresponding to the string on which the picking operation is performed as described above is generated in a single shot.
For this reason, even if you perform a special playing technique such as the level crossing technique or the octave playing technique, only the musical tone of the pitch corresponding to each string that has been picked is produced. It was impossible to faithfully reproduce the playing method of.

An object of the present invention is to faithfully reproduce a performance method peculiar to a natural string instrument such as a level crossing method or an octave playing method.

[0012]

The means of the present invention are as follows. The string operation detecting means independently detects a string operation (picking operation) for each string stretched on the instrument body.

The pitch setting means sets the pitch data corresponding to the fret operation position of the string for which the string operation is detected by the string operation detecting means. The means has, for example, a fret switch that senses a fret operation position for each string, and the fret switch is provided in a matrix form by being embedded in the fingerboard between the frets corresponding to each string, for example.

Further, the same means includes a pickup which is provided for each string and which converts the vibration of the string into an electric signal, and a pitch extracting means which extracts the pitch of the string vibration from the electric signal obtained by the pickup. It can also be realized by providing.

The pitch determining means determines whether or not a plurality of strings are simultaneously plucked based on the detection result of the plucking operation detecting means. If a plurality of strings are simultaneously plucked, the pitch is further increased. Based on the pitch data set by the setting means, it is determined whether or not the pitches designated by the plurality of strings that have been simultaneously plucked have a specific pitch relationship. The specific pitch relationship is, for example, that the pitches are the same, or that they are in an octave up or octave down relationship with each other.

The sound effect generating means generates a predetermined sound effect corresponding to the specific pitch relationship when the pitch determining means determines that the pitch relationship has the specific pitch relationship. Alternatively, a predetermined sound effect is generated with a pitch corresponding to one pitch data of each pitch data that determines the specific pitch relation.

The musical tone generating means generates a musical tone having the pitch set by the pitch setting means. The mode changeover switch selectively switches between a normal performance mode in which the tone generation means generates a tone of a predetermined pitch and an effect performance mode in which the sound effect generation means generates a prescribed sound effect.

[0018]

The operation of the means of the present invention is as follows. When a plurality of strings are simultaneously plucked (picking operation), the plucking operation detection means independently detects that each string has been plucked.

Further, the pitch setting means sets the pitch data corresponding to the fret operation position for the string for which the string operation is detected by the string operation detecting means. Subsequently, the pitch determination means determines that a plurality of strings have been simultaneously plucked based on the detection result of the plucking operation detection means, and then the pitch determination means sets the plucking data based on the pitch data set by the pitch setting means. It is determined whether or not a pitch having a specific pitch relation is designated by a plurality of strings that have been string-operated.

If the pitch determining means determines that a pitch having a specific pitch relationship is designated by a plurality of strings, the sound effect generating means outputs a predetermined sound effect corresponding to the specific pitch relationship. generate.

Therefore, when a fret operation is performed on a plurality of strings so that the pitches corresponding to the respective strings have a specific pitch relationship, and a plurality of strings are simultaneously plucked, a predetermined effect is obtained. Sound is generated.

For this reason, when the same pitch is specified for a plurality of strings and the strings are simultaneously operated, it is possible to generate a sound effect such as an alarm sound of a level crossing. It is possible to faithfully reproduce the playing style.

If only a single string is operated,
The tone pitch data corresponding to the fret operation position of the string operated is set by the tone pitch setting means, and the musical tone corresponding to the tone pitch data is generated from the musical tone generating means. Further, when the mode changeover switch is operated, a normal performance mode in which the musical sound generating means generates a predetermined pitch and a sound effect playing mode in which the sound effect generating means generates a predetermined sound effect are selectively switched.

Therefore, by providing a mode changeover switch, a plurality of performances such as a normal performance mode and a normal performance, and a sound effect performance mode and a special performance such as a level crossing method can be performed. It becomes possible to selectively enjoy.

[0025]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is an external view of a trigger-type electronic string instrument according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, the main body of the stringed instrument is in the shape of a guitar consisting of a body 1, a neck 2 and a head 3. Above the neck 2 and above the body 1, there is a longitudinal direction. A plurality of strings 4 (here, six strings) are stretched for playing a stringed instrument. In detail, one end of each string 4 is supported by a peg 7 provided on the head 3, and the other end is a string trigger switch TSW that detects a picked string of each string provided in the case 11. The fingerboard 8 is connected and stretched above the fingerboard 8 attached to the upper surface of the neck 2.
On the body 1, a power switch PSW for switching the power ON / OFF, a mode switch MSW for alternately switching between a normal performance mode and a sound effect performance mode, a panel switch 5a for selecting a tone color, and a volume control. There is provided a main volume, a switch 5b, and a key switch 5c for controlling mute and the like.

The normal playing mode corresponds to the position (fret operation position) of the fret 12 with which the string 4 is in contact by the fret operation of pressing the string 4 to a predetermined position on the fingerboard 8 and the string picking operation. This is a mode in which pitched musical tones are generated.In the sound effect playing mode, when a level crossing or octave playing method is performed, a sound effect such as a level crossing alarm sound or a sound effect corresponding to the octave playing method is generated. Mode.

Frets 12 are fixedly installed on the fingerboard 8 at predetermined intervals, and a plurality of fret switches FSW are arranged in a matrix between the frets 12 corresponding to the strings 4 in the fingerboard 8. It is buried. The fret switch FSW is for detecting the fret operation position of each string 4. Overall Circuit Configuration Next, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall circuit configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

The string trigger switch group 10 is a switch group composed of a plurality of string trigger switches TSW provided for each string as shown in FIG. 1 for detecting the start / end of the vibration of each string 4. For example, the on / off is alternately repeated according to the vibration of the strings 4.

The latch circuit 20 is composed of RS type flip-flops equal in number to the strings 4, and a set terminal S of each flip-flop is connected to each string trigger switch TSW in a one-to-one relationship. Therefore, when the string trigger switch TSW is turned on, the corresponding flip-flop is set to "1".

Further, the microcomputer 30 is not shown in the figure, but is a ROM (Read Only Memory) or RA.
Built-in M (random access memory), R
The program stored in the OM is executed to control the entire system.

The microcomputer 30 has a latch circuit 2
The content of each flip-flop of 0 is read at a predetermined cycle, and the content read last time and the content read this time are compared to detect the start of vibration of each string. That is, it is determined that the vibration of the string has started when the value of the flip-flop changes from "0" to "1".

When the start of a string is detected, the microcomputer 30 sets a predetermined timer value in a built-in timer (not shown) to activate the timer, and a time end interrupt (time equal to the timer value) from the timer. Occurs after the passage of time), the vibration of the string is started and the flip-flop set to "1" is reset to "0".

As shown in FIG. 1, the fret switch group 40 is composed of a plurality of fret switches FSW arranged in a matrix between the frets 12 corresponding to the strings 4, and the strings 4 are arranged on the fingerboard 8. When pressed to a predetermined position, the fret switch FSW embedded below the pressed position is turned on. The output of each fret switch FSW is the switch status detection unit 5
It is participating in 0.

Further, the panel switch group 60 comprises panel switches such as the mode changeover switch MSW, the tone color selection panel switch 5a, the main volume switch 5b and the key switch 5c shown in FIG. The output of the switch is applied to the switch status detection unit 50.

The switch status detecting section 50 includes the switches of the fret switch group 40 and the panel switch group 6
This is a circuit that stores the ON / OFF state (status) of each switch of 0, and the microcomputer 30 reads the status of each switch of the fret switch group 40 and the panel switch group 60 from the switch status detection unit 50.

As described above, the microcomputer 30 operates the latch circuit 20 and the string trigger switch TSW.
When the vibration of the string, that is, the picking operation is sensed, the fret operation position of the picked string is obtained via the switch status detection unit 50. Then, the pitch of the musical tone is obtained from the picked string and the fret operation position, and the pitch data and the note-on instruction data are output to the MIDI interface 70.

Further, the microcomputer 30 receives the panel switch group 60 via the switch status detecting section 50.
The status of each switch is read out, the mode specified in the mode changeover switch MSW is stored in the mode flag in the RAM based on the status information, and various tone control information such as tone color and volume is created and output to the MIDI interface 70. To do.

Further, as will be described later in detail, it is determined from the status of the string trigger switch TSW and the fret operation position information whether or not the level crossing or octave style is performed, and if the level crossing or octave style is performed, The sound effect data corresponding to the crossing style and octave style is created and output to the MIDI interface 70.

The MIDI interface 70 is a MID
An interface for transmitting and receiving data based on the I (Musical Instrument Digeal Interface) standard. For example, UART (Univerwal Asynchoro-nous Receive and
Transmitter) etc. The MIDI interface 70 is connected to the MIDI interface 81 of the external tone generator 80 via the cable C shown in FIG. 1, and edits the tone control information input from the microcomputer into a message in a data format according to the MIDI standard, The edited message is transmitted to the MISI interface 81.

The MIDI interface 81 is MIDI
Similar to the interface 70, it is a circuit that sends and receives messages based on the MIDI standard. That is, the musical instrument body and the external sound source device 80 mutually transmit and receive messages via the MIDI interface 70 and the MIDI interface 81 in a data format according to the MIDI standard.

The external sound source device 80 includes the MIDI interface 81, the tone generating circuit 82, and the sound effect generating circuit 8.
It consists of three. MIDI interface 81
It is connected to the tone generation circuit 82 and the sound effect generation circuit 83, and the tone control information in the message is distributed to the tone generation circuit 82 or the effect sound generation circuit 83 based on the content of the message transmitted from the MIDI interface 70. Output.

The musical tone generating circuit 82 is a circuit for generating a musical tone having a predetermined pitch based on the musical tone control information. The musical tone generating circuit 82 controls the tone color and volume of the generated musical tone, and further has a predetermined effect on the musical tone. Performs additional control.

Further, the sound effect generation circuit 83 is a circuit for generating a special sound effect corresponding to the sound effect of the level crossing or the octave sound style, or a special sound effect corresponding to the sound of the octave sound style, based on the sound effect data of the level crossing style or the octave style. is there.

Musical sound generating circuit 82 and sound effect generating circuit 83
The sound and sound effects generated by the sound system 90
Is amplified by and emitted to the outside. {Operation of First Embodiment} Next, the operation of the first embodiment configured as described above will be described. General Flow of Microcomputer 30 FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the overall operation of the microcomputer 30.

When the power switch PSW is turned on, the microcomputer 30 performs initialization processing such as initial setting of the storage area in the RAM (G1). By this initialization processing G1, for example, the mode flag is automatically set to the normal performance mode, and each flip-flop of the latch circuit 20 is reset to "0".

Next, the value of the flip-flop storing the latest status of the string trigger switch TSW corresponding to each string 4 is read from the latch circuit 20, and the value read last time and the value read this time are compared. , The start / end of vibration of each string 4 is determined (G2). The microcomputer 30 stores the previous value of the flip-flop corresponding to each string 4 in the RAM, and compares the previous value with the newly read value. Then, by detecting that the value of the flip-flop has changed from "0" to "1", the presence of the string trigger (the string 4 has been picked) is determined. When it is determined that the string trigger is present, the current mode is determined by referring to the mode flag, and the process according to the current mode is performed. The processing for each mode will be described later in detail.

Next, each fret switch FS of the fret switch group 40 is passed through the switch status detecting section 50.
The status of W is read (G3), and it is determined whether there is even one fret switch FSW whose status has changed (G4), and the fret FSW whose status has changed.
If there is, the new fret operation position of the string 4 corresponding to the fret switch FSW with the changed status is detected, and the information (fret number) regarding the fret operation position of the string 4 is updated (G5).

That is, the microcomputer 30 reads the status of the fret switch FSW at a predetermined cycle and detects that the fret operation position has changed due to the status change of the fret switch FSW. The fret operation position information (fret number) is updated for the string whose fret operation position has changed.

Subsequent to G5, the status of each switch of the panel switch group 60 is read from the switch status detecting unit 50 (G6), and it is determined whether the status of the panel switch has changed (G7). If there is a changed panel switch, the mode, tone color, etc. are switched according to the panel switch whose status has changed (G8).

For example, when the status of the mode selector switch MSW changes, the value of the mode flag is alternately switched to "0" and "1". For example, when the value of the mode flag is "0", the normal performance mode is set,
When it is "1", the sound effect performance mode is stored. After the initialization process G1, the microcomputer 30 sequentially repeats G2 to G8. Processing by Mode of First Embodiment Next, FIG. 4 is a flowchart of processing by mode executed in the string trigger detection processing G2.

The microcomputer 30 refers to the mode flag in the RAM to determine the currently selected mode (M1). If the value of the mode flag is "1", it is determined that the mode is the sound effect playing mode and the sound effect playing process is performed (M2). If the value of the mode flag is "0", it is the normal playing mode. It is determined and a normal performance is performed (M3). Normal Performance Processing of First Embodiment FIG. 5 is a detailed flowchart of the normal performance processing M3. In the figure, N is a predetermined work register provided in the microcomputer 30, and the value of the register N is represented by "N" for convenience. The six strings 4 in this embodiment are assigned string numbers "1" to "6", and the string 4 having the string number N is expressed as the Nth string.

The microcomputer 30 first initializes the register N to "1" (H1), and then the latch circuit 2
The value of the flip-flop corresponding to the Nth string is read from 0, and it is determined whether or not the string trigger switch TSW of the Nth string is on ("1") (H2).

The above H2 is performed for the string trigger switch TSW corresponding to the strings 4 from the first string to the sixth string until the string 4 for which the string trigger switch TSW is turned on is found. (H2->H3->H4-> H2). If there is no string trigger switch TSW that is turned on, the normal performance process ends.

With the above operation, no musical sound is emitted when the string is not picked in the normal mode. On the other hand, if the string trigger switch TSW of the Nth string is turned on at the above H2, the fret number F corresponding to the Nth string is passed through the switch status detecting unit 50.
From the RAM (H3), creates pitch data indicating the pitch of a musical tone from the string number N and the fret number F, and creates the created pitch data and note-on instruction data via the MIDI interface 70 to an external sound source device. 80 (H4). As a result, the external sound source device 80 generates a musical tone corresponding to the pitch data, and is emitted to the outside via the sound system 90.

By the above operation, when the string 4 is picked in the normal mode, a musical tone having a pitch corresponding to the fret operating position of the string 4 is generated. Effect Performance Processing of First Embodiment Next, FIG. 6 is a detailed flowchart of the effect sound performance processing M2.

First, as with the normal performance process, the string trigger switch T is applied to the strings 4 from the first string to the sixth string.
It is determined whether or not the SW is turned on, that is, whether or not the picking operation is performed, and if any of the strings 4 is not picked, the processing is ended (I1 to I
4).

If the string trigger switch TSW corresponding to the Nth string is turned on at I2, the fret number F ₁ corresponding to the current fret operating position of the Nth string is read from the RAM (I5), The pitch data is determined from the string number N of the Nth string being picked and the fret number F ₁ and stored in the register K1 (I6). For the sake of convenience, the pitch data stored in the register K1 is expressed as pitch data K1.

Next, the status of the string trigger switch TSW corresponding to the string 4 other than the Nth string is set to the latch circuit 20.
The string 4 other than the Nth string is searched to see if it is currently vibrating (I7).

When it is determined that there is a vibrating string 4 other than the Nth string (I8), the fret numbers corresponding to the current fret operation positions are read from the RAM for all vibrating strings 4. (I9).

Based on the fret number, pitch data is determined for all currently vibrating strings (I1
0). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the same pitch data as the pitch data K ₁ obtained in I6 is designated by another string 4 (I11), and if designated, the level crossing corresponding to the pitch data K ₁ is determined. The sound effect data and note-on instruction data for rendition style are output to the external sound source device 80 via the MIDI interface 70. As a result, the external sound source device 80
A sound effect generation circuit 83 therein generates a sound effect such as a crossing alarm, and the sound is emitted to the outside via a sound system 90.

By the above operation, when a fret operation is performed so that the same pitch is designated by a plurality of strings 4 and the plurality of strings 4 are picked simultaneously (railroad crossing method), an alarm sound of a railroad crossing is produced. Sound effects are pronounced.

On the other hand, when the same pitch data as the pitch data K ₁ is not designated by the other string 4 in I ₁₁ above,
Then pitch data K ₂ to the pitch data K ₁ in relation octave below on or octave, to determine whether it is specified in the other strings 4 (I13), the pitch data K ₂
If is specified, the sound effect data for the octave rendition style and the note-on instruction data corresponding to the pitch data K ₁ and the pitch data K ₂ are transmitted to the external sound source device 80 via the MIDI interface 70 (I14 ). As a result, a special sound effect corresponding to the octave playing style is generated by the sound effect generating circuit 83 of the external sound source device 80,
Sound is emitted to the outside by the sound system 90.

By the above operation, when a fret operation is performed on a plurality of strings 4 so as to specify pitches which are in an octave up or octave down relationship with each other, and a plurality of strings 4 are picked simultaneously (octave playing method), A special sound effect is produced.

In the above I13, the pitch data K for other strings is obtained.
_If the pitch data having the relationship of ₁ octave above or ₁ octave below is not specified, the pitch data K ₁ and the note-on instruction data are output to the external tone generator 80 via the MIDI interface 70. By this,
The external tone generator 80 generates a musical tone having a pitch corresponding to the pitch data K ₁ of the string 4 that has been initially picked.
Sound is emitted to the outside via the sound system 90.

By the above operation, a fret operation is performed on a plurality of strings 4 so as to specify pitches that are not in a specific pitch relationship (the same pitch or a relationship that is one octave above or one octave below each other), and the plurality of strings 4 are selected. If you pick two strings 4 at the same time, the first picked string 4
A musical tone with a pitch corresponding to the fret operation position of is generated. [Second Embodiment] FIG. 7 is an overall external view of a pitch extraction type electronic string instrument according to the second embodiment.

In the figure, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted. A plurality of strings 4 (six strings in this embodiment) for playing a stringed instrument are supported at one end by a peg 7 so as to be adjustable, and the other end is bridge 1 on the body 1.
It is fixed at 3. In the vicinity of the bridge 13,
A string vibration pickup sensor M for independently picking up the vibration of each string 4 is provided for each string 4.

The string vibration pickup sensor M is composed of, for example, a piezoelectric or magnet type pickup or a microphone, and converts the vibration of the string 4 into an electric signal (sense signal) similar to the vibration and stores it in the body 1. It outputs to the peak detection part 120 provided. The fundamental frequency of the vibrating string 4 is from the bridge 13 of the pressed string 4 to the fret 1
It is determined by the chord length up to the connection position of No. 2, the material of the chord, and the tension. The sense signal output from the string vibration pickup sensor M contains various harmonic components in addition to the fundamental frequency.

The musical instrument body is connected to an external tone generator 80 via a cable C carrying serial and asynchronous MIDI signals, and musical tones generated by the external tone generator are emitted to the outside via a sound system 90. It is like this.

Next, FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the entire system of the second embodiment. Overall Circuit Configuration In the figure, blocks similar to those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

The peak detector 120 is a circuit for A / D converting the sense signal output from the string vibration pickup sensor M to detect the positive peak value and the negative peak value of the sense signal. After detecting the peak value of, the interrupt signal is sent to the microcomputer at the time when the sign of the sense signal changes (that is, the time when the sense signal changes from positive to negative or from negative to positive, hereafter referred to as the zero crossing time). Add to 30. Further, the A / D-converted positive peak value and negative peak value are added to the microcomputer 30 'together with the interrupt signal.

The microcomputer 30 'detects the harmonic component based on the interrupt by the zero cross time point detection after the positive peak value detection and the zero cross time point detection after the negative peak value is applied from the peak detection unit 120. The basic period of the string vibration of the string 4 that has been picked is extracted from the included sense signal (pitch extraction). Then, when the extraction of the basic cycle is completed, the extracted basic cycle is written in the current cycle data storage area in the RAM, and the cycle determination flag is set. The contents stored in the current cycle data storage area are transferred to the previous cycle data storage area before writing the newly obtained basic cycle of this time. Therefore, the current basic cycle and the previous basic cycle are stored in the current cycle data storage area and the previous cycle data storage area, respectively. When the current basic cycle is written in the current cycle data storage area, the cycle confirmation flag is set.

The microcomputer 30 'determines that the vibration of the string 4 has started when the positive and negative peak values input from the peak detector 120 exceed a predetermined threshold value, and the positive and negative peak values are determined. Is determined to be equal to or less than a predetermined value, it is determined that the vibration of the string 4 has ended. Further, the pitch of the string 4 picked by the pitch extraction processing is obtained.
Further, as will be described later in detail, it is also determined whether or not a plurality of strings 4 have been picked at the same time, and it is also determined whether or not the level crossing method or the octave playing method is performed. Then, the microcomputer 30 ′ creates a tone control signal according to a picking operation of a single string or a picking operation of a plurality of strings such as a leveling method and an octave playing method, and outputs the tone control signal via an MIDI interface 70 to an external sound source. To the device 80.

As shown in FIG. 7, the peak detector 12
0, the microcomputer 30 ′ and the MIDI interface 70 are provided in the body 1. In addition, the switch status detection unit 50 ′ includes a panel switch group 60.
Is a block for detecting and storing the status of each switch, and the microcomputer 30 'reads the status of each switch of the panel switch group 60 via the switch status detecting unit 50'. The microcomputer 30 'alternately switches the value of the mode flag between "0" and "1" according to the change in the status of the mode changeover switch MSW as in the first embodiment. The normal performance mode is stored when the value of the mode flag is "0", and the sound effect performance mode is stored when the value of the mode flag is "1". {Operation of Second Embodiment} The operation of the main part of the second embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 to 11.

The peak detector 120 converts the positive or negative peak value of the sense signal output from the string pickup sensor M into a digital value, and then the microcomputer 3
An interrupt signal (interrupt) L (N) is added to 0 '. Note that L (N) is an interrupt signal for notifying that the digital conversion of the peak value of the sense signal output from the string pickup sensor M corresponding to the Nth string is completed (N = 1 to 6).

Therefore, when the digital conversion is completed for the peak values of the sense signals corresponding to the first to sixth strings, the interrupt signals L (1) to L (6) are sent to the microcomputer 30 ', respectively. Added. Mode Discrimination Processing of Second Embodiment FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the mode discrimination processing executed by the microcomputer 30 'when the interrupt signal L (N) is applied.

When the interrupt signal L (N) is applied, the microcomputer 30 'reads the digital data of the peak value of the sense signal corresponding to the Nth string from the peak detector 120 and stores it in the peak value storage area in the RAM. (D
1).

Next, referring to the mode storage flag, it is determined whether the currently selected mode is the normal performance mode or the sound effect performance mode, and if it is the normal performance mode, the normal performance processing is executed (D3 ), In the effect sound performance mode, effect performance processing is executed (D4).

The mode discrimination processing as described above is performed on the strings 4 from the first string to the sixth string. Normal Performance Processing of Second Embodiment FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of the normal performance processing D3 performed by the microcomputer 30 '.

Although not shown in the drawing, the RAM 30 is provided with a sounding flag for each string 4 indicating whether or not each string 4 is currently sounding.
Sets / resets the in-progress flag of each string 4 in accordance with the in-progress / unprogress.

In the normal performance processing, it is first determined whether or not the Nth string is being sounded by referring to the sounding flag (E1). If it is not sounding, the sense stored in the RAM is detected. It is determined whether the peak value of the signal is equal to or higher than a predetermined note-on level (E2).

If the note-on level or higher,
By referring to the cycle confirmation flag provided in the RAM,
It is determined whether or not the vibration cycle (basic cycle) of the string is confirmed. If the basic cycle is confirmed, the current basic cycle of the Nth string is read from the current cycle data storage area in RAM,
Pitch data (note number) corresponding to the basic cycle
Create the pitch data and note-on instruction data with M
It is output to the IDI interface 70 (E4). Also, the tone generation flag is set to ON (E4). As a result, the pitch data and the note-on instruction data are transferred to the external sound source 80.
Is transmitted to the external sound source device 80, a musical tone corresponding to the pitch data is generated by the external sound source device 80, and is emitted through the sound system 90.

By the above operation, when the string 4 is pressed to the fret position corresponding to the desired pitch and the picking operation is performed, a musical tone of the desired pitch is emitted. On the other hand, if it is determined in E1 that the sound is being produced, the peak value is read from the RAM and it is determined whether or not the peak value is below the note-off level (E5). If it is not lower than the note-off level, the current basic period of the Nth string is read from the current period data storage area, and it is determined whether the basic period has changed compared to the previous time (E6). Is converted, pitch data corresponding to the new fundamental period is created and output to the MIDI interface 70 (E
7). As a result, the external sound source device 80 generates a musical tone corresponding to the new pitch data, and the sound system 90
Is emitted through.

By the above operation, the pitch of the musical tone changes in accordance with the periodic change of the vibration of the Nth string. On the other hand, if the peak value is below the note-off level at E5, the note-off instruction data is output to the MIDI interface 70 and the sounding flag is reset to "0" (E
8). As a result, the external tone generator 80 attenuates the tone sound of the Nth string to eliminate it.

By the above operation, when the vibration of the N-th string is attenuated and weakened to a predetermined value or less, the sound emission of the musical sound is stopped. Effect Sound Performance Processing of Second Embodiment FIG. 11 is an operation flowchart showing the details of the effect sound performance processing performed by the microcomputer 30 '.

In the sound effect playing process, first, it is determined whether the period of the Nth string is confirmed by referring to the period confirmation flag (F1). If the basic period of the Nth string is confirmed,
It is determined whether the basic cycle determined this time is the same as the previous basic cycle (F2).

If they are the same, the pitch data is determined based on the current basic cycle and stored in the register K ₁ (F3). Next, if the strings other than the Nth string are vibrating, R
The peak value storage area that stores the peak value of vibration corresponding to each string in the AM is searched and determined (F4,
F5). That is, if the vibration peak value is equal to or higher than the note-on level, it is determined that the string is vibrating, the basic period is calculated for all the vibrating strings 4, and the pitch data corresponding to each string 4 is obtained. Determine (F6).

In the process of F6, the processes of F1 to F3 are performed for strings other than the Nth string. Subsequently, it is determined whether the same pitch data as the pitch data K ₁ corresponding to the Nth string is designated in another string 4 (F7), and if the same pitch data K ₁ is designated. , The sound effect data for the level crossing sound corresponding to the pitch data K ₁ and the note-on instruction data are output to the external sound source device 80 via the MIDI interface 70 (F8). As a result, the external sound source device 8
A sound effect generating circuit 83 in 0 generates a sound effect such as an alarm sound of a railroad crossing corresponding to the pitch data K _1, and the sound is emitted to the outside via the sound system 90.

By the above operation, the plurality of strings 4 are pressed to the fret position so that the same pitch is designated, and the plurality of strings 4 are simultaneously picked (railroad crossing method), whereby the alarm is crossed. A sound effect such as a sound is produced.

On the other hand, at the other string 4 vibrating at the above F7, the Nth string
If the pitch data K ₁ that is the same as that of the string is not specified, it is determined whether or not the pitch data that is _one octave above or one octave below the pitch data K ₁ is specified in the other string 4 (F9 ), If specified, outputs the sound effect data for the octave playing style and the note-on instruction data corresponding to the two pitch data which are in the octave up or octave down relationship to the external sound source device 80 via the MIDI interface 70. Yes (F10).

As a result, the effect generation circuit 83 in the external sound source device 80 generates a sound effect corresponding to the octave playing method, and is emitted to the outside through the sound system 90. By the above operation, when the plurality of strings 4 are pressed to the fret positions such that they are in the octave up or octave down relationship with each other and the strings 4 are picked at the same time, the sound effect corresponding to the octave playing style is produced.

On the other hand, if the pitch data that is in the octave up or octave down relationship is not designated in the above F9, the pitch data K ₁ and the note-on instruction data relating to the Nth string are externally output via the MIDI interface 70. Output to the sound source device 80. As a result, the musical tone generating circuit 82 in the external tone generator 80 generates a musical tone corresponding to the pitch data K ₁ , and is emitted to the outside via the sound system 90.

By the above operation, when a plurality of strings 4 which are not related to a specific pitch are simultaneously picked, a musical tone having a pitch corresponding to the first picked string 4 is produced.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned first or second embodiment, but the ultrasonic wave is propagated to each string, and the ultrasonic wave is reflected from the specific fret position which comes into contact with the string by the string-pressing operation. An ultrasonic electronic stringed instrument that detects the fret operation position by measuring the coming time (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 62-
(See No. 99790). in this case,
The fret operation position is detected based on the measured reflection time, so if the measured reflection time of each string has a predetermined time difference relationship, there will be multiple pitches that have the same pitch, or octave up and down pitches. Will be specified by the string.
Therefore, when the measured reflection time of each string has a predetermined time difference relationship, a specific sound effect is generated.

Further, the pitch relationship for generating the sound effect is not limited to the same pitch or octave relationship (octave up, octave down) and may be other pitch relationships.
Further, the sound effect is not limited to the sound of the level crossing alarm device, and may be other sound effects, for example, a harmonics sound, a noise sound, and a rubbed string sound.

[0096]

As described above, according to the present invention,
A special effect is detected when multiple strings are simultaneously plucked (picking) and the fret operation positions of the plucked strings simultaneously correspond to a specific pitch relationship. Since the sound is generated, it is possible to faithfully reproduce the special performances peculiar to natural string instruments such as the level crossing method and the octave playing method. In addition, various performance expressions can be realized by associating different sound effects with various pitch relationships.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of an electronic stringed instrument according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall circuit configuration of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a general flowchart for explaining the overall operation of the microcomputer of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a mode-specific process of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a normal performance process of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a sound effect performance process of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an external view of an electronic stringed instrument according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an overall circuit configuration of a second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a mode-specific process of the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a normal performance process of the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a sound effect performance process of the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 body 4 strings 12 frets 30, 30 'microcomputer 83 sound effect generation circuit 120 peak detector FSW fret switch M string vibration pickup sensor TSW string trigger switch

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A string vibration detecting means for detecting the vibration of a plurality of stretched strings for each string, a pitch specifying means for specifying the pitch of a musical tone to be generated, and the string vibration detecting means. When the vibration of the string is detected, in response thereto, the generation start instructing means for instructing the start of the generation of the musical sound having the pitch designated by the pitch designating means, and the string vibration detecting means are detected. Simultaneous string vibration detection means for detecting whether or not the vibrations of the respective strings are simultaneous, and when the simultaneous string vibration detection means simultaneously detect the string vibration, the pitch designation is made for each string in the vibration. Pitch determining means for determining whether or not the respective pitches designated by the means have a specific pitch relationship, and when the pitch determining means determines that the pitch has the specific pitch relationship, it responds to this. Control to generate sound effects, while When it is determined that the pitch does not have the specific pitch relation, in response to this, control means for controlling to simultaneously generate musical tones having the pitches designated by the pitch designating means, is provided. An electronic stringed instrument characterized by that. 2. A string vibration detecting means for detecting vibrations of a plurality of stretched strings for each string, a pitch specifying means for specifying a pitch of a musical tone to be generated, and the string vibration detecting means. When the vibration of the string is detected, in response thereto, the generation start instructing means for instructing the start of the generation of the musical sound having the pitch designated by the pitch designating means, and the string vibration detecting means are detected. Simultaneous string vibration detection means for detecting whether or not the vibrations of the respective strings are simultaneous, and when the simultaneous string vibration detection means simultaneously detect the string vibration, the pitch designation is made for each string in the vibration. Pitch determining means for determining whether or not the respective pitches designated by the means have a specific pitch relationship, and when the pitch determining means determines that the pitch has the specific pitch relationship, it responds to this. Is specified by the pitch specifying means When controlling to generate a sound effect at one of the pitches, and on the other hand, when it is determined that the pitch is not in the specific pitch relation, in response to this, the pitch is designated by the pitch designating means. An electronic stringed instrument comprising: a control unit that controls to simultaneously generate musical tones having different pitches. 3. A string vibration detecting means for detecting the vibration of a plurality of stretched strings for each string, and a corresponding basic cycle or basic frequency based on the vibration of the strings detected by the string vibration detecting means. When the string vibration is detected by the string vibration detecting unit and the string vibration detecting unit, in response to this, a pitch corresponding to the fundamental period or the fundamental frequency detected by the pitch extracting unit is provided. A generation start instructing means for instructing the start of generation of a musical sound, a simultaneous string vibration detecting means for detecting whether or not the vibrations of the respective strings detected by the string vibration detecting means are simultaneous, and the simultaneous string vibration detecting means When a string vibration is detected at the same time, a pitch judgment is performed to determine whether or not each fundamental period or fundamental frequency detected by the pitch extracting means has a specific pitch relation for each string in the vibration. Means and the pitch determining means, when it is determined that the specific pitch relationship is established, in response to this, control is performed to generate a sound effect, while it is determined that the specific pitch relationship is not established. Then, in response thereto, control means for controlling so as to simultaneously generate musical tones having respective pitches responsive to the respective fundamental periods or fundamental frequencies detected by the pitch extracting means, are provided. A characteristic electronic stringed instrument. 4. A string vibration detecting means for detecting the vibrations of a plurality of stretched strings for each string, and a corresponding basic period or basic frequency based on the vibration of the strings detected by the string vibration detecting means. When the vibration of the string is detected by the pitch extracting means for detecting the frequency and the string vibration detecting means, the pitch extracting means has a pitch corresponding to the fundamental period or the fundamental frequency detected by the pitch extracting means. A generation start instructing means for instructing the start of generation of a musical sound, a simultaneous string vibration detecting means for detecting whether or not the vibrations of the respective strings detected by the string vibration detecting means are simultaneous, and the simultaneous string vibration detecting means At the same time, when a string vibration is detected, a pitch discriminating means for discriminating whether or not each pitch designated by the pitch designating means has a specific pitch relation for each string in the vibration, Pitch discrimination When it is determined by the stage that there is the specific pitch relationship, in response thereto, one pitch of the pitches corresponding to each fundamental cycle or fundamental frequency detected by the pitch extracting means. Control to generate a sound effect on the other hand, and on the other hand, when it is determined that there is no relation with the specific pitch, in response to this, each of the fundamental periods or fundamental frequencies detected by the pitch extracting means is responded to. An electronic stringed instrument comprising: a control unit that controls to simultaneously generate musical tones having different pitches. 5. The electronic stringed instrument according to claim 1, wherein the pitch designating means is a pitch designing fret switch provided for each fingering operation position where a fingering operation is performed.