Hand Musical Tone Control Apparatus

The present invention relates to a musical tone control apparatus capable of controlling musical tone corresponding to movement of a player's hand or fingers.

Conventional musical tone control apparatus is disclosed in the Japanese Utility-model Application No. 61-196297. This musical tone control apparatus comprises a holding portion held by a hand of a player; key-switches operated by fingers of a player; and an attaching belt for holding a main instrument connected to the holding instrument. Accordingly, turning a key-switch on produces a musical tone having a predetermined tone pitch corresponding to the key-switch.

Other musical tone control apparatuses are disclosed in the Japanese Utility-model Application Nos. 55-68192 and 56-3590. An input device of the musical tone control apparatuses comprises a stick movable in all directions in a plane; rotation type of variable resistors movable in a rotating direction; and a conversion mechanism for transferring movement of the stick to variable resistors by converting that movement into a rotating movement. Accordingly moving the stick changes a resistance value of respective rotary type variable resistors.

However, these conventional musical tone control apparatuses have disadvantages in that high quality performance cannot be achieved such as one with a musical tone including variations, such as, a so-called pitch-bend and modulation. The apparatuses simply produce musical tones having tone pitches corresponding to each key-switch. In addition, the conventional musical tone control apparatus has disadvantages in that it is complicated in construction and relatively large in size.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a musical tone control apparatus capable of achieving a high quality performance, such as one with a musical tone including variations of a pitch-bend, a tremolo, a vibrato, and the like.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a musical tone control apparatus which is constructed with a compact shape.

In an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a musical tone control apparatus for controlling musical tone corresponding to movement of parts of a human body, comprising: a holding member held by a part of the human body; operating member moved by the part of the human body, the operating member being arranged on the holding member; a conversion device for converting a movement of the operating member into a signal corresponding to a magnitude of the movement; and a control data generating device for generating musical tone control data corresponding to the signal so that the musical tone control data is output to a musical tone generating apparatus, in which the musical tone control data includes variations of a musical tone determined by given function assignments.

Accordingly, musical tone control data includes the variations of musical tone determined by the given function assignments such as a range of pitch-bend, a depth of vibrato, a speed of tremolo, and the like, so that a high performance can be carried out by the musical tone generating apparatus by receiving such musical tone control data from the musical tone control apparatus. Furthermore, the conversion means, such as rotary type variable resistors and slide variable resistors, is incorporated in the holding member as of a unit, so that the holding member can be constructed in a compact shape.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing grip 1R of the first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front and side view showing a layout of push-button switches;

FIG. 3 is a front view showing a depressing state of push-button switch SR2 by the index finger of the right hand;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing directions of movement of operating indentation 5Ra;

FIGS. 5(a) to 5(d) are plan and side views showing a variable resistor unit 10;

FIGS. 6(a) to 6(c) are side views showing components of the variable resistor unit 10;

FIG. 7 is a side view showing a bending state of the elbow;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view showing a potentiometer 43;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a controller 53;

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing the musical tone control apparatus of the first embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a player having the musical tone control apparatus;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are diagrams showing a function assignments of grip 1R and elbow angle detector 30R;

FIGS. 14(a) and 14(b) are flow charts showing function of CPU 70;

FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b) are diagrams describing an initiation routine (step S1) of a main routine;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing function assignments of both grip 1R and grip 1L;

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing other function assignments of both grip 1R and grip 1L;

FIGS. 18 and 19 are diagrams showing function assignments of both grip 1R and grip 1L, and elbow angle detectors 30R and 30L;

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing other function assignments of both grip 1R and grip 1L, and elbow angle detectors 30R and 30L;

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing function assignments of the variable resistor unit 10;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing grip 1R of the second embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a plan view showing grip 1R;

FIGS. 24(a) to 24(c) are section views showing a construction of push-button switch SR1;

FIG. 25 is a section view shown by arrows A--A in FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a partially cut plan view showing slide variable resistors VR10 and VR20;

FIG. 27 is a section view showing a state in which operating button 9R is moved to one end;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing controller 53 of the second embodiment;

FIG. 29 is a circuit diagram showing the musical tone control apparatus of the second embodiment; and

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing function assignments of both grips 1R and 1L.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described by reference to drawings. FIG. 1 shows an outline of a grip which is a part of a musical tone control apparatus of a first embodiment. This grip is shown as a grip 1R for use in the right hand of a player.

In FIG. 1, numeral 2 designates a case having a rectangular shape, in which head portion 2a is formed by a given inclination, and an outline of main portion 2b is tapered from head portion 2a to the end portion thereof. Cable 50R is extended from the end of main portion 2b, and plug 51R is connected with the end of cable 50R. Accordingly, the base of the right thumb is placed on the front side of main portion 2b, and the palm of the right hand is placed on the right side surface of main portion 2b. The fingers, except for the thumb, are placed on the rear side of main portion 2b.

At the rear side of main portion 2b, eight push-button switches SR1 to SR8 are arranged so as to be depressed by the fingers as shown in FIG. 2, in which push-button switches SR1 and SR2 are depressed by the index finger, push-button switches SR3 and SR4 are depressed by the middle finger, push-button switches SR5 and SR6 are depressed by the third finger, and push-button switches SR7 and SR8 are depressed by the little finger. In addition, push-button switches SR2, SR4, SR6, and SR8 are arranged so as to be readily depressed depending on the length of the fingers, and also, the projection of push-button switches SR1, SR3, SR5, and SR7 is arranged a shorter arrangement than the others. That is, they are readily depressed by the fingers. For example, push-button switch SR2 is arranged on the far side of the rear surface, but the index finger can readily reach for push-button switch SR2 because push-button switch SR2 is positioned closer than push-buttons SR4 and SR6 towards the opposite push-button switches SR1, SR3, SR5, and SR7. Likewise push-button SR8 is positioned closer toward the opposite push-buttons. In addition, when push-button switch SR2 is depressed, push-button switch SR1 is not depressed by the index finger as shown in FIG. 3.

Referring back to FIG. 1, circular opening 4 is formed with the front surface of head portion 2a, and operating pad 5R projects from circular opening 4, as a circular ridge. Indentation 5Ra is also formed in the center of operating pad 5R. Accordingly, when the thumb touches indentation 5Ra in one of directions as shown in FIG. 4, an electric signal is produced from a variable resistor unit, which is described next.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show the construction of a variable resistor unit 10 which is positioned under operating pad 5R. FIG. 5(a) shows a plan view of variable resistor unit 10, FIG. 5(b) shows a side view of the left, and FIG. 5(c) shows a front view. In these drawings, numeral 11 designates a rectangular case, each side surface of which has circular holes 11a. Conversion member 13 is pivotally mounted between two circular holes 11a on opposite sides of the four side surfaces.

A front view of conversion member 13 is shown in FIG. 6(a). Conversion member 13 comprises a rectangular bar 13a, and pivot pins 13b for inserting into both holes 11a which are formed in rectangular case 11. One side of rectangular bar 13a has a wavy surface 13d, in which a projection portion of wavy surface 13d is positioned in the center of wavy surface 13d. The other side of rectangular bar 13a has long hole 13c in the central position thereof. This long hole 13c is shown in FIG. 5(a). A conversion bar 17 is inserted into long hole 13c. This conversion bar 17 is pivotally mounted between inside walls of long hole 13c by pivot pin 18. Therefore, conversion bar 17 can be pivotally moved back and forth within long hole 13c in the directions of X1 and X2 shown by the arrows in FIG. 5(d). In addition, in FIG. 5(d), moving conversion bar 17 in the direction of Y1 shown by the arrow pivotally moves conversion member 13 toward the direction of Y1, while moving conversion bar 17 in the direction of Y2 shown by the arrow pivotally moves conversion member 13 toward the direction of Y2.

The details of conversion bar 17 are shown in FIG. 6(b). Conversion bar 17 has a thick portion 17a and a thin portion 17b, in which the lower portion of thick portion 17a has a hole 17c in which pivot pin 18 is inserted, and the upper portion of thick portion 17a is mounted to operating pad 5R. The upper portion of thin portion 17b has washer 19 which is placed around thin portion 17b, and coil spring 21 is also placed around thin portion 17b. Movable member 23 is slidably fitted over the end portion of thin portion 17b. Movable member 23 comprises a cylinder portion 23a into which thin portion 17b is inserted; a cover portion 23b; and a projection portion 23c. Accordingly, movable member 23 is urged by restoring force of coil spring 21.

Referring back to FIG. 5(a), another conversion member 15 is pivotally mounted between the other two holes 11a. This conversion member 15 is shown in FIG. 6(c). Conversion member 15 comprises a U-shaped plate 15a, and pivot pins 15b for inserting into holes 11a, which are attached to both vertical portions of conversion member 15. In addition, U-shaped plate 15a has a long hole 15c in the longitudinal direction thereof. Conversion bar 17 described above passes through long hole 15c. Accordingly, moving conversion bar 17 toward the direction of X1 shown by the arrow pivotally moves conversion member 15 toward the direction of X1, while moving conversion bar 17 toward the direction of X2 shown by the arrow pivotally moves conversion member 15 toward the direction of X2. In addition, when conversion bar 17 moves in the directions of Y1 and Y2, conversion bar 17 pivotally moves within long hole 15c which is formed in conversion member 15.

Referring back to FIGS. 5(a), 5(b), 5(c), and 5(d), mounting members 25 are formed on the side surfaces of rectangular case 11, and are also include one pivotal end of conversion members 13 and 15, respectively. In addition, mounting members 25 are formed in parallel on each side of each of the pivotal ends of conversion members 13 and 15. Rotation type variable resistors VR1 and VR2 are mounted between mounting members 25, in which variable resistor VR1 is mounted on the one side of conversion member 15, and variable resistor VR2 is mounted on the one end of conversion member 13, respectively. Variable resistor VR1 comprises a resistor board VR1a; a shaft VR1b; a slider (not shown in the drawings); a cover VR1c; and terminals VR1d. The end portion of shaft VR1b is coupled with the end portion of pivot pin 15b. Accordingly, moving conversion member 15 pivotally slides the slider along resistor board VR1a, so that the resistance value is changed corresponding to an angle of the rotation. Similarly, the end portion of shaft VR2 b is coupled with the end portion of pivot pin 13b. Variable resistor VR2 has a construction similar to variable resistor VR1, therefore, identical constructions are named by the same reference numerals corresponding to variable resistor VR1. A detailed description of variable resistor VR2 is therefore omitted for the sake of simplicity.

Accordingly, moving conversion bar 17 toward the direction of X1 shown by the arrow rotates the slider of variable resistor VR1 toward the direction of X1. Moving conversion bar 17 toward the direction of X2 shown by the arrow rotates variable resistor VR1 toward the direction of X2. Similarly, moving conversion bar 17 toward the direction of Y1 rotates variable resistor VR2 toward the same direction. Moving conversion bar 17 toward the direction of Y2 rotates variable resistor VR2 toward the same direction. In addition, moving conversion bar 17 toward the direction of Z1 shown by the arrow rotates variable resistor VR1 toward the direction of X1, and variable resistor VR2 toward the direction of Y1 shown by the arrow. Thus, moving conversion bar 17 moves two sliders of respective variable resistors VR1 and VR2, simultaneously.

Rectangular case 11 has a rectangular cap 27 having opening 27a. Conversion bar 17 penetrates into opening 27a as shown in FIGS. 5(b) and 5(c). In FIGS. 5(b) and 5(c), cap 29 is mounted on the lower portion of rectangular case 11. This cap 29 comprises a conic portion 29a, and a rectangular portion 29b. Movable member 23 slidably fitted onto conversion bar 17 contacts the inside and end surface of conic portion 29a. Accordingly, moving conversion bar 17 by hand in all direction in a plane moves movable member 23 in the upper direction along the inside surface of conic portion 29a. Releasing hand from conversion bar 17 moves movable member 23 in the lower direction along the inside surface of conic portion 29a by restoring force of coil spring 21, that is, movable member 23 moves toward the end portion of conic portion 29a, thereby returning conversion bar 17 to a perpendicular position.

Heretofore, grip 1R used for the right hand has been described, grip 1L used for the left hand is also prepared in symmetrical shape, however, a detail description of this construction is omitted for the sake of simplicity.

FIG. 7 shows elbow angle detector 30R which is attached to the right elbow of a player. This elbow angle detector 30R comprises a supporter 31R for attaching to the right elbow, and an angle detector 32R for detecting an angle of the elbow. Angle detector 32R has a plate 33 and a plate 34, each end of which is pivotally coupled by a pin 35. These plates 33 and 34 are made of a plastic material or the like, and each of the plates 33 and 34 is an approximately the same length. The plate 33 is removably attached to supporter 31R by fasteners 36 and 37. While the plate 34 has a long hole 34a in the longitudinal direction thereof, and a guide member 39 is slidably penetrated into long hole 34a, in which the end portion of guide member 39 is removably attached to supporter 31R by a fastener as well.

In FIG. 8, potentiometer 43 is formed with a pivotal portion of respective plates 33 and 34. Plate 33 has a circular-shaped resistance element 40, and a fixed contact 41 which is surrounded by resistance element 40, and central portion of fixed contact 41 has a hole 33a. One end of resistance element 40 is formed with terminal 40a connected to a lead 44 which is also connected to grip 1R. A lead portion of fixed contact 41 is formed with terminal 41a connected to a lead 45 which is connected to grip 1R as well. Plate 34 has slide contact 42 which comprises a circular portion 42a and a lead portion 42b, in which the central portion of circular portion 42a has a hole 34b. Pin 35 is thus inserted into hole 34b and hole 33a so that plate 33 can pivotally move about plate 34. Thus, a variable resistance value can be obtained from leads 44 and 45 corresponding to an angle of the elbow.

The elbow angle detector 30R is attached to the elbow of a player as shown in FIG. 7. When the elbow moves toward the upper direction shown by chain double-dashed line A, and the lower direction shown by chain double-dashed line B, the plate 34 pivotally moves about pin 35. At this time, slide contact 42 slides along resistance element 40 to change the resistance value corresponding to an angle of the elbow. Moving the elbow moves guide member 39 along long hole 34a, so that the movement of the elbow remains smooth.

Heretofore, elbow angle detector 30R for the right elbow has been described. An elbow angle detector for the left elbow is also prepared in a symmetrical manner, however, a detailed description thereof is omitted for the sake of simplicity.

FIG. 9 shows controller 53, in which components of controller 53 are mounted on band 53a. Controller 53 comprises sockets 52R and 52L for connecting to grip 1R and elbow angle detector 30R for the right elbow, and grip 1L and elbow angle detector 30L for the left elbow; a circuit board 53b including a CPU 70, a ROM 71, a RAM 72, and a control circuit which includes A-D converters, registers, a timer, and the like; a tone generator 74 for generating musical tone; and a console 76 having push-switches 76a, in which ROM 71 stores a computer program for use in CPU 70, and RAM 72 is used for a work area. In addition to the above construction, other components are mounted on band 53a, such as a power supply, and the like.

According to the construction described above, a circuit diagram is described by reference to FIG. 10.

Each detected voltage signal from the variable resistors VR1 and VR2 is supplied to A-D converters 54R and 55R through cable 50R. A-D converters 54R and 55R convert each detected voltage signal into digital data composed of a predetermined number of bits, for example, seven bits, which then supplies the digital data to registers 57R and 59R, respectively. Registers 57R and 59R store the digital data, and then supplies the digital data, as detected voltage data VRD1 and VRD2 respectively, to bus line BS.

Each output signal from push-button switches SR1 to SR8 incorporated in grip 1R, is supplied to respective bits, for example eight bits, of register 63R through cable 50R. Register 63R stores each digital data, and then supplies the digital data, as switch-on data SONR, to bus line BS.

Detected voltage signals from angle detector 32R incorporated in elbow angle detector 30R, are supplied to A-D converter 67R through cables 65R and 50R.

A-D converter 67R converts detected voltage signals from angle detector 32R into digital data composed of a predetermined number of bits, for example seven bits, then supplies the digital data to register 69R. Register 69R stores the digital data, then supplies the digital data, as detected angle data .theta.DR, to bus line BS.

In grip 1L for the left hand and elbow angle detector 30L for the left elbow, an identical circuit is prepared for the left hand and the fingers as shown in FIG. 10, therefore, identical components are designated by corresponding reference numerals designated for the components of the right hand and fingers, and the detail description of these components is omitted for the sake of simplicity.

In such a construction, RAM 72 has the following registers;

REFX: standard value register for X direction

REFY: standard value register for Y direction

PARX: movement value register for X direction

PARY: movement value register for Y direction

MIN: minimum value register

MAX: maximum value register

DLT: difference value register

TH1: first threshold value register

TH2: second threshold value register

Numeral 73 designates a timer for measuring interruption time of CPU 70.

A function of CPU 70 is now described. CPU 70 reads detected voltage data VRD1, VRD2, VLD1, and VLD2 stored in registers 57R, 59R, 57L, and 59L; switch-on data SONR and SONL stored in registers 63R and 63L; and detected angle data .theta.DR and .theta.DL stored in registers 69R and 69L. CPU 70 then produces key-code data KC for indicating a tone pitch; tone volume data VOL for indicating a tone volume; tone color data TD for indicating several types of tone colors; effect data KD for indicating several types of effects; and chord data WD for indicating several types of chords based on the reading data. Data produced data by CPU 70 in the above is referred to as musical tone control data, and is supplied to tone generator 74 through bus line BS.

Tone generator 74 produces a musical tone signal having a tone pitch corresponding to key-code data KC. The musical tone signal has a tone volume corresponding to tone volume data VOL; a tone color corresponding to tone color data TD; an effect corresponding to effect data KD; and a chord corresponding to chord data WD. Musical tone signal produced by tone generator 74 is supplied to musical tone generating apparatus 75 composed of amplifiers, speakers, and the like, to produce as a musical tone.

Console 76 has push-switches 76a which supply coded signals to bus line BS.

An operation of the musical tone control apparatus is described in accordance with the above construction. This operation is described for the case of the operation by the right hand and arm. To begin with, controller 53 is worn on the waist of a player as shown in FIG. 11, and then plug 51R of cable 50R extending from grip 1R is plugged into socket 52R of controller 53. The power supply in controller 53 and musical tone generating apparatus 75 is then turned on.

Depressing push-switches 76a on console 76 selects functions in accordance with states of push-button switches SR1 to SR8, variable resistors VR1 and VR2, and elbow angle detector 30R. For example, push-button switches SR1 to SR8, and variable resistors VR1 and VR2 are assigned to the function assignments as shown in FIG. 12. In addition, elbow angle detector 30R is assigned to the function assignments as shown in FIG. 13.

Elbow angle detector 30R having angle detector 32R is attached to the right elbow of a player, and also, the player holds grip 1R in his or her hand to depress a start-switch for starting a performance. Depressing the start-switch makes CPU 70 detects the functions for executing a program shown in FIG. 14(a).

In step S1, an initialization process is executed for the registers. That is, each of predetermined values is set in standard value registers REFX and REFY, minimum value register MIN, maximum value register MAX, difference value register DLT, movement value registers PARX and PARY, and threshold value registers TH1 and TH2. In this case, since a range of 7-bits data supplied to registers 57R, 59R, 57L, and 59L, is "0 to 7F" as in the hexadecimal system, each of standard value registers REFX and REFY is set to "40" which is the middle value of "0 to 7F"; minimum value register MIN and maximum value register MAX are set in "30" and "50", respectively; difference value register DLT is set in "8" as shown in FIG. 15(a). In addition, since a range of 7-bits data is supplied to registers 69R and 69L, threshold register TH1 is set to "30", and threshold register TH2 is set to "50" as shown in FIG. 15(b). Accordingly, the range of the 7-bits data is divided into three, that is, data "0 to 2F" is assigned to "upper", data "30 to 4F" is assigned to "middle", and data "50 to 7F" is assigned to "lower". In this case, in FIG. 7, the arm shown by the continuous line corresponds to "middle", the arm shown by the chain double-dashed line A corresponds to "upper", and the arm shown by the chain double-dashed line B corresponds to "lower". In addition, each of movement value registers PARX and PARY is set to "0", then the process moves to step S2.

In step S2, the process reads switch-on data SONR from register 63R, and moves to step S3.

In step S3, the process decides whether any push-button switches SR1 to SR8 are depressed or not. When the decision is "yes", the process moves to step S4, otherwise it moves to step S5.

In step S4, a switch-on process is executed in accordance with the function assignment as shown in FIG. 12. That is, depressing push-button switch SR4 by the middle finger produces the musical tone of tone pitch A, and depressing push-button switch SR7 by the little finger produces the musical tone of tone pitch C. Under this state, depressing push-button switch SR1 by the index finger produces the musical tone of tone pitch C#. The process then moves to step S5.

In step S5, the process reads detected angle data .theta.DR from register 69R, then moves to step S6.

In step S6, an octave control is executed in accordance with detected angle data .theta.DR. That is, when at least one of push-button switches SR2 to SR8 is turned on, bending the right arm a shown by the chain double-dashed line A produces a musical tone having a tone pitch which is one octave higher than a tone pitch corresponding to a depressed push-button switch. Stretching the arm as shown by the chain double-dashed line B produces a musical tone having a tone pitch which is one octave lower than a tone pitch corresponding to a depressed push-button switch The process then moves to step S7.

In step S7, other processes are executed, for example, tone color such as piano is indicated based on a push-switch incorporated in console 76 for use in a tone color selection. The process then returns to step S2.

On the other hand, CPU 70 executes a process as shown in FIG. 14(b), at every predetermined period based on an interruption.

In step S10, the process reads detected voltage data VRD1 from register 57R, then moves to step S11.

In step S11, the process decides whether the last ten data read from register 57R ranges from the value stored in maximum value register MAX to the value stored in minimum value register MIN, or not. When the decision is "yes", the process moves to step S11, otherwise it moves to step S14.

In step S12, the process decides whether the difference value between the maximum value max. and the minimum value min. out of the last ten data read from register 57R is less than the value stored in difference register DLT, or not. When the decision is "yes", the process moves to step S13, otherwise it moves to step S14.

In step S13, data VRD1 from register 57R is set in standard value register REFX, that is, setting a middle point is executed, then the process moves to step S14.

In step S14, the oldest data out of the last ten data read from register 57R is deleted, and the newest data is written into register 57R, then the process moves to step S15.

In step S15 the value stored in standard value register REFX is subtracted from data VRD1 stored in register 57R, the difference value is set in movement value register PARX, then the process moves to step S16.

In step S16, the magnitude of a pitch-bend (referring to FIG. 12) is controlled by the value of movement value register PARX.

Accordingly, moving operating pad 5R in the direction of X1, shown by the arrow in FIG. 5, controls the musical tone having tone pitch corresponding to depressed push-button switches SR2 to SR8 with the pitch-bend, then the process moves to step S17.

In step S17, data VRD2 is read from register 59R, then the process moves to step S18.

In step S18, the process decides whether the last ten data read from register 59R ranges from the value stored in maximum value register MAX to the value stored in minimum value register MIN, or not. When the decision is "yes", the process moves to step S19, otherwise it moves to step S21.

In step S19, the process decides whether the difference value between the maximum value max and the minimum value min. out of the last ten data read from register 59R is less than the value from difference value register DLT, or not. When the decision is "yes", the process moves to step S20, otherwise it moves to step S21. In step S20, data VRD2 stored in register 59R is set in standard value register REFY, that is, setting the middle point is executed, then the process moves to step S21.

In step S21, the oldest data out of last ten data read from register 59R is deleted, and the newest data is written into register 59R, then the process moves to step S22.

In step S22, the value from standard value register REFY is subtracted from data VRD2 from register 59R, the difference value is set in movement value register PARY. then the process moves to step S23.

In step S23, the control of a tone volume is executed in accordance with the value of movement value register PARY.

Accordingly, moving operating pad 5R in the direction of Y1 shown by the arrow (referring to FIG. 4) controls a musical tone having a tone pitch corresponding to depressed push-button switches to a tone volume corresponding to a magnitude of movement. The process then moves out from the whole routine.

FIG. 16 shows function assignments (corresponding to keyboard) which indicate states when a player holds both grip 1R by the right hand and grip 1L by the left hand. In the case where the function assignment is executed, for example, depressing push-button switch SR3 by the right middle finger produces the musical tone having tone pitch E, and under this state, moving operating pad 5R in the direction of X1 (referring to FIG. 4) by the right thumb produces the musical tone having tone pitch E which is one octave higher than the octave corresponding to the magnitude of movement. In addition, moving operating button 5L in the direction of X2 (referring to FIG. 4) by the left thumb controls the musical tone having tone pitch E corresponding to the magnitude of a pitch-bend.

FIG. 17 shows other function assignments (corresponding to chords) which indicate states when a player holds both grips 1R and 1L. In the case where the function assignment is executed for example, depressing push-button switch SR6 by the right third finger produces the musical tone having tone pitch G, and under this state, depressing push-button switch SL1 by the left index finger produces the chord of G seventh. Then moving operating pad 5R in the direction of Z1 (referring to FIG. 4) by the right thumb increases the tone volume of the chord corresponding to G seventh, and also, the tempo becomes faster.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show other function assignments which indicate states when a player holds both grips 1R and 1L, and also, wears elbow angle detectors 30R and 30L for the right and left arms. In the case where the function assignment is executed, for example, stretching both arms produces the musical tone having tone pitch B, and under this state, depressing push-button switch SR1 by the right index finger produces the musical tone having tone pitch B which is two octaves higher than a given octave. Additionally under the above state, moving operating button 5L in the direction of Y1 (referring to FIG. 4) by the left thumb produces the musical tone having tone pitch B which has a speed of vibrato corresponding to the magnitude of the movement.

FIG. 20 shows other function assignments which indicate the states when a player holds both grips 1R and 1L, and also, wears both elbow angle detectors 30R and 30L. The function assignment for elbow angle detectors 30R and 30L is omitted because the function assignments are the same one as those shown in FIG. 19 which have already been described. When executing the function assignment, for example, stretching the right arm and bending the left arm produces the musical tone having tone pitch E, and under this state, depressing push-button switch SR7 by the right little finger produces the chord having tone pitch E and minor seven. Additionally under the above states, moving operating button 5L in the direction of X1 (referring to FIG. 5) by the left thumb controls the chord having tone pitch E and minor seventh corresponding to the magnitude of the movement.

In another case, the brightness of the tone color can be controlled by the output signal of variable resistors VR1, VR2, VL1, or VL2.

In another case, each modulation of the effect tone can be controlled by an absolute value of the output signals from variable resistors VR1, VR2, VL1, and VL2.

In another case, the magnitude of an initial touch in turning the push-button switch on can be controlled by the output signals of variable resistors VR1, VR2, VL1, and VL2. In such a case, after turning the push-button switch on, the function indicated by the push-button switch does not have an influence on other push-button switches, even though the output signal of variable resistor VR1 is changed.

In another case, the control of the octave can be carried out by setting threshold values corresponding to the output signals of variable resistors VR1, VR2, VL1, and VL2.

In another case, the indication of the chord can be determined by either both the output signals from variable resistors VR1 and VR2, or both the output signals from variable resistors VL1 and VL2 as shown in FIG. 21.

In another case, the information transmission from grips 1R and 1L, and elbow angle detectors 30R and 30L to controller 53 can be carried out by either after A-D conversion by A-D converters 54R, 55R, 67R, 54L, 55L, and 67L, or by wireless.

In another case, the processes of step S5 and S6 shown in FIG. 14(a) can be carried out by the routine of the time interruption.

FIG. 22 shows a grip 1R of a second embodiment which is used for the right hand of a player. This grip 1R has constructions similar to the first embodiment, therefore, the same constructions are designated by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 22, numeral 100 designates a case hexagonal in cross section which has a group of side surfaces 101, 102, and 103; and a group of side surfaces 104, 105, and 106, both groups of surfaces being symmetrically formed on either side of a plane which forms a longitudinal cross section of case 100, the plane being paralleled to the longitudinal axis of case 100 and running through the intersection of side surfaces 103 and 106, and the intersection of side surfaces 101 and 104, and also, case 100 has top surface 105 and bottom surface 108. Accordingly, the palm of the right hand is placed on side surface 103, the thumb is placed on side surface 105, and the four fingers are placed on side surfaces 101 and 104.

Attaching members 109R are formed with top surface 107 and bottom surface 108, of each intersection of side surfaces 102 and 103, each attaching member 109R having fitting 110R to be attached to adjustable belt 111R, allowing grip 1R to attach to the right hand.

Side surfaces 101 and 104 have push-button switches, in which push-button switches SR1, SR3, SR5, and SR7 are arranged on side surface 101, and also push-button switches SR2, SR4, SR6, and SR8 are arranged on side surface 104 so that the four fingers can depress push-button switches SR1 to SR8. That is, push-button switches SR1 and SR2 are arranged so as to be depressed by the index finger, push-button switches SR3 and SR4 are arranged so as to be depressed by the middle finger, push-button switches SR5 and SR6 are arranged so as to be depressed by the third finger, and push-button switches SR7 and SR8 are arranged so as to depress by the little finger. In addition, push-button switches SR2, SR4, SR6, and SR8 protrude further from side surface 104 than push-button switches SR1, SR3, SR5, and SR7, so that they are readily depressed by the fingers, even though these push-buttons are arranged on side surface 104 further than side surface 101 from the hand as shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 24 shows the construction of push-button switch SR1 which has a construction similar to the other push-button switches.

In FIG. 24(a), numeral 112 designates a circuit board, one side of which has terminals 112a, 112b, and 112c, these terminals being connected to a circuit formed on circuit board 112. In FIG. 24(b), resilient member 113 is positioned at a predetermined distance from circuit board 112, and is made of a silicone rubber, or the like, having projection portion 113a formed on one side at a central part thereof. On the other side of resilient member 113, a rubber-made switching member 114 is attached along resilient member 113, which also has cylindrical portion 114a, the central portion of which has projection bar 114b, and also, the length of projection bar 114b is shorter than that of cylindrical portion 114a. The circular end of cylindrical portion 114a and the end portion of projection bar 114b have terminals which are formed by a carbon material, or the like, forming a conductive portion. Accordingly, a first normally-open contact AR1 is formed between the end portion of cylindrical portion 114a and one side of circuit board 112, while a second normally-open contact BR1 is formed between the end portion of projection bar 114b and one side of circuit board 112, thus, resilient member 113 can move toward circuit board 112 to make conductive states. In FIG. 24(c), guide member 115 is mounted above resilient member 113, which has opening 115a. Slide member 116 is therefore inserted into opening 115a, which also has recesses 116a divided into four sections in cross section thereof, and a solid lead, or the like is inserted into each recess 116a, so that a weight of push-button switch SR1 can be adjusted depending on a volume of the lead in operation. In addition, one side of slide member 116 has concave portion 116b which receives projection portion 113a, and the other side of slide member 116 has circular solid 117, the upper side of which also has cap 118.

Accordingly, depressing push-button switch SR1, that is cap 118 downwardly slides slide member 116, so that resilient member 113 is moved downward to close first normally-open contact AR1. Depressing push-button switch SR1 furthermore moves resilient member 113 downwardly to thereby close second normally-open contact BR1. On the other hand, releasing push-button switch SR1 returns resilient member 113 and switching member 114 to the original position, so that slide member 116 is returned to the original position which is limited by a stopper, in which this returning movement is moved by the restoring force of resilient member 113. Thus, push-button switch SR1 is composed of a double-stages type switch.

Referring back to FIG. 22 and FIG. 23, rectangular opening 118 is formed with the central portion of top surface 107, and operating button 9R is projected from rectangular opening 118 which is moved by the right thumb.

Operating button 9R is shown in FIG. 25. This drawing shows a section view, cut away, of the arrows A-A shown by FIG. 23. In this drawing, numeral 119 designates a flange formed around the inside of case 100, and circuit board 120 is placed on flange 119. One side of circuit board 120 has few terminals which are not shown in FIG. 25, and the other side thereof has terminals 121a, 121b, 121c, 121d, and 121e. In addition, slide variable resistor VR10 is placed on slide member 122 which is arranged on circuit board 120, therefore, slide member 122 is intervened between circuit board 120 and slide variable resistor VR10. In FIG. 26, slide variable resistor VR10 comprises resistor portion VR10a and operating bar VR10b, in which resistor portion VR10a is placed along one edge side of circuit board 120, and indirect operation portion VR10b is extended from resistor portion VR10a, as T-shaped manner, to the opposite edge side of circuit board 120. Referring back to FIG. 26, resistor portion VR10a is a rectangularly-solid shape and has slit VR10c for sliding operating bar VR10b which is extended from slit VR10c. The end portion of resistor portion VR10a also has output terminals connected to the terminals which are formed with one side of circuit board 120, while operating bar VR10b is a rectangular-shaped plate. Accordingly, moving operating bar VR10b changes resistance value corresponding to a distance of the movement. Similarly in FIG. 26, slide variable resistor VR20 is placed on spacer 123 which is arranged on circuit board 120, therefore, spacer 123 is intervened between slide variable resistor VR20 and circuit board 120. Slide variable resistor VR20 comprises resistor portion VR20a and operating bar VR20b, in which resistor portion VR20a is placed along the other edge of circuit board 120 and operating bar VR20b is extended from resistor portion VR20a to the opposite edge side of circuit board 120, so that the direction of resistor portion VR10a is arranged for the right angle with respect to the direction of resistor portion VR20a, and the central portion of operating bar VR10b is intersected at the central portion of operating bar VR20b, and also operating bar VRA20b is positioned on operating bar VR10b.

Slide member 124 is attached to the upper side of the intersecting portion where both operating bars VR10b and VR20b are intersected by each other, which is also supported by four posts 125 placed on slide member 124, and each post 125 is positioned at the right angle corner formed by the intersection of operating bars VR10b and VR20b, thus these posts 125 guide the movement of both operating bars VR10b and VR20b.

Accordingly, moving slide member 124 in the direction shown by the arrow E moves operating bar VR10b in the direction shown by the arrow E. Moving slide member 124 in the direction shown by the arrow F moves operating bar VR20b in the direction shown by the arrow F. Moving slide member 124 in the direction shown by the arrow G moves operating bar VR10b in the direction shown by the arrow E, and also, moves operating bar VR20b in the direction shown by the arrow F. Thus, by moving one slide member 124 to the given directions, two operating bars VR10b and VR20b can be moved in the given directions.

Additionally, in FIG. 25, guide members 126a and 126b are attached along the left and upper surfaces of the resistor portion VR20a, respectively, and each of the guide members 126a and 126b has an arc portion, each arc portion being formed with a quarter of a circle cross section thereof, which is referred to as arc surface D1. Similarly, guide members 126a and 126b are attached along the far side and upper surfaces of resistor portion VR10a, respectively, so that both the arc portions of guide members 126a and 126b are formed with a quarter of a circle in cross section thereof, which is referred to as arc surface D2 (not shown in the drawing). In addition, in FIG. 25, guide members 127c are attached to the opposite sides of resistor portions VR10a and VR20a, respectively. Each of the guide members 127c also has a quarter of a circle cross section with a space inside which is referred as arc surfaces D3 and D4 (both are not shown in the drawing). Accordingly, slide member 124 is arranged within arc surfaces D1 to D4.

In addition, in FIGS. 25 and 26, cover plate 128 is placed on the area including arc surfaces D1 to D4, and slide member 124, which is made of a plastic material, or the like having flexibility. In FIG. 25, the end of operating button 9R penetrates into cover plate 128, and is inserted into slide member 124 the top surface of operating button 9R having indentation 9R1.

Upper surface member 129 is mounted along the outer Surface of cover plate 128, and fixed by screw 130 through case 100, and also, the concave surface of upper surface member 129 is placed apart from arc surfaces D1 to D4 with given distance 131. Accordingly, moving operating button 9R in the left direction as shown in FIG. 27 moves cover plate 128 in the left direction, thus cover plate 128 moves in given distance 131, and operating button 9R can be moved in the direction shown by the arrows X1, X2, Y1, and Y2 within rectangular opening 118 as shown FIG. 23.

Thus, both slide variable resistors VR10 and VR20 are arranged so that both operating bars VR10b and VR20b thereof intersect each other to enable movement of the intersected portion of operating bars VR10b and VR20b by operating operating button 9R. Because of this, the configuration of the operating switch can be of a thinner-type in comparison with a rotary-type variable resistor. Furthermore, cover plate 128 is mounted between operating button 9R, and slide variable resistors VR10 and VR20 and moves along arc surfaces D1 to D4, so that the movement of operating button 9R can be within a large area.

Heretofore, grip 1R for the right hand has been described. Grip 1L is also prepared for the left hand similar to grip 1R, but does not have a switch such as operating button 9R nor slide variable resistors VR10 and VR20. The description of grip 1L is omitted for the sake of simplicity. These grips 1R and 1L are held by the hand of a player, and connected to a controller which is worn on the waist of a player as shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 28 shows controller 53 which has a construction similar to that of FIG. 9. The feature of this controller 53 that it has a LCD (liquid crystal display) 76b, a battery 76c, MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) circuit 76d, and transmitter 76e, in which MIDI circuit 76d and transmitter 76e are mounted on a circuit board. The rest of the construction is designated by the same reference numerals shown in FIG. 9, and the description of which is omitted for the sake of simplicity.

FIG. 29 shows a circuit diagram of the second embodiment. In this drawing, one terminals of push-button switches SL1 to SL8 are connected in common, and connected to a signal source terminal "1" incorporated in controller 53. The other terminals of push-button switches SL1 to SL8 are connected to each signal source terminal "0", and also to each of the switch-on detecting circuits 133L1 to 133L8, respectively.

Each of the switch-on detecting circuits 133L1 to 133L8 generates switch-on data SON based on a signal supplied from each of the push-button switches SL1 to SL8, respectively. Switch-on data SON is therefore output to multiplexer 134 when each of the normally-open switches BL1 to BL8 is closed, in which each of the normally-open switches BL1 to BL8 is incorporated in each of the push-button switches SL1 to SL8.

Each of the switch-on detecting circuits 133L1 to 133L8 comprises a clock oscillator 135, an inverter 136, an AND gate 137, differentiation circuits 138, an up-counter 139, and a latch circuit 140. Accordingly, AND gate 137 receives a clock pulse CP, a signal of normally-open switch AL1 incorporated in push-button switch SL1, and a signal inverted by inverter 136 from normally-open switch BL1. When normally-open switch AL1 is closed, and normally-open switch BL1 is open, AND gate 137 allows a clock pulse CP to output to input terminal CK of up-counter 139. When normally-open switch BL1 is closed, AND gate 137 inhibits a clock pulse CP to output to up-counter 139. When normally-open switch BL1 is closed, differentiation circuit 138 outputs a pulse signal to input terminal L of latch circuit 140. Data incremented by up-counter 139 is thus written into latch circuit 140. The written data is then output to multiplexer 134, as switch-on data SON. Thus, the switch-on data SON corresponds to a speed of depressing respective push-buttons SL1 to SL8, that is, a magnitude of depressing respective push-button switches. When normally-open switch BL1 is open, a signal inverted by inverter 136 is changed to a pulse signal by differentiation circuit 138, the pulse signal then being output to input terminal R of up-counter 139, resetting data in up-counter 139.

Switch-on detecting circuits 133L1 to 133L8 correspond respectively to push-button switches SL1 to SL8 for the left hand. Similarly, switch-on detecting circuits 133R1 to 133R8 are incorporated in controller 53, and correspond respectively to push-button switches SR1 to SR8 for the right hand, and generate switch-on data SON to output to multiplexer 134.

For the right hand, one ends of slide variable resistors VR10 and VR20 are connected in common, and then connected to a ground terminal incorporated in controller 53 through cable 132R. The other ends of slide variable resistors VR10 and VR20 are connected to pull-up resistors "r", and then connected to A-D converters 135 and 136 in controller 53 through cable 132R, respectively.

A-D converters 135 and 136 thus convert detecting voltage signals supplied from slide variable resistors VR10 and VR20 to detecting voltage data VD1 and VD2 to thereby output to multiplexer 134.

Multiplexer 134, in turn, selects from among the switch-on data SON supplied from switch-on detecting circuits 133L1 to 133L8, and detecting voltage data VD1 to VD2 supplied from A-D converters 135 and 136, based on chip-select signals CS which are supplied from CPU 70.

The CPU 70, in turn, supplies chip-select signals CS to multiplexer 134 to scan switch-on data SON output from switch-on detecting circuits 133L1 to 133L8, and detecting voltage data VD1 and VD2 output from A-D converters 135 and 136. CPU 70 then selects from among switch-on data SON, detecting voltage data VD1, and VD2 through multiplexer 134, in turn, and transfer the data to RAM 72. CPU 70 then generates tone pitch data SD for indicating a tone pitch, tone color TD for indicating a tone color, and effect data KD for indicating several effects. Accordingly, each of tone pitch data SD, tone color data TD, and effect data KD is referred to as musical tone control data MCD.

Console 76 generates a code signal converted from a signal output from push-switches 76a, and then outputs to CPU 70. CPU 70 transfers musical tone control data MCD to transmitter 76e which modulates musical tone control data MCD in accordance to a carrier wave. This modulated signal is transmitted from antenna 76f. On the other hand, CPU 70 transfers musical tone control data MCD to MIDI circuit 76d to output from terminal 76g to a musical tone generating apparatus.

Operation is described in accordance with the above construction of the musical tone control apparatus. A player attaches controller 53 to his or her waist, and plugs plugs 51R and 51L extending from grips 1R and 1L into sockets 52R and 52L. On the other hand, in the case where the musical tone control apparatus is operated by a wire transmission, terminal 76g of MIDI circuit 76d is connected to the musical tone generating apparatus by a connecting cable. Switches of power supplies are then turned on, which are incorporated in controller 53 and the musical tone generating apparatus. After turning on the power supply, the type of data transmission is selected to either a wire or a wireless transmission. A function assignment is assigned to a performance corresponding to resistance values of slide variable resistors VR10 and VR20 actuated by push-button switches SR1 to SR8 for the right hand, push-button switches SL1 to SL8 for the left hand, and operating button 9R, as shown in FIG. 30. For example, speeds of pitch-bend and vibrato are assigned to the performance based on output signals of slide variable resistors VR10 and VR20 incorporated in grip 1R; tone pitches G, G#, A, A#, B, and C are assigned to the performance based on output signals of push-button switches SR1, SR2, SR3, SR4, SR5, and SR7; and upper octaves are assigned to the performance based on output signals of push-button switch SR6, respectively by the right hand. On the other hand, tone pitches C, C#, D, D#, E, F, and F# are assigned to the performance based on output signals of push-button switches SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4, SL5, SL7, and SL8; and lower octaves are assigned to the performance based on output signals of push-button switch SL6, respectively by the left hand. Push-button switch SR8 is used for changing a performance mode, this is not assigned in this case.

The player then holds grip 1R in the right hand, and grip 1L in the left hand. Push-button switch SR8 is depressed by the little finger of the right hand to changed to the tone color selection mode. A tone color is set by depressing one of push-button switches SR1 to SR7, and SL1 to SL8. A given tone color is assigned to each of push-button switches SR1 to SR7 and SL1 to SL8. The player changes to the tone pitch selection mode by depressing push-button switch SR8 by the little finger of the right hand.

The player then depresses a start button to start the performance. Accordingly, CPU 70, in turn, transfers switch-on data SON, and detecting voltage data VD1 and VD2 to RAM 72, then generates musical tone control data MCD which is supplied to MIDI circuit 76d. The MIDI circuit 76d converts musical tone control data MCD into data indicated by the MIDI standard to supply from terminal 76g to the musical tone generating apparatus through the connecting cable.

Accordingly, a musical tone is generated by musical tone generating apparatus corresponding to data of the MIDI standard to produce it from a speaker. In this case, depressing push-button switch SR3 produces a musical tone having tone pitch A corresponding to magnitude of the press from the musical tone generating apparatus. Under this state, when operating button 9R is moved in the direction of arrow Y1 (referring to FIG. 23) by the thumb of the right hand, a musical tone having tone pitch A is adjusted to a speed of vibrato corresponding to the distance of movement. When operating button 9R is moved in the direction of arrow X1 (referring to FIG. 23) by the thumb of the right hand, a musical tone having tone pitch A is adjusted to a pitch-bend corresponding to the distance of movement. When push-button switch SL6 is then depressed by the middle finger of the left hand, a musical tone having tone pitch A of a lower octave is produced.

In this embodiment, the operating button is mounted on top surface 107, but it can be mounted on side surface 103, and also side surface 105 as well. Furthermore, an operating button can be mounted on grip 1L instead of grip 1R to adjust speed and depth of tremolo in accordance with movement of the slide variable resistors incorporated in grip 1L.

The speed of vibrato is adjusted in accordance with the output of slide variable resistor VR20 in this embodiment, but depth of vibrato, speed of tremolo, depth of tremolo, and the like can be adjusted in accordance with the output thereof.

Each output signal of the slide variable resistors VR10 and VR20 is converted into a digital signal by A-D converters 135 and 136 and supplied to multiplexer 134 in the embodiment, but a digital type volume can be used instead, thus, digital signals can be directly supplied to multiplexer 134.

The preferred embodiment described herein is illustrative and not restrictive; the scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims and all variations which fall within the claims are intended to be embraced therein.