WO2009128028A1

WO2009128028A1 - Musical keyboard instrument with training capabilities

Info

Publication number: WO2009128028A1
Application number: PCT/IB2009/051552
Authority: WO
Inventors: Evert J. Van Loenen; Bart A. Salters; Eugen Onac; Berent W. Meerbeek
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Priority date: 2008-04-18
Filing date: 2009-04-14
Publication date: 2009-10-22
Also published as: TW201003587A

Abstract

A musical keyboard (MK) with training capabilities based on colors is provided. A set of notes (N) to be played is read. A set of keys (K) associated with respective musical note is to be played on by the user. Color indicators (CI) are associated with the respective keys (K) so as to generate different colors, individually controllable, for each key (K). A processor (P) individually generate control signals (CS) to control the color indicators (CI) in a sequence according to the set of notes (N), so as to indicate to a user which key (K) to press at a given time. Different color strategies may be selected to assist the user during training, e.g. by using one color for each finger to indicate to the user which finger to use for a given key press. The color indicators (CI) can be implemented as individually controllable color light sources (LS), such as RGB LEDs built into the keys (K) to generate colored light through a transparent or translucent part of the key (K). The colors may alternatively be provided to the keys (K) by use of a layer of electrically controllable color ink or a layer of color liquid crystal. A feedback signal (FS) representing key presses may be used to adapt the training session, e.g. sequence tempo, to the actual performance of the user.

Description

Musical keyboard instrument with training capabilities

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of musical keyboards. More specifically to the field of musical keyboards with training capabilities to guide a user in playing a piece of music.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Learning how to play a keyboard instrument such as a piano or organ is a very long and often tedious process. One not only has to learn how to place and move ones fingers, but also how to read music and how to develop a correct sense of rhythm and style. Many people starting with this process quit before mastering it because it proves too hard to maintain the discipline of exercising and attending the lessons.

Thus, several devices and methods of training devices for keyboard instruments are known in the art - either in the form of add-on devices e.g. for positioning on a piano, or in the form of built-in devices in keyboard instruments. US 5,392,682 describes a computerized training device for learning to play a piece of music on a piano or other musical keyboard instrument. Light sources are positioned to light up keys corresponding to notes to be played so as to guide a user in selecting the keys to press. A display screen is provided showing sketches of two hands in which individual fingers can be illuminated so as to help the user in selecting which fingers to use for pressing the keys.

However, one problem with the training device of US 5,392,682 is that the user has to pay attention both to the keyboard to look for light indicating which keys to press, and to the finger display to look for the fingers to use. This process requires a high degree of concentration for the user, and thus the user may quickly be tired and loose his interest.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Following the above explanation, it may be seen as an object of the present invention to provide a musical keyboard capable of guiding the user in playing a piece of music in a rather simple and entertaining manner. The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.

According to a first aspect, the invention provides a musical keyboard including - a note input arranged to read data representing a set of notes to be played, a set of keys associated with respective musical notes, individually controllable color indicators associated with the respective keys, wherein the color indicators are arranged to indicate one color of a predetermined set of different colors in response to a control signal, and - a processor arranged to generate control signals to control the color indicators in a sequence according to the set of notes, so as to indicate to a user which key to press at a given time.

Such musical keyboard is suited for training a user in playing a piece of music in an entertaining and less tiring manner than prior art devices. The reason is that the individually controllable colors can be used e.g. to indicate to the user which fingers to use, and thus the user only needs to concentrate his attention to the keyboard and follow the keys indicated, since e.g. the fingers to be used can be indicated with colors. This is especially the case in embodiments, where the color indicators are positioned as visible parts of the keys. In case the user is trained in selecting the proper fingers, the color can be used for pure entertainment and fun (e.g. random colors), or for indicating if the key is correctly pressed (e.g. green) or not (e.g. red). Further, color indicators can be used as indicators for the force to be used to press the key. Many different color strategies can be provided for control of the individually controllable color indicators. For adults the use of colors may serve to add a pleasure in the otherwise tedious learning session, while for young children the colors may be used to draw their attention to musical notes and the use of different fingers at a stage where they would not be able to follow a traditional learning session.

The term "a predetermined set of different colors" is to be construed as meaning three or more different colors. Preferably at least five different colors can be selected which will enable the use of one color per finger for each hand (e.g. red, green, blue, yellow, and white). To enhance the entertaining effect, it is however preferred to be able to select between more than five colors, such as more than 10 colors, such as more than 20 colors. In some embodiments, colors can be controlled to form almost any desired shades (e.g. corresponding to 16 bit, 24 bit, 32 bit or 64 bit color resolution). In one embodiment the processor is arranged to individually control the color indicators to generate different colors in order to guide the user how to press the key. Especially, the colors of the color indicators may be controlled to indicate to the user which finger to use for pressing the key. Alternatively or additionally, the colors of the color indicators may be controlled to indicate to the user which force to use for pressing the key. Especially, a saturation of the colors may indicate to the user which force to use for pressing the key, e.g. a light color for a soft press or a dark color for a hard press.

In some embodiments, the color indicators include respective light sources. E.g. such light sources can be individually controllable color light sources arranged to generate light in different colors. Alternatively, light sources may be arranged to generate the light in different colors when interacting with a color generating material.

In some embodiments, light sources may be positioned in relation to the respective keys so as to lighten up at least a part of the color indicator on a visual surface of the respective keys. The light sources may be positioned inside the respective keys so as to generate light through at least a part of the visual surface of the respective keys. Such embodiments are advantageous in that the light sources are hidden and can be invisible when not used. Especially, the light sources may be arranged to generate light in different colors by means of an electrically addressable color changing coating on at least a part of the keys, e.g. the color changing coating being arranged to change color in response to the control signal. In some embodiments, the color indicators are implemented as surfaces of a visual part of the keys covered by a layer of electrically addressable material arranged to provide a reflection of light in a color according to the control signal. Such embodiments can be made in versions with a low power consumption since this implementation does not necessarily involve any light sources. The mentioned layer may be a material known as electrically controllable color ink or a layer of color liquid crystal. One or more light sources, preferably light source providing a white light, can be arranged to provide light on the color indicators on one or more keys, e.g. all keys. Such light source(s) can be switched on and off according to the sequence, or the light source(s) can be used to provide a fixed light to enlighten the color indicators. E.g. light on the color indicators can be provided by means of ambient light.

In embodiment where the color indicators are implemented as individually controllable light sources, the light sources may include Light Emitting Diodes, such as Red Green Blue Light Emitting Diodes (RGB LEDs). In case of RGB LEDs, the color can be controlled by simply controlling the electrical signal to the RGB LEDs without the need for further color generating material. In case of light sources providing white light or light by another fixed color mixture, either a number of light sources with different colors for each keys must be used in order to be able to mix light to a desired color, or another type of color generating means must be provided, such as the ones mentioned above. Some embodiments include key press detectors arranged with the respective keys, so as to detect key presses, and where a feedback signal is generated accordingly. Such feedback can be used in the training process in different ways. Especially, the processor may compare the detected key presses with the set of notes to be played based on the feedback signal, and determine an amount of erroneous key presses accordingly. This amount of erroneous key presses may be used to adjust a tempo of the sequence, so as to adapt the tempo of the sequence to skills of the user, e.g. slowing down the sequence until the amount of erroneous key presses reaches a reasonable level, indicating that the user is able to follow the tempo. In such process, erroneous key presses may be indicated to the user, so as to provide the user with immediate feedback. This may be done by indicating to the user erroneous key presses by means of the color indicators, e.g. by flashing of colors (especially in case of colored light) to indicate the erroneously pressed key (or the key that is erroneously not pressed), or by selecting a special color such as red to indicate an erroneously pressed key.

The processor may be arranged to switch off the color indicators, if the amount of erroneous key presses is below a predetermined threshold, e.g. by selecting a neutral color or by switching off the light in case of colored light. In this way, the musical keyboard adapts itself to the user performing at a desired level and thus switches off the guiding lights when the user has reached a certain training level.

The musical keyboard may include a user control input arranged to allow the user to determine a strategy for controlling colors of the color indicators. Such user control input may include a variety of user interactions. E.g. the user may select which color strategy to use for the guiding lights so as to adapt the keyboard to user preferences. E.g. the user may be able to select a color for each finger which is found easy for the user to remember. The user may be able to select between a set of predetermined color strategies for the color indicators, e.g. colors used for finger selection or colors used as key press force indicator, colors used to indicate the duration of a key press, colors used randomly just as an aesthetic effect, or a fixed color selected by the user to be used for all keys. The user may also be able to select one of a predetermined set of levels adapted for users at different skills (e.g. from a simple one-note version of a piece of music and up to a version based on a recording of a professional pianist).

The note input may be arranged to receive the notes to be played in the form a digital representation of the set of notes in the form of at least one of: a Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) signal or file, a USB stick, a memory card, a data disk. The note input may alternatively or additionally be by means of a scanner arranged for scanning printed notes and convert them to a digital representation. Further, the musical keyboard may have a note input that is able to read notes only once during manufacturing, namely in the form of a library of notes stored on a pre-stored medium such as a hard disk or electronic memory.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a musical instrument including a musical keyboard according to the first aspect, including key press detectors arranged with the respective keys, so as to detect key presses, and a generator arranged to generate an output signal according to the detected key presses.

In one embodiment, the musical keyboard generates an electric output signal in response to the detected key presses, and wherein the generator is arranged to generate an electric audio signal in response to the electric output signal from the musical keyboard. Such embodiment can be a MIDI keyboard that outputs a MIDI signal according to key presses, e.g. for connection to an external sound processor or a computer. The generator may alternatively or additionally be arranged to output an electric audio signal in response to the detected key presses, e.g. such audio signal may be applied to a loudspeaker that generates an acoustic signal in response. Such musical instrument may be an arrangement keyboard with one loudspeaker or a stereo set of loudspeakers, a digital piano, a kid's keyboard, or a dedicated training keyboard, or the like.

Alternatively, the generator includes a mechanism of hammers and strings arranged to generate an acoustic output signal according to the detected key presses, and thus such musical instrument may be a piano, such as a grand piano, a harpsichord, or the like, in which a training capability is built-in. In a special embodiment of a piano, the key press detector is an electronic key press detector, which via actuators can activate the mechanism of hammers and strings that produce the acoustic output signal. With such piano, the hammer and string mechanism can be switched off during training, where the user can hear his own performance via headphones instead. It is appreciated that embodiments and advantages mentioned for the first aspect apply as well for the second aspect.

In third aspect, the invention provides a method for controlling a musical keyboard with keys associated with respective musical notes and with individually controllable color indicators associated with respective keys, the method including reading a set of notes to be played, and generating control signals to control the color indicators with respect to color, in a sequence according to the set of notes, so as to indicate to a user which key to press at a given time. It is appreciated that equivalent embodiments and advantages mentioned for the first aspect apply as well for the third aspect.

In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a computer readable program code arranged to perform the method according to the third aspect. Such program code may be present on a data carrier, e.g. a data carrier in the form of a disk, a memory card, a memory stick, a hard disk etc.

The aspects of the present invention described above may each be combined with any of the other aspects or with sub aspects/embodiments thereof. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which

Fig. 1 illustrates a diagram of a musical keyboard embodiment, Fig. 2 illustrates a section of a key with backlight,

Fig. 3 illustrates a section of a key with a color reflecting material on its surface, and

Fig. 4 illustrates a musical instrument embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1 illustrates parts of a musical keyboard according to an embodiment of the invention. The keyboard includes a note input NI arranged to read a set of notes N to be played. The note input NI may be in the form of a memory card reader, a disk reader or the like, that receives the notes N in a MIDI format or in a manufacturer dedicated format. It is to be understood that the note input NI is not an essential part of the invention and can thus be selected as any type of input of the notes N to be played.

In Fig. 1, the illustrated embodiment has color indicators CI implemented as individually controllable color light sources LS for all keys K. A processor P, preferably a digital signal processor, receives the notes to be played from the note input NI and generates control signals CS to control the light sources LS arranged such that they generate light visible on a visible surface of respective keys K of the keyboard. For illustration purpose, the light sources LS are shown separate from the keys K, however as will be explained later, the light source may be built into the keys K. The control signals CS depend on the choice of light sources LS. However, in general the processor P generates the control signals CS such that the individual light sources LS associated with each keys K can be controlled with respect to preferably five or more colors, thus allowing assignment of one color per finger on each hand. In the illustration, the processor P generates separate control signals CS for each key K, however it is to be understood that in practice the processor P may generate the control signal CS with includes information to allow individual color control of all light sources, e.g. a digital code of 8 bit, 16 bit, 32 bit or 64 bit. The digital code is then decoded to form control signals CS to each individual light source LS.

With the illustrated setup, the processor P can generate control signals CS to control the light sources LS in a sequence corresponding to the set of notes N to be played, so as to indicate to the user which key K to press at a given time, e.g. with one color assigned to each finger to facilitate correct use of the fingers. Optionally (not shown), the processor P may be capable of receiving a user input (in the form of a push button, a dial wheel, a mouse, a joystick, a touch screen etc.) with which the user can select color strategy to use, e.g. to cut off colors or to select to use colors for indication of key press force etc. As illustrated, the keyboard includes key press detectors arranged to generate a feedback signal FS according to key K presses. The same signal can be output as a key press signal KP for use to control a sound card or sound processor that can generate a sound signal according to the key K presses. The feedback signal can be used by the processor P to calculate the amount of erroneous key K presses during playing. Hereby, the processor P can adjust e.g. the tempo or the amount of fingers to use according to the performance of the user. Especially, the processor P may be able to select between different color strategies in response to a detected amount of erroneous key K presses.

Fig. 2 shows a section of a key K seen from the side, as illustration of one way of implementing a color indicator CI by means of a color light source CLD positioned in a key K, the color light source CLD being such as an RGB LED. As seen, the RGB LED CLD is arranged in a hollow part of the key K to provide colored backlight to a translucent or transparent visual surface part VS of the key K. Light conductors may be used to provide freedom in determining the exact position of the light source CLD. The control signal CS applied to the RGB LED CLD is in the form of an electric RGB signal capable of controlling the RGB LED CLD to generate light in a variety of different colors.

Fig. 3 illustrates implementation of a color indicator CI by means of a layer of individually controllable color reflective material on a visual surface of each key K. As in Fig. 2, a side section of a key K is illustrated. A part of the visual surface part VS of the key is covered by a layer of so-called electronic ink EI arranged to change color in response to a control signal CS applied to the layer EI. Alternatively, such layer may be a layer of color liquid crystal.

It is to be understood that the individual color indicators for the keys K can be implemented in a large variety of ways, e.g.: color light sources used alone, single color light sources used in combination with a layer of color changing reflective, transparent or translucent material, or a combination of color light sources and a layer of color changing material, or color changing reflective material used alone.

Fig. 4 illustrates in diagram form a stand-alone musical instrument according to the invention, namely a musical keyboard instrument including a musical keyboard MK, e.g. a keyboard with 61 keys or 88 keys, according to the invention as explained above, arranged to read a set of notes N to be played. The keyboard MK generates an electric signal KP in response to key presses. This signal KP is receive by a sound generator G that generates an electric audio signal AS in response to the key press signal KP. This electric audio signal AS is applied, via an appropriate amplifier, to a loudspeaker (or a set of stereo loudspeakers). Such stand-alone musical instrument with training capabilities may be a digital piano, an arrangement keyboard or a kid's toy keyboard.

To sum up, the invention provides a musical keyboard MK with training capabilities based on colors is provided. A set of notes N to be played is read. A set of keys K associated with respective musical note is to be played on by the user. Color indicators LS are associated with the respective keys K so as to generate light in different colors, individually controllable, for each key. A processor P individually generate control signals CS to control the color indicators CI in a sequence according to the set of notes N, so as to indicate to a user which key K to press at a given time. Different color strategies may be selected to assist the user during training, e.g. by using one color for each finger to indicate to the user which finger to use for a given key press. The color indicators CI can be implemented as individually controllable color light sources LS, such as RGB LEDs built into the keys K to generate colored light through a transparent or translucent part of the key K. The colors may alternatively be provided to the keys K by use of a layer of electrically controllable color ink or a layer of color liquid crystal. A feedback signal FS representing key presses may be used to adapt the training session, e.g. sequence tempo, to the actual performance of the user.

Certain specific details of the disclosed embodiment are set forth for purposes of explanation rather than limitation, so as to provide a clear and thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it should be understood by those skilled in this art, that the present invention might be practiced in other embodiments that do not conform exactly to the details set forth herein, without departing from the scope of this invention as defined by the independent claims. Further, in this context, and for the purposes of brevity and clarity, detailed descriptions of well-known apparatuses, circuits and methodologies have been omitted so as to avoid unnecessary detail and possible confusion. The terms "includes" and "including" do not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may possibly be advantageously combined, and the inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. Thus, references to "a", "an", "first", "second" etc. do not preclude a plurality. Furthermore, reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A musical keyboard (MK) including a note input (NI) arranged to read data representing a set of notes (N) to be played, a set of keys (K) associated with respective musical notes, - individually controllable color indicators (CI) associated with the respective keys (K), wherein the color indicators (CI) are arranged to indicate one color of a predetermined set of different colors in response to a control signal (CS), and a processor (P) arranged to generate control signals (CS) to control the color indicators (CI) in a sequence according to the set of notes (N), so as to indicate to a user which key (K) to press at a given time.

2. Musical keyboard (MK) according to claim 1, wherein the processor (P) is arranged to individually control the color indicators (CI) to guide the user how to press the key (K).

3. Musical keyboard (MK) according to claim 1, wherein the color indicators (CI) include respective light sources (LS).

4. Musical keyboard (MK) according to claim 3, wherein the color indicators (CI) are implemented as light sources (LS) arranged to generate light in different colors by means of an electrically addressable color changing coating on at least a part of the keys (K).

5. Musical keyboard (MK) according to claim 1, wherein the color indicators (CI) are implemented as surfaces of a visual part (VS) of the keys (K) covered by a layer of electrically addressable material (EI) arranged to provide a reflection of light in a color according to the control signal (CS).

6. Musical keyboard (MK) according to claim 1, including key press detectors arranged with the respective keys (K), so as to detect key (K) presses, and where a feedback signal (FS) is generated accordingly.

7. Musical keyboard (MK) according to claim 6, wherein the processor (P) receives the feedback signal (FS) and compares the detected key (K) presses with the set of notes (N) to be played based thereon, and wherein an amount of erroneous key (K) presses is determined accordingly.

8. Musical keyboard (MK) according to claim 7, wherein a tempo of the sequence is adjusted in accordance with a detected amount of erroneous key (K) presses for the user, so as to adapt the tempo of the sequence to skills of the user.

9. Musical keyboard (MK) according to claim 1, including a user control input arranged to allow the user to determine a strategy for controlling colors of the color indicators (CI).

10. A musical instrument including a musical keyboard (MK) according to claim 1 , including key (K) press detectors arranged with the respective keys (K), so as to detect key (K) presses, and a generator (G) arranged to generate an output signal according to the detected key (K) presses.

11. Musical instrument according to claim 10, wherein the musical keyboard (MK) generates an electric output signal (KP) in response to the detected key (K) presses, and wherein the generator (G) is arranged to generate an electric audio signal (AS) in response to the electric output signal (KP) from the musical keyboard (MK).

12. Musical instrument according to claim 10, wherein the generator (G) includes a mechanism of hammers and strings arranged to generate an acoustic output signal according to the detected key (K) presses.

13. A method for controlling a musical keyboard with keys (K) associated with respective musical notes and with individually controllable color indicators (CI) associated with respective keys (K), the method including reading a set of notes (N) to be played, and generating control signals (CS) to control the color indicators (CI) with respect to color, in a sequence according to the set of notes (N), so as to indicate to a user which key (K) to press at a given time.

14. Computer readable program code arranged to perform the method according to claim 13.

15. Data carrier including a computer readable program code according to claim 14.