JP3933160B2 - Rhythm pattern generation device and recording medium thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a rhythm pattern generation apparatus, and more particularly, to generate a rhythm pattern having a specified feature, a rhythm pattern similar to a given motif pattern, or a rhythm pattern contrasted with a given motif pattern. The present invention relates to a rhythm pattern generation device and a recording medium thereof.

As a conventional rhythm pattern generation device, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a neural network in which a rhythm pattern is learned in advance is prepared, predetermined parameters are given to the neural network, and an output result Is known as a rhythm pattern.
JP-A-4-163596

  Thus, what generates a rhythm pattern using a neural network has a complicated structure, and requires an enormous effort to learn a rhythm pattern. Also, it is impossible to input a certain rhythm pattern as a motif and generate another rhythm pattern similar to the motif rhythm pattern or another rhythm pattern contrasted with the motif rhythm pattern.

  In view of such inconveniences, the present invention is a rhythm that can flexibly generate a rhythm pattern having a specified feature or another rhythm pattern similar to or contrasted with an input motif rhythm pattern with a simple configuration. An object of the present invention is to provide a pattern generation device and a recording medium therefor.

  According to the first feature of the present invention, a plurality of rhythm patterns are stored corresponding to the latter problem (purpose) of generating a rhythm pattern from a motif, and musical features are similar to each rhythm pattern. Means for storing similar group data indicating a group of rhythm patterns to be performed; means for inputting a motif rhythm pattern; means for searching a rhythm pattern matching the inputted motif rhythm pattern from a plurality of rhythm patterns; A rhythm pattern generation apparatus comprising: means for generating a rhythm pattern similar to an inputted motif rhythm pattern based on similar group data corresponding to the searched rhythm pattern. Is done.

  According to the second feature of the present invention, a plurality of rhythm patterns are stored corresponding to the same problem (purpose), and a group of rhythm patterns whose musical features correspond to each rhythm pattern. Means for storing contrasting group data indicating, means for inputting a motif rhythm pattern, means for searching for a rhythm pattern matching the inputted motif rhythm pattern from a plurality of rhythm patterns, and for the searched rhythm pattern There is provided a rhythm pattern generation apparatus comprising: means for generating a rhythm pattern that is contrasted with an input motif rhythm pattern based on corresponding contrast group data.

  In such a rhythm pattern generation device that generates a rhythm pattern from a motif in this way, the similar or contrast group data is data representing another rhythm pattern in which the musical characteristics of the rhythm pattern are similar or contrast, or Data representing a group including a similar or contrasting rhythm pattern in musical characteristics of the rhythm pattern, and various contents can be included.

  Further, according to the first and second features of the present invention, a plurality of rhythm patterns and a group of rhythm patterns and / or contrasting rhythm patterns with similar musical features corresponding to each rhythm pattern are shown. A step of preparing similar group data and / or contrast group data, a step of inputting a motif rhythm pattern, and a step of searching among a plurality of rhythm patterns for a rhythm pattern that matches the input motif rhythm pattern. A computer recording a program for causing a computer to execute a procedure comprising a step of generating a rhythm pattern similar to or contrasted with an inputted motif rhythm pattern based on similar or contrast group data corresponding to the rhythm pattern Readable recording medium [ Motomeko 5] is provided.

  According to the first feature of the present invention, a large number of rhythm patterns are stored, and similar group data indicating which rhythm pattern has similar musical features is assigned to each rhythm pattern. When a motif rhythm pattern is input, a rhythm pattern that matches the motif rhythm pattern is searched from a plurality of rhythm patterns, similar group data corresponding to the searched rhythm pattern is obtained, and other rhythm patterns belonging to the group are obtained. A rhythm pattern is generated by adopting a rhythm pattern.

  According to the second feature of the present invention, a large number of rhythm patterns are stored, and contrast group data indicating which rhythm pattern is a contrast of the musical feature is assigned to each rhythm pattern. . When a motif rhythm pattern is input, a rhythm pattern that matches the motif rhythm pattern is searched from a plurality of rhythm patterns, contrast group data corresponding to the searched rhythm pattern is obtained, and other rhythm patterns belonging to the group are obtained. A rhythm pattern is generated by adopting a rhythm pattern.

  That is, according to the present invention, a plurality of rhythm patterns are stored, and for each rhythm pattern, similar and / or contrast indicating which rhythm pattern is similar and / or contrasting in musical characteristics. Given group data, search for a rhythm pattern that matches the input motif rhythm pattern from a number of rhythm patterns, and other rhythms that belong to similar and / or group data corresponding to the searched rhythm pattern Since the rhythm pattern is generated by adopting the pattern, a rhythm pattern similar to and / or contrasting with the inputted motif rhythm pattern can be generated flexibly with a simple configuration.

[Other features]
In addition, according to another feature relating to the implementation of the present invention, it can be configured as follows in response to the former problem (purpose) of generating a rhythm pattern having a specified feature: storing a plurality of rhythm patterns Storage means for storing feature data representing the musical feature corresponding to each rhythm pattern, means for specifying the feature of the rhythm pattern to be generated, means for generating a rhythm pattern at random The generation based on a match between a means for searching for a rhythm pattern matching the selected rhythm pattern from a plurality of rhythm patterns, and feature data stored corresponding to the searched rhythm pattern and a specified feature A rhythm pattern generation device comprising means for generating a rhythm pattern by adopting A step of preparing feature data representing musical features corresponding to a plurality of rhythm patterns, a step of designating features of a rhythm pattern to be generated, and a step of randomly generating a rhythm pattern A step of searching among a plurality of rhythm patterns for a rhythm pattern that matches the generated rhythm pattern, and based on a match between the feature data prepared for the searched rhythm pattern and the specified feature A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a procedure comprising the step of generating a rhythm pattern by employing the generated rhythm pattern.
That is, a large number of rhythm patterns and feature data representing musical features are stored for each rhythm pattern, and when a feature of a rhythm pattern to be generated is specified, a rhythm pattern is first randomly generated (generated). The rhythm pattern that matches the generated rhythm pattern is searched from a large number of rhythm patterns, and whether or not the feature data stored corresponding to the searched rhythm pattern matches the specified feature is determined. Then, if a rhythm pattern is generated by adopting a rhythm pattern that is randomly generated when they match (restarting from the random generation of the rhythm pattern if they do not match), a rhythm pattern having the specified characteristics can be simplified. Enables flexible generation by configuration.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[Hardware configuration]
Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a block diagram of a hardware configuration of a rhythm pattern generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the system includes a central processing unit (CPU) 1, a read only memory (ROM) 2, a random access memory (RAM) 3, first and second detection circuits 4 and 5, a display device 6, and a sound source device 7. , An effect circuit 8, an external storage device 9 and the like, and these devices 1 to 9 are connected to each other via a bus 10 and constitute a performance data processing system for generating a rhythm pattern.

  The CPU 1 that controls the entire system includes a timer 11 that is used for generating a tempo clock, an interrupt clock, and the like, and performs various controls according to a predetermined program, and particularly performs a rhythm pattern generation processing function that will be described later. . The ROM 2 stores predetermined control programs for controlling the system. The control programs include basic performance information processing and various processing programs and tables related to rhythm pattern generation according to the present invention. Data can be included. The RAM 3 stores data and parameters necessary for these processes, and is used as a work area for temporarily storing various registers and flags, various data being processed, and the like.

  The first detection circuit 4 is connected to a performance operation device 12 such as a keyboard device, and the operation switch device 13 connected to the second detection circuit 5 has an operator for setting various modes, parameters, and operations. These operators provided on the panel include operators such as a rhythm pattern generation mode designation button and a switch for designating the characteristics of the rhythm pattern. The display circuit 6 includes a display and various indicators, and these displays and indicators can be juxtaposed on various operators on the operation panel of the switch device 13. The sound system 14 connected to the effect circuit 8 composed of a DSP or the like constitutes a musical sound output unit together with the sound source circuit 7 and the effect circuit 8, and based on performance data including rhythm data processed by this system, Sound.

  The external storage device 9 includes a hard disk drive (HDD), a compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM) drive, a floppy disk drive (FDD), a magneto-optical (MO) disk drive, a digital multipurpose disk (DVD) drive, etc. It is possible to store various control programs and various data. Therefore, programs and data necessary for performance data processing can be read not only from the ROM 2 but also from the external storage device 9 into the RAM 3, and the processing results are recorded in the external storage device 9 as necessary. You can also keep it.

  In this example, a MIDI interface (I / F) 15 is connected to the bus 10 so that it can communicate with other MIDI devices 16, and further, a communication interface 17 is also connected to the server computer via the communication network 18. From 19, control programs and various data can be stored in the external storage device 9.

[Generation of rhythm patterns with specified features]
Now, according to one feature of the present invention, a rhythm pattern having this musical feature can be generated by designating the musical feature of the rhythm pattern to be generated. Specifically, a large number of rhythm patterns are stored in the ROM 2 or the external storage device 9, and feature data representing the old-fashioned features are stored corresponding to each rhythm pattern. Then, a rhythm pattern is randomly generated, the same rhythm pattern as the generated rhythm pattern is searched from the ROM 2 or the external storage device 9, and the feature data stored corresponding to the found rhythm pattern is specified as described above. In the case of coincidence with a feature, the generated rhythm pattern is adopted as a rhythm pattern having the feature. FIG. 2 shows an example of a feature correspondence table CT that associates each rhythm pattern used in this case with feature data.

  This feature correspondence table CT is a table in which feature data is assigned to each of a large number of rhythm patterns. That is, the feature correspondence table CT in the ROM 2 or the external storage device 9 is composed of a rhythm pattern data column RD and a corresponding feature data column CD. For example, the rhythm pattern data column RD includes n types of rhythm pattern data RD1 to RDn. The corresponding feature data column CD stores feature data CD1 to CDn corresponding to each of the rhythm pattern data RD1 to RDn.

  In these rhythm pattern data RD1 to RDn, for example, when the minimum note of the rhythm is an eighth note and the length of the rhythm pattern is 4 beats, “rhythm pattern 1” as shown in FIG. There are 256 types of “rhythm pattern 256”. This is because the maximum number of rhythms is 256 when the minimum rhythm note is an eighth note and the rhythm pattern length is 4 beats. As shown in FIG. 2B, each rhythm pattern RDi (i = 1 to n) assigns 1 bit to each eighth note and represents one rhythm pattern length in 8 bits in time series, and the value “1”. The hit point can be expressed by “”. However, since there are patterns that cannot be called rhythm patterns, such as a pattern with no single dot, for example, the number may be less than 256.

  On the other hand, the feature data CD1 to CDn representing the features of each rhythm pattern includes syncopation information SD indicating whether or not each rhythm pattern has syncopation, dotted note information DD indicating whether or not there is a dotted note, and the number of notes. It consists of a plurality of pieces of feature information such as note number information ND indicating whether it is large or small, and these feature information can be represented by 1 bit by values “1” and “0”, respectively. The feature information can include 2-bit information that represents each coarse / dense state in the first half as a set when one rhythm pattern length is divided into the first half. In addition, since the feature data CD1 to CDn do not prevent the contents from being the same, the number of types (n) of rhythm patterns is generally larger than the number of types of feature data.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for generating a rhythm pattern having a specified feature using the feature correspondence table CT. This process starts by operating a panel switch or the like on the operation switch device 13 to designate “rhythm pattern generation mode I (feature)” and to designate desired feature information. First, in step C1, designated feature data represented by one designated feature information or a combination of a plurality of feature information is stored in a designated feature data storage area in the RAM 3.

  In the next step C2, for example, a random value is generated for each minimum note (eighth note in this example) and combined to generate a rhythm pattern randomly. Next, in step C3, the feature correspondence table CT is searched based on the generated rhythm pattern, and the same rhythm pattern data as the generated rhythm pattern is used as the rhythm pattern data RD1 in the rhythm pattern data column RD of the feature correspondence table CT. ˜RDn (n = 256 in this example) is detected, and the process proceeds to Step C4.

  In step C4, the corresponding feature data CDi assigned corresponding to the detected rhythm pattern data RDi (i = 1 to n) is extracted from the feature data column CD of the feature correspondence table CT, and is extracted in step C5. The corresponding feature data CDi is compared with the designated feature data that has already been designated. If the two data match, the process proceeds to step C6, and the rhythm pattern generated at that time is adopted. If it is determined in step C5 that the two data do not match, the process returns to step C2, a rhythm pattern is generated again, and the processes in steps C2 to C5 are repeated until the two data match.

  Thus, in the “generation process of a rhythm pattern having a specified feature” according to the present invention, when a feature of a rhythm pattern to be generated is specified, a rhythm pattern (RDi) that matches the randomly generated rhythm pattern is obtained. A search is made from among a plurality of rhythm patterns, it is determined whether or not the feature data (CDi) stored corresponding to the searched rhythm pattern matches the specified feature, and the rhythm pattern in the case of matching is determined. By adopting it, a rhythm pattern is generated.

  In general, a plurality of different rhythm patterns may have the same feature, and a method of obtaining a rhythm pattern having a designated feature by searching the feature correspondence table CT by the designated feature. A specific one of a plurality of rhythm patterns to which data is assigned is picked up every time. In order to avoid this, even if a rhythm pattern with the specified feature data is found during the search, be sure to check all rhythm patterns and select from the found rhythm patterns. It is necessary to follow a processing procedure such as selecting one. However, according to the generation process of the present invention, since the feature correspondence table TC is searched based on the randomly generated rhythm pattern, a rhythm pattern that is almost different is picked up each time only by adopting the first rhythm pattern. It becomes like this. Therefore, it is not necessary to search the feature correspondence table CT for all rhythm patterns, and the rhythm pattern generation process can be performed efficiently.

[Generation of a rhythm pattern corresponding to a given motif pattern]
Now, according to another feature of the present invention, a large number of rhythm patterns are stored in the ROM 2 or the external storage device 9, and the musical features of the rhythm are “similar” / “contrast” for each rhythm pattern. By adding “similar group data” / “contrast group data” in which “what is” is grouped in advance, a “similar” / “contrast” rhythm pattern is generated. can do. FIG. 4 shows an example of a group correspondence table GT that associates each rhythm pattern used in this case with group data.

  The group correspondence table GT is a table in which “similar group data” / “contrast group data” is added and stored in the ROM 2 or the external storage device 9, and includes a rhythm pattern data column RD and a corresponding group data column. Consists of GD. In the corresponding group data column GD, the similar / contrast group data GDs1 to GDsn / GDc1 to GDcn correspond to the n types of rhythm pattern data RD1 to RDn prepared in the rhythm pattern data column RD, and the similar / contrast group column GDs. / GDc is stored in each. In the example of FIG. 4, the rhythm pattern data RD1 to RDn are set to n = 256 types as in the case of FIG.

  In the example of FIG. 4A, the similar / contrast group data GDs1 to GDsn / GDc1 to GDcn in the corresponding group data column GD are “similar” to the rhythmic musical features of the respective rhythm patterns RD1 to RDn. / Other rhythm patterns that are "contrast" are grouped, and other rhythm pattern (specific number) information having "similarity" / "contrast" property is directly stored in the similar / contrast group column GDs / GDc. It is described.

  FIG. 4 (2) shows another example of similar / contrast group data stored in the corresponding group data column GD. All rhythm patterns are divided into several similar rhythm pattern groups, and each rhythm pattern is grouped using group name information. In addition to indicating to which group RD1 to RDn belong, the group name information is used to indicate which group the rhythm pattern is in contrast to each rhythm pattern RD1 to RDn. This group name information is represented by, for example, “A”, “B”,..., “Z”, the group name information of the group to which each rhythm pattern belongs is stored in the similar group column GDs, and each rhythm pattern The group name information of the group to which the contrasting rhythm pattern belongs is stored in the contrasting group column GDc.

  The similarity / contrast group data is not limited to the above-described example. For example, which of the plurality of features such as presence / absence of syncopation, presence / absence of dotted notes, and the number of notes is “similar” or You may group by distinguishing whether it is “contrast”.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for generating a rhythm pattern corresponding to a given motif pattern using the group correspondence table GT. In this process, a panel button on the operation switch device 13 is operated to specify a rhythm pattern generation mode II (similar) or a rhythm pattern generation mode III (contrast), and a performance operator such as a keyboard of the performance operation device 12 is designated. Operation, input operation from external MIDI device 16 via MIDI interface 15, read operation from storage medium such as external storage device 9, or operation of panel switch on operation switch device 13 To start by inputting a motif rhythm pattern.

  First, in step M1, the given motif rhythm pattern data is stored in the motif rhythm pattern data storage area in the RAM 3. In the next step M2, the group correspondence table GT is searched based on the given motif rhythm pattern, and the same rhythm pattern as the given motif rhythm pattern is found in the rhythm pattern data field RD of the group correspondence table GT. Detected from RD1 to RDn and proceeds to step M3.

  In step M3, the similarity / contrast group data GDsi / GDci assigned corresponding to the detected rhythm pattern data RDi is extracted from the similarity / contrast group column GDs / GDc in the corresponding group data column GD of the group correspondence table GT. The process proceeds to step M4. In this case, if the similar / contrast group data is classified and grouped for each feature, it is determined by using the panel switch of the operation switch device 13 which one of the one or plural features should be taken out. The user may be designated, or may be designated automatically (randomly).

  In step M4, any one of the rhythm patterns belonging to the extracted similar / contrast group data GDsi / GDci is adopted. In this case, a plurality of rhythm patterns belonging to the similarity / contrast group data GDsi / GDci may be presented on the display of the display circuit 6 to allow the user to designate one of these rhythm patterns. May be specified (randomly or in a predetermined order).

That is, when rhythm pattern generation mode II (similar) is designated, a rhythm pattern similar to a given motif rhythm pattern is generated by the following processing procedure:
(Step M1) A motif rhythm pattern is input by a performance operating device 12 such as a keyboard, an external MIDI device 16 (→ MIDI interface 15), a storage medium (2, 9, etc.), a panel switch 13 and the like.
(Step M2) The same rhythm pattern as the given motif rhythm pattern is detected from the group correspondence table GT.
(Step M3) Similar group data GDsi assigned to the detected rhythm pattern RDi is obtained.
(Step M4) One of the rhythm patterns belonging to the obtained similar group data GDsi is adopted.

When the rhythm pattern generation mode III (contrast) is designated, a rhythm pattern similar to the given motif rhythm pattern is generated by the following processing procedure:
(Step M1) A motif rhythm pattern is input by a performance operating device 12 such as a keyboard, an external MIDI device 16 (→ MIDI interface 15), a storage medium (2, 9, etc.), a panel switch 13 and the like.
(Step M2) The same rhythm pattern as the given motif rhythm pattern is detected from the group correspondence table GT.
(Step M3) The comparison group data GDci assigned to the detected rhythm pattern RDi is obtained.
(Step M4) One of the rhythm patterns belonging to the obtained comparison group data GDci is adopted.

  In this way, in the “process for generating a rhythm pattern“ similar ”/“ contrast ”to an inputted motif rhythm pattern” according to the present invention, when the motif rhythm pattern is given, the same rhythm pattern as the motif rhythm pattern is given. (RDi) is searched from a plurality of rhythm patterns, and a rhythm pattern is generated by adopting a rhythm pattern belonging to a similarity / contrast group (GDsi / GDci) stored corresponding to the searched rhythm pattern Let Therefore, according to this generation process, since any rhythm pattern among the plurality of rhythm patterns included in the similarity / contrast group (GDsi / GDci) can be adopted, it is favorable for a given motif rhythm pattern. A rhythm pattern having similarity / contrast can be generated flexibly.

[Usage examples of adopted rhythm patterns]
According to the present invention, a new rhythm pattern adopted as a rhythm pattern having a specified feature or a “similar” / “contrast” rhythm pattern to a given motif rhythm pattern is used for automatic rhythm performance. Can be used. Note that a rhythm pattern composed of a plurality of percussion instrument parts can also be generated by performing the rhythm pattern generation process according to the present invention for each of a plurality of percussion instrument parts.

  Further, according to the present invention, a new rhythm pattern having a specified feature is used as a melody rhythm pattern, and a pitch is automatically (or semi-automatically) assigned to each hit point of the rhythm pattern. A melody with special features can be generated. Alternatively, a new rhythm pattern “similar” / “contrast” to a given motif rhythm pattern is used as a melody rhythm pattern, and the pitch is automatically (or semi-automatically) applied to each point of the rhythm pattern. By assigning, a melody that is “similar” / “contrast” to the motif melody corresponding to the given motif rhythm pattern can be generated.

[Various Embodiments]
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the minimum note is an eighth note and the length is 4 beats as the rhythm pattern stored in the feature correspondence table CT and the group correspondence table GT (ie, can be generated). Although an example of a minute is shown, the minimum note may be smaller than this (for example, a 16th note or a 32nd note), and the length may be 3 beats or other lengths.

  In the process of “creating a rhythm pattern having a given feature”, as a method of randomly generating a rhythm pattern, a random value is generated for each minimum note unit as in the embodiment, and this is combined to form a rhythm pattern. In addition to the above, prepare a large number of short rhythm patterns with a predetermined length longer than the minimum note, and select them at random and combine them into a rhythm pattern (for example, prepare a rhythm pattern for two beats as a short rhythm pattern) And any combination of short rhythm patterns may be selected and combined randomly in the first and second half of the 4 beats).

  The rhythm pattern may have only “spot position” or may have “spot position + sound length”. Furthermore, you may have the information (velocity etc.) which shows the sound volume in each hit point. In addition, a rhythm pattern in which “nodding” is produced by shifting the striking point back and forth by a time finer than the minimum note may be used. In this case, in the “search for the same rhythm pattern” in steps C3 and M3, the search may be performed after removing a small time shift (quantized).

[System configuration]
The form of the system is not limited to the form of the electronic musical instrument, but may be the form of a personal computer + application software. The application software may be stored in a storage medium such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory and supplied to a personal computer or may be supplied via a network.

  When taking the form of an electronic musical instrument, the form is not limited to a keyboard instrument, and may be a stringed instrument type, a wind instrument type, a percussion instrument type, or the like. In addition, the sound source device, the automatic performance device, etc. are not limited to those built in one electronic musical instrument body, but each is a separate device, and each device is connected using communication means such as MIDI or various networks. There may be.

  In the case of the MIDI connection, not only a dedicated MIDI interface, but also a MIDI interface may be configured using a general-purpose interface such as RS-232C, USB (Universal Serial Bus), lEE1394 (IT 1394). In this case, data other than MIDI messages may be transmitted and received simultaneously.

[Performance data format]
The format of the performance data of the generated rhythm pattern or the input motif rhythm pattern is “event + relative time” that shows the time of occurrence of the performance event as the time from the previous event, and the time of occurrence of the performance event "Event + absolute time" expressed in absolute time within a bar, "pitch (rest) + note length" representing performance data in pitch and note length or rest and rest length, Any format such as a “solid method” in which a memory area is secured for each minimum resolution and the performance event is stored in the memory area corresponding to the time at which the performance event occurs may be used.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a rhythm pattern generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the correspondence between rhythm patterns and feature data according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of “process for generating a rhythm pattern having a specified feature” according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the correspondence between rhythm patterns and group data according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of “a process for generating a rhythm pattern corresponding to a given motif pattern” according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

RD rhythm pattern data field,
RD1 to RDn rhythm pattern data,
CD feature data column,
SD syncopation information,
DD dotted note information,
ND note number information,
CD1-CDn feature data,
GD group data column,
GDs similar group data column,
GDs1-CDsn similar group data,
GDc contrast group data string,
GDc1-CDcn contrast group data.

Claims (5)

Means for storing a plurality of rhythm patterns and storing similar group data indicating a group of rhythm patterns having similar musical characteristics corresponding to each rhythm pattern;
Means for inputting a motif rhythm pattern;
Means for searching among the plurality of rhythm patterns for a rhythm pattern that matches the inputted motif rhythm pattern;
A rhythm pattern generation apparatus comprising: means for generating a rhythm pattern similar to an inputted motif rhythm pattern based on similar group data corresponding to the searched rhythm pattern. Means for storing a plurality of rhythm patterns and storing contrast group data indicating a group of rhythm patterns whose musical features correspond to each rhythm pattern;
Means for inputting a motif rhythm pattern;
Means for searching among the plurality of rhythm patterns for a rhythm pattern that matches the inputted motif rhythm pattern;
A rhythm pattern generation apparatus comprising: means for generating a rhythm pattern that is contrasted to an inputted motif rhythm pattern based on contrast group data corresponding to the searched rhythm pattern.   3. The rhythm pattern generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the similar or contrast group data is data representing another rhythm pattern having a similar or contrasting musical characteristic of the rhythm pattern. 3. The rhythm pattern generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the similar or contrast group data is data representing a group including a rhythm pattern having a similar or contrasting musical characteristic of the rhythm pattern. 4.
Providing similar group data and / or contrast group data indicating a plurality of rhythm patterns, and corresponding rhythm patterns and / or groups of contrasting rhythm patterns corresponding to each rhythm pattern; ,
Inputting a motif rhythm pattern;
Searching for a rhythm pattern matching the inputted motif rhythm pattern from the plurality of rhythm patterns;
Recording a program for causing a computer to execute a procedure comprising a step of generating a rhythm pattern similar to or contrasted with an inputted motif rhythm pattern based on similar or contrast group data corresponding to the searched rhythm pattern A computer-readable recording medium.

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