JP4225258B2 - Automatic accompaniment apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic accompaniment system having a variable time signature function of automatic accompaniment.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an automatic accompaniment apparatus having an automatic accompaniment time signature function is already known as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.
Utility Model Registration No. 2508578

  In this automatic accompaniment apparatus, in order to realize an odd time signature in automatic accompaniment, a start switch is pressed during performance to shift the performance position to the beginning of the measure. Thereby, for example, a measure of 2 or 3 beats can be created during the performance based on the accompaniment pattern of 4 beats. More specifically, when the accompaniment pattern performance reaches the end of the second beat, pressing the start switch turns the measure into a two-beat measure, and when the end of the third beat is reached, press the start switch. When pressed, the bar becomes a three-beat bar.

  However, according to the prior art, it is necessary to align the timing of operating the start switch exactly at the end of the beat, and the operation for variable time signature is very troublesome. In particular, when you want to make multiple measures in a row with the same time signature, it is necessary to perform the same start switch operation for each measure, which makes the operation of the time signature very cumbersome. End up.

  In view of such circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic accompaniment system that can realize an automatic accompaniment time signature with a simple operation.

  According to the feature of the present invention, a variable time indicator indicating operator [MSa, MSb, MSc,...: MS] for instructing a change to a predetermined time [2 time, 3 time, 4 time,. Detecting means [S1, S4] for detecting an operation [Ac1, Ac2] of a variable time indicator indicating operator [eg, triple time indicating operator MSb] during a performance of a variable time indicator indicating operator [eg, MSb] When the operation of the variable time indicator operator (for example, MSb) is started (ON) at a performance position that has passed the time range (specified time range: for example, first to third beats) corresponding to the number of beats specified by Indicates that the operation is invalid [S1 · NO] [S1 · S4] and the operation point of the time signature indicating operator [eg MSb] (eg, time t1) in response to the detection of the operation by the detecting means. To t2, t3 to t4] Automatic accompaniment comprising an accompaniment means [S3, S6 (YES), S9] for changing accompaniment measures (for example, measures n, n, and n + 1) to a predetermined time signature (eg, 3 time signature). Device [electronic music apparatus] (Claim 1), and a variable time indicator indicating operation [MSa, MSb, MSc,...] For instructing a change to a predetermined time [2 time, 3 time, 4 time,. : MS] and a computer [electronic music apparatus] having an automatic accompaniment function, an operation [Ac1, Ac2] of a variable time indicator operator (for example, a triple time indicator operator MSb) is performed during the performance of the automatic accompaniment. The detection step [S1 · S4] to detect, the time range corresponding to the number of beats specified by the variable time indicator indicator [for example, MSb] [specified time range: for example, the first to third beats] has passed The variable time indicator indicator at the playing position (example) For example, when the operation of MSb] is started [ON], the operation is invalidated [S1 · NO] [S1 · S4], and in response to detection of the operation in the detection step, An automatic accompaniment measure [for example, the n-th measure, the n-th measure, and the n + 1-th measure] in which the operator [eg, MSb] is played at the operation time point (eg, time points t1 to t2, t3 to t4) is set to a predetermined time signature. There is provided an automatic accompaniment program (Claim 3) for executing a procedure consisting of variable time steps [S3, S6 (YES), S9] to be changed to [3 beats, for example]. Note that the parentheses indicate reference symbols or examples in the examples added for convenience of understanding.

In the automatic accompaniment apparatus according to the present invention, the time signature means [S3, S6 (YES), S9] includes a time signature indicating operator [MS] over a plurality of automatic accompaniment measures (for example, the nth and n + 1th measures). In response to detection of the continuous operation [Ac2], all of the plurality of measures (for example, the nth measure and the (n + 1) th measure) are changed to a predetermined time signature (for example, 3 time signatures). Can be configured.

  According to the automatic accompaniment system according to the present invention (Claims 1 and 3), the variable time indicator instruction operator [MSa, MSb, MSc] for instructing a change to a predetermined time signature [2 time, 3 time, 4 time,. ,...: MS] is provided, and when an odd time indicator indicating operator (for example, triple time indicating operator MSb) is operated during an automatic accompaniment [for example, time t1 to t2, t3 to t4] Ac1, Ac2] is detected [S1, S4], and in response to the detection of this operation, the automatic accompaniment measure (eg, nth measure) at the time of the operation (eg, t1 to t2, t3 to t4) is detected. , The nth bar and the (n + 1) th bar] are set as a variable time bar [for example, a triple time] [S3, S6 (YES), S9]. MSb] is the time corresponding to the number of beats specified by When the operation of the variable time indicator operator (for example, MSb) is started (turned on) at a performance position past the range (for example, the first to third beats), the operation is invalidated [S1・ No]. Therefore, according to the present invention, the time signature can be realized from the measure at the time point when the operation start is detected by a simple operation only by operating the time signature indicating operator at an appropriate timing in the middle of the automatic accompaniment measure.

  Further, in the automatic accompaniment apparatus according to the present invention (claim 2), the variable time indicator operator (for example, the triple time indicator operator MSb) is operated continuously over a plurality of bars (for example, the nth bar and the (n + 1) th bar). Then, [Ac2], all bars including the operation time point (for example, t3 to t4) [for example, the nth bar and the (n + 1) th bar] are set as variable time signatures (for example, three time signatures). Even when a plurality of measures are played continuously with variable time signatures, it is only necessary to continuously operate the controls, and the operation is simple.

  A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, this is merely an example, and the present invention can be variously modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[System Overview]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an automatic accompaniment system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As an electronic music apparatus serving as a main body of the automatic accompaniment system, a music information processing apparatus (computer) such as a personal computer (PC) having an electronic musical instrument or performance information processing function is used. , Central processing unit (CPU) 1, random access memory (RAM) 2, read-only memory (ROM) 3, external storage device 4, performance operation detection circuit 5, setting operation detection circuit 6, display circuit 7, sound source circuit 8, An effect circuit 9, a MIDI interface (I / F) 10, a communication interface (I / F) 11, and the like are provided, and these devices 1 to 11 are connected to each other via a bus 12.

  The CPU 1 executes various music information processing including automatic accompaniment processing for generating desired accompaniment data from accompaniment pattern data using a clock by the timer 13 in accordance with a predetermined control program. It is used as a work area for temporarily storing various necessary data.

  For example, the RAM 2 has a data storage area for setting accompaniment pattern data used for generating accompaniment data. Further, for the accompaniment data generated from the set accompaniment pattern data, a current position register PP for designating the current performance position, a time register MR for storing the currently set time signature, and a variable time signature are designated. A storage area such as a variable time signature on flag register MF for storing a variable time signature on flag indicating that the data is stored is set.

  The ROM 3 stores various control programs including an automatic accompaniment program, performance data including accompaniment pattern data, various data, parameters, and the like in order to execute various music information processing.

  The external storage device 4 is not only a built-in storage medium such as a hard disk (HD) but also a compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), a flexible disk (FD), a magneto-optical (MO) disk, a digital multipurpose disk ( Various portable external recording media such as a small memory card such as a DVD, a smart media (registered trademark), and the like are included. Arbitrary performance data including accompaniment pattern data, control programs, and the like can be stored in an arbitrary external storage device 4 and processed by this electronic music device.

  The performance operation detection circuit 5 constitutes a performance information input unit together with a performance operator 14 composed of a keyboard, a wheel, various switches and the like operated during performance, detects the performance operation content of the performance operator 14 and detects it in the system main body. Introduce. For example, the keyboard of the performance operator 14 is provided with a melody key range (including a melody keyboard) and a chord designation key range (including a chord designation keyboard), and melody performance data is input by pressing the melody key range. The chord designation information can be input by pressing a key in the normal performance key range.

  The performance operator 14 includes a time signature switch MS that functions as a time signature indicating operator for indicating a time signature during performance of automatic accompaniment. The variable time switch MS is provided corresponding to the number of required variable time signatures. For example, a two time switch MSa, a three time switch for changing the time of an automatic accompaniment to two time, three time, four time,. MSb, 4-beat switch MSc,.

  The setting operation detection circuit 6 detects the setting operation content of the setting operator 15 such as a key switch or a mouse, and introduces setting information corresponding to the detected content to the system main body. The setting operator 15 includes, for example, a pattern selection switch for selecting desired accompaniment pattern data used at the time of automatic accompaniment from the accompaniment pattern data stored in the storage means 3 and 4, and on / off of the automatic accompaniment function. An automatic accompaniment on / off switch for instructing

  The display circuit 7 includes a display 16 for displaying various screens and various indicators, and controls the display / lighting contents according to instructions from the CPU 1 to provide display assistance for the operations of the operators 14 and 15.

  The tone generator circuit 8 can generate a melody musical sound signal according to melody performance data based on an actual performance in the normal performance key range of the keyboard (14), or can generate an accompaniment musical sound signal according to accompaniment data generated by automatic accompaniment processing. it can. It is also possible to generate an automatic musical tone signal in accordance with automatic performance data stored separately in the storage means 3 and 4.

  An effect circuit 9 having an effect-providing DSP imparts a predetermined effect to such a musical tone signal, and a sound system 17 subsequent thereto includes a D / A converter, an amplifier, and a speaker, and the musical tone to which the effect has been imparted. A musical tone based on the signal is generated. The sound source circuit 8, the effect circuit 9, and the sound system 17 form a performance information output unit.

  Further, another MIDI music device ED is connected to the MIDII / F10, and MIDI data including performance data can be exchanged between the electronic music apparatus and the other music device ED and used in this system. . The communication I / F 11 is connected to a communication network CN such as the Internet or a local area network (LAN), and downloads control programs and various performance data from an external server computer SV and stores them in the external storage device 4. Can be used in this system.

[Outline of automatic accompaniment]
In the automatic accompaniment system according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the time signature switch is operated during the automatic accompaniment, the measure at the time of the operation is changed to a time signature measure, and the time signature designated by the time signature switch is changed. Can do. FIG. 2 is a view for explaining the relationship between the operation of the variable time signature switch and the time signature of the automatic accompaniment played in the automatic accompaniment system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

  Here, the outline of the function of the automatic accompaniment system will be described with reference to FIG. In this system, in order to instruct a change to a predetermined time signature such as two time signatures and three time signatures, a time signature switch MS such as a two time signature switch MSa and a three time signature switch MSb is provided. When the switch MS is operated, the automatic accompaniment measure at the time of the operation is forcibly played with a predetermined time indicated by the variable time switch MS. For example, if there is an operation Ac1 of the 3-beat switch MSb at a certain time t1 to t2 during automatic accompaniment, the n-th measure including the operation time t1 to t2 is changed to a 3-beat performance [(2)]. When the operation of the time signature switch MS is a continuous operation Ac2 over a plurality of measures of automatic accompaniment, all of the plurality of measures are set as a time signature measure, for example, the three time signature switch MSb is changed from the nth measure to the nth measure of the automatic accompaniment. When operation is performed at time points t3 to t4 over n + 1 bars, these nth bar to n + 1th bar are played in three beats [(3)].

  Hereinafter, it will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In the storage units 3 and 4 of this automatic accompaniment system, a large number of accompaniment pattern data, commonly called “accompaniment style data”, is stored divided into genres of performance songs. This accompaniment pattern data has accompaniment patterns for one to several measures created corresponding to the progression stages of the music, and there are various time signatures (beats) corresponding to each genre.

  Prior to the automatic accompaniment, the user can select a series of accompaniment pattern data of a desired time signature corresponding to the progress stage of the music from the storage means 3 and 4 using the pattern selection switch of the setting operation element 15. During automatic accompaniment, accompaniment pattern data corresponding to the progression stage of the song is sequentially read out from the selected series of accompaniment pattern data, and the read accompaniment pattern data is, for example, a performance operator (keyboard). The accompaniment data can be generated by modifying according to the chord designation information from the 14 chord designation key range. Therefore, as the melody performance progresses according to the melody performance data from the normal performance key range of the performance operator (keyboard) 14, the automatic accompaniment can proceed according to the accompaniment data generated based on the accompaniment pattern data.

  FIG. 2 (1) shows that accompaniment data is generated without accompaniment from accompaniment pattern data of a predetermined time without operating the time signature switch MS (MSa, MSb,...) Included in the performance operator 14. The data shows how the automatic accompaniment progresses in the direction of the time axis t. Here, numerals “1” to “4” indicate beats, and in the illustrated example, automatic accompaniment with accompaniment data of 4 beats is progressing based on accompaniment pattern data of 4 beats.

  In this system, as shown in FIG. 2 (2), while the automatic accompaniment of the predetermined time (4 time) shown in FIG. When the instantaneous operation Ac1 of the 3-beat switch MSb is performed at t1, the variable time signature to the 3-time signature is instructed, and only the nth bar of the automatic accompaniment played at this timing t1 is changed from the original 4-time signature to the 3-time signature. Can be changed.

  Here, the instantaneous operation Ac1 corresponds to a case where a normal switch is operated only for a short time by a normal method, such as releasing (OFF) the pressing immediately after pressing (ON) the switch operating unit. To do. In the example shown in the figure, the turn-on switch MSb is turned on (upward arrow) at timing t1, and then immediately turned off (downward arrow) at timing t2.

  As described above, the switch operation time from the start (on) time t1 to the stop (off) time t2 of the switch operation with respect to the variable time switch MS (MSa, MSb,...) Is relatively short, and the automatic accompaniment is the same. If it is within a measure (however, if the time signature specified by the variable meter switch MS is smaller than the number of beats of the accompaniment pattern data) The time signature of the operated time signature switch MS is indicated. As a result, only the measure is changed to the indicated time signature.

  In the illustrated example, the switch operation time t1 to t2 by the instantaneous operation Ac1 of the 3-beat switch MSb is within the n-th measure (within 1st to 3rd beats). The time specified by MSb = “3” is indicated. As a result, the automatic accompaniment of the n-th measure ends at the third beat and becomes a three-beat performance. After that, automatic accompaniment at the beginning of the next (n + 1) th measure follows, and the performance returns to a 4-beat performance.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2 (3), while the 4-beat automatic accompaniment shown in FIG. 2 (1) is in progress, the player (user), for example, from timing t3 to timing t4. When the continuous operation Ac2 of the 3-beat switch MSb is performed, the n-th bar including the timing t3 to the (n + 1) -th bar including the timing t4 are instructed to change to a 3-beat time, and the nth to n + 1th times are instructed. You can change the automatic accompaniment of measures from the original 4-beat to 3-beat.

  Here, the continuous operation Ac2 means that a normal switch operation part is pressed (on) and released (off) after a predetermined time has elapsed, or a toggle switch operation part is pressed once ( This corresponds to a case where the switch-on state is maintained for a relatively long time, such as pressing (off) again after a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of turning on. In the example shown in the figure, after the time signature switch MSb is turned on (upward arrow) at the timing t3 in the nth bar (up to the third beat) and maintained on for a while, the timing t4 in the next n + 1th bar. In the off operation (down arrow).

  As described above, the switch operation time from the start (on) time t1 to the stop (off) time t2 of the switch operation with respect to the variable time meter switch MS (MSa, MSb,...) Is relatively long, and a plurality of automatic accompaniments. In this case, the time signature of the operated time signature switch MS is instructed for the plurality of measures. As a result, the plurality of measures are changed to the specified time signature.

  In the illustrated example, the switch operation time t3 to t4 by the continuous operation Ac2 of the three-beat switch MSb extends from the nth bar (within the first to third beats) to the n + 1th bar. Thus, the time signature designated by the three time signature switch MSb = “3” is instructed. As a result, the automatic accompaniment of the n-th measure and the (n + 1) -th measure ends with the third beat and becomes a three-beat performance. Further, after that, the automatic accompaniment at the beginning of the next n + 2 bar continues, and the performance returns to a 4-beat performance.

[Time control processing flow example]
Next, an automatic accompaniment processing procedure in this automatic accompaniment system will be described focusing on time signature control. In this system, the CPU 1 controls an initial setting function unit for initial setting of performance conditions for automatic accompaniment, an automatic accompaniment function unit for generating accompaniment data, and the time signature of accompaniment data generated by the automatic accompaniment function unit by an automatic accompaniment program. It operates as a time signature control function unit.

  Prior to the automatic accompaniment, the initial setting function unit of the CPU 1 sets the accompaniment pattern data selected from the storage means 4 and 5 in accordance with the operation of the pattern selection switch on the RAM 2 and initializes the time signature register MR on the RAM 2. Then, the time set in the set accompaniment pattern data is set in the time signature register MR. Also, the variable time signature on flag register MF is initialized, and the variable time signature on flag (which may be described with the same symbol MF as the register) is reset to “0”, and the variable time signature on flag MF = “0”. To indicate that the set accompaniment pattern data should be accompanied by the original time signature.

  The automatic accompaniment function unit of the CPU 1 executes an automatic accompaniment main process (not shown). In the automatic accompaniment main process, when the automatic accompaniment is turned on by operating the automatic accompaniment on switch after the above-described initial setting, the accompaniment pattern data set on the RAM 2 is read out, and a predetermined data generation procedure is performed. The accompaniment data is generated with the time set in the time signature register MR, and the accompaniment sound is generated through the performance information output unit (7, 8, 14). Further, as the accompaniment data generation proceeds, the contents of the current position register PP (the time position during the current generation of the accompaniment data, that is, the current read position of the accompaniment pattern data) are sequentially updated. .

  The time signature control function unit of the CPU 1 executes the automatic accompaniment time signature control process when the automatic accompaniment main process described above is being executed, and reads the accompaniment pattern data reading position (ie, the accompaniment data of the accompaniment data). (Generation position) is determined for each measure, and the time of accompaniment data generated by the automatic accompaniment function unit is controlled.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an automatic accompaniment time signature control process by an automatic accompaniment program according to an embodiment of the present invention. When this time signature control processing flow is started, the time signature control function unit of the CPU 1 first selects the time signature switch MS (MSa, MSb, MSc,...) In the performance operator 15 in step S1. Is a time range corresponding to the number of beats designated (referred to as “designated beat number”) (referred to as “designated time range”. For example, in the case of the 3-beat switch MSb, designated beat number = “3”, and this designated time range. Is “1st to 3rd beats.”), It is determined whether or not it is turned on.

  If the time signature switch MS is turned on within the specified time range (S1 → YES), the content of the time signature on flag register MF is updated to “1” in step S2, and the updated time signature on flag is updated. By MF = “1”, it is instructed that the time signature should be changed to the time signature designated by the ON time signature switch MS.

  Further, in the next step S3, the content of the time signature register MR is updated to the time signature (time signature) of the turned variable time switch MS. That is, if the variable time signature switch MS that is turned on is the three time signature switch MSb, the time signature register MR is set to “3 time signature” (for example, the number of time signatures = “3” is set in the time signature register MR).

  After the time signature register MR update process (S2) or when the time signature switch MS is not turned on within the specified time range (S1 → NO), the process proceeds to step S4, and whether or not the time signature switch MS is turned off. If the time signature switch MS is turned off (S4 → YES), the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, the content of the variable time signature on flag register MF is updated to “0”. If it is determined that the ON immediately before the time signature switch MS is turned off is not performed within the specified time range (S1 → NO), the time signature on flag MF remains substantially “0”. Does not change.

  After the variable time signature on flag MF update process (S5) or when the variable time signature switch MS is not turned off (S4 → NO), the process proceeds to step S6, and the current performance indicated by the current position register PP is reached. It is determined whether or not the position (currently generated accompaniment data position, that is, current accompaniment pattern data reading position) is the end of the time signature indicated by the time signature register MR.

  If it is determined in step S6 that the current performance position is not the end of the time set in the time signature register MR (S6 → NO), the process returns to step S1 and the processes of steps S1 to S6 are repeated. When the current position is at the end of the time signature of the time signature register MR (S6 → YES), the process proceeds to step S7.

  In step S7, it is determined whether or not the value of the time signature on flag set in the time signature on flag register MF is “1”, and the value of the time signature on flag is not “1”, that is, the time signature on flag MF = “ When it is “0” (S7 → NO), the content of the time signature register MR is updated to the original time signature of the accompaniment pattern data in step S8.

  When the odd time signature on flag MF = “1” (S7 → YES), or after the time signature register MR update process (S8), the current position of the automatic accompaniment (the next accompaniment data generation position) is set in step S9. Instructs the automatic accompaniment function unit to move to the beginning of the next measure.

  In response to this, the automatic accompaniment function unit advances the position (current position) of the next accompaniment data to the start position of the next bar, and the accompaniment pattern data bar used to generate the accompaniment data of the next bar Reading is started from the top position of. At the same time, the contents of the current position register PP are updated to the start position of the measure.

  The transition to the bar start position in step S9 will be described in more detail. For example, when the length of the accompaniment pattern data used for generating the accompaniment data is 4 bars, the process proceeds to the 3rd bar. Shifts the reading position to the beginning of the fourth measure of the 4-measure accompaniment pattern data. Here, when this accompaniment pattern data is repeatedly used, if it has progressed to the fourth measure which is the last measure, the accompaniment pattern data is shifted to the head of the first measure of the accompaniment pattern data. Further, when switching from a certain accompaniment pattern data to another accompaniment pattern data, if it has progressed to the last measure of a certain accompaniment pattern data, it is shifted to the beginning of the first measure of another accompaniment pattern data.

  And after the process (S9) which instruct | indicates the transfer of the present position which should be performed, it returns to step S1 and repeats the process of step S1-S9 mentioned above.

  Supplementing the description of the time signature control process described above with respect to the specific examples of FIGS. 2 (1) to 2 (3), the following are the following [a] to [c]. In the following description, according to this specific example, the original time signature of the accompaniment pattern data is “4” time signature, and “4” time signature is set (initial setting) in the time signature register MR. The register MF is assumed to be reset (initially set) to “0”, and the variable time signature switch MS to be operated is a “3” time signature switch MSb.

[A] When the time signature switch MS is not operated:
In this case, since the registers MR and MF are not updated, the variable time signature switch operation determination step (S1, S4) and the variable time signature on flag determination step (S7) are passed with “NO”, and the time signature register update step (S8). The content of the time signature ME remains substantially “4” and does not change.

  Therefore, until the current performance position reaches the end of each measure of the accompaniment data, that is, the end of the 4th beat, the performance of 1 beat 4 beats is circulated through the loop of S1, NO, S4, NO, S6, NO. Each time the end of the measure (the end of the fourth beat) is reached (S6 / YES), the current performance position is shifted to the next measure start position (S7 / YES → S9). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2 (1), the automatic accompaniment based on the 4-beat accompaniment pattern data is executed as it is.

[B] When there is an instantaneous operation Ac1 in which the three-beat switch MSb is turned on at time t1 within the n-th measure (up to the third beat) and turned off at time t2.
In this case, the automatic accompaniment based on the accompaniment pattern data of four beats is executed as it is until the end of the (n-1) -th measure as described in [a].

  At the on time t1 within the next n-th measure (up to the third beat), the time signature on flag MF is updated to “1”, the time signature register MR is updated to “3” time signature, and the time signature switch-off operation is performed. Pass through “NO” (S1, YES, S2, S3, S4, NO, S6, NO). Next, after circulating through the loop of S1, NO, S4, NO, S6, NO, at time point t1 in the first beat of the nth measure, the odd meter on flag MF is re-updated to "0" and is in the original reset state Return to.

  Therefore, after the loop of S1, NO, S4, NO, S6, NO is circulated again, the current performance position is at the end of the "third beat" of the nth measure indicated by the time signature register MR = "3". When it reaches (S6 · YES), the time signature MR is updated again to the original “4” time (S7 · NO → S8), and the current performance position is skipped over the 4th beat of the nth measure, Shift to the first position of the (n + 1) th measure (S9). As a result, the fourth beat is excluded from the accompaniment pattern data for the n-th measure, and automatic accompaniment of three beats is executed based on the accompaniment pattern data for the first to third beats.

  Since the time signature register MR has returned to the original “4” time signature, thereafter, as described in [a], a loop circulation of S1, NO, S4, NO, S6, NO is performed, and each of the n + 1th and subsequent bars is repeated. Whenever the end of the fourth beat of the measure is reached (S6 / YES), the current performance position is shifted to the next measure start position (S7 / YES → S9). Thus, automatic accompaniment based on the original 4-beat accompaniment pattern data is executed after the (n + 1) th measure.

[C] When there is a continuous operation Ac2 in which the 3-beat switch MSb is turned on at time t3 in the n-th measure (up to the third beat) and turned off at time t4 in the next n + 1-th measure:
In this case, the automatic accompaniment based on the accompaniment pattern data of four beats is executed as it is until the end of the (n-1) -th measure as described in [a].

  At the on time t3 of the next nth bar (up to the third beat), the time signature on flag MF is updated to “1”, the time signature register MR is updated to “3” time signature, and the time signature switch-off operation is changed to “NO”. ”(S1, YES, S2, S3, S4, NO, S6, NO).

  Therefore, after circulating through the loop of S1, NO, S4, NO, S6, NO, when the current performance position reaches the end of the "third beat" of the nth bar indicated by the time signature register MR = "3". (S6, YES), the current performance position is moved to the beginning position of the next (n + 1) th bar by skipping the 4th beat of the nth bar (S7, YES → S9).

  After that, after circulating through the loop of S1, NO, S4, NO, S6, NO again, at the time point t4 of the next (n + 1) th bar, the variable beat on flag MF is re-updated to "0" and returned to the reset state. (S1, NO, S4, YES, S5, S6, NO).

  Accordingly, similarly, after circulating through the loop of S1, NO, S4, NO, S6, NO, the current performance position is the end of the "third beat" of the nth bar indicated by the time signature register MR = "3". (S6 · YES), the time signature register MR is updated again to the original “4” time signature (S7 · NO → S8), then the current performance position is skipped over the 4th beat of the (n + 1) th measure. Shift to the start position of the (n + 2) th measure (S9).

  Since the time signature register MR has returned to the original “4” time signature, thereafter, as described in [a], the loop circulation of S1 · NO → S4 · NO → S6 · NO is performed, and each of the n + 2th bar and after. Whenever the end of the fourth beat of the measure is reached (S6 / YES), the current performance position is shifted to the next measure start position (S7 / YES → S9). Thus, automatic accompaniment based on the original 4-beat accompaniment pattern data is executed after the (n + 2) th measure.

[D] When the 3-beat switch MSb is turned on at the time of the fourth beat of a certain bar for automatic accompaniment based on the 4-beat accompaniment pattern data:
In this case, since the triple meter switch MSb is not turned on within the switch designated time range (first to third beats), the variable meter switch on determination step S1 is passed with “NO”, and the variable meter on flag register is passed. Since the contents of the MF and the time signature register MR do not substantially change, such an on / off operation of the three time signature switch MSb becomes invalid for the time change processing of automatic accompaniment.

[Various Embodiments]
Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, various modifications can be made. For example, the variable time indicator instruction operator may be provided with a dedicated switch as in the embodiment, or may be a switch shared with other switches. For example, in the automatic accompaniment mode, the function of the time signature instruction operator is assigned to switches such as “2”, “3”,.

  The variable time indicator instruction operator may be a soft switch that displays a switch image on a display and operates the switch image with a touch panel. Alternatively, an operation element (slider or the like) other than a switch may be used. Further, as in the embodiment, it is preferable to provide a plurality of operators so that the type of variable time signature can be selected from a plurality of types.

  When the variable time indicator indicator is composed of switches, it may be turned on when pressed, turned off when released, or turned on when pressed once, like the toggle switch, and the second time. It may be turned off when pressed. The operation of such a switch may be controlled mechanically or may be controlled by software. In order to perform instantaneous operation, in the case of a normal switch (the former), it is quickly released after being pressed, and in the case of a toggle switch (the latter), it is quickly pressed twice. In order to perform continuous operation, the former may be pressed for a while, and the latter may be operated for a second time after being pressed once.

When shortening a measure by using an odd time signature, it is not limited to omitting the beat at the back of the measure as in the embodiment, and the beat at the front may be omitted or the beat in the middle may be omitted. . Note that if the number of beats of the time signature specified by the time signature instruction operator has already passed when the time signature instruction operator is operated, this operation is invalidated as in the embodiment.

  As in the embodiment, the accompaniment pattern data is not limited to the one that shortens the accompaniment pattern data of a long bar (having a large number of beats) originally (decreases the number of beats) by the operation of the variable time indicator indicator. The accompaniment pattern data may be lengthened (increase the number of beats), such as generating accompaniment data of 5 beats from the data. In this case, the backward beat may be repeated, or the forward or intermediate beat may be repeated.

It is a hardware block diagram of the automatic accompaniment system by one Example of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between operation of the variable time signature switch in the automatic accompaniment system by one Example of this invention, and the time signature of the automatic accompaniment performed. It is a flowchart showing the automatic accompaniment beat control process by the automatic accompaniment program by one Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

MS odd meter switch,
MSa 2-beat switch,
MSb 3-beat switch,
MSc 4-beat switch,
PP Current position register indicating the current position of the automatic accompaniment,
MR time signature register,
MF Abnormal time on flag register or Abnormal time on flag,
Ac1 Momentary operation of the time signature switch MS,
Ac2 Continuous operation across multiple measures of the time signature switch MS.

Claims (3)

A variable time indicator indicating operator for instructing a change to a predetermined time signature;
Detection means for detecting operation of the variable time indicator indicating operator during performance of automatic accompaniment, wherein the variable time indicator is indicated at a performance position that has passed a time range corresponding to the number of beats specified by the variable time indicator indicating operator. When the operation of the control is started, the operation is invalidated,
Automatic accompaniment characterized by comprising, in response to detection of an operation by the detection means, variable time signature means for changing a measure of an automatic accompaniment played at the time of operation of the variable time indicator indicating operator to a predetermined time signature. apparatus.   2. The variable time signature means changes all of the plurality of measures to a predetermined time signature in response to detection of continuous operation of the variable time indicator indicating operator over a plurality of automatic accompaniment measures. The automatic accompaniment device described. For a computer having an automatic time signature indicating operator for instructing a change to a predetermined time signature and having an automatic accompaniment function,
A detection step for detecting an operation of the variable time indicator indicating operator during performance of an automatic accompaniment, wherein the variable time indicator is indicated at a performance position that has passed a time range corresponding to the number of beats specified by the variable time indicator indicating operator. When the operation of the control is started, the operation is invalidated,
An automatic accompaniment program for executing a procedure consisting of a variable time step for changing a measure of an automatic accompaniment played at the time of operation of the variable time indicator indicating operator to a predetermined time in response to detection of an operation in the detection step. .

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