JPH11175057A - Method and device for controlling real-time dynamic midi - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and device for reducing a processing time and a resource required for real time adjustment while a MIDI file is reproduced. SOLUTION: A real-time dynamic MIDI controller 406 reformats the stored MIDI file 418 into the corrected MIDI file 420, and simultaneously, by removing a MIDI META event though stored in the file, unnecessary for reproduction, the MIDI file is pre-processed so as to facilitate the reproduction. The MIDI controller 406 contains an administrator 414 performing channel group formation, channel voice message group formation and their assembly so as to facilitate the control of a selected MIDI file parameter. Further, the real-time dynamic MIDI controller contains an output interface circuit for matching the transmission of one or above of MIDI files processed by the MIDI controller.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates generally to digital interfaces for musical instruments (hereinafter "MIDI"), and more particularly to a MIDI controller having the ability to change MIDI parameters in real time.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Musical instruments generate sound waves to generate music. For example, FIG. 1 shows a piano 100. Piano 1
00 has a plurality of keys 102. Each key 102
Coupled to the hammer 104, only one key / hammer combination is shown. Piano 100 also includes a plurality of tensioned wires 106, one of which is associated with hammer 104. In operation, a player presses one or more keys 102. The key 102 moves the associated hammer 104 to strike one of the associated wires. The vibration of the wire 106 generates a sound wave. The actual tone generated by the vibration of the wire 106 depends on the length of the wire 106, the tension experienced by the wire, and the energy imparted to the wire 106 by the player hitting the key 102.

[0003] Using an electronic synthesizer, the wire 10
6 can be generated electronically to generate music. FIG. 2 shows an electronic keyboard 200 having a plurality of keys 202. The player plays the electronic keyboard 200 by hitting any key 202 in the same manner as the piano 100. When one of the keys 202 is pressed, the keyboard 200 generates an electronic music signal 204 instead of having the hammer hit the wire. Music signal 204 is received by audio oscillator 206. The sound oscillator 206 generates the sound signal 20 to generate sound waves.
Use 4. FIG. 2 shows that some type of electronic synthesizer, such as a keyboard 200, for example, determines which operator wants to generate which sound wave (i.e., the controller portion) key 202 and actually generates the sound wave ( (I.e., a sound generator).

FIG. 3 shows that it is possible to separate the controller part and the sound generator into separate parts. Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic keyboard 300 includes a plurality of keys 3.
02. When one of the keys 302 is pressed,
The keyboard 300 generates an electronic music signal 304. The keyboard 300 includes an audio oscillator 306 that is physically separated from the keyboard 300 by a physical connector 308.
Is connected electronically.

[0005] Keyboard 200 or keyboard 300 and their respective respective sound generators 206 or 306
May communicate using one of several industry-standard music interfaces. These interfaces can be digital. One digital interface known in the art is MIDI. For example, in the case of the keyboard 200, using the MIDI interface,
When a player plays a music score on the keyboard 200 by hitting one or more keys 202, the keyboard 200 generates a digital MIDI signal. The associated audio oscillator is MID to generate the desired music
Use I-files or MIDI signals. For additional information about MIDI, see Christian Braut's The Musician's Guide to MIDI, Sybex, 199.
4 years or Rob Young's "The MIDI Files" Prentice
See Hall, 1996. A MIDI file stored in format 0 contains both MIDI META events ("MME") and MIDI voice message events ("MVE"). A sequential string of one event is also known as chunk data. The MME is an MI that includes copyright information, notification text, sequence / track name text, set tempo information, and the like.
This shows the data in the DI file. MVE indicates data in a MIDI file including channel information, sound on / off information, sound pitch and sound quality information, and the like. Each event (MME or MVE) is stored with a delta time component. Each unit of delta time is (tempo time) /
(Number of clock ticks per MIDI quarter note). The tempo time is defined by the set tempo MME. Thus, the delta time component is microseconds per number of clock ticks. Each delta time unit indicates a time delay between stored events. The accumulation of delta time units in the chunk data from the first event stored in the chunk data to other events in the chunk data is the total from the beginning of the music score to the time the event is played. Indicates elapsed time.

[0006]

Each MIDI file can be stored in one of three formats.
Format 0 includes MVEs in the order in which the performers played the corresponding musical sounds / chords. In other words, format 0 files are stored in M in the order they are to be played.
VE. The information stored in the format 1 and 2 files is similar to format 0. However, unlike Format 0, Format 1
And the MIDI file stored at 2 contains a sequential string of multiple events or multiple chunk data.
Further, the format 1 file includes only the MME in the first chunk data, and the format 2 file includes most of the MME in the first chunk data. With tempo). However, the MVE is stored in each chunk data. Therefore, the format 1 and 2 files do not contain the MVEs in a single order as played by the performer. instead,
They contain information for each multitrack in the order in which they were performed by the performer. The track is a label of music associated with the chunk data. For example, percussion may be stored on one track, stringed instruments on a second track, and woodwinds on a third track.
The total number of chunk data that makes up a MIDI file of format 1 or 2 corresponds to the number of tracks.

Most MMEs in MIDI files
Is not required by the audio oscillator to generate an electronic music signal. In addition, because formats 1 and 2 are not stored sequentially, but rather by tracks, the file requires significant processing resources to make real-time adjustments to the MIDI file during playback. Therefore, it is desirable to reduce the processing time and resources required for real-time adjustment during playback of a MIDI file.

[0008]

The advantages and objects of the invention are set forth in the description and are obvious from the embodiments of the invention. The advantages and objects of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. In order to achieve the advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, the system according to the present invention reformats a MIDI file into a modified format and provides the necessary playback Eliminating missing MIDI events reduces processing time and resources required for real-time processing of musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) files. To achieve this, the preprocessor extracts the timing information and modifies the timing information with the modified MI.
Store in DI file. The preprocessor then determines whether the event is a MIDI voice message event or M
To determine which of the IDI META set tempo events, each MIDI event is sequentially extracted. If the event is determined to be either a MIDI voice message event or a MIDI META set tempo event, the event will also be a modified MIDI
Stored in the DI file, otherwise the event is discarded.

In addition, the system according to the invention can be implemented with various M
IDI channel, MIDI channel voice message,
Alternatively, grouping combinations thereof reduces processing time and resources required for real-time processing of musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) files. Group control is performed during playback of a MIDI file.
Facilitating the supply of real-time control signals to the MIDI channel.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, are set forth in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the objects, advantages and nature of the present invention. The invention will be described. Reference will now be made in detail to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that all matter contained in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings is illustrative and not restrictive.

[0011] The method and apparatus according to the present invention allows for responsive and dynamic real-time control of MIDI files during playback. Reactive and dynamic real-time control is achieved primarily by providing a MIDI controller that pre-processes each MIDI file. Further, the MIDI controller is configured to enable similar MIDI instruments to be grouped such that the MIDI controller changes the MIDI parameters selected by the user substantially simultaneously into a user-defined group.

FIG. 4 shows a recording system 400 constructed in accordance with the present invention. Recording system 400 includes a keyboard 40 having a plurality of keys 404.
2, including a MIDI controller 406, an audio oscillator 408, and a memory 410. The MIDI controller 406 may be a personal computer or other alternative such as, for example, a mixing board adapted to include the features described below. The MIDI controller 406 includes a preprocessor 412, a control processing administrator 414, and a data optimization program 416. Preprocessor 412
May generate a modified MIDI file 420 by storing MIDI file 418 stored in memory 410.
To correct. The administrator 414 modifies the modified MIDI file 420 to generate the modified MIDI file 422 in real time. The data optimization program 416 optimizes the modified MIDI file 422 and generates an optimized MIDI file 424 for transmission to the audio oscillator 408.

A user (player) presses a key 404 on a keyboard 402 to thereby make a recording system 4.
Operate 00. The keyboard 402 may be in any format, showing a music score, and a MIDI controller 4
6 generates a bitstream that can be stored as a MIDI file 418. MIDI controller 406 when generated by keyboard 402
Operates as a conduit for either storing the MIDI file 418 in the memory 410 or passing the MIDI bit stream to the audio oscillator 408. M
The IDI controller 406 stores the stored MIDI file 4
When 18 is played, it allows the player to adjust the MIDI parameters of the music. Alternatively, the keyboard 402 is connected to the MIDI controller 406 before the MIDI controller 406 is connected.
A MIDI bit stream to be stored in memory 410 as DI file 418 may be generated. When connected in this manner, the keyboard 402
8 and / or directly connected to the memory 410.

However, the MIDI controller 406
The recording system 400 is a MIDI file 4
Preferably, 18 is retrieved directly from memory 410 and used when playing a music score. To play the music score, the MIDI controller 406
The DI file 418 is retrieved from the memory 410, processed through the preprocessor 412, the control processing administrator 414, and the data optimization program 416, and the optimized MIDI file is transmitted to the audio oscillator 408. The MIDI controller 406 is provided with various control processes, described in detail below, that allow for pre-processing and real-time adjustment of MIDI files to enhance playback quality.

In one preferred embodiment, the pre-processor 412, the administrator 414, and the data optimization program 416 of the MIDI controller 406 are each implemented in software executed by a microprocessor of the host personal computer. In another embodiment, the MIDI controller 406 includes the pre-processor 41
2. It is configured to include a dedicated microprocessor that executes software corresponding to each function of the administrator 414 and the data optimization program 416. In a further embodiment, the functionality of each component of the MIDI controller 406 is implemented in circuit hardware or a combination of hardware and software.

In the following description, the preprocessor 412,
The respective functions of the administrator 414 and the data optimization program 416 are detailed to enable implementation of the MIDI controller 406 according to any of the embodiments described above. This system is preferably installed on a personal computer using a Windows-based operating environment.

The pre-processing and control processing performed by the MIDI controller 406
MIDI file 41 according to the user's request so that the electronic music signal generated by
8 to modify MIDI parameters in real time. The MIDI controller 406 by the control processing is M
To facilitate the ability to modify the IDI file 418,
The MIDI controller 406 is provided with a preprocessor 412. The preprocessor 412 functions to convert MIDI files of different formats from their current format to a standard format 0 type file. Further, the preprocessor 412 stores the respective MIDs.
The I file removes information that is not needed during playback, resulting in a MIDI file having a modified format 0.
Is converted to a MIDI file. As described above, MI
Most MM stored in the DI file 418
E is not needed during playback. This includes copyright, notice text, sequence / track name text, lyrics text,
Includes MME such as time signature, key signature, etc. In practice, the relevant information stored in the MIDI file 418 for playback includes the set tempo MME, the third word of chunk data (number of clock ticks per MIDI quarter note (hereinafter "NTK")), and MVE.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart 500 showing the pre-processing function executed by the pre-processor 412. First, the preprocessor 412
The MIDI file 418 stored in the file 10 is extracted (step 502). After extracting the MIDI file 418, the preprocessor 412 determines the format of the MIDI file 418 (step 504). MIDI
The file may be stored in format 0, 1 or 2. Depending on which file format the preprocessor 412 detects, the preprocessor 412 converts the format into a modified format 0 MIDI file (step 506). Modified MI
The DI file is then output to the administrator 414 (step 508).

FIG. 6 shows a format 0 MI file obtained by modifying each MIDI file stored in the format 0.
6 is a flowchart 600 illustrating functions performed by a preprocessor 412 to convert to a DI file. 6, MIDI file 418 is assumed to be in format 0. First, the preprocessor 412 extracts the NTK from the MIDI file 418,
The NTK is stored in the modified MIDI file 420 (step 602). The preprocessor 412 then sends the MI
The next MIDI event is extracted from the DI file 418 (step 604). The preprocessor 412 has a MI
It is determined whether the DI event is MVE (step 606). If the MIDI event is a MVE, the event is stored in the modified MIDI file 420 (step 610). MIDI event is MV
If not E, but instead an MME, preprocessor 412 further determines whether the MME is a set tempo event (step 608). If the MME is a set tempo event, the MME will have the modified MID
It is stored in the I file 420 (step 610). Each file stored in the modified MIDI file contains delta time information and MIDI events that can be MVE or set tempo MME. Finally, the preprocessor 412 checks all the MIDI files in the MIDI file 418.
It is determined whether the DI event has been processed (step 612). If all MIDI events have not been processed, steps 604 through 612 are repeated; if processed, preprocessing is completed and the modified MIDI file 420 is output to the administrator 414 (step 614).

FIG. 7 shows each MIDI file stored in format 1 as a modified format 0 M file.
5 shows a flowchart 700 illustrating functions performed by the preprocessor 412 to convert to an IDI file. As described above, format 1 files are MV
E differs from format 0 in that chunk data is spread over multiple tracks indicating each track. However, the set tempo MME and NTK are stored in the first chunk. Therefore, except that the first chunk data is stored as a modified MIDI file instead of outputting a modified MIDI file, the format 0 file was processed in steps 602 through 614 above. (Step 702). Preprocessor 4
12 extracts the NTK data from the modified MIDI file and stores it in a temporary modified MIDI file (step 704). Format 1 MI
For DI files, the next chunk data is examined, and each subsequent chunk data file contains only MVE. Thus, to create a single modified MIDI file with the format 0 protocol, the preprocessor 412 merges the next chunk data and the modified MIDI file to obtain the modified MIDI file 420. To ensure that MVEs are stored in the correct order, preprocessor 412
E is sequentially extracted from the modified MIDI file to generate an accumulated time signal for the modified MIDI file (step 706). Almost simultaneously, the preprocessor 412
Extracts the events sequentially from the next chunk data and generates an accumulation time signal for the next chunk data (step 708). Next, preprocessor 412 modifies M
It is determined whether the cumulative time signal of the IDI file is not greater than the cumulative time signal of the next chunk data (step 710). If the cumulative time signal of the modified MIDI file is not greater than the cumulative time signal of the next chunk data, the MVE from the modified MIDI file is stored in the temporary modified MIDI file and the next chunk data Is replaced in the chunk data (step 712). Modified MI
If the cumulative time signal of the DI file is greater than the cumulative time signal of the next chunk data, the MVE of the next chunk data is stored in the temporary modified MIDI file and the MVE from the modified MIDI file is modified. It is replaced in the MIDI file (step 714). The preprocessor 412 has a modified MID
Steps 706 through 714 are repeated until all MVEs stored in both the I file and the next chunk data have been merged into the temporary modified MIDI file (step 716). The preprocessor 412 converts the temporary modified MIDI file to the modified MIDI file.
It is stored as a file (step 718). The preprocessor 412 repeats steps 706 to 718 until all the chunk data files have been processed (step 720). When all files have been processed, the modified MIDI file 420 is output to the administrator 414 (step 722).

To convert a MIDI file stored with the format 2 protocol, the process is the same as converting a format file, with one difference. The difference is that in the format 2 MIDI file, each chunk data has an independent set tempo and its associated NTK event. This is different from both format 0 and format 1 files. In particular, format 0 events are stored sequentially and no chunk data merge is required. Format 1 events are stored sequentially in each chunk, and each chunk is a consistent delta time stored in the first chunk to enable the preprocessor 412 to merge the events sequentially. Has the value of Format 2 files are similar to format 1 files, however, the delta time values are not consistent for each chunk of data. To cause the files to merge, the preprocessor 412 superimposes an artificial delta time to facilitate merging of the chunk data into one file. In the preferred embodiment, the set tempo is 500,0
00 microseconds and NTK is 25,000
Set to 0. These values have been chosen to minimize the time error between the converted file and the original file. Instead of simply summing the delta times as in the format 1 MIDI file, in the format 2 MIDI file, the delta time (n) is the numerical value of the delta time of the (n) th event and T _p
Assuming that (n) is the value of the set tempo for the chunk at the time of the (n) th event, the accumulated time (T _s (i)) for event i is (delta time (n)
T _p (n)) equal to the sum of n = 0 to i. Thus, the new delta time value d for the ith event
t (i) is T _s (−1) = 0, and T is (set tempo) / (NTK) (in this embodiment, T = 2
0), dt (i) is [(T _s (i)) − (T _s
(I-1)) / T].

After conversion by the preprocessor 412 to the modified format 0 MIDI file, the modified MIDI file 420 is stored in the administrator 4
It is more susceptible to real-time adjustments by 14 control processors. FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of an administrator 414 that includes three control processors. The three control processors are a schedule control processor 800, a manual control processor 802, and a software control processor 8
04. MIDI with these processors modified
The relative effect on the file 420 can be controlled by the user by adjusting a weighting factor (not shown). The weighting factors are used to generate a weighted average of the effects of the control processor. These control processors (or a weighted average of the control processors)
Modifies the parameters in the modified MIDI file 420 to generate a modified MIDI file 422.

The schedule control processor 800 uses M
It is set before the execution of the MIDI program so that the parameter or group of the musical instrument is changed at a predetermined point during the performance of the IDI file. Further, the schedule control processor 800 may change the channel group (described below), the channel voice message group (described below), and other parameters determined by the programmer at certain points during playback. The predetermined state is static and can be set to occur at any time during the playback of the music score. The user has an interface with the schedule control processor 800 through one of two interfaces for manual operation for the manual control processor 802 described below.

The manual control processor 802 provides two interfaces for manual operation. Each is sufficient to allow manual operation. One interface is a graphic control interface unit, which in the preferred embodiment is equivalent to a graphic interface screen displayed on a host personal computer (not shown). Another interface is a control deck (not shown) attached to the serial port of the MIDI controller 406 (not shown) in the preferred embodiment. Typically, the manual control processor 802 functions as a conventional mixing board (not shown) and allows the player to adjust the playback speed, overall loudness and pitch during playback. Using these interfaces, the parameters and parameter groups of all MIDI file channels and channel groups can be adjusted. The user uses the fixed control buttons to
Adjust I-file parameters. These control buttons are arranged in groups such that each group of control buttons consists of five control buttons that can be continuously adjusted and three switches that can be set as one touch or on / off. Further, the graphic control interface unit may allow a user to enter alphanumeric data, for example, a channel group identifier.
Has an alphanumeric interface. Alphanumeric data is entered by using the alphanumeric interface to select the data and pressing the OK button on the graphic control interface.

[0025] Software control processor 804 may be a fuzzy logic control processor. Fuzzy logic enhances the capabilities of software control processor 804. Further, the software control processor 804 can change various MIDI file inputs,
For example, parameters such as the time signature of each MIDI signal match. This type of control is particularly useful when playing simultaneously using both raw and recorded signals.

More specifically, software control processor 804 is a fuzzy logic control processor that processes two types of data sources. One type of data source is a converted analog data source that converts, for example, a human voice or analog musical instrument to the required control signals. Another type of data source is the stored MID
It is a digital source such as an I-file or a MIDI compatible digital musical instrument.

Prior to processing (eg, Largo, Presto,
The raw human performance attributes of analog sources (such as forte, piano, etc.) can be obtained by extracting the source parameters.
Converted to IDI control parameters. These parameters are, for example, pitch, volume, speed, time signature, and the like of the sound. Once converted to MIDI control parameters, the software control processor 804 functions to match user-selected parameters, such as time signature, of the digital data source with the original analog data source. The fuzzy control process includes parameter adjustment models for measures and phrases to facilitate operation of the software control processor 804.

Control processors 800, 802 and 804
MIDI controller 406 provides channel grouping, channel voice message grouping, and composite grouping to facilitate. Composite grouping is a combination of channel grouping and channel voice message grouping. MIDI controller 406 uses instructions from control processors 800, 802, and 804 to control the various groups instead of requiring control of individual channels and channel voice messages.

The industry standard MIDI recording system has 16 channels. Each channel typically produces the sound of only one instrument at a time. Speech oscillator 408, if provided as a conventional speech oscillator, can generate music for sixteen instruments at a time. Channel voice messages are signals that change the sound or the way individual channels are heard. In other words, it could be a message that sustains the sound, adds a lingering effect, etc.

Channel grouping is used to adjust the parameters of a particular group of instruments. For example, it may be desirable to adjust the channels of all woodwinds simultaneously. FIG. 9 is a flowchart 900 illustrating functions performed by the MIDI controller 406 to group channels. First, a group name is selected (step 902). The channels to be grouped together are then assigned to the group name (step 904). In particular, MIDI controller 406 stores the channel group information as a series of bytes. Each logical "1" bit in the series of bytes indicates a particular channel assigned to that group of channels. Thus, if four instrument channels were assigned to a group, the file would consist of a series of bytes where all bits are logical "0" except for the four bits associated with the assigned channel. . Each logic "1"
Indicates the associated individual channel. Thus, if a grouped channel is selected for control, all of the assigned individual channels will receive the command.

More specifically, grouping channels together allows users to simply indicate the name and change of the channel group, rather than individually indicating a change in each channel number, thereby allowing the user to Allows you to adjust certain parameters for the instrument. Channel groups use the graphic control interface unit to enter the channel group name,
The desired channel is then selected and finally set by pressing the OK button (as outlined in flowchart 900 of FIG. 9). For example, if the recording system 400 is adapted to process two MIDI files, for example, MIDI Source 1 and MIDI Source 2, approximately at the same time, channel_group_name is the name of the channel group entered as a character string. Then, the format of each channel group information file is channel_group_name: byte 1 byte 2 bytes 3 byte 4. Three data bytes 1-4 indicate the particular channel assigned to the group, bytes 1 and 2 control the channel of one MIDI file, and bytes 3 and 4 control the channel of the second MIDI file. . Group names and channel designations are separated by the terminator ":". Each bit of bytes 1 to 4 is defined as follows.

Byte 1: MIDI source 1 channel 1
5 through channel 8, most significant bit ("MSB")
Is channel 15. Byte 2: MIDI source 1 channel 7 through channel 0; MSB is channel 7. Byte 3: MIDI source 2 channels 15 through 8; MSB is channel 15.

Byte 4: MIDI source 2 channel 7
To channel 0, and the MSB is channel 7. The channel group information file contains two bytes for each MIDI file that the recording system 400 is suitable for processing. For each MIDI file, each bit of the two bytes is associated with a particular channel of the MIDI file. Thus, if a particular channel is selected, the corresponding bit is set to 1; otherwise, it is set to 0. For example, MIDI source channels 9, 8, 5 and 4 for processing one MIDI file,
To define a woodwind group having a channel group name WINDS consisting of MIDI source channels 10, 9, 6 and 5 for processing a MIDI file of the following type, the data format is WINDS: 0330.
0660.

The MIDI controller 406 also groups channel voice messages in a manner similar to channel grouping. However, instead of grouping channels together, channel voice messages are grouped together. Thus, when a channel voice message group is provided for a channel, the channel receives several channel voice messages at approximately the same time. The channel voice message group may be input to the MIDI controller 406 using a graphic control interface unit. Each channel voice message group is a series of two-byte words. The first byte is the selected channel voice message, such as note off, note on, polyphonic key pressure, control change, program change, channel pressure, and pitch wheel change.
The second byte is the number of a particular note that is generally affected by the channel voice message, although other messages are possible. The end of the channel voice message group requires identification, and in the preferred embodiment, the end of the group is indicated by a control bit that is zero.

More specifically, a channel voice message group can group together several changes that both affect MIDI performance. this is,
Control deck and graphic control interface unit facilitate control. Channel voice messages are entered in the same way as channel groups, i.e. enter the channel voice message group name, then select or enter each channel voice message, then press the additional keys of the graphic control interface unit one by one, When the user presses the OK button when the setting is completed, the grouping is performed by the same processing as the processing shown in the flowchart 900 of FIG. If set, the channel voice message group will be channel_group_na
me: has a format of SBDCBBSBDBCBSBDBCB. In this format, SB is byte 1 of the selected channel voice message, eg, 80 = note off, 90 = note on, A0 = polyphonic key pressure, B0 = control change, C0 = program change, D0 = channel pressure, And E0 = pitch wheel change. DB is byte 2 of the selected channel voice message, and its numerical value indicating an individual sound is generally 00 to 7F. However, a value of 80 for note off, note on and polyphonic key pressure indicates that it affects all note numbers. The values for the control change are 00-7F and are used to select the controller. For channel pressure and pitch wheel change, the value is fixed at 0, which is the only value. CB is an internal control byte. This byte is
When CB is "0", it indicates the end of the channel voice message group; otherwise, there are additional SBs and DBs in the group.

Channel voice message groups enhance the performance of music, for example, because musical expression and loudness are often interrelated. The function of the channel voice message group allows playback to be more effectively controlled.
For example, the interrelationship between the note-on, note-off, breath control and expression control functions can be set jointly, and using different conversion programs described below, these system parameters are controlled by the control buttons Can be modified simultaneously with the adjustment of.

As identified above, channels and channel voice messages can be grouped together in composite groups. This allows simultaneous configuration of channels or channel groups with channel voice messages or channel voice message groups. The way they are set is as follows. Using the graphic control interface, a composite group name is entered and then a channel or channel group is selected. When the setting is completed, the OK button is pressed, and the processing is the same as the processing shown by the flowchart 900 in FIG. The file format of a compound group is compound_group_name: CH, where CH_NAME is the name of a channel group or individual channel.
_Name: CH_V_Name: TAG [: CH_N
AME: CH_V_NAME: TAG]. The parameter x is the MI processed by the MIDI controller 406.
Assuming equal number of DI files, each channel name is defined as SxCy. In a preferred embodiment,
Recording system 400 is adapted to process two MIDI files, so x is 1 or 2. The parameter y is equal to a value in the range 0 to 15 corresponding to the number of MIDI channels. Therefore, Sx indicates a MIDI file source, and Cy indicates channels 0 to 15. CH_V_NAME is the channel voice message group name and has the format of an SBDB, where the SBDB has the same meaning as described in the channel voice message group above. TA
G is 0 or 1. TAG0 indicates that there are no other strings in the group, while TAG1 is CH_NAM
E: CH_V_NAME: Indicates that there is another set of TAGs.

Control processors 800, 802 and 804
Modifies the modified MIDI file 422 to generate a modified MIDI file 422 using a modified or incremental control process. For example, the control signal from one of the processors 800, 802, or 804 may be a control signal from one of the processors 800, 802, or 804, in which the change from sound 1 to sound 2 is a slide change, that is, a continuous slow sound from sound 1 to sound 2. This is a process that indicates a change. Therefore, the modified MIDI file 422 is stored in the Administrator 4
14 includes additional sounds that need to be generated to produce a continuous change. In contrast, according to the modified control process, the control signal indicates an instantaneous change in sound from sound 1 to sound 2. In this case, the modified MIDI file 422 includes the sound changes and does not include the additional sounds between sound 1 and sound 2. Thus, the modified control process does not increase the size of the MIDI file, but simply modifies the MIDI events stored in the file. However, the incremental control process creates an additional MVE and the MID
Increase the size of the I-file.

The incremental control process can be affected by several different data transformation programs, such as linear transformation, log transformation, exponential transformation and non-linear mapping. The linear transformation program achieves a linear transformation of the values transmitted by the control deck or the graphic control interface unit within selected upper and lower limits to derive output values. The linear transformation selects the linear transformation function on the graphic control interface unit as the transformation method,
It is then set by manually selecting the upper and lower limits. The conversion is then performed using the external input value conversion formula, new_value = Lower_bound + (Upper_bound−Lower_bound) · V / 255 (Equation 1), where Lower_bound and Upper_bound
bound is a predetermined range of output values, and V is a value transmitted by the control deck or graphic control interface unit.

The logarithmic and exponential conversion programs are similar to the linear conversion program except that they use a logarithmic function and an exponential function, respectively. The logarithmic conversion is performed by new_value = Lower_bound + (Upper_bound−Lower_bound) · (log V / log 255) (Equation 2). The exponential conversion is performed by new_value = Lower_bound + (Upper_bound−Lower_bound) · (exp V / exp 255) (Equation 3). In Equations (2) and (3), Lowe
r_bound and Upper_bound are predetermined ranges of output values, and V is a value transmitted by the control deck or graphic control interface unit.

The nonlinear mapping conversion method uses the output value and V
Perform a one-to-one irregular transformation. The method is entered by selecting a non-linear mapping on the control deck or graphic control interface unit, and then sequentially entering the mapping values 0 through 255 corresponding to the original values. This conversion method is the most flexible, but requires the input of each mapped value.

The pre-processing performed on the MIDI file 418 and the control processing performed on the modified MIDI file 420 include the modified MIDI file 420.
A DI file 422 is generated. Since the pre-processing and control processes may have increased the size of the MIDI file beyond the transmission capabilities of the interface system, the data optimization program 416 has been configured to generate an optimized MIDI file 424 suitable for broadcasting. ,
Optimize the modified MIDI file 422. Different variants of the optimization methodology can also be used. However, a sufficient optimization method. Includes processing flow for execution status optimization and broadcast.

One example of the optimization process is shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart 1000 of the execution of the status optimization method. First, the data optimization program 416 recognizes the modified MIDI file 422, so that the MVE consisting of status bytes and data bytes, including the same status bytes, is sequential (step 1002). Next, the data optimization program 416 determines that one of the status bytes
All but one are removed (step 1004). If the file for transmission has a size that does not exceed the transmission capacity (step 1006), the file is transmitted (step 1014). However, if the file for transmission also exceeds the transmission capacity (step 1008), the latest channel voice message change is removed from the file and stored for delayed transmission (step 10).
08). If a subsequent MIDI event is stored for a delayed transmission and the subsequent MIDI event has the same status byte as another MIDI event currently stored for the delayed transmission, the subsequent MIDI event is now stored. Overwrite existing MIDI events.

The MIDI controller 406 has real-time control over the modified MIDI file.
Has a MIDI output interface circuit 1100. FIG. 11 shows a MIDI output interface circuit 110.
Indicates 0. The circuit 1100 includes a sweep oscillation circuit 1102 including an oscillator source circuit 1104 such as a crystal oscillator, and a counter 1106. Circuit 1104 may be provided as a clock circuit driven by a 2 MHZ oscillator to provide clock signal CLK. The counter 1106 driven by the oscillator source circuit 1104 supplies a counter signal CT. For example, the counter 1106
Can be provided in a 20-bit length that returns to "0" and is reset every 300 milliseconds. Circuit 1100 also includes a MIDI time signal generation circuit 1108. Circuit 1
108 is an interrupt register 1110 that holds an 8-bit value indicating the time between the next system interrupts, a time clock signal SPP register 1112 that stores the time when the MIDI signal source should generate a synchronization signal, and Includes a tick high time TKH register 1114 that stores the time when the MIDI signal source should generate a MIDI signal. Circuit 1108 also includes a decoder 1116 for receiving instructions from a microprocessor in an associated host computer 1118, and stores data from the microprocessor in registers 1110, 1112 and 1.
Write into 114. Circuit 1108 further includes a signal generation circuit 1120 coupled to receive the current value held in registers 1110, 1112 and 1114.
And the count signal C which is the current value of the counter 1106
T. The signal generation circuit 1120 includes the register 111
A comparison circuit is included which operates to compare the value held in each of 0, 1112 and 1114 with the count signal CT. The comparison circuit outputs the signal INT when the value in the register 1110 matches the count signal CT, the signal SPP when the value in the register 1112 matches the count signal CT, and the signal in the register 1114. When matched with the current signal, trigger signal generator 1120 to generate signal TKH.

The circuit 1100 also includes a buffer memory 11
And a MIDI signal generation circuit 1140 including a MIDI signal generator 1144. Buffer 1142 is coupled to receive the optimized MIDI file from memory 1146 in host computer 1118. The MIDI signal generation circuit 1140 uses the optimized M
IDI file and MIDI time signal generation circuit 1108
And a function of transmitting the merged data as a continuous MIDI output signal.

In operation, the microprocessor in host computer 1118 causes the optimized MIDI file stored in memory 1146 to be transmitted to buffer 1142. The TKH signal is output from the time signal generation circuit 1108.
Generated by the MIDI signal generator 1140, the MIDI signal generator 1144 outputs
It starts searching for the IDI signals from the buffer 1142 and outputs them in a continuous format. In response to the occurrence of the SPP signal, M
The IDI signal generator 1144 inserts one byte F8H into the continuous MIDI signal. This byte is used to synchronize a MIDI sound module that receives a continuous MIDI signal.

The microprocessor in the host computer 1118 periodically stores in the interrupt register 1110 a value indicating the next time at which the host computer 1118 will be interrupted. Subsequently, if signal generator 1120 generates an INT signal when count signal CT is equal to the value in interrupt register 1110, microprocessor host computer 1118 transfers additional MIDI data to buffer 1142. React by doing.
This is because the MIDI signal generator 1144 continuously outputs M
Ensure that the IDI signal INSERT is generated.

In summary, a recording system constructed in accordance with the present invention enhances a user's ability to control MIDI file parameters. Enhanced control is primarily achieved by a preprocessor that modifies MIDI files stored by any of the three formats into a single modified format.
As part of this preprocessing, information stored in the MIDI file that is not needed for the playback function is removed. The actual enhancement is a modified MIDI file with a standard format and less external data,
This is achieved by being more susceptible to real-time parameter adjustments by the schedule control processor, the manual control processor, and the software control processor, managed by the control processing administrator, than the unmodified MIDI file. Real-time parameter adjustment involves two types. One type is MID
Increasing the data in the I-file and other real-time parameter adjustments may modify the data present in the MIDI file. To ensure that the growth of data in the MIDI file does not overload the transmission capacity of the recording system, the recording system is provided with a data optimization program.

Although each control processor has the ability to adjust the MIDI file parameters on the channel based on the channel, according to a further aspect of the present invention, the recording system includes: Real-time control is further enhanced by providing processing by selecting channel voice messages, or combinations thereof, to be grouped. Grouping enhances real-time control because changing the parameters of a single group affects several channels or channel voice messages.

Further, the recording system constructed according to the present invention can process MIDI files substantially continuously. To continuously process MIDI files, the recording system is provided with an output interface circuit. The output interface circuit generates a timing sequence that matches the transmission of the MIDI file.

The recording system constructed in accordance with the present invention provides for pre-processing, the amount of data processed by the recording system, and channel and channel voice message grouping, channel voice message grouping and complex grouping. Decrease both the number of instructions. By reducing the number of data and instructions, the recording system reduces the processing time and processing resources required during playback of a MIDI file.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the method and preferred embodiment arrangements of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. According to one skilled in the art, other embodiments of the present invention include:
It will be apparent from a consideration of the specification and of the embodiments disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and nature of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a schematic depiction of a conventional piano.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic depiction of a conventional electronic keyboard.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic depiction of another conventional electronic keyboard.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic depiction of a recording system configured in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for pre-processing a MIDI file according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of converting a format 0 MIDI file to a modified format 0 MIDI file according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of converting a format 1 MIDI file to a modified format 0 MIDI file according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic depiction of a control processing administrator according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of grouping channels according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a data optimization method according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows a schematic depiction of a MIDI output interface circuit according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 Piano 102 Key 104 Hammer 106 Wire 200,300 Electronic Keyboard 202,302 Key 204,304 Music Signal 206,306 Audio Oscillator 308 Physical Connector 400 Recording System 402 Keyboard 404 Key 406 MIDI Controller 408 Audio Oscillator 410 Memory 412 Preprocessor 414 Control processing administrator 416 Data optimization program 418 MIDI file 420 Modified MIDI file 422 Modified MIDI file 424 Optimized MIDI file 800 Schedule control processor 802 Manual control processor 804 Software control processor

Claims (25)

[Claims] Receiving a MIDI file having a plurality of events indicative of music information; extracting timing information from the MIDI file; and executing the extracted timing information on a modified file. Storing the next event from the MIDI file; storing the next event in a modified file if the next event is needed for music generation; A method for processing a musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) file, comprising: repeating the steps of extracting and storing the next event, if any, and outputting the modified file. . 2. A method comprising: (a) receiving a MIDI file comprising a plurality of chunk data, each chunk data comprising a plurality of events; and (b) a first chunk from the MIDI file. Extracting data; (c) extracting timing information from the first chunk data; (d) storing the extracted timing information in a modified file; (F) storing the next event in a modified file if the next event is needed for music generation; and (g) storing the next event in a modified file. If there is a further next event in the chunk data, repeating steps (a) to (f); and (h) temporarily saving the timing information from the corrected file. (I) extracting the next chunk data from the MIDI file; (j) extracting a first next event from the modified file; and (k) a first next event. (I) extracting a second next event from the next chunk data; and (m) generating a time accumulated signal of the second next event. (N) If the time accumulation signal of the first next event is not greater than the time accumulation signal of the second next event, the first
Means for storing the next next event in a temporary file and storing the second next event in the next chunk data; and (o) the time accumulation signal of the first next event is a second next event. Means for storing the second next event in a temporary file and storing the first next event in the modified file if it is greater than the time accumulation signal of the event; (J) repeating steps (j) through (o) until the modified event and chunk data event are stored in a temporary file; (q) storing the temporary file as a modified file; Repeating steps (j) through (q) until the chunk data is stored in the modified file.
DI) How to process files. 3. Steps (k) and (m) each include selecting a value for a set tempo and the number of clock ticks per MIDI quarter note; and selecting a value for the set tempo and the number of clock ticks per MIDI quarter note. Generating a cumulative time signal based on the signal. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: selecting a group name; assigning a plurality of MIDI channels to the selected group name; and controlling playback of the plurality of MIDI channels assigned to the group name. Providing a plurality of digital interfaces (MIDs) for musical instruments.
I) A method of controlling a channel. 5. A MIDI file of format 0, 1
A pre-processor for converting a MIDI file into a predetermined format; a control process administrator for selectively changing respective MIDI parameters of the converted MIDI file; and a control process administrator. Process a musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) file comprising a MIDI controller including a data optimization program that ensures that each processed MIDI file has a size within a predetermined transmission capacity. Equipment to do. 6. A MIDI file of format 0, 1
And means for pre-processing the MIDI file to generate a modified MIDI file; means for controlling parameters of the modified MIDI file; A digital interface system for musical instruments, comprising: a MIDI controller including means for optimizing a MIDI file, and a sound generator for generating music sound. 7. A means for pre-processing a standard MIDI file to generate a modified MIDI file; means for controlling at least one parameter of the modified MIDI file; and a MIDI file modified for transmission. Instrument digital interface (M
IDI) controller. 8. The standard MIDI file is stored in a memory, the preprocessing means includes means for extracting the standard MIDI file from the memory, means for determining the format of the standard MIDI file, and processing for storing the standard MIDI file in accordance with the determined format. 8. The MIDI controller according to claim 7, further comprising means for converting the MIDI file into a modified MIDI file. 9. A method for converting a standard MIDI file, comprising the steps of:
Means for storing in the IDI file; means for repeatedly extracting a plurality of MIDI events from the standard MIDI file; and for each of the extracted MIDI events, whether the extracted MIDI event is required for reproduction. 9. The MIDI controller of claim 8, further comprising: means for determining whether to store the extracted MIDI events determined to be required for playback in a modified MIDI file. 10. The control means includes: a schedule controller;
The MIDI controller of claim 7, including a manual controller and a software controller. 11. A standard MIDI file is stored in a memory. The means for pre-processing the standard MIDI file includes: means for extracting the standard MIDI file from the memory; means for determining the format of the standard MIDI file; 8. A MIDI controller according to claim 7, including means for converting a standard MIDI file into a modified MIDI file according to the following: wherein the control means comprises a schedule controller, a manual controller, and a software controller. 12. The MIDI controller of claim 7, wherein the control means includes means for separately changing at least one parameter of the modified MIDI file. 13. The control means according to claim 1, wherein at least one parameter of the modified MIDI file is converted to a first value according to a predetermined function defining an additional value between the first and second values.
8. The MIDI controller according to claim 7, further comprising means for changing the value from the second value to the second value. 14. The control means comprises means for separately changing at least one parameter of the modified MIDI file and a modification function according to a predetermined function defining an additional value between the first and second values. Means for changing at least one parameter of the generated MIDI file from a first value to a second value. 15. The MIDI controller according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined function is a linear conversion function. 16. The MIDI controller according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined function is a logarithmic conversion function. 17. The MIDI controller according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined function is an exponential conversion function. 18. The MIDI controller according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined function is a non-linear mapping function. 19. The controller according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined function is at least one of a linear transformation function, a logarithmic transformation function, an exponential transformation function, and a non-linear mapping function. 20. A method, comprising: selecting a voice message group name, assigning a plurality of MIDI channel voice messages to the selected group name, and executing a plurality of MI messages assigned to the voice message group name.
Means for providing a voice message group control signal for playing a DI channel voice message. A method for controlling a plurality of musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) channel voice messages. 21. A step of selecting a composite group name, performed by the processor, comprising: combining at least one of the plurality of MIDI channels and at least one of the plurality of MIDI channel voice messages with the selected composite. Assigning to a group name, at least one MIDI channel and at least one MIDI assigned to a selected composite group name
Providing a composite group control signal for controlling playback of the channel voice messages. A method of controlling a plurality of musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) channels and a plurality of MIDI channel voice messages. 22. A step of selecting a channel group name, a channel voice message group name, and a composite group name, performed by the processor, and converting a plurality of MIDI channels to the selected channel group name. Assign to the selected channel voice message group name, at least one of the plurality of MIDI channels,
Assigning a channel group name, a plurality of MIDI channel voice messages and a channel voice message group name to the selected composite group name; and at least one of a channel group control signal, a channel voice message group control signal, and a composite group control signal , At least one of the plurality of channels assigned to the channel group name, the plurality of channel voice messages assigned to the channel voice message group name, and the channel group name, channel, group name assigned to the composite group name And controlling the playback of the channel voice messages. Controlling the plurality of musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) channels and the plurality of MIDI channel voice messages. Way. 23. A timer including a counter, an interrupt storage register, a tick high time register and S
A MIDI time signal generation circuit including an SP storage register; a MIDI signal generation circuit for receiving a MIDI file; an interrupt storage register; a tick high time register;
Means for comparing the value in the SP storage register with the current value of the counter, wherein the MIDI time signal generating circuit comprises a digital interface for musical instruments (MIDI) including means for generating the output MIDI file, the means being responsive to the comparing means. ) Output interface. 24. A MIDI controller comprising: a timer including a counter; an interrupt storage register; a tick high time register;
A MIDI time signal generation circuit including an SP storage register; a MIDI signal generation circuit for receiving a MIDI file; an interrupt storage register; a tick high time register;
6. The means for comparing the value in the SP storage register with the current value of the counter, wherein the MIDI time signal generating circuit includes means for generating an output MIDI file in response to the comparing means.
The described device. 25. A computer program product comprising a computer usable medium having computer readable code therein for processing data, and a musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) controller. Available media include a receiving module adapted to receive a MIDI file to be processed by a MIDI controller, a preprocessing module adapted to convert a MIDI file to a predetermined format, and a converted MIDI file. A control processing module adapted to selectively vary the MIDI parameters of the converted MIDI data processed by the control processing module.
A computer program product comprising a data optimization module adapted to optimize the DI file to a size within a predetermined transmission capacity.