JP2001067078A - Performance device, effect control device, and record medium therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely provide balanced special effects (harmony) for a plurality of performance modes all at the same time irrespective of a simply structured performance device. SOLUTION: In a performance device for producing musical sound and special effect sound according to the input of a plurality of kinds of performance data, the performance data is inputted with a plurality of performance forms such as keyboard performance data, automatic performance data from a memory device, and external performance data from an external musical apparatus. When new performance data is inputted, first, the number of special effects is detected (SH1), then it is examined whether the present number of vacant special effect sound producing channels is sufficient for special effects to produced according to the inputted performance data (SH2), and if the channels are insufficient in number, some special effects are stopped in order of agedness (SH4). The special effects are produced according to the new performance data by means of the stopped channels or vacant channels (SH4), thus producing special effects (vocal harmony) based on the newest (the latest arrived) performance data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a performance device for generating tone data in response to a plurality of performance data inputs, and more particularly, to a plurality of performance data input in a plurality of different performance input forms. In addition, the present invention relates to a performance device, an effect control device, and a recording medium of various embodiments which can also generate a harmony sound effect based on an audio signal or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a process of providing a special effect for generating a musical tone different from an input musical tone to the input of musical performance data, for example, a different pitch of an input voice signal is applied to an input voice signal based on a code of the musical performance data. Performance devices having an effect function for generating a harmony sound are known. For example, such a performance device includes a mode called “vocoder” harmony, in which when a sound is input and the keyboard is played, a harmony sound is generated at the pitch, or a chord played on the keyboard is recognized and the configuration of the chord is formed. A mode called “coral” harmony for providing a harmony sound of a musical interval is provided, and these modes are collectively called “vocal harmony”.

[0003] By the way, the above-mentioned performance input form for inputting the code of the performance data and the like includes not only a direct real-time input form in which a performance operator such as a keyboard is operated, but also automatic performance data. There are various forms, such as reading from a storage device and playing, or playing by input from an external musical sound device such as a MIDI device connected to the main body, but special effects such as a harmony sound generating function are provided. To date, it has not been known that the processing to be provided and the hardware resources are simultaneously shared in a plurality of performance input forms to generate musical tones.

In a performance device having a function of generating a special effect such as the above-mentioned harmony sound, it is possible to input a chord or the like from a plurality of performance input modes. In this case, the harmony is generated by acquiring a chord or the like for generating the harmony sound only from a specific performance input form fixedly assigned. Therefore, for example, the performance input corresponding to the automatic performance data read from the storage device is:
If it is assigned as a specific performance input form, it is not possible to generate a harmony sound based on input from other performance input forms such as a keyboard, and while giving a special effect based on automatic performance data, It has not been possible to control special effects with a high degree of freedom, such as giving special effects based on real-time input such as a keyboard in a timely manner. In addition, the processing capacity of a device or system, including the processing capacity for generating special effects such as harmony, is generally finite, and there are many inputs of musical sounds that specify special effects, and it is possible to apply many special effects at the same time. In the case where it is required, not only the desired special effect is not given, but in the worst case, it should have been originally generated due to the effect of adding a process for giving the special effect. There was a possibility that the musical tone itself would not sound.

In addition, since special functions for harmony sounds and the like need to be prepared in advance, a function for generating many such special effects sounds in a normal system configuration is provided. It is very difficult to do.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of such inconveniences, the present invention has a simple configuration, and performs in accordance with the operation of performance operators, automatic performance by reading from a storage device, and input from an external musical instrument. A special effect can be simultaneously applied to at least two or more performance input forms, such as external performances, and even if a number of special effects are specified at the same time, a desired special effect can be applied. To provide a performance device that can appropriately and surely provide the performance.

[0007]

According to the present invention, there is provided the following:
First performance data input means for inputting the second performance data in a plurality of different performance input modes, and second performance data means for inputting the second performance data in a plurality of different performance input modes. Can be input substantially simultaneously, priority acquisition means for acquiring the input second performance data on a last-come-first-served basis, and adding the first performance data to the first performance data based on the acquired second performance data. Provided with a special effect generating means for generating special effect sound data to be read, and having a plurality of different performance input forms, which can be read by a performance device that generates musical sound data by predetermined processing. Inputting performance data, wherein the first performance data and the second performance data from at least two or more performance input forms are input. And a step of acquiring the input second performance data on a last-come-first-served basis and generating special effect sound data to be added to the first performance data based on the acquired second performance data. A recording medium for performance recording a program is provided. Here, the special effect sound data is generated on a special effect sound generation channel different from a music sound generation channel for generating music sound data.

In the present invention, the number of the latest performance data acquired by the priority acquisition means can be the same as the number of special effect sound generation channels. When a plurality of special sound effect data are generated, (the number of special sound effect data that can be generated) / (the number of special sound effect data to be generated by one musical tone)
May be determined by the value of. Furthermore, when a plurality of performance data are input simultaneously, the priority acquisition means is configured to acquire the latest performance data in accordance with the priority order among the plurality of performance input modes.

The special effect sound typically generated in the present invention is a harmony sound. The first performance data input means is a signal input means for inputting an external sound signal. Generating special effect sound data representing a harmony sound added to the input sound signal, and further designating the pitch of the harmony sound based on the second performance data acquired by the priority acquisition means. This can be realized. The harmony sounds include the above-mentioned "vocoder" harmony sound and "chordal" harmony sound. An external sound signal is input in an analog form from, for example, a microphone or a reproduction player, and includes actual sounds such as live musical instrument sounds and natural sounds in addition to voices (human singing voices). It may be a type of waveform or an artificial sound represented by an arbitrary signal format. Therefore, these harmony sounds can be generated based on such an external sound signal.

In the present invention, the special effect generation means further has a mode for generating special effect sound data representing a harmony sound obtained by shifting the input sound signal. In this mode, for example, regardless of performance data,
"Chromatic" harmony mode in which harmony is separated by a fixed pitch from the pitch of the input sound signal, and "detune" in which harmony is shifted slightly in pitch from the pitch of the sound signal
There is a harmony mode and the like.

According to another feature of the present invention, a plurality of input means for inputting tone data and at least one special effect for forming a special effect corresponding to tone data input from any of these input means. Forming means, detecting means for detecting that new tone data is input from a plurality of input means, and special effect forming means for forming a special effect corresponding to the tone data input from any of the input means. The special effect forming means stops the formation of the special effect in response to the detection of the new musical sound data by the detecting means, and starts forming the special effect corresponding to the new musical sound data detected by the detecting means. An effect control device having a control means for causing the sound data to be input, a plurality of input means for inputting musical sound data, and music input from any of these input means. An effect control device including at least one special effect forming means for forming a special effect corresponding to data, wherein the storage medium is readable by a plurality of input means and detects that new tone data is input. In the state where the step and the special effect forming means are forming a special effect corresponding to the musical tone data inputted from any of the input means, the special effect forming means Stopping the formation of the special effect and starting the formation of the special effect corresponding to the new musical tone data detected by the detecting means.

According to the present invention, in a performance device capable of generating special effect sound data in response to performance data input from a plurality of types of input performance data sources, at least two or more performance input forms are provided. Can be input at the same time. For example, a plurality of performance data such as automatic performance data from a storage device or external performance data from an external musical instrument connected to an external connection terminal as well as operator performance data from performance operators such as a keyboard. Can be. Therefore, of the performance data musical tones transmitted and input from these different performance input forms,
The latest one is adopted as the standard for generating special sound effects,
As described above, a special sound effect (for example, a vocal harmony sound) is generated based on the music sound adopted with priority on the later arrival. The priority number is set to, for example, “2”, and a special effect sound is generated from the incoming performance data musical tones with two late arrival priority sounds.

Therefore, at least two or more performance input modes, such as an automatic performance read from a storage device, a performance in response to an operation of an operator, and a performance input from an external device, can be performed simultaneously and simply. With this configuration, it is possible to generate a special effect, and it is possible to generate a special effect such as a set harmony from the performance data obtained with the latter arrival priority regardless of a plurality of types of performance input forms. That is, for a special effect such as a harmony, it is necessary to prepare a dedicated function in advance, and it is difficult to generate too many sounds. The generation avoids such difficulties. In addition, a balanced special effect can be obtained.

The special effect in the present invention means an effect that requires a new tone generation channel, such as a harmony effect, and performance data as a reference for generating such a special effect is later received. Adopted with priority. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the number of special effect generation channels and the number of latest performance data can be the same, for example, the number of harmony is two, and the number of latest performance data to be adopted is two. When a harmony tone is generated based on a certain input performance data tone and another performance data tone that generates a harmony tone of the same pitch is input, the harmony generation in progress is continued.

On the other hand, a plurality of special effect sounds may be generated for one performance data tone. In this case,
The value of (the number of sound effects [channels] that can be generated) / (the number of sound effects generated by one tone) is determined by determining the number of latest performance data to be adopted. When a plurality of pieces of performance data are input at the same time and the number of special effect sound generation channels is insufficient, the latest performance data to be adopted is determined according to a predetermined priority order between the plurality of performance input modes. Therefore, by adopting such a predetermined priority, a balanced special effect can be more reliably provided.

In the present invention, the special effect sound is
A harmony sound whose pitch is designated based on performance data is generated based on a sound signal such as an external microphone input sound. Therefore, a harmony sound called "vocoder" harmony (specifying a pitch value as in a predetermined key range sound of performance data) or "coral" harmony (specifying a pitch value by indexing a table by designating a code of performance data) is used. It is possible to generate various suitable vocal harmony effects in response to not only performance data from the keyboard but also a plurality of types of performance data in various performance forms such as a storage device and an external musical instrument.

In the present invention, the special effect sound is
It is possible to have a mode for generating a harmony sound having a pitch-shifted pitch value specified based on a sound signal such as an external microphone input sound. Therefore, in addition to the various aspects described above, a harmony sound can be obtained in a mode called “chromatic” harmony or “detune” harmony.

According to another feature of the present invention, in a state where the special effect forming means is forming a special effect corresponding to the musical tone data inputted from any of the plurality of input means, the special effect forming means is provided with a plurality of input means. When it is detected that new tone data has been input, the formation of special effects in the special effect forming means is stopped, and the formation of special effects corresponding to the detected new tone data is started. Therefore, the special effect forming means can secure the special effect formation corresponding to the new tone data without being occupied by the special effect formation corresponding to the already input tone data.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. The following embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[Hardware Configuration] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a performance system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the performance system includes a central processing unit (CPU) 1 and a read-only memory (RO).
M) 2, random access memory (RAM) 3, keyboard operator 4, operation panel 5, display 6, sound generator 7,
A digital signal processing device (DSP) 8, a sound system 9, an external storage device 10, first and second interfaces 11, 12 and the like are provided. These devices 1 to 12 are connected to each other via a bus 13. .

The CPU 1, which controls the entire system, performs various controls in accordance with a predetermined program, and particularly centrally executes performance data including setting and formation of vocal harmony and tone signal processing. The ROM 2 stores predetermined control programs for controlling the system. These control programs include, in addition to basic performance information, various processing programs related to performance data and tone signal processing according to the present invention, and the like. Various tables and data can be included. The RAM 3 is used as a work area for storing data and parameters necessary for these processes, and for temporarily storing various registers and flags, various data being processed, and the like.

The keyboard operator 4 has a keyboard as a performance operator, and this keyboard is divided into a plurality of key ranges. As one of the performance input modes in this system, a tone signal is generated by depressing a key on this keyboard, and the tone signal is input to the system as "key depression performance data". You can perform in harmony mode. For example, a vocoder harmony sound or the like can be generated from key press performance data in a specific key range (for example, a right hand side key range).

The operation panel 5 includes controls for setting various modes, parameters, and operation settings. The display device 6 includes a display and various indicators. These displays and indicators are provided on the operation panel 5. It can be juxtaposed with the operator on the operation surface. The tone output unit including the tone generator 7, the DSP 8, and the sound system 9 is for outputting a tone from the speaker 14 based on the performance data processed by the system.

The controls on the operation panel 5 include a style mode selection button, a song mode selection button, an effect mode selection button, a vocal harmony setting button, a chord setting mode button (or dial), a numeric keypad for inputting a style number, and the like. There are accompaniment on / off buttons, start / stop buttons, and the like. By operating the vocal harmony setting button, you can specify "vocal harmony" mode including vocoder harmony and chordal harmony, etc.If necessary, "automatic switching" mode automatically switches between the best modes of both modes Can also be specified.

As the external storage device 10, a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a CD-ROM drive is used. The HDD is a storage device for storing a control program and various data. When the control program is not stored in the ROM 2, the control program is stored on a hard disk in the HDD, and is stored in the HDD.
By reading the data into M3, the CPU 1 can cause the CPU 1 to perform the same operation as when the control program is stored in the ROM 2. In addition, C-ROM drive
It is also possible to read out a control program and various data stored in a D-ROM or the like and store them in a hard disk in the HDD. Further, a control program and various data can be stored in a hard disk in the HDD from a server computer through a communication interface (not shown). This makes it easy to add a control program, upgrade a version, and the like.

According to the present invention, the external storage device 10
-ROM drive or floppy disk drive (FD
D) and the like, and performance data from a portable recording medium such as a commercially available arbitrary specification CD-ROM or floppy disk in which a music data collection such as automatic performance data is recorded can be input to the system. That is, by reading performance data of such a music data collection from the external storage device 10 as one of the performance input modes in this system,
This can be input to the system as "automatic performance data", and the system can perform in the vocal harmony mode based on the automatic performance data. Here, the automatic performance data is composed of one or a plurality of tone generation sequences. When the automatic performance data is composed of a plurality of tone generation sequences, these sequences are, for example, channel 1 to channel 16 (track 1 to track 16). It is individually identifiable. In addition, various types of media such as a magneto-optical (MO) disk, in addition to a CD-ROM and a floppy disk, can be used as such a storage medium, and the performance data generated by this system is reproduced. It can also be recorded.

The first interface 11 has an A / D conversion function, and is connected to a microphone 16 and a reproduction player 16 of an analog output type such as a CD player and a cassette tape player. In the vocal harmony mode, when an input audio signal from the microphone 15 or a musical tone (mainly audio) signal analog-reproduced from the reproducing player 16 is input to the system via the interface 11, the audio signal and the reproduced sound signal are transmitted to the system. Can be added to the harmony sound.

The second interface 12 is connected to an external connection terminal through a tone data reproducer, an external sequencer, and a computer (which are physically separated from the system and are connected via a public communication line or the Internet, etc.). The system also includes a function of transmitting and receiving performance data in a MIDI format or another data format between the system and an external musical instrument 17 such as another electronic musical instrument, and other computers and servers connected to the system. are doing. By receiving a tone signal from the external tone device 17 as one of the performance input modes in this system, the tone signal can be input to the system as "external performance data". In the vocal harmony mode.

The performance system according to the present invention can be implemented in the form of an electronic musical instrument, but can also be implemented using a personal computer (PC). The present invention is also applicable to a karaoke apparatus, a game machine, a mobile wireless terminal such as a mobile phone, and the like, and it is possible to realize musical sound generation / playing means of various embodiments that generate and use a special effect sound. it can.

[Main Processing] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the main processing representing the entire performance data processing according to one embodiment of the present invention. In step S1, the system is initialized, and in step S2, a panel setting process for setting a mode or a parameter according to the operation of the operator on the operation panel 5 is performed.

In the next step S3, the keyboard operator device 4
Key performance data corresponding to a key pressed by the external storage device 10
, And input performance data such as external performance data input from the external tone device 17 and the like, and audio signals and reproduction sound signals input from the microphone 15 and the reproduction player 16 are detected. Switching is performed in accordance with the mode and parameters set on the operation panel 5 and, in some cases, under predetermined conditions, so that harmony sound data matching the input performance data is obtained based on the audio signal and the reproduced sound signal. create.

In step S4, output performance data is generated based on the generated harmony sound data and the processed performance data, and the output performance data is output as a musical tone from the musical tone output units 7 to 9 via the speaker 14. The processing in steps S2 to S4 is repeatedly executed until there is an instruction to end the main processing in step S5.

That is, as shown in a simplified manner in the main process of FIG. 2, first, the operator of the operation panel 5 is operated,
The mode and parameters for the automatic accompaniment function and harmony are set on the operation panel 5 (S2). Next, key press performance data, automatic performance data, external performance data, etc., in accordance with a plurality of performance input modes such as key depression by the keyboard operator device 4, reading from the external storage device 10, and input from the external musical instrument 17. When input performance data such as is input and a voice signal or a playback sound signal is input from the microphone 15 or the playback player 16, tone data and harmony sound data are generated in accordance with the set mode and parameters (S3). Particularly, in the present invention, when the vocal harmony mode is set in the panel setting (S2), the music data generation (S2
At the time of 3), by simultaneously processing at least two latest input performance data, harmony sound data based on an audio signal and a reproduced sound signal is simultaneously generated according to at least two performance input forms. Can be.

[Panel Setting Processing] FIG. 3 shows an example of a panel setting processing routine in step S2 of the main processing (FIG. 2). In the first step SP1 of this routine, it is determined whether or not "style mode" is specified. If the style mode selection button on the operation panel 5 has been operated and “style mode” has been designated, the flow proceeds to step SP2; otherwise, the flow proceeds to step SP3. In step SP2, a style number representing a performance style of various genres (for example, 8-beat pops, dance pops, etc.) is determined according to the operation states of various buttons and keys on the operation panel 5 in accordance with the designation of the "style mode". Settings, automatic accompaniment on / off settings, start / stop settings, or other settings.

At step SP3, it is determined whether or not "song mode" is designated. If the song mode selection button on the operation panel 5 is operated to designate "song mode", the process proceeds to step SP4, and if not, the process proceeds to step SP5. In step SP4, setting of a song, start / stop, or other settings are performed according to the operation states of various buttons and keys on the operation panel 5 in accordance with the designation of the "song mode". In this case, the music number is selectively designated from music numbers of music data recorded on a floppy (registered trademark) disk or the like of the external storage device 10, and such a floppy disk or the like includes a commercially available music data disk. Can be used.

In step SP5, it is determined whether or not various parameters are set in the "vocal harmony" mode. When the setting or editing of the “vocal harmony” parameter or the like is performed by operating the vocal harmony setting button on the operation panel 5, the process proceeds to step SP6; otherwise, the process proceeds to step SP7.

Step SP6 is a subroutine for setting various parameters and the like in the "vocal harmony" mode. By operating various buttons and keys on the operation panel 5, for example, as shown in FIG. Type (vocoder harmony / coral harmony)
Setting of “with automatic switching function”, setting of each harmony type, setting of a target vocal harmony recording track and the like, setting of detailed parameters for each type of vocal harmony, and the like.

The setting in this step SP6 includes specifying an input source of performance data for actually producing a harmony sound. In the initial state, as long as it is possible to secure the number of special effect sound generation channels as resources, it is set so that harmony sounds can be output for all input performance data. Make that restriction. As an initial setting, for example, the channel 5 (track 5) of the keyboard performance data and the automatic performance data is set as a designated channel to be a reference for providing vocal harmony.

In step SP7, it is determined whether or not there is "other" setting. If there is another setting, the process proceeds to step SP8, where other setting processing is performed. Third of main processing (Fig. 2)
The process proceeds to the performance data detection and signal processing routine in step S3.

[Vocal Harmony Setting] FIG. 4 shows an example of a vocal harmony setting processing subroutine in step SP6 of the panel setting processing routine (FIG. 3). First step SV1 of this subroutine
Then, in order to specify the input performance data source, for example, the following settings are made: (1) a specific key range of the keyboard of the keyboard operator device 4, (2) the type of the external musical instrument 17, and A specific channel of the external performance data sent from the external musical instrument, (3)
The type of automatic performance data read from the external storage device 10,
And a specific channel of the automatic performance data, and so on.

Depending on the automatic performance data to be read, it is possible to detect a channel to be used as a reference for adding vocal harmony with a special identifier and automatically set the channel. For example, depending on the product of the automatic performance data recording medium and the type of recording specification, a special identifier such as copyright is described in a specific channel (track), and this channel is set as a channel in which vocal harmony compatible data is recorded. It is possible to employ a method of automatically identifying and setting as a specific channel to be a reference for giving vocal harmony.

Then, in the next second step SV2, the mode type of vocal harmony (vocoder harmony, chordal harmony, etc.) is specified, and detailed parameters and the like in each mode type are set. Then, in a third step SV3, a specific type of vocal harmony (vocoder harmony / vocoder harmony /
After the setting of the automatic switching between (coral harmony), the step SP of the panel setting processing routine (FIG. 2) is performed.
Return to 7.

The harmony mode that can be specified in step SV2 includes, for example, a “vocoder” harmony mode in which harmony sounds are added based on musical tones in each key range such as keyboard performance data, and an automatic accompaniment chord key range. There is also a “coral” harmony mode in which a harmony sound is added based on the chord or the chord accompanying the playback of the automatic performance data (song). In addition to this, regardless of the performance method and the harmony part, there is also a harmony mode. There is a "chromatic" harmony mode in which a harmony sound separated by a fixed pitch from the pitch of the input voice is added, and a "detune" harmony mode in which a harmony sound whose pitch is slightly shifted from the pitch of the input voice is added.

The detailed parameters that can be set in step SV2 include a performance in which only the harmony sound is output by lowering the level of the input voice signal, a gender function for changing the characteristics of the input voice, and the like. There are parameters for correcting the pitch of the input voice. In the setting of such detailed parameters, by displaying a symbol image suitable for each parameter playing condition to be set on each detailed parameter setting screen, especially a novice user can
The settable performance conditions / performance functions can be easily understood and set.

[Performance Data Detection and Signal Processing] Next, FIGS. 5 to 7 show an example of a performance data detection and signal processing routine in step S3 of FIG. In the first to third steps SS1 to SS3 of this routine, performance data input from each performance data input source is detected according to various performance modes. First, the first step SS1
Then, upon receiving a tone signal of keyboard performance data input from the keyboard operator device 4 based on a keyboard performance operation (key depression),
A musical tone instruction by the user playing the keyboard is detected. The detected musical sound instruction becomes a designated sound of a special effect, or
Processing is performed so that the set tone color is generated as a normal tone.

Next, in a second step SS2, it is detected whether or not the automatic performance has been started and a tone signal of the automatic performance data read from the external storage device 10 has been input. The automatic performance data detected in this step is also processed so as to be a designated sound for a special effect or to sound a tone in a set tone color, similarly to the keyboard performance data. In the third step SS3, a process of detecting a tone signal of external performance data input from an external tone device 17 such as a sequencer, a computer, or an electronic musical instrument connected to the external input terminal of the second interface 12 is performed. This external performance data is also processed in the same manner as the above two performance data.

In the following step SS4, an input audio signal from the microphone 15 connected to the first interface 12 and a reproduced sound signal by analog reproduction from the reproduction player 16 are detected. By detecting the audio waveform from the microphone input or the recording tape, a special effect (harmony) is used to generate a new musical sound (harmony sound) based on this audio waveform, process the audio waveform, The original sound / playback sound is output according to the setting. Note that the original sound / reproduced sound is not output depending on the setting. For example, when generating and outputting a tone signal at the pitch of the input voice, the original sound / reproduced sound is not output.

[Style Mode Processing] In step SS5, it is determined whether or not the "style mode" is currently set. If the style mode is set, the process proceeds to step SS6. If not, the process proceeds to step SS7 (FIG. 7) and subsequent steps. To "Song mode" processing. If it is determined in step SS6 that there is a start setting, step S6 is executed.
In S8, if there is no start setting, stop processing is performed in step SS10 if there is a stop setting in step SS9, and immediately if there is no stop setting, the flow proceeds to step SS7.

In step SS8, it is determined whether or not "automatic accompaniment on" is currently set. If automatic accompaniment is on, the flow advances to step SS11 (FIG. 6); if not, the flow advances to step SS12. After performing the process of generating the set rhythm signal, step SS
7 (FIG. 7). In the automatic accompaniment mode (FIG. 6), basically, the "coral" harmony mode is suitable as the vocal harmony.
In step 11, first, a process of detecting a code designation from code information of performance data input from the keyboard operator 4, the external storage device 10, and the external musical instrument 17 is performed, and then the process proceeds to step SS13. When the chord is specified by playing a keyboard, for example, a chord setting mode button (or dial) is operated to designate a predetermined chord setting mode (for example, a single finger mode), and then the keyboard operating device is operated. By operating a predetermined key (for example, a key corresponding to a root note or the like in the single-finger mode) in the accompaniment key area (the leftmost key area) of No. 4, a method of easily designating a chord by the user can be adopted.

In step SS13, it is determined whether or not the "vocal harmony" mode is set. If the "vocal harmony" mode is set, step S13 is executed.
Proceed to S14. On the other hand, if the “vocal harmony” mode is not set, a chord signal is generated in the set tone in step SS15, and a process of generating accompaniment music data in step SS16 is performed.
7 (FIG. 7). In step SS14, it is determined whether "automatic switching function available" is set for the vocal harmony type (by specifying the "automatic switching" mode) or whether this type is set to "coral" harmony. . Here, if there is any setting, the process proceeds to step SS17, and it is determined whether or not the code designation has already been detected (SS11). If it has been detected, the process proceeds to step SS18.

In step SS18, the sound effect data of the set vocal harmony mode, that is, the chordal harmony is generated. That is, based on the input audio signal or the reproduced sound signal (SS4) from the microphone 15, the chordal harmony sound data (sound code signal) of the pitch designated in advance corresponding to the detected code designation is generated. Then, the process proceeds to step SS7 (FIG. 7). Therefore, when the automatic accompaniment is set, special effect (coral harmony) sound data in which the pitch corresponding to the chord designation in each performance data at that time is generated for the input sound and the reproduced sound signal, and the harmony is generated. Is added as In the process in step SS18, there is a problem as to whether or not a channel for generating a special effect (coral harmony) to be newly generated can be secured. Is also implemented.

If the answer is NO (NO) in step SS14, that is, if the "vocoder" harmony mode is set, or if the answer is NO (NO) in step SS17, that is, if the code designation has not been detected, step SS19.
To generate vocoder harmony sound data as a special sound effect. For example, when keyboard performance data is input, vocoder harmony sound data is generated based on the voice input from the microphone 15 at a pitch corresponding to the pitch specification of the right hand key range of the keyboard operator device 4. . This step SS
Also in the process at 19, a harmony forming process with a later arrival priority is separately performed as described later in order to secure a channel for a special effect (vocoder harmony) to be newly generated. After step SS19, the process proceeds to step SS7 (FIG. 7).

[Song Mode Processing] In step SS7, it is determined whether or not the "song mode" is currently set. If it is in the song mode, the process proceeds to step SS20, otherwise, the main process (FIG. 2) Step S
The process proceeds to the performance processing of No. 4. When proceeding to step SS20,
It is determined whether or not the “vocal harmony” mode is set. If the “vocal harmony” mode is set, the process proceeds to step SS21; otherwise, the process proceeds to step SS22.

In step SS21, it is determined whether "automatic switching function available" is set for the vocal harmony type or whether this type is set to "vocoder" harmony. If there is, the process proceeds to step SS23, where the vocal harmony is set to the “vocoder” harmony mode, and a process of generating vocoder harmony sound data of the designated pitch based on the audio signal from the microphone 15 is performed. This step SS23
However, in order to secure a channel for a new special effect (vocoder harmony), as described later,
Separately, a harmony forming process is performed by giving priority to late arrival. After step SS23, the process proceeds to step SS22.

As described above, in the song mode, in step SS23, the keyboard performance data by the key depression from the keyboard operator device 4, the automatic performance data read from the external storage device 10, or the external performance device 17 The pitch of the audio signal from the microphone 15 or the reproduced sound signal from the reproducing player 16 is changed at the pitch specified by the input external performance data. A vocoder harmony sound based on pitch data can be added and output from the musical sound output units 7 to 9. Therefore, it seems that the sung voice is output at the pitch.

In steps SS18, SS19 and SS23, the vocal harmony sound (SS18 = cordal harmony, SS19, SS23 = vocoder harmony) is used as a special effect sound in accordance with the detailed parameters set in the vocal harmony setting mode [SV2 (FIG. 4)]. )
Is generated. For example, by applying a gender function (a function of changing an input voice to voice quality such as a female voice) to input voice data, a male user sings in a female voice, or conversely, a female user Singing in a male voice. When vocal harmony is generated, as a practical use, it is possible to perform processing for lowering the level of the input audio signal (without outputting the signal) and output only the harmony sound.

On the other hand, in step SS21, the result is NO (N
If it is determined to be O), that is, if the “coral” harmony mode is set, the process of stopping the vocal harmony function is performed in step SS24, and the process proceeds to step SS22.

In step SS22, if it is determined that there is a start setting, the flow advances to step SS25 to perform a process for performing and outputting performance data of the designated music piece, and a main process (FIG. 2) Step S4
It returns to the performance processing of. If there is no start setting, the process returns to step S4 of the main process after performing the performance stop processing in step SS27 if there is a stop setting in step SS26 and immediately if there is no stop setting in step SS26.

[Harmony Formation Subroutine] In the performance system according to the embodiment of the present invention, the tone generation channels of a plurality of performance data are formed so as to be selectable for a plurality of input performance data in a plurality of performance input modes. On the other hand, in steps SS18, SS19 (FIG. 6) and step SS23 (FIG. 7), the harmony is added by designating the performance input form or the tone generation channel of each performance data as the harmony channel. Pitch value data is obtained, and special effect sound (harmony sound) data is generated based on the pitch value data.

Here, the number of simultaneous performances of harmony sounds in the performance data becomes too large, and “the number of performance data tones for designating special effects × the number of sound effects (harmony sounds) for each special effect” to be generated is the special effect. If the number of special effect sound channels exceeds the number of special effect sound channels assigned to, resources are insufficient. Therefore, in the present invention, the specified musical tone of the performance data for generating the special effect is given priority on the last-arrived sound. For example, the key-on of the last two performance data is determined to be the specified musical tone for adding the special effect sound (harmony sound). . If there is a designated musical tone for which the pronunciation instruction has been started before that, the application of the special effect to the designated musical tone is stopped. Of course, the output performance of the performance data of the designated musical tone itself may be continued, or the output of the performance data of the designated musical tone itself may be stopped together with the stop of the application of the special effect.

A tone generation channel (harmony channel) designated as a reference for giving a special effect
Can be specified in a performance input form, individual channels can be specified, and in any case, a plurality of channels can be specified. The number of special effect sound generation channels that generate special effect sounds (typically, harmony sounds) is not included in the total number of tone generation channels that generate performance data musical tones. That is, in the present invention, a predetermined number of special effect sound generation channels are provided independently of the musical sound generation channels for producing the performance data musical sounds. In the present invention, the number of sound effects (harmony sounds) for each special effect refers to the number of effects given in correspondence with the performance data designating the special effect. When the voice is changed to a female voice, the number of sound effects (harmony sounds) is two.

FIG. 8 shows a harmony formation subroutine according to one embodiment of the present invention. In steps SS18 and SS19 (FIG. 6) and step SS23 (FIG. 6) of the performance data detection and signal processing routine, the special effect sound data of the set vocal harmony mode (SS18 = coral harmony, SS19, SS23 = vocoder harmony) When generating a harmony, there is a problem as to whether a channel for a special effect (harmony) to be newly generated can be secured. Therefore, in order to instruct harmony generation by the above-described method, the processing procedure of this subroutine is also executed. You.

In step SH1, the number of special effects (harmony) currently sounding is detected. That is, since the number of special effect sound generation channels that can be output is limited, the special effects are detected at present and the number of free channels for special effects is calculated. Next, in step SH2, it is checked whether there is a surplus of channels for outputting special effects, and when the number of empty channels calculated in step SH1 is equal to or larger than the number of special effects for which new harmony generation is to be performed (YES). Can apply the special effect without any problem, so the process proceeds to step SH3.

On the other hand, when there is no room in the special effect sounding channel for adding a new special effect (NO),
Proceeding to step SH4, the special effects being sounded are stopped in accordance with a predetermined condition, in principle, starting from the oldest sound. Here, for example, the following may be employed as the predetermined condition. (1) Of the special effects generated according to the input keyboard performance data, automatic performance data, external performance data, etc., the generation of special effects is simply stopped in order from the oldest one in time. (2) Priorities for generating special effects among a plurality of performance input modes are determined in advance, and in order from the lowest priority,
As in (1) above, the generation of special effects is stopped from the oldest one in time. For example, when the priority order is determined in the order of the keyboard operator 4, the external storage device 10, and the external musical instrument 17, first of all the special effects generated according to the input from the external musical instrument 17, Stop generating special effects in order from the oldest one. Alternatively, only the keyboard operator 4 is preferentially handled, and first, the external storage device 1
0, stop from the special effect generated in response to the input from the external musical instrument 17. (3) In addition, the pitch, range, or volume of the harmony sound, which is a special effect, or the tone element such as the pitch, range, or volume of the input performance data, or the type of the special effect that is currently applied. The order in which the special effects are stopped is determined based on this, and the same stop processing as (2) is performed.

The special effect sound generation channel in which the generation of the special effect has been stopped in step SH4 is in a state where a new special effect can be generated. And
In the next step SH3, special effect sound data of the newly set vocal harmony mode is generated,
A new special effect is given using the special effect sound generation channel or the empty channel in which the special effect is stopped. As a result, the vocal harmony sound can be generated with the latter arrival priority.

In step SH4, if the number of available channels is less than the number of newly required special effects, priority is given to the last-arrived processing in principle to generate special effects based on the oldest performance data. Stop all,
In step SH3, a special effect based on the performance data that has arrived most recently is generated. The special effect is partially stopped in accordance with a specific priority order, and the newly assigned special effect is assigned to the resulting empty channel. You may do so. For example, when the number of channels of the special effect is three and “change input voice pitch” and “change input voice to female voice” are added as described above, the currently applied “input voice is changed to female voice” When only the special effect is stopped, or when a “harmony sound with a higher pitch than the input voice” and a “harmony sound lower than the input voice” are added, the currently assigned “pitch higher than the input voice” Or stop only the special effect, and assign the resulting two free channels to the new special effect.

When a plurality of effect musical tones are newly generated for one musical sound in the performance data, the number of (special effect sounds that can be generated) / (the number of special effect sounds generated by one musical sound) The value determines the number of subsequent arrivals of performance data as a reference for generating a new special effect. Furthermore, new performance data is input when special effects are generated based on multiple simultaneously input performance data sounds, and new special effects will be added unless some of the special effects being generated are stopped. If the number of sound generation channels becomes insufficient, the special effects being generated are stopped according to a predetermined priority order among the multiple performance input forms, and the stopped special effect sound channel is used to generate special effect sounds based on new performance data. Allot. When a harmony tone is generated based on a certain input performance data tone and another performance data tone generating a harmony tone of the same pitch is input, the harmony generation being executed is continued.

[Various Embodiments] In the above description, an example has been described in which a harmony sound is generated as a special effect sound. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and generates musical sound data based on performance data itself. The tone generation sequence is different from the tone generation sequence described above, and can be applied to various performance devices that generate a plurality of special effect sound data based on a plurality of performance data.

In the above description, when new performance data is input, the special effect sound generation channel is stopped according to various conditions. For example, the number of special effect sound generation channels is small. In some cases, when new performance data is input, the special effects that are being generated are unconditionally stopped, and the stopped special effect sound channel is used for generating special effects using the new performance data. Special effect formation corresponding to new performance data may be ensured.

[0070]

As described above, according to the present invention, in a performance apparatus for generating musical sound data in response to a plurality of performance data inputs, a plurality of performance data input in a plurality of different performance input modes is provided. The latest performance data is obtained, and special effect sound data is generated based on the obtained performance data. Therefore, in a simple configuration, priority is given to at least two or more performance input modes, such as an automatic performance reading and playing from the storage device, a performance in response to an operation of an operator, and a performance input from an external device. At the same time, special effects such as harmony can be generated.

Further, the present invention is typically used to generate harmony based on voice as a special effect. As a result, various vocal harmony sounds are generated in response to a plurality of types of performance data in various performance modes such as a storage device and an external musical instrument, as well as keyboard performance data, and various suitable vocal harmony effects are obtained. be able to.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the number of latest performance data acquired by the priority acquisition means is the same as the number of special effect sound generation channels, or a plurality of special effect sound When generating data,
The value may be determined by the value of (the number of special effect sounds that can be generated) / (the number of special effect sounds to be generated for one musical tone). Since the latest performance data is adopted in accordance with the priority order, a balanced special effect can be reliably provided.

Further, according to the present invention, in a state where the special effect forming means is forming a special effect corresponding to the musical tone data inputted from any of the plurality of input means, the special effect forming means is newly provided from the plurality of input means. When it is detected that the tone data has been inputted, the formation of the special effect in the special effect forming means is stopped, and the formation of the special effect corresponding to the detected new tone data is started. Therefore, the special effect forming means can secure the special effect formation corresponding to the new tone data without being occupied by the special effect formation corresponding to the already input tone data.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a performance device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a main process representing an entire performance data process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a panel setting processing routine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a vocal harmony setting subroutine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a first part of a performance data detection and signal processing routine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a second part of a performance data detection and signal processing routine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a third part of a performance data detection and signal processing routine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a harmony formation subroutine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

4 a keyboard operator device for inputting real-time keyboard performance data, 5 an operation panel for setting various modes, 10 an external storage device including a drive such as a CD-ROM or a floppy disk recording automatic performance data, 15 audio A microphone for inputting a signal; 16 a reproducing player such as a CD player or a cassette tape player for inputting a reproduced sound signal; and 17 an external musical instrument for inputting external performance data.

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. First performance data input means for inputting first performance data, and second performance data input means for inputting second performance data in a plurality of different performance input modes, wherein at least two
One capable of inputting the second performance data from the above-mentioned performance input form at substantially the same time; priority acquisition means for acquiring the input second performance data on a last-come-first-served basis; A special effect generating means for generating special effect sound data to be added to the first performance data based on the performance data. 2. The performance apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the special effect sound data is generated on a special effect sound generation channel different from a music sound generation channel for generating music sound data. 3. The first performance data input means is a signal input means for inputting an external sound signal, and the special effect generating means is a special effect sound representing a harmony sound added to the input sound signal. The performance device according to claim 1, wherein the performance device generates data. 4. The performance according to claim 3, wherein said special effect generation means designates a pitch of the harmony sound based on the second performance data acquired by the priority acquisition means. apparatus. 5. The performance according to claim 3, wherein said special effect generation means has a mode for generating special effect sound data representing a harmony sound obtained by shifting a pitch of an input sound signal. apparatus. 6. A plurality of input means for inputting tone data, at least one special effect forming means for forming a special effect corresponding to the tone data input from any of these input means, Detecting means for detecting that new tone data has been input from the input means, and the special effect forming means forming a special effect corresponding to the tone data input from any of the input means; And stopping the formation of the special effect in the special effect forming means in response to the detection of the new tone data by the detecting means, and starting the formation of the special effect corresponding to the new tone data detected by the detecting means. An effect control device, comprising: control means for causing the effect to be controlled. 7. A storage medium which has a plurality of different performance input modes and is readable by a performance device which generates musical sound data by predetermined processing, wherein the step of inputting the performance data comprises: Inputting the performance data and the second performance data from at least two or more performance input forms; acquiring the input second performance data on a last-come-first-served basis; Generating a special effect sound data to be added to the first performance data based on the program. 8. A plurality of input means for inputting tone data,
A storage medium readable by an effect control device comprising at least one special effect forming means for forming a special effect corresponding to musical sound data input from any of these input means, wherein said plurality of input means Detecting that new tone data has been input from the device, and the special effect forming means forming a special effect corresponding to the tone data input from any of the input means, Stopping the formation of the special effect in the special effect forming means in response to the detection of the new musical sound data, and starting the formation of the special effect corresponding to the new musical sound data detected by the detecting means. A recording medium characterized by storing a program.