JP2011137881A - Automatic accompaniment device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To insert a fill-in pattern of an irregular meter by intuitive and simple operation during automatic accompaniment. <P>SOLUTION: In this automatic accompaniment device, automatic accompaniment pattern data in a prescribed meter including at least a main pattern Pm and a fill-in pattern Pf are prepared in a data storage part A, and the reproduction of the automatic accompaniment pattern data Pa can be controlled by the operation of a fill-in switch. The device is controlled so that, when a fill-in instruction based on the operation of the fill-in switch is given (t1) during the reproduction of the main pattern Pm as the automatic accompaniment pattern data, transfer to the reproduction of the fill-in pattern Pf is performed at prescribed timing tp thereafter while keeping the prescribed meter corresponding thereto, and when a fill-in instruction based on the operation of the fill-in switch is given (t2) during the reproduction of the fill-in pattern Pf, the reproduction of the fill-in pattern Pf is ended at least at the next meter (tr), and transfer to the reproduction of the main pattern Pm is performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic accompaniment apparatus having a fill-in performance function for automatic accompaniment.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known an automatic accompaniment apparatus that stores a main pattern or fill-in pattern of a predetermined time signature and that can realize a variable time signature by interrupting the performance of the predetermined time during the automatic accompaniment by the main pattern or fill-in pattern. For example, in the automatic accompaniment apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-281971, the normal pattern selected at that time by operating the start / restart switch (SW1) during the rhythm performance (for example, during the performance of the fill-in pattern). Is immediately transferred to the head of the symbol (referred to as “restart function” or “restart function”), and a rhythm of variable time signature can be realized (paragraph [0016]).

  However, in this automatic accompaniment apparatus, when the start / restart switch (SW1) is operated, the head immediately shifts to the top of the normal pattern. Therefore, in order to maintain the beat timing, care must be taken when operating the switch. I must. For example, if you want to stop a 4-beat fill-in pattern at 2 or 3 beats, you need to operate the switch at the timing of the 3rd or 4th beat. Become. Also, the act of operating the start / restart switch (SW1) to end the fill-in pattern is not intuitive. In other words, the semantic relationship between the end of the fill-in pattern and the operation of the start / restart switch is weak, and the direct idea is that the start / restart switch can be pressed to end the fill-in pattern. There was a risk of misoperation because it was not connected.

JP-A-5-281971

  In view of such circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic accompaniment apparatus capable of inserting a variable time fill-in pattern by an intuitive and simple operation during automatic accompaniment.

  According to the main feature of the present invention, data storage means (A: 2) for storing automatic accompaniment pattern data (Pa) of a predetermined time signature (for example, 4 time signature) including at least a main pattern (Pm) and a fill-in pattern (Pf) , Accompaniment pattern reproducing means (CB: CB1, CB2; C2) for reproducing automatic accompaniment pattern data (Pa: Pm, Pf), and fill-in instruction means (BA; S1 = YES) for instructing fill-in according to a user operation When there is a fill-in instruction (S1 = YES) by the fill-in instruction means (BA) during the reproduction of the main pattern (Pm) by the accompaniment pattern reproduction means (CB) (CB1; S2 = NO) (t1), a predetermined time signature (For example, four beats are maintained, and then the fill-in pattern (Pf) is reproduced at a predetermined timing (tp) [ 6 (1)], when there is a fill-in instruction (S1 = YES) by the fill-in instruction means (BA) during the reproduction of the fill-in pattern (Pf) by the accompaniment pattern reproduction means (CB) (CB2; S2 = YES) (t2 ), (Tr) Fill-in pattern (Pf) reproduction (CB2) is terminated at the next beat, and main pattern (Pm) reproduction (CB1) shifts to [C6 (2)]. CA), an automatic accompaniment apparatus (electronic music apparatus) is provided. Note that the parentheses indicate reference symbols, terms, parts, and the like of the examples added for convenience of understanding, and the same applies to the following.

  In the automatic accompaniment apparatus according to the main feature of the present invention, automatic accompaniment pattern data (Pa) having a predetermined time signature (for example, 4 time signature) including at least the main pattern (Pm) and the fill-in pattern (Pf) is stored in the data storage means (A: 2). In response to a user operation of a fill-in instruction operator called a “fill-in switch”, a fill-in instruction is given, and reproduction of automatic accompaniment pattern data (Pa) can be controlled. Here, when the main pattern (Pm) of the automatic accompaniment pattern data (Pa) is being reproduced (CB1; S2 = NO), a fill-in instruction (BA; S1 = YES) according to the user operation of the fill-in switch is displayed. If there is (t1), in response to the fill-in instruction, while maintaining a predetermined time signature (for example, four time signatures), the process proceeds to reproduction of the fill-in pattern (Pf) at a subsequent predetermined timing (tp) [C6 (1)]. Controlled (CA). Further, when the fill-in pattern (Pf) of the automatic accompaniment pattern data (Pa) is being reproduced (CB2; S2 = YES), there is a fill-in instruction (BA; S1 = YES) according to the user operation of the fill-in switch. And (t2), in response to the fill-in instruction, the reproduction (CB2) of the (tr) fill-in pattern (Pf) is terminated at the next beat to shift to the reproduction (CB1) of the main pattern (Pm) [C6 (2 )] Is controlled as follows (CA). According to the present invention, since the fill-in switch is automatically operated at the subsequent beat and the play of the fill-in pattern is automatically terminated at the next timing, the main pattern is reproduced. Therefore, it is not necessary to pay attention to the timing of the switch operation, and the pattern transfer operation for automatic accompaniment data reproduction is simplified. Further, in the present invention, there is a meaningful relationship between the act of ending the reproduction of the fill-in pattern and operating the fill-in switch. In other words, the operation of turning on the reproduction of the fill-in pattern by the first operation of the fill-in switch and turning it off by the second operation is a so-called “toggle” operation, which is very natural. Therefore, the fill-in switch can be operated intuitively, and the risk of erroneous operation is reduced.

1 is a configuration explanatory diagram of an automatic accompaniment system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between the operation of the fill-in switch by one Example of this invention, and the time signature of the automatic accompaniment performed. It is an example of the whole processing flow by one Example of this invention. It is an example of the operation element processing flow by one Example of this invention. It is an example of the automatic accompaniment processing flow by one Example of this invention.

[Overview of system configuration]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of an automatic accompaniment system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 (1) shows a hardware configuration block diagram of the automatic accompaniment apparatus. As this automatic accompaniment apparatus, an electronic music apparatus such as an electronic musical instrument is used. As shown in the figure, a central processing unit (CPU) 1, a random access memory (RAM) 2, a read-only memory (ROM) 3, and a storage device 4 are used. , A performance operation detection circuit 5, a setting operation detection circuit 6, a display circuit 7, a sound source / effect circuit 8, a communication interface (I / F) 9, etc. These elements 1 to 9 are connected to each other via a bus 10. The

  The CPU 1 constitutes a data processing unit together with the RAM 2 and the ROM 3, and uses the timer clock to generate desired accompaniment data from accompaniment pattern data, etc., according to a predetermined control program including an automatic accompaniment processing program. Various music information processing such as the above is executed. The RAM 2 is used as a work area for temporarily storing various data necessary for these processes, and the ROM 3 includes accompaniment materials including various control programs and accompaniment pattern data for executing these processes. Data and the like are stored in advance.

  The storage device 4 includes a storage medium such as an HD (hard disk), an FD (flexible disk), a CD (compact disk), a DVD (digital multipurpose disk), a flash memory or the like, and a driving device thereof, and can be controlled arbitrarily. Programs, accompaniment material data, and the like can be stored in any storage medium. The storage medium may be detachable, or may be built in the automatic accompaniment apparatus (electronic musical instrument).

  The performance operation detection circuit 5 constitutes a performance operation unit together with a performance operator 11 such as a keyboard, detects the performance operation of the performance operator 11 and transmits performance operation information corresponding to the detected contents to the data processing units (1 to 3). The data processing unit generates actual performance information based on the performance operation information and sends it to the sound source / effect circuit 8. The performance operator 14 includes, for example, a fill-in switch for instructing insertion of a fill-in pattern during performance of an automatic accompaniment. This fill-in switch functions as a variable time operator during fill-in performance (also referred to as fill-in accompaniment). be able to.

  The setting operation detection circuit 6 constitutes a setting operation unit together with a setting operation element (panel operation element) 12 such as a switch provided on the operation panel, detects the operation content of the setting operation element 12, and corresponds to the detection content. Setting operation information is introduced into the data processing unit, and the data processing unit performs various settings based on the setting operation information. For example, a mode switch for turning on / off an automatic accompaniment function (mode) or a genre selection for selecting accompaniment material data of a desired genre used for automatic accompaniment from the storage means 3 and 4 and loading it to the RAM 2 A switch is included.

  The display circuit 7 is provided with a display 13 such as an LCD for displaying various screens necessary for performance and setting, and an indicator / lamp on the operation panel (PN), and the display / lighting contents thereof are in accordance with instructions from the data processing unit. Control and provide display assistance for performance and setting operations.

  The sound source / effect circuit 8 includes a sound source and a DSP, generates a musical sound signal based on actual performance information obtained from the performance operation information from the performance operation detection circuit 5, and automatically performs performances obtained from the storage means 3, 4 and the like. A musical sound signal based on the data is generated, and a predetermined effect is given to the generated musical sound signal. For example, it is possible to generate a melody musical sound signal according to melody performance data based on a keyboard performance operation in the performance operator 11, or to generate an accompaniment musical sound signal according to accompaniment data generated by automatic accompaniment processing. The sound system 14 includes a D / A converter, an amplifier, a speaker, and the like, and generates a musical sound based on a musical sound signal output from the sound source / effect circuit 8.

  The communication I / F 9 includes a music-only wired I / F such as MIDI, a general-purpose short-distance wired I / F such as USB and IEEE1394, a general-purpose network I / F such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a wireless Lan, and Bluetooth (registered trademark). Including one or a plurality of general-purpose short-range wireless I / Fs such as MIDI data exchanged with other music devices, or performance data such as control programs and accompaniment material data from an external device such as a server computer Can be received and stored in the storage device 4.

[Characteristic automatic accompaniment function]
In the automatic accompaniment apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the fill-in switch is operated during the main section performance (main performance) of the automatic accompaniment, the fill-in section is performed from the next measure (fill-in performance), and the fill-in is performed again during the fill-in performance. When the switch is operated, the fill-in performance is forcibly terminated at the next beat, and the main transition is made, and control is performed to return from the fill-in performance to the main performance at any beat during the fill-in performance. Sound for impressing is inserted. In other words, if the fill-in switch is operated during the automatic accompaniment (main performance) by the main pattern, the fill-in pattern is inserted in the next measure, and if the fill-in switch is further operated at a predetermined timing of the fill-in insertion measure, the fill-in insertion measure Is changed to a predetermined time signature as a variable time measure, and automatic accompaniment (fill-in performance) by a fill-in pattern is terminated at a predetermined timing of a predetermined beat (called an abort specification timing (ts), which starts an abort process). By moving (returning) to the original main performance in measures, and performing automatic accompaniment (connection performance) with predetermined connection data during the transition period from the end of fill-in performance to the main performance (also called main accompaniment) Impress the end of fill-in performance and fill Leads from the termination of emissions performance to the migration of the main performance can put a natural change of rhythm.

  FIG. 1 (2) is a functional block diagram of an automatic accompaniment apparatus relating to such a characteristic automatic accompaniment function. This automatic accompaniment apparatus functionally includes a data storage unit A, an accompaniment instruction unit B, and an automatic accompaniment unit C. In the ROM 3 to the storage device 4, a large number of automatic accompaniment pattern data Pa commonly referred to as “accompaniment style data” and connection data Cn used together with the accompaniment pattern data Pa are stored by being divided into performance genres. These data Pa and Cn are used to generate accompaniment data used to generate an accompaniment musical sound signal in the sound source / effect circuit 8 and are called “accompaniment material data”. The data storage unit A corresponds to the accompaniment material data storage area of the RAM 2, and prior to automatic accompaniment, accompaniment material including desired automatic accompaniment pattern data Pa of a predetermined time signature from the storage means 3 and 4 according to the user operation of the genre selection switch. A set of data is selected, and the selected accompaniment material data is loaded into the data storage unit A.

  The automatic accompaniment pattern data Pa has various time signatures (beats) corresponding to each genre, and includes a set of one to a plurality of main pattern data Pm and one to a plurality of fill-in pattern data Pf. It is. The main pattern data Pm is created corresponding to the main part of the progress stage of the song and has a main performance pattern for several measures that is repeatedly played. The fill-in pattern data Pf is inserted into the main performance pattern. Has a suitable one-measure fill-in performance pattern. Although not shown, the automatic accompaniment pattern data Pa includes intro pattern data and ending pattern data having performance patterns corresponding to the intro part and the ending part of the music progression stage.

  The connection data Cn is prepared corresponding to each automatic accompaniment pattern data Pa. When the fill-in performance by the fill-in pattern data Pf is interrupted, the connection until the main performance by the main pattern data Pm is started in the next measure. Used for performances (also known as tethered accompaniment). The connection data Cn includes connection pattern data in which a plurality of sound data is arranged over time in order to sound the connection sound sequentially, and one or more sound data at the same timing in order to sound one or more connection sounds simultaneously. There is a description of the connecting sound described.

  The connection pattern included in the connection data Cn is typically a drum pattern that is the same as or similar to the last part of the fill-in pattern Pf, but is not limited thereto. In other words, any pattern can be used as long as it is created in consideration of the connection to the next measure. Only the drum part may be included, or parts other than the drum may be included. As described above, the connection pattern has a different connection pattern for each of a plurality of automatic accompaniment patterns Pa (accompaniment patterns according to music genres such as rock, jazz, and waltz, which are also called accompaniment styles). However, a single connection pattern may be provided in common to a plurality or all of the automatic accompaniment patterns Pa.

  In addition, the connection sound included in the connection data Cn is typically a sound that sounds one or more drum sounds at the same time and sounds like the end of fill-in. As described above, the connecting sound may have a different connecting sound for each of the plurality of automatic accompaniment patterns Pa, but may be shared by a plurality or all of the automatic accompaniment patterns Pa.

  The accompaniment instruction unit B corresponds to the functions of the input operation unit related to the automatic accompaniment of the performance operation and setting operation detection circuits 5 and 6 and the data processing units 1 to 3, and performs processing corresponding to the user operation related to the automatic accompaniment function. The accompaniment instruction section B is provided with a fill-in instruction section BA and a time signature instruction section BB that respond to the operation of the fill-in switch in the setting operation element 12 as a characteristic configuration.

  The automatic accompaniment unit C corresponds to the function of the automatic accompaniment execution unit of the data processing units 1 to 3, and generates accompaniment data from predetermined accompaniment material data according to an instruction from the accompaniment instruction unit B, and a sound source / effect circuit Send to 8. Note that generating accompaniment data based on accompaniment material data is referred to as “reproduction” in this specification. The automatic accompaniment unit C includes a reproduction control unit CA, an accompaniment pattern reproduction unit CB, a joint reproduction unit CC, and an accompaniment data output unit CD. The reproduction control unit CA responds to an instruction from the accompaniment instruction unit B and includes each unit CB. , CC, CD are controlled to generate / output desired accompaniment data. The accompaniment pattern reproducing unit CB includes a main pattern reproducing unit CB1 and a fill-in pattern reproducing unit CB2, and generates accompaniment data based on the automatic accompaniment pattern data Pa in accordance with a control command from the reproduction control unit CA.

  That is, the main pattern reproducing unit CB1 generates accompaniment data based on the main pattern data Pm in the automatic accompaniment pattern data Pa, or the fill-in pattern reproducing unit CB2 generates accompaniment data based on the corresponding fill-in pattern data Pf. Generate. Although not shown, the accompaniment pattern reproducing unit CB includes an intro pattern reproducing unit and an ending pattern reproducing unit that generate accompaniment data based on intro pattern data, ending pattern data, and the like. In addition, the connection playback unit CC generates accompaniment data based on the connection data Cn in accordance with a control command from the playback control unit CA, and the accompaniment data output unit CD generates the accompaniment data from both generation units CB and CC as a sound source / effect. Output to the circuit 8.

  In this automatic accompaniment apparatus (electronic musical instrument in automatic accompaniment mode), the accompaniment instruction section B has a predetermined time signature in accompaniment material data stored (loaded) in the data storage section A in response to a user operation of the accompaniment pattern selection switch. The automatic accompaniment unit C is instructed to select the desired main pattern data Pm from the automatic accompaniment pattern data Pa, and the reproduction control unit CA of the automatic accompaniment unit C accordingly reproduces the main pattern data Pm. Commands the main pattern reproduction unit CB1. Thus, the main pattern reproducing unit CB1 sequentially reads the main pattern data Pm and generates corresponding accompaniment data (for example, according to chord designation information based on the keyboard operation in the chord designation key range of the performance operator 11). The sound is output to the sound source / effect circuit 8 via the accompaniment data output unit CD, and the main performance is performed.

  When the user operates the fill-in switch while reproducing the main pattern data Pm of the selected automatic accompaniment pattern data Pa in this way, the file-in instruction unit BA of the accompaniment instruction unit B performs the fill-in performance. Insertion is instructed to the reproduction control unit CA of the automatic accompaniment unit C, and the reproduction control unit CA commands the accompaniment pattern reproduction unit CB to insert a fill-in performance. The accompaniment pattern reproducing unit CB stops the reproduction of the main pattern data Pm at the next measure by the main pattern reproducing unit CB1 in accordance with the insertion command from the reproduction control unit CA, and at the next measure by the fill-in pattern reproducing unit CB2. Accompaniment data for one measure based on the fill-in pattern data Pf corresponding to the main pattern data Pm is generated and output to the sound source / effect circuit 8 via the accompaniment data output unit CD to perform a fill-in performance for one measure. Then, after inserting the one-measure fill-in performance, the reproduction control unit CA causes the main pattern reproduction unit CB1 to resume the reproduction of the main pattern data Pm, and the main pattern data Pm is automatically reproduced from the next measure. Move on to performance.

  The accompaniment instruction unit B is notified from the reproduction control unit CA of the type and time signature of the automatic accompaniment pattern data Pa currently being reproduced by the automatic accompaniment unit C. For example, the accompaniment instruction unit B determines the fill-in switch operation timing for the beat during the fill-in performance. be able to. If the user operates the fill-in switch again while the fill-in pattern data Pf is being reproduced with a predetermined time margin of 1 beat or more, the accompaniment instruction unit B corresponds to the beat at the time of re-operation of the fill-in switch. It is determined that an odd time signature is instructed, and a notification to that effect is sent from the odd time signature instruction unit BB to the reproduction control unit CA. In response to the indication of the time signature by this notification, the reproduction control unit CA instructs the accompaniment pattern reproduction unit CB to stop the fill-in performance and shift to the main performance after the time signature, and to reproduce the connection data Cn. Command to CC. As a result, the fill-in pattern playback unit CB2 of the accompaniment pattern playback unit CB stops the playback of the fill-in pattern data Pf at a predetermined timing, and the main pattern playback unit CB1 starts the main pattern data Pm from the beginning of the next measure after the time signature. The replay unit CC resumes the reproduction of the main pattern Pa from the playback stop command of the fill-in pattern data Pf to the restart of the playback of the main pattern data Pm (for example, immediately after the playback stop command of the fill-in pattern Pf). Until just before the start), the connection data Cn, that is, the connection pattern data or the connection sound data is reproduced to insert or add a connection performance.

  As described above, in the automatic accompaniment system according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the fill-in switch is operated during the main performance of the automatic accompaniment, the fill-in performance is performed from the next measure, and when the fill-in switch is operated again during the fill-in performance, At the next beat, the fill-in performance is forcibly terminated and the main performance is started, and a connecting performance is inserted or added immediately before the transition to the main performance. Therefore, it is possible to return from the fill-in performance to the main performance at an arbitrary beat during the fill-in performance, and at this time, it is possible to make a performance sound that has a natural connection to the main performance, impressing the end of the fill-in performance.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the operation of the fill-in switch according to one embodiment of the present invention and the time signature of the automatic accompaniment to be played. The automatic accompaniment proceeds in accordance with the automatic accompaniment pattern data Pa of 4 time signatures. The numbers “1” to “4” indicate beats. In this case, when the fill-in switch is not operated, the main pattern data Pm is reproduced as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2 (2), while the automatic accompaniment (main performance) by the reproduction of the main pattern data Pm having the four beats is in progress, the performer (user), for example, has the (n-1) th as shown in FIG. When the fill-in switch is operated at a certain timing t1 of the measure, the fill-in pattern data Pf of 1 measure is reproduced in the next nth measure (start time tp to end time tq), and automatically in the next n + 1th measure. The process proceeds to reproduction of the main pattern data Pm. That is, when the fill-in switch is operated only once, the fill-in performance for reproducing the same 4-beat fill-in pattern data Pf as the main pattern Pm for the main performance for reproducing the main pattern data Pm is one bar period tp to tq. Only inserted.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2 (3), the performer operates the fill-in switch at a certain timing t1 of the (n-1) -th measure, and the fill-in pattern Pf of one measure is reproduced in the next n-th measure. Sometimes, when the fill-in switch is operated again at timing t2 less than the 3-beat period of the fill-in pattern data Pf (with a predetermined time margin of 1 beat or more with respect to all the beats of the fill-in pattern Pf), immediately after the fill-in switch is operated. At the beat timing tr, the main pattern Pm is started to play, and the (n + 1) -th bar starts. The n-th bar is changed from the 4-beat to the 3-beat, and at the time Tc just before the main pattern data Pm is played back, the connection data Insert or add playback of Cn. The beat timing tr is the time when the beat (third beat) when the fill-in switch is operated again, the n + 1th bar start time when the reproduction of the main pattern data Pm having four beats is resumed, and the time when the odd beat ends. Also called.

  In other words, the period from the predetermined timing (discontinuation designation timing) ts (for example, the timing from the start of the third beat to the half-beat) after the fill-in switch re-operation timing t2 to the end of the time signature tr is the discontinuation processing period or the connection period. This is called Tc, and a joining performance is performed with the joining data Cn within the joining period Tc, and the joining performance is inserted (replaced) or added (superposed) to the fill-in performance with the fill-in pattern data Pf. For example, as shown in the lower right of FIG. 2 (3), the connection period Tc from the cut designation timing, that is, the beginning ts of the connection period Tc [half beat timing of the third beat after the fill-in switch is re-operated (t2)]. The connection pattern data or the connection sound data Cn is played back until the end of the time signature (end of the odd beat, that is, the end of the third beat) tr, and the fill-in pattern data Pf is played back when the connection performance is inserted (replaced). The performance is stopped at the beginning ts of the connection period Tc, and when the connection performance is added (superimposed), the fill-in performance is continued during the connection period Tc.

  2 (3) shows an example in which the fill-in switch is re-operated in the middle of the third beat of the fill-in performance due to the reproduction of the fill-in pattern data Pf, but it is operated in the middle of the first or second beat. Even with an odd time signature. In this case, the main pattern data Pm is reproduced at the second or third beat. If the fill-in switch is operated in the middle of the 4th beat of the fill-in performance, the time signature is not instructed and the normal pattern data Pm is reproduced from the next measure as usual (as in FIG. 2 (2)). It is assumed that the transition is made, and the connection pattern data or the connection sound data Cn is not inserted or added. FIG. 2 shows an example in which the time signature of the original pattern data Pm, Pf is 4 time signatures, but a time signature other than 4 time signatures may be used.

  With respect to the start time ts of the joining performance by the joining pattern, as shown in FIG. 2 (3), after the fill-in switch is re-operated (T2), the joining pattern may be inserted or added at a good timing such as a half beat. However, a connection pattern may be inserted or added immediately after re-operation of the fill-in switch. In this case, it is preferable to adjust the timing so as not to break the flow of beat timing. In addition, for a joining performance using a joining sound, it is preferable to insert or add a joining sound immediately before the transition to the main pattern (tr). Further, as shown in FIG. 2 (3), when there is a certain amount of time (for example, half a beat or more) from the fill-in switch re-operation (t2) to the next beat timing tr, a connecting pattern is inserted or added, If there is no time, a connecting sound may be inserted or added.

  This automatic accompaniment apparatus (electronic musical instrument in automatic accompaniment mode) has the following characteristics from the viewpoint of fill-in performance: In this automatic accompaniment apparatus, a predetermined pattern including at least a main pattern Pm and a fill-in pattern Pf. The automatic accompaniment pattern data Pa of time signature is prepared in the data storage unit A, and the reproduction of the automatic accompaniment pattern data Pa can be controlled by the operation of a fill-in instruction operator called “fill-in switch”. When the main pattern Pm is being reproduced as the automatic accompaniment pattern data Pa (CB1), if there is a fill-in instruction (BA) based on the operation of the fill-in switch (t1), then a predetermined time is maintained and thereafter When the fill-in pattern Pf is reproduced at the predetermined timing tp and the fill-in pattern Pf is reproduced as the automatic accompaniment pattern data Pa (CB2), there is a fill-in instruction (BA) based on the operation of the fill-in switch ( At t2), at least the next beat is controlled (tr) to stop the reproduction of the fill-in pattern Pf (CB2) and to shift to the reproduction of the main pattern Pm (CB1) (CA).

[Example of processing flow]
3 to 5 are flow charts showing processing examples in the automatic accompaniment apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 shows an example of the entire processing flow according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 5 shows an example of an automatic accompaniment process flow according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, when the entire process flow is started by an instruction to start the entire process such as turning on the power, the CPU 1 performs initialization in step P1, performs operator processing in the next step P2, and further in step P3, Other operator processing, for example, display processing is performed, and the processing of steps P2 to P3 is repeated until an instruction to end the entire processing such as power off is given.

  The process flow of FIG. 4 shows an example of the operator process performed in step P2 of FIG. 3. In the first step S1, the accompaniment instruction unit B determines whether or not the fill-in switch is turned on, and the fill-in switch Is turned on (S1 = YES), the process proceeds to step S2, and it is further determined whether or not the fill-in performance is being performed, that is, whether or not the current fill-in pattern Pf is being reproduced.

  Here, when the fill-in performance is not being performed (S2 = NO), the process proceeds to step S3, and the fill-in instruction unit BA causes the fill-in pattern in the next measure [for example, the n-th measure: FIGS. 2 (2) and (3)]. A reservation is made to shift to reproduction (fill-in performance) by Pf (for example, the fill-in performance transition reservation flag Ff in the RAM 2 is turned on), and the reproduction control unit CA is instructed to fill in. On the other hand, when a fill-in performance is being performed (S2 = YES), the process proceeds to step S4, and the variable time indicator instruction unit BB instructs the reproduction control unit CA to insert or add a connection pattern or connection sound (connection performance). In the next step S5, reservation of the main pattern at the next beat timing (for example, tr) is reserved (for example, the main performance transition reservation flag Fm in the RAM 2 is turned on), and the playback controller CA is instructed to change the time signature. .

  When it is determined in step S1 that the fill-in switch is not turned on (S1 = NO), or after the fill-in performance reservation process in step S3 or the main performance reservation process in step S5, the automatic accompaniment start / stop is performed in step S6. , Other operation processing for other operations such as tone switching and keyboard. After the other manipulator process, the manipulator process is terminated, and the process returns to step P3 of the overall process (FIG. 3).

  The automatic accompaniment process flow of FIG. 5 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined interrupt process timing. In the first step C1, the CPU 1 determines whether or not automatic accompaniment is currently being performed. If automatic accompaniment is not being performed (C1 = NO), the automatic accompaniment process is immediately terminated. On the other hand, during automatic accompaniment (C1 = YES), at step C2, the main pattern reproduction unit CB1 or fill-in pattern reproduction unit CB2 of the accompaniment pattern reproduction unit CB performs automatic accompaniment pattern data Pa according to the current timing within the measure. The main pattern data Pm or fill-in pattern data Pf is reproduced, and the process proceeds to step C3. Regarding the reproduction processing of the fill-in pattern data Pf, when “insertion” of the connection data (connection pattern data or connection sound data) Cn is instructed, the reproduction of the fill-in pattern Pf is stopped at the connection start time ts. When “addition” of the connection data Cn is instructed, the reproduction of the fill-in pattern Pf is stopped at the connection end time tr.

  In step C3, the reproduction control unit CA determines whether or not it is currently a beat timing. If it is a beat timing (C3 = YES), the process proceeds to step C4. In step C4, if a main pattern transition reservation has been made (main performance transition reservation flag Fm = on), the accompaniment pattern playback unit CB shifts to playback of the main pattern Pm and performs a time signature, and the main pattern transition reservation is made. If not done (reservation flag Fm = off), the current automatic accompaniment is continued as it is. After the process of step C4, the process proceeds to step C5, and the reproduction control unit CA determines whether or not the current bar timing is reached (C5 = YES), the process proceeds to step C6, and the next The accompaniment pattern reproducing unit CB performs such processing.

(1) During main performance (performance with main pattern Pm):
(A) If a fill-in pattern transition reservation has been made (fill-in performance transition reservation flag Ff = ON), a transition to a fill-in performance by the fill-in pattern Pf is made.
(B) If no fill-in pattern transition reservation is made (reservation flag Ff = off), normal bar timing processing is performed for the main pattern Pm. For example, if it is in the middle of the main pattern Pm, the current main performance is continued as it is, and if it is the end of the main pattern Pm, it returns to the top.
(2) When the fill-in performance is being performed (playing with the fill-in pattern Pf) or the connection performance is being performed (playing with the connection pattern or the connection sound Cn), the process shifts to the main performance (performance with the main pattern Pm).
(3) When playing with other accompaniment patterns such as intro and ending, measure timing processing according to the accompaniment pattern is performed. For example, if the intro performance is at the end of the intro pattern, the main performance (playing with the main pattern Pm) is entered. If the end performance is in the end, the automatic accompaniment is stopped. In other cases, the performance continues with the current accompaniment pattern.

  When it is determined at step C3 that it is not a beat timing (C3 = NO), when it is determined at step C5 that it is not a bar timing (C5 = NO), or after the bar timing process at step C6, the process proceeds to step C7. Then, it is determined whether or not the playback control unit CA has instructed that the connection pattern or the connection sound Cn should be inserted or added (connection performance) from the time signature instruction unit BB of the accompaniment instruction unit B.

  Here, when there is an instruction to perform the joining performance (C7 = YES), the process proceeds to Step C8, and it is further determined whether or not it is the timing for inserting or adding the joining pattern or the joining sound Cn. Here, when it is the timing of insertion or addition of the joint performance (for example, during the period Tc = ts to tr) (C8 = YES), the process proceeds to step C9, and the joint playback unit CC generates the joint pattern or the joint sound Cn. Play and insert or add splice performances.

  No automatic accompaniment at step C1 (C1 = NO), no timing of beats at step C3 (C3 = NO), no instruction for continuous performance at step C7 (C7 = NO), or continuous performance at step C8 When it is determined that it is not the insertion or addition timing (C8 = NO), or after the insertion or addition start processing of the connecting performance in Step C9, the automatic accompaniment processing by the current interruption is terminated.

[Various Embodiments]
The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings. However, this is merely an example, and the present invention can be variously modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the connection pattern data or the connection sound data (Cn) may be MIDI data or audio data. In this case, when audio data is used for the connection pattern, it is necessary to perform time stretch processing according to the tempo of the automatic accompaniment.

  The automatic accompaniment part configuration may include only the rhythm part, or may include other musical instrument parts (for example, a bass part, a guitar part, a piano part, etc.) instead of or in addition to the rhythm part. The automatic accompaniment using the musical instrument sound may be an automatic accompaniment that converts the pitch of the accompaniment pattern data according to the specified chord, or the sound played by the user according to the accompaniment pattern (arpeggio pattern) data is distributedly pronounced. It may be an arpeggio performance.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to inserting or adding a connection pattern or a connection sound, but may be a pattern in which the fill-in pattern is simply cut off at the beat after the fill-in switch operation to shift to the main pattern.

Pa automatic accompaniment pattern data,
Pm main pattern data or main pattern,
Pf fill-in pattern data or fill-in pattern,
Connection data including Cn connection pattern data and connection sound data;
ts Abort designation timing in the middle of a predetermined beat (timing process start timing),
t2, tr Fill-in switch re-operation time and time signature end (connection end) time,
Tc Censoring period or connection period.

Claims (1)

Data storage means for storing automatic accompaniment pattern data of a predetermined time signature including at least a main pattern and a fill-in pattern;
Accompaniment pattern reproducing means for reproducing the automatic accompaniment pattern data;
Fill-in instruction means for instructing fill-in in response to a user operation;
If there is a fill-in instruction from the fill-in instruction means while the main pattern is being reproduced by the accompaniment pattern reproduction means, the process proceeds to the reproduction of the fill-in pattern at a predetermined timing while maintaining the predetermined time, and the fill-in pattern is reproduced by the accompaniment pattern reproduction means. And a playback control means for controlling so that when a fill-in instruction is given by the fill-in instruction means during playback, the playback of the fill-in pattern is stopped at the next beat and the process proceeds to the playback of the main pattern. Accompaniment device.

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