JP3950623B2 - Ring tone generator - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a ring tone generation apparatus for generating a ring tone for notifying an incoming call to a wireless device such as a mobile phone.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Mobile phones and PHS (Prsonal Handyphone System) are used by many people on a daily basis. In addition, portable computers are becoming more sophisticated and smaller in size. When such a wireless device is used in a place where a plurality of people gather, if the sound for notifying incoming calls such as telephones and e-mails is only a predetermined sound, when the ringing sound is generated, In many cases, it is difficult to determine whether the signal is output from the device or the wireless device of another person. Therefore, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-307607 proposes that the melody and rhythm of the ringtone can be set independently so that each owner can select the ringtone of his / her mobile phone. It has been broken. There are also various proposals for creating your own ringtone.
[0003]
FIG. 7 shows a main part of such a conventional mobile phone. In this technique disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2944493, a memory 12 that stores a scale in the control unit 11 of the mobile phone, an operation unit 13 that performs various operations, an audio frequency generation unit 14 that generates an audio frequency, and a signal related to sound A signal processing unit 15 that performs processing, and a transmission unit 16 and a reception unit 17 are connected. The operation unit 13 includes a key input unit 21 that inputs a scale and the like, and a display unit 22 that displays operation details. The signal processing unit 15 includes a sounder 23 that outputs sound, a microphone 24, and a receiver 25. The transmitter 16 and the receiver 17 are connected to an antenna 27 via a duplexer 26.
[0004]
In the proposed mobile phone, when there is an incoming call, the receiving unit 17 notifies the control unit 11 of this. Based on this, the control unit 11 calls the ring tone data stored in the memory 12, and gives the audible frequency generating unit 14 with the time-series scale data constituting the ring tone data, thereby making the sound of the ringtone melody. Output.
[0005]
The mobile phone also has a function as a ring tone generation device for generating a unique ring tone. The control unit 11, the memory 12, the operation unit 13, the audible frequency generation unit 14, and the sounder 23 of the signal processing unit 15 constitute this device. The keys “0” to “9” (not shown) of the operation unit 13 correspond to nine kinds of audible frequencies whose frequencies increase in order one by one.
[0006]
FIG. 8 shows the relationship between the key data corresponding to these nine kinds of audible frequencies and the audible frequencies. "0" key k₀Is the lowest audible frequency f₀Corresponds to the "9" key k₉Corresponds to the highest frequency. That is, in this ring tone production device, the “0” key k₀Audible frequency f₀, For example, corresponding to a scale of 261.63 Hz (Hertz), the “1” key k₁Audible frequency f₁Corresponds to a scale of 293.66 Hz. Similarly, “8” key k₈Audible frequency f₈Is the audible frequency f₀Corresponds to a scale of 523.25 Hz, one octave (8 degrees) higher than the “9” key k₉Audible frequency f₉Is the audible frequency f₁Therefore, it corresponds to the scale of 587.33 Hz, which is one octave higher.
[0007]
In this ring tone generation device, the operator can use the “0” key k of the key input unit 21.₀~ "9" key k₉Each time one of the buttons is pressed, the control unit 11 controls the audio frequency generation unit 14 to generate a corresponding audio frequency and output the sound from the sounder 23. “0” key k₀~ "9" key k₉The audible frequency is output only for the time when each key is pressed, and when a key (not shown) for confirming the sound is pressed, the scale and the pressing time are stored in the memory 12. By sequentially selecting the scales in this way, a ringtone melody can be created. In the process of creating such a ringtone melody, necessary information such as the scale type and musical notes is displayed on the display unit 22.
[0008]
In the above description, the ring tone melody is created by the ring tone generator by itself. However, the ring tone melody is stored in the memory 12 from the predetermined site via the receiver 17 and can be called and arranged. Is possible. Such a technique is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-103332.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the ring tone generator shown in FIG. 7, the “0” key k₀~ "9" key k₉By selectively depressing each key, a sound having a frequency corresponding to the sounder 23 can be output. However, in this case, the scale setting key prepared in the operation unit 13 is the “0” key k.₀~ "9" key k₉There are 10 in total. Therefore, there is a problem that a scale of 10 degrees can be set in all, and the range of the melody to be created is narrow.
[0010]
Therefore, depending on the ring tone creation device, seven types of keys corresponding to the scale of one octave are prepared from the sound of the ring to the sound of the bell, and in order to switch the octave, the same key is required until the desired octave is reached. A technique of pressing the button many times is adopted. By adopting this method, you can set as many octaves as you need.
[0011]
However, if this is done, for example, the “0” key k₀To “7” key k₇In the ring tone generator that outputs the frequency from the sounder 23 in response to the pressing of each of the seven keys, the corresponding key is pressed every time the scale is switched in units of one octave. During this time, there was a problem that the sound of the previous octave scale was output. For example, in order for the operator to output a relatively high frequency of 1046.5 Hz, the “0” key k₀If the sound of 130.81 Hz is output from the sounder 23 when the key is pressed once, the “0” key k₀Is pressed to successively output sounds having frequencies of 261.63 Hz and 523.25 Hz, and finally, sounds of frequencies having a desired frequency of 1046.5 Hz are output. During such an operation, sound of the respective frequencies is output from the sounder 23, giving the impression that these sounds are mixed in the melody being created, There was a problem that creation could not be performed smoothly.
[0012]
Therefore, when creating a ringtone, a method has been generalized in which the output of the sounder 23 is turned off, only the display on the display unit 22 is confirmed, and the sounder 23 listens to the actual sound after the creation is completed. Of course, in the case of a device other than a device that limits the number of keys to be assigned to the scale, such as a mobile phone, for example, a device such as a computer connected to a music input keyboard (keyboard), each octave Such a problem does not occur because a separate key can be arranged for each scale. However, it is not always possible to use an input device with an input environment that is always satisfactory for creating and editing ringtones.
[0013]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a ring tone generation apparatus capable of limiting the output of sounds that are not directly related to the ring tone when a ring tone is generated using a limited number of keys. .
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  According to the first aspect of the present invention, (b) storage means for storing ringtone data constituting a ringtone, (b) a plurality of keys associated with each scale over a predetermined range, and (c) ) When the key corresponding to the desired scale among these keys is pressed for a predetermined time or more, when the ring tone data being created is not stored in the storage means, it is used for initial setting of a plurality of frequencies different in units of one octave of the scale When the ringtone data being created is at least partially stored in the storage means, the frequency of each tone constituting the stored ringtone data is selected.Belongs to the same octave as the sound stored in the storage means immediately beforeWhen the frequency of the scale is selected in the frequency band, and the key corresponding to the desired scale is pressed for less than the predetermined time, the key is pressed for the predetermined time or more in the scale corresponding to the selected key. Frequency selection means for cyclically selecting a plurality of frequencies different from the frequency selected by one octave unit in a predetermined order every time the frequency is pressed for less than the predetermined time described above, (d) (F) a frequency corresponding to the frequency sequentially determined by the frequency determining means and the time when the key is pressed, when the frequency selected by the frequency selecting means is a desired frequency; The ring tone data storage means for storing the ring tone data representing the data in the storage means, and (f) the frequency selection means presses the key for a predetermined time or more. Each time a sound of a frequency that the selected is provided to the ring tone generating apparatus and a sound output means for outputting by a time corresponding to the pressed.
[0017]
  IeClaim 1In the described invention, when a key corresponding to a scale is pressed, if the key is pressed for a predetermined time or more, the ring tone data being created is not stored in the storage means in order to set which octave the scale corresponds to The frequency for initial setting (default value) is selected if it is not stored. Further, when any one of the scales is stored at least partially in the storage means as ringtone data, it is stored in the storage means immediately before these frequencies.Sound andThe frequency of the scale is selected in the frequency band belonging to the same octave. For this reason, there is a high probability that the frequency need not be changed in units of octaves. When the key is pressed for a predetermined time or longer, the sound of the selected frequency is output for the time corresponding to the pressing. Therefore, it is possible to perform a process of selecting a scale having a desired frequency for a desired time and storing it in the storage means as data constituting the ring tone data. On the other hand, when the key is pressed for less than a predetermined time, the octave is cyclically changed according to the number of times the key is pressed. Therefore, the operator can change the frequency of the scale in units of one octave. Moreover, every time a corresponding key is pressed for this change, a sound having a different frequency in the scale is not output each time.
[0018]
  Claim 2In the described invention, (a) storage means for storing ringtone data constituting a ringtone, (b) a plurality of keys associated with each scale over a predetermined range, and (c) these keys When a key corresponding to a desired scale among keys is pressed for a predetermined time or more, among the ringtone data being created, when data about the frequency of the same scale is not stored in the storage means, a plurality of different ones in one octave of the scale When an octave frequency predetermined for initial setting is selected from among the frequencies, and data about the frequency of the same scale among the ringtone data being created is stored in the storage means, the same stored data is stored. The same frequency as the frequency stored in the storage means is selected immediately before the frequency of the scale, and the key corresponding to the desired scale is pressed for less than the predetermined time. In some cases, a frequency corresponding to the selected key is pressed for a predetermined time for a plurality of frequencies different from the frequency selected when the key is pressed for the predetermined time or more in one octave unit. Frequency selection means for cyclically selecting one by one each time (d) frequency determination means for determining when the frequency selected by the frequency selection means is a desired frequency, and (e) this frequency Ringtone data storage means for storing ringtone data representing the frequencies sequentially determined by the confirmation means and the time corresponding to the time when the key is pressed in the storage means; The ring tone generation device includes sound output means for outputting a sound of the selected frequency for a time corresponding to the press whenever the button is pressed for a predetermined time or more. Make.
[0019]
  IeClaim 2In the described invention, when a key corresponding to a scale is pressed, if the key is pressed for a predetermined time or longer, the octave corresponding to the scale is set in the ringtone data being created in order to set which octave corresponds. It is checked whether or not data on the frequency of the current frequency is stored, and if it is not stored, an initial setting frequency (default value) is selected. Further, in the state where the data about the frequency of the same scale is stored in the ring tone data being created, the same frequency as the frequency stored in the storage means is selected immediately before these frequencies. ing. For this reason, there is a high probability that the frequency need not be changed in units of octaves. When the key is pressed for a predetermined time or longer, the sound of the selected frequency is output for the time corresponding to the pressing. Therefore, it is possible to perform a process of selecting a scale having a desired frequency for a desired time and storing it in the storage means as data constituting the ring tone data. On the other hand, when the key is pressed for less than a predetermined time, the octave is cyclically changed according to the number of times the key is pressed. Therefore, the operator can change the frequency of the scale in units of one octave. Moreover, every time a corresponding key is pressed for this change, a sound having a different frequency in the scale is not output each time.
[0026]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027]
【Example】
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples.
[0028]
FIG. 1 shows an outline of the configuration of a ring tone generator according to an embodiment of the present invention. This ring tone creating apparatus 51 is used for a mobile phone, for example. The ring tone creation device 51 includes a control unit 52 that controls the entire device. The control unit 52 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 53, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 54 storing a control program, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory for temporarily storing various data. Memory) 55.
[0029]
The control unit 52 amplifies the operation unit 58 including a key input unit 56 and a display unit 57, an audible frequency generation unit 59 that outputs a sound of each scale, and a sound signal 61 output from the audible frequency generation unit 59. The amplifier circuit 62 is connected to a non-volatile memory 63 for storing ring tone data and a time measuring circuit 64 for measuring time. A sounder 65 is connected to the amplifier circuit 62.
[0030]
FIG. 2 shows the main part of the key input unit. A large number of keys are arranged in the key input unit 56. In this embodiment, nine of these keys "1" key k₁~ "9" key k₉"1" key of₁Assign the scale of DO to “2” key k₂Is assigned the scale of Les. Hereinafter, every time the numerical value of the key increases, the scale is assigned one higher (one degree) higher. “1” key₁To “7” key k₇The scale for one octave from de to shi is assigned. “8” key₈Is a key for confirming the selected scale. “9” key k₉Is a key for canceling the selected scale.
[0031]
Each scale, etc. is the key₁~ K₉Of course, other keys may be assigned. In addition, “8” key k for finalizing the scale₈It is also possible to set to a mode in which the scale is determined one after another without pressing. This is the key k for the scale₁~ K₇This is effective when a ring tone is created by simply pressing in order, and without further troublesome operations. In the latter case, correction work is performed as necessary.
[0032]
  FIG. 3 shows an outline of the control flow of the ring tone generator of this embodiment. “1” key k shown in FIG.₁To “7” key k₇Is called a scale key, the CPU 53 shown in FIG. 1 monitors whether or not the scale key is pressed while the mobile phone is set to the ring tone generation mode. When the scale key is pressed (step S71: Y), this is a relatively short time t.₁It is monitored whether or not the button has been pressed for the above length (step S72). In this exampleFor exampleIt is assumed that each scale is set with a time length twice that of the actual ring tone, and the time when the scale key is pressed is measured by the time measuring circuit 64, and the time half the time is the frequency of the scale. Is set in the memory 63 as the time during which the sound is output. At this time, the time t is set as a time slightly shorter than the shortest time represented by each scale.₁Is set. And this time t₁When the scale key is pressed for the time within (N), it is interpreted that the octave change operation is performed instead of the scale setting. Then, one octave is switched for the scale based on a predetermined logic (step S73).
[0033]
In this embodiment, the scale is set to a scale higher by one octave than the scale set as the default value when pressed for the first time, and the scale set as the default value when pressed for the second time in succession. Is switched to a scale one octave below. Once again, the scale key is time t₁If it is pressed for a shorter time, the scale returns to the default value. After that, the scale key is time t₁If the button is kept pressed for a shorter time, this operation is repeated cyclically. Although it is possible to switch the octave in a range wider than 3 octaves, in this embodiment, the octave switching operation is facilitated on the premise that a ringtone melody is created within a range of up to 3 octaves. .
[0034]
In this embodiment, the individual scales are set with a time length twice that of the actual ring tone, but the time axis may be extended longer than this, or the same scale may be used.
[0035]
  On the other hand, the predetermined scale key is time t₁When pressed for the above length (step S72: Y), the frequency of the scale is devised on display such as encoding, or “high” or “standard”DoAnd the scale of the frequency output from the audible frequency generator 59 is output by the sounder 65 (step S74). The output of the sounder 65 continues while the operator presses the scale key (step S75: Y).
[0036]
The time measuring circuit 64 measures the pressing time. Then, when the scale key is not pressed (step S75: N), the data about the scale of the frequency and the pressing time are temporarily stored in the RAM 55 (step S76). In this state, the operator presses the “8” key k₈When the input of the current scale is confirmed by pressing (step S77: Y), this data temporarily stored in the RAM 55 is used as a part of the ringing tone data at the next address of the data stored in the memory 63. Store (step S78). If this data is the first data of the ring tone data to be created this time, it is stored at the first address. “8” key₈"9" key without pressing₉When is pressed (step S79: Y), the input scale and the set time of the scale are canceled. Therefore, the data stored in the RAM 55 is not transferred to the memory 63, but again enters a state of waiting for the input of the scale key (return).
[0037]
FIG. 4 specifically shows scale selection control in the process of step S74. The operator sets the scale key to time t₁When pressed for the above time, the CPU 53 shown in FIG. 1 checks whether the ring tone data is not stored in the memory 63 (step S91). If not stored (Y), the scale (scale in that frequency band) selected by the scale key in the octave previously set as the default value is selected (step S92).
[0038]
On the other hand, when at least a part of the ring tone data is already stored in the memory 63 when the scale key is pressed (step S91: N), the ring tone being created already stored in the memory 63 is stored. First, the scale selected by the scale key in the frequency band close to the average value of the frequency of each scale of the data is selected (step S93). This is inferred from the average frequency of the sound stored in the memory 63 whether the operator is trying to create a melody relatively biased toward high sounds or a melody relatively biased toward low sounds. The purpose of this is to increase the efficiency of the selection operation by first selecting a scale in the nearby frequency band.
[0039]
When such a selection operation is different, the operator can confirm with the display unit 57 or can determine with the sound output from the sounder 63. In this case, the “9” key k is used for cancellation.₉And press the scale key as many times as necessary₁After pressing for less than the time, the scale key may be pressed for a desired time. Of course, such cancellation operation is much less than when the seven scale keys are always initially set to the same octave scale.
[0040]
First modification
[0041]
FIG. 5 shows a first modification of the implementation of the process of step S74 shown in FIG. The same parts as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same step numbers, and description thereof is omitted as appropriate. In this first modification, if at least a part of the ring tone data has already been stored in the memory 63 when the scale key is pressed (step S91: N), the data already being stored in the memory 63 is being created. Is selected from among the scales of the ringtone data of (2), the scale having a frequency close to the frequency of the scale stored immediately before (or the latest) (step S93A).
[0042]
For example, it is assumed that the musical scale stored immediately before is a Mi having a frequency of 164.81 Hz in an octave from a frequency of 130.81 Hz (de scale) to a frequency of 246.94 Hz (si scale)._FourWhen is pressed and a scale factor is specified, the same octave frequency of 174.61 Hz is selected first, and a scale factor of 349.23 Hz, one octave higher than this, or 698.46 Hz higher by one octave is selected. Not selected at stage. This is intended to improve the efficiency of the selection operation based on an empirical rule that two adjacent scales often fluctuate within a range of one octave as compared with a case where the frequencies are greatly different from each other.
[0043]
Second modification
[0044]
FIG. 6 shows a second modification of the implementation of the process in step S74 shown in FIG. The same steps as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same step numbers. In this first modification, it is determined whether or not the same ringing tone data as that scale is not stored in the memory 63 when the scale key is pressed (step S91A). For example, “4” key k_FourWhen is pressed and the scale factor is designated, it is checked whether or not the scale factor data is stored in the memory 63 regardless of the octave difference. If not stored (Y), the scale selected by the scale key in the octave set in advance as a default value (in this case, the scale scale) is selected (step S92).
[0045]
On the other hand, when the same ring tone data as the scale is stored in the memory 63 (step S91A: N), the scale having the same frequency as the latest frequency stored in the memory 63 is stored. Is selected (step S93B). In the case of a melody where the pitch of the sound fluctuates greatly, different results may be caused. However, if sounds of the same scale appear multiple times, they may have the same frequency than the possibility that they appear different by one or more octaves The purpose is to improve the efficiency of the selection operation based on an empirical rule that it is more likely to appear as a musical scale.
[0046]
Unlike the second modified example, when a plurality of pieces of data of the same scale are stored in the memory 64, the control unit (the control unit 52 in FIG. 1) selects the scale having the highest frequency among them. It is also possible to perform control.
[0047]
Although the embodiment has been described on the assumption of a monotone frequency, the sound output from the audible frequency generator 59 may be a sound including various sound sources such as sounds of various instruments.
[0048]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, claims 1 toClaim 4According to the described invention, since the same scale is changed to a different frequency by pressing a key for designating a scale for less than a predetermined time, the operation is simple and easy to understand. Also, when the corresponding key is pressed for a predetermined time or longer, the corresponding sound is output, so the sound of each frequency is not output while switching the frequency in units of one octave. Easy to create melody.
[0049]
  Further claim 1Or claim 2In the described invention, at the stage where the key for designating the scale is first pressed and the data about the ringtone is not yet stored in the storage means, the predetermined initial setting frequency is selected. There is a higher possibility that a musical scale having a desired frequency is selected at a time than when the highest frequency or the lowest frequency is selected in order.
[0050]
  Also,Claims 3 and 4In the described invention, when data about the ring tone being created is stored in the storage means, the most probable frequency as the frequency corresponding to the scale designated by the operator in each logic using these data Is selected first, which has the advantage of reducing the number of key operations when creating a ring tone and enabling efficient operation.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration of a ring tone generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a main part of a key input unit in the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of a control flow of the ring tone generation apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart specifically showing control of scale selection in the process of step S74 in the present embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a first modification of the implementation of the process in step S74 shown in FIG. 4;
6 is a flowchart showing a second modification of the implementation of the process in step S74 shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a main part of a conventionally proposed mobile phone.
8 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between key data corresponding to nine kinds of audible frequencies and the audible frequency in the proposal shown in FIG. 7; FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
51 Ringtone generator
52 Control unit
53 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
54 ROM (Read Only Memory)
56 Key input section
59 Audible frequency generator
63 memory
64 Timing circuit
65 Sounder
k₁~ K₇  Scale key

Claims (4)

Storage means for storing ringtone data constituting the ringtone;
A plurality of keys associated with each scale over a predetermined range;
When a key corresponding to a desired scale among these keys is pressed for a predetermined time or more, when the ring tone data being created is not stored in the storage means, it is used for initial setting of a plurality of frequencies different in units of one octave of the scale. When a predetermined octave frequency is selected and at least a part of the ringtone data being created is stored in the storage means, the frequency immediately before each of the frequencies of the sounds constituting the stored ringtone data is selected. The frequency of the scale in the frequency band belonging to the same octave as the sound stored in the storage means is selected, and if the key corresponding to the desired scale is pressed for less than the predetermined time, the selected key is The frequency selected when the key is pressed for the predetermined time or longer in the corresponding scale, and a plurality of frequencies that differ in units of one octave are advanced in a predetermined order. A frequency selection means for selecting cyclically one by one each time it is pressed less than the predetermined time,
Frequency determining means for determining when the frequency selected by the frequency selecting means is a desired frequency;
Ringtone data storage means for storing ringtone data representing the frequency sequentially determined by the frequency determination means and the time corresponding to the time when the key is pressed, in the storage means;
A ring tone generation apparatus, comprising: a sound output means for outputting a sound of a frequency selected by the frequency selection means for a time corresponding to the press whenever the key is pressed for a predetermined time or more. Storage means for storing ringtone data constituting the ringtone;
A plurality of keys associated with each scale over a predetermined range;
When a key corresponding to a desired scale among these keys is pressed for a predetermined time or more, when data about the frequency of the same scale among the ringtone data being created is not stored in the storage means, in units of one octave of the scale. When a predetermined octave frequency is selected from among a plurality of different frequencies and the data for the frequency of the same scale among the ringtone data being created is stored in the storage means, these are stored. If the same frequency as the frequency stored in the storage means is selected immediately before the frequency of the same musical scale, and the key corresponding to the desired musical scale is pressed for less than the predetermined time, it is selected. A plurality of frequencies different from the frequency selected when the key is pressed for the predetermined time or more in the scale corresponding to the key, in units of one octave are determined in advance. A frequency selection means for selecting cyclically one by one each time it is pressed less than the predetermined time order,
Frequency determining means for determining when the frequency selected by the frequency selecting means is a desired frequency;
Ringtone data storage means for storing ringtone data representing the frequency sequentially determined by the frequency determination means and the time corresponding to the time when the key is pressed, in the storage means;
A ring tone generation apparatus, comprising: a sound output means for outputting a sound of a frequency selected by the frequency selection means for a time corresponding to the press whenever the key is pressed for a predetermined time or more. 3. The ring tone generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the frequency selection means cyclically selects a scale by one octave within a predetermined frequency range. When the key corresponding to the desired scale is pressed for less than the predetermined time, the frequency selection means is different in the ring tone data being created stored in the storage means and representing the same scale. 3. The ring tone generation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when there are two or more types of frequency data, the frequency data stored most frequently in the storage means is selected first.

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