JP4270102B2 - Automatic performance device and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic performance apparatus and program capable of giving desired changes to automatic performance data during automatic performance and performing an automatic performance having a different atmosphere from the original automatic performance data. In particular, the present invention relates to an automatic performance apparatus and a program that can prevent a performance that is not intended by the creator who created the automatic performance data from being changed.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an automatic performance device such as a sequencer that performs automatic performance based on predetermined automatic performance data is known. As an example of such an automatic performance device, for example, there is a device described in Patent Document 1 shown below. The conventional automatic performance device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is an automatic performance without destroying the original stored automatic performance data, which is called a so-called play effect function (also called a swing function or a groove function). Sometimes, the automatic performance is performed by appropriately changing various parameters (for example, note-on timing, velocity, gate time, etc.) included in the automatic performance data according to predetermined play effect data (change data). It has a function capable of performing an automatic performance with a different atmosphere from that when the performance data is automatically played as it is, for example, an automatic performance rich in emotional expression such as a live performance.
Japanese Patent No. 2630166

  Recently, automatic performance data is generated by repeating automatic performance based on automatic performance data and additionally recording musical sounds generated in response to user operations performed in accordance with the repeated automatic performance. An automatic performance apparatus having a data generation function called a so-called loop recording system or overdub recording system, which can be performed, is known. Here, the loop recording system is a loop system for recording (that is, generation of automatic performance data) as in the case of automatic accompaniment in which the performance of an accompaniment pattern of several measures is repeated. For example, when recording of automatic performance data of two measures is started, the recording of the two measures is repeated many times (loop playback). Since the automatic performance data once recorded is played immediately from the next “loop”, the user can immediately confirm the automatic performance data recorded by the ear. On the other hand, the overdub recording method is a method in which the original data is recorded on the part (channel) once recorded without being erased. For example, when recording of the main part of two measures is started, the recording of the two measures is repeated many times (loop playback). Once recorded, the automatic performance data is played from the next “loop”. Therefore, the user can record new note data in layers while confirming the recorded automatic performance data with his / her ear.

  By the way, when producing automatic performance data, the producer may produce automatic performance data with the intention of reproducing it accurately according to the beat, for example. In some cases, automatic performance data with an atmosphere is created. However, in the automatic performance apparatus having the conventional play effect function as described above, the play effect is always applied to the automatic performance data during automatic performance, regardless of the intention of the creator who created the original automatic performance data. It was supposed to be applied. Therefore, even if the producer himself / herself uses automatic performance data in which various parameters have been set for the purpose of a desired musical expression, play effects can be applied to the automatic performance data. As a result of changing various parameters, there is a problem in that a performance far from the musical expression intended by the creator or an unnatural performance as music occurs. In addition, in the past, for example, when a play effect is further applied to automatic performance data created in advance using the play effect function, for all portions to which the play effect of the automatic performance data is applied. Since multiple play effects are applied, it may be inconvenient that performances that deviate significantly from the creator's intentions or performances that are more unnatural as music may occur. .

  In addition, in the case of having a data generation function for generating automatic performance data while repeating automatic performance, such as the loop recording method or the overdub recording method described above, predetermined play effect data ( It is convenient that a variety of automatic performance data can be easily generated if automatic performance can be performed while applying a play effect according to (change data). However, if the play effect is simply applied to the automatic performance, the play effect is applied every time the automatic performance is repeated (loop playback), that is, the play effect may be applied multiple times. This is very inconvenient. Therefore, there has been a demand for an automatic performance device having a data generation function that can automatically generate real-time performance data in real time while appropriately applying play effects without applying such play effects.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and prevents any play effect from being applied to all or part of automatic performance data that has already been produced with the intention of producing a desired musical expression. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic performance apparatus and a program which can perform a performance that realizes a musical expression as intended by the producer of the automatic performance data and a natural performance as music.
It also has a data creation function for generating automatic performance data by additionally recording musical sounds generated in response to user operations performed in accordance with repeated automatic performance, such as a loop recording method or an overdub recording method. In this case, automatic play data can be created in real time without applying multiple play effects by applying play effects during desired loop playback and not applying play effects during subsequent loop playback. It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic performance apparatus and a program which can be used.

Automatic playing apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention, changes repeatedly automatic performance, an automatic performance device capable of generating automatic performance data based on the automatic performance repeated the specifies changes Setting means for setting whether or not to perform automatic performance while changing the contents of automatic performance data based on data, and whether or not automatic performance while changing the contents of automatic performance data based on the changed data has already been performed A determination means for determining whether or not automatic performance while changing the content of the automatic performance data has not been performed yet, while performing the automatic performance while changing the content of the automatic performance data according to the setting, Performance means for performing automatic performance without changing the content of the automatic performance data when automatic performance has already been performed while changing the content of the automatic performance data, and at least the content Comprising a storage means for storing as a target for auto-play repeatedly changed automatic performance data.
An automatic performance device according to claim 2 of the present invention is an automatic performance device capable of repeating automatic performance and generating automatic performance data based on the repeated automatic performance, and specifying the contents to be changed. Based on the change data, the setting means for setting whether to perform the automatic performance while changing the content of the automatic performance data, and based on the predetermined prohibition information for specifying the range in which the content of the automatic performance data is changed or not, A determination means for determining a range in which the content is changed or not, and a range determined to change the content of the automatic performance data according to the setting are automatically changed while changing the content of the automatic performance data based on the change data. While performing, the automatic performance is performed without changing the content of the automatic performance data for the range determined not to change the content of the automatic performance data. And Kanade means comprises a storage means for storing as a target for auto-play repeatedly auto-play data at least the contents are changed. According to these, when automatic performance data is generated while repeating automatic performance, the play effect is not applied during loop playback after the play effect is applied, so multiple play effects can be applied. And a variety of automatic performance data can be easily generated.

  The present invention can be constructed and implemented not only as a device invention but also as a method invention. Further, the present invention can be implemented in the form of a program of a processor such as a computer or a DSP, or can be implemented in the form of a storage medium storing such a program.

According to the present invention, the change prohibition information is stored in the automatic performance data, and it is possible to prevent the contents from being changed when the automatic performance data is reproduced according to the change prohibition information. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an effect that it is possible to perform a natural performance as music with the musical expression as intended by the creator.
Also, when automatic performance data is generated with automatic performance such as loop recording method or overdub recording method, play effect is applied during desired loop playback, and play effect is not applied during subsequent loop playback As a result, it is possible to prevent multiple play effects from being applied, and to easily generate a wider variety of automatic performance data.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration block diagram showing the overall configuration of an electronic musical instrument to which an automatic performance device according to the present invention is applied. The electronic musical instrument shown in this embodiment is controlled by a microcomputer including a microprocessor unit (CPU) 1, a read only memory (ROM) 2, and a random access memory (RAM) 3. The CPU 1 controls the operation of the entire electronic musical instrument. The CPU 1 is connected to the ROM 1, RAM 3, detection circuits 4 and 5, display circuit 6, tone generator circuit 7, effect circuit 8, external storage device 10, MIDI interface (I / F) 11 and the like via the data and address bus 1D. Communication interfaces (I / F) 12 are connected to each other. Further, the CPU 1 is connected to a timer 1A for measuring the interrupt time and various times in the timer interrupt process (interrupt process). For example, the timer 1A generates a clock pulse, and gives the generated clock pulse to the CPU 1 as a processing timing command or to the CPU 1 as an interrupt command. The CPU 1 executes various processes according to these instructions.

  The ROM 2 stores various programs executed by the CPU 1 and various data. The RAM 3 is used as a working memory that temporarily stores various data generated when the CPU 1 executes a predetermined program, or as a memory that stores a currently executed program and related data. A predetermined address area of the RAM 3 is assigned to each function and used as a register, flag, table, memory, or the like. In this embodiment, for example, one is assigned to each track constituting the automatic performance data for determining whether or not to apply a play effect to various event data at the playback timing of the automatic performance. A play effect prohibition flag prepared in advance, and a playback buffer for temporarily holding automatic performance data (specifically, various event data included in the automatic performance data that has reached the playback timing). That is, in the electronic musical instrument shown in this embodiment, the automatic performance is not performed by directly reproducing the original various event data included in the automatic performance data, but once in the reproduction buffer provided on the RAM 3. Various event data that has reached the playback timing are temporarily stored and played back to automatically perform the performance. When temporarily storing event data in this playback buffer, the values of various parameters (for example, note-on timing, velocity, gate time, etc.) are appropriately changed with respect to the original event data in accordance with the play effect prohibition flag. It is determined whether or not the play effect processing is to be performed, and the play effect processing is executed according to the determination. A detailed description of such processing will be described later (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

  The performance operator 4A is, for example, a keyboard provided with a plurality of keys for selecting the pitch of a musical tone, and has a key switch corresponding to each key. The keyboard etc. can be used not only for manual (hand-playing) performance by the user, but also as input means for setting the performance environment for automatic performance of the electronic musical instrument. The detection circuit 4 generates a detection output by detecting the pressing and release of each key of the performance operator 4A. The setting operation element (switch or the like) 5A is a switch or the like for inputting various information related to automatic performance. For example, a selection switch for selecting automatic performance data to be automatically played, a recording start / end switch for turning on or off a data generation function (see FIG. 8) described later, a play effect function on (setting for applying a play effect), or A play effect setting switch that is turned off (a setting that does not apply the play effect), a switch (operator) that inputs various information (parameters) used for automatic performance such as the performance tempo and tone. Of course, in addition to these, a numeric keypad for inputting numeric data, a keyboard for inputting character data, and a predetermined pointing device displayed on the display 6A, which are used for selecting, setting and controlling the pitch, tone color, effect, etc. Various operators such as a mouse used for operation may be included. The detection circuit 5 detects the operation state of each switch and outputs switch information corresponding to the operation state to the CPU 1 via the data and address bus 1D. The display circuit 6 is displayed on a display 6A composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), a CRT, or the like. A list of automatic performance data that can be automatically played, various types of information used for automatic performance, current settings, or control of the CPU 1 Displays the status. The user can select, input, and set automatic performance data to be automatically performed and various information (parameters) used for automatic performance while referring to these various types of information displayed on the display 6A.

  The tone generator circuit 7 can simultaneously generate musical sound signals in a plurality of channels, and is generated in accordance with the operation of the performance operator 4A by the user and given through the data and address bus 1D or based on automatic performance data. Various performance information is input, and a musical sound signal is generated based on the performance information. The musical sound signal generated from the sound source circuit 7 is given an effect via the effect circuit 8 and is generated from the sound system 9 including an amplifier and a speaker. The effect circuit 8 includes a plurality of effect units, and each effect unit can impart different effects to the musical sound signal from the tone generator circuit 7 in accordance with the set effect parameters. Any conventional configuration may be used for the sound source circuit 7, the effect circuit 8, and the sound system 9. For example, the tone generator circuit 8 may employ any of various tone synthesis methods such as FM, PCM, physical model, formant synthesis, etc., or may be constituted by dedicated hardware or by software processing by the CPU 1. May be.

  The external storage device 10 stores various data such as automatic performance data and data related to control such as various control programs executed by the CPU 1. When no control program is stored in the ROM 2, the control program is stored in the ROM 2 by storing the control program in the external storage device 10 (for example, a hard disk) and reading it into the RAM 3. The CPU 1 can be operated in the same manner as in the case. In this way, control programs can be easily added and upgraded. The external storage device 10 is not limited to a hard disk (HD), but a flexible disk (FD), a compact disk (CD-ROM / CD-RAM), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), etc. Any storage device may be used as long as the storage device uses various external storage media. Alternatively, a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory may be used.

  The MIDI interface (I / F) 11 inputs automatic performance data (MIDI data) in MIDI format from the externally connected MIDI device 11A or the like to the electronic musical instrument, or performs automatic performance in MIDI format from the electronic musical instrument. This is an interface for outputting data (MIDI data) to another MIDI device 11A or the like. The other MIDI device 11A may be any device that generates MIDI data in response to a user's operation, and includes any type of operator such as a keyboard type, a stringed instrument type, a wind instrument type, a percussion instrument type, and a body-mounted type ( Alternatively, it may be a device). The MIDI interface 11 is not limited to the one using a dedicated MIDI interface, and the MIDI interface 11 is configured using a general-purpose interface such as RS-232C, USB (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE1394 (Eye Triple E 1394). You may make it do. In this case, data other than MIDI event data may be transmitted and received simultaneously. When the general-purpose interface as described above is used as the MIDI interface 11, the other MIDI device 11A may be able to transmit and receive data other than the MIDI event data. Of course, the data format of the automatic performance data is not limited to the data in the MIDI format, and may be in another format. In this case, the MIDI interface 11 and the other MIDI device 11A are configured accordingly.

  The communication interface (I / F) 12 is connected to a wired or wireless communication network X such as a LAN, the Internet, or a telephone line, and is connected to the server computer 12A via the communication network X, and the server computer 12A. This is an interface for taking control programs or various data from the electronic musical instrument side. That is, when the control program and various data are not stored in the ROM 2 or the external storage device 10 (for example, hard disk), it is used to download the control program and various data from the server computer 12A. Such a communication interface 12 may include both of a wired interface and a wireless interface.

  In the electronic musical instrument described above, the performance operator 4A is not limited to a keyboard instrument, and may be any type of instrument such as a stringed instrument, a wind instrument, or a percussion instrument. Further, the electronic musical instrument is not limited to one in which the performance operator 4A, the display 6A, the sound source circuit 7 and the like are built in one apparatus body, but each is configured separately, and each of the electronic musical instruments is configured using communication means such as a MIDI interface or various networks. Needless to say, the apparatus may be configured to be connected. Furthermore, the device to which the automatic performance device according to the present invention is applied is not limited to an electronic musical instrument, but can be applied to any type of device / equipment such as a portable communication terminal such as a personal computer or a mobile phone, a karaoke device or a game device. You may apply. When applied to a portable communication terminal, not only when a predetermined function is completed with only the terminal, but also a part of the function is provided on the server side, and the predetermined function is realized as a whole system composed of the terminal and the server. You may make it do.

  Here, a plurality of automatic performance data stored in advance in the external storage device 10 and used for automatic performance in the electronic musical instrument will be briefly described with reference to the drawings. 2 to 4 are conceptual diagrams showing an embodiment of the data structure of automatic performance data. In general, automatic performance data used for automatic performance is roughly classified into so-called song data, style data, arpeggio data, and the like as is conventionally known. Therefore, here, the figure is divided for each of the song data, style data, and arpeggio data, and the data structure of the automatic performance data will be described with reference to these figures. Note that the song data, style data, and arpeggio data shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 may include data other than the data shown in each figure, but are not essential for explaining the present invention. The description is omitted.

  First, the data structure of song data will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the data structure of the song data. FIG. 2A shows data when it is possible to set to prohibit the play effect from being applied collectively to all tracks of the song data. FIG. 2 (b) shows a data configuration in which it is possible to set so that play effects are appropriately applied to each desired track of the song data.

  The song data is mainly composed of one master track chunk data and a plurality of note sequence track chunk data (see the left end diagram of FIG. 2). Master track chunk data is data related to various parameters that must be set in advance for all tracks in order to perform automatic performance. For example, performance tempo, time signature, tone color and effect settings for each performance part, etc. It is data concerning. The song data shown in FIG. 2 shows an example in which a plurality of tempo designation events representing the performance tempo are stored in the order of performance progress so that the performance tempo changes with the progress of performance. On the other hand, the note sequence track chunk data is information indicating the reproduction content of the music that is automatically played, and is the source of the actual performance for each of a plurality of tracks from track 1 to track N (for example, N is 16). It is data that stores various event data in the order of performance. In the song data shown in FIG. 2, performance event data such as a note-on event for instructing the pronunciation of a musical sound and a note-off event for instructing the muting of a musical sound are illustrated as various event data stored here. This performance event data is used in combination with performance timing data. The performance timing data in this embodiment is time data indicating a time interval from performance event data to the next performance event data, but is not limited to this, and any format such as relative time or absolute time may be used. Good. In other words, the "event + absolute time" format in which the event occurrence time is expressed in absolute time in a song or measure, and the "event + relative time" format in which the event occurrence time is expressed as the time from the previous event , "Pitch (rest) + note length" format that represents performance data in terms of note pitch and note length or rest and rest length, and secures a memory area for each performance resolution Any format may be used such as a “solid method” format in which events are stored in a memory area corresponding to the time at which a performance event occurs.

  The song data as described above can store a “play effect prohibition event” that prohibits performance by applying a play effect during automatic performance. First, when it is prohibited to apply play effects to all tracks included in the song data at once, a play effect prohibition event is stored in the master track chunk data as shown in FIG. To do. At this time, if it is prohibited to apply play effects to all sections of all tracks at once, that is, if no play effects are to be applied to the song data, the master track chunk data Only one “play effect prohibition event” is stored for the head (see the middle diagram in FIG. 2A). On the other hand, when it is prohibited to apply the play effect to only a desired specific section in all the tracks included in the song data, that is, to prevent the play effect from being applied to a part of the song data. When the master track chunk data is set, one set of “play effect prohibition event” and “play effect permission event” is set, and one or a plurality of tempos corresponding to the range where it is desired to prohibit the play effect from being applied. The respective events are stored before and after the event (see the rightmost diagram in FIG. 2A).

  On the other hand, when it is prohibited to appropriately apply the play effect to each desired track of the song data, as shown in FIG. 2B, a play effect prohibition event is stored in the corresponding note sequence track chunk data. . At this time, when it is prohibited to apply the play effect over the entire section of each track, only one “play effect prohibition event” is stored at the head of the corresponding note sequence track chunk data (see FIG. 2 (b) Refer to the middle figure). On the other hand, when it is prohibited to individually apply a play effect to a desired specific section in each track, “play effect prohibition event” and “play effect permission event” are set to 1 for the corresponding note sequence track chunk data. As a set, the respective events are stored before and after one or more note-on events (or note-off events) corresponding to a range where it is desired to prohibit the play effect from being applied (see the rightmost diagram in FIG. 2B).

  Next, the data structure of style data will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the data structure of the style data. FIG. 3A shows data when it is possible to set to prohibit the play effect from being applied to all the tracks of the style data collectively. FIG. 3 (b) shows a data structure in a case where it is possible to set so that play effects are appropriately applied to each desired track of the style data.

  As can be understood from FIG. 3, the style data shown in this embodiment is mainly composed of one master track chunk data and a plurality of note sequence track chunk data, like the song data. However, when it is prohibited to appropriately apply the play effect to each desired track of the style data (see FIG. 3B), the master track chunk data may not be included unlike the song data. In other words, in general, conventionally known style data does not have master track chunk data, but in this embodiment, in order to prohibit the play effect from being applied collectively in all sections of all tracks, Master track chunk data is provided as an area for storing “prohibited events”. In the case where it is prohibited to apply the play effect over all sections of all tracks, only one “play effect prohibition event” is stored in the newly provided master track chunk data (FIG. 3). (A) Refer to the middle figure). On the other hand, when it is prohibited to apply the play effect only for a desired specific section in all the tracks included in the style data, the “play effect prohibition event” and “ One or more sets of “play effect permission events” are stored (see the rightmost diagram in FIG. 3A). Also, when it is prohibited to apply a play effect appropriately for each desired track of style data, a play effect prohibition event is stored in the corresponding note sequence track chunk data as shown in FIG. . When it is prohibited to apply the play effect over the entire section of each track (see the middle diagram of FIG. 3B), when it is prohibited to apply the play effect individually for a desired specific section of each track (see FIG. 3). Since each data structure in 3 (b) (see the rightmost diagram) is almost the same as the above-mentioned song data, the description thereof is omitted here.

  Next, the data structure of arpeggio data will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the data structure of arpeggio data. Unlike the song data and style data, this arpeggio data is mainly composed of performance event data (note-on event, note-off event, etc.) for one track. Therefore, in the case of arpeggio data, it is not possible to set to prohibit play effects from being applied to all tracks at once, but to prohibit play effects from being applied to each track. You can only do it. As shown in FIG. 4, when it is prohibited to apply a play effect in the entire section of the track, a “play effect prohibition event” is stored at the head of the arpeggio data. On the other hand, when it is prohibited to apply a play effect in a specific section of the track, a set of “play effect prohibition event” and “play effect permission event” is stored so as to correspond to each specific section. Such a data structure is the same as that shown in the case where it is prohibited to apply a play effect to each track in the song data or style data.

Note that the play effect prohibition information may be a combination of the above designation methods for designating a time interval for each track.
In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which only one set of “play effect prohibition event” and “play effect permission event” is stored when it is prohibited to apply a play effect to only a certain section (FIG. 2 (b) right end view or FIG. 3 (b) right end view), by storing a plurality of such sets of “play effect prohibition event” and “play effect enable event”, different partial sections in the same track It goes without saying that it is possible to set so that it is prohibited to apply the play effect.
The play effect prohibition information may be specified for the automatic performance data from the beginning to the end in time, or may specify one or a plurality of partial sections. Also good. As an example of the section designation, there is a designation method that prohibits from what beat of what measure to what beat of what measure.

In this embodiment, the song data and style data are described as an example in which various event data (performance event data, etc.) are configured to be stored independently for each track. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Various event data for a plurality of tracks are stored together, that is, the data is configured to store various event data in a line in the order of output regardless of the assigned track. Also good. In such a case, if it is prohibited to apply a play effect appropriately for each desired track, a track that is prohibited from being applied with a play effect together with a play effect prohibition event (or a play effect permission event). It is better to memorize the number etc.
In the memory, time-series automatic performance data may be stored in a continuous area, or the automatic performance data scattered and stored in the skipped area may be separately managed as continuous data. May be. That is, it is only necessary to manage automatic performance data that is continuous in time series, and it does not matter whether the performance data is continuously stored in the memory.

  The electronic musical instrument to which the automatic performance device according to the present invention is applied can reproduce the automatic performance data while applying a desired change during the automatic performance based on the automatic performance data desired by the user (that is, apply a play effect). In other words, it has a so-called play effect function that can perform a performance having a different atmosphere from the performance when the original automatic performance data is simply reproduced. A processing operation for realizing such a play effect function will be described.

  First, “master track playback processing” based on master track chunk data will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of “master track reproduction processing”. This process is executed at a predetermined cycle according to the performance tempo (for example, 96 times per quarter note). Hereinafter, the operation of the processing will be described according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In step S1, it is determined whether or not there is an event that has reached the reproduction timing in the master track chunk data of the original automatic performance data. If there is no event that has reached the reproduction timing (NO in step S1), the processing is completed. If there is an event that has reached the playback timing (YES in step S1), it is determined whether or not the event is a play effect prohibited event (step S2), and whether or not the event is a play effect permitted event (step S5). ), And the following processing is executed according to the type of the event that has reached the playback timing. If the event is a play effect prohibition event (YES in step S2), a play effect prohibition flag is set for all tracks (step S3), and a message indicating that the play effect is prohibited is displayed. The display on the display 6A is updated (step S4). On the other hand, if the event is a play effect permission event (YES in step S5), the play effect prohibition flag is lowered for all tracks (step S6), and the display 6A is displayed so as to display that the play effect is permitted. Is updated (step S7). That is, here, with respect to all the play effect prohibition flags prepared for each track in the RAM 3 in advance, for example, “1” (or “ For example, “0” (or “1”) is set when the type of the event that has reached the reproduction timing is a play effect permission event. If the event is an event other than the above, for example, a tempo designation event (NO in both step S2 and step S5), normal event processing such as setting the performance tempo is performed according to the event (step S8). However, if the original automatic performance data is style data, there is no event other than the play effect prohibition event or the play effect permission event stored in the master track chunk data. Never executed.

  Next, “note sequence track playback processing” based on note sequence track chunk data will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of “note sequence track playback process”. This process is a process that is performed in parallel with the above-described “master track reproduction process”, and corresponds to each track at a predetermined cycle according to the performance tempo (for example, 96 times per quarter note). Each process is executed.

  In step S11, it is determined whether or not there is an event that has reached the reproduction timing in the note sequence track chunk data of the original automatic performance data. If there is an event that has reached the playback timing (YES in step S11), it is determined whether or not the event is a play effect prohibited event (step S14), and whether or not the event is a play effect permission event (step S17). ), And the following processing is executed according to the type of the event that has reached the playback timing. If the event is a play effect prohibition event (YES in step S14), a play effect prohibition flag is set (step S15) and the display 6A is displayed to indicate that the play effect is prohibited. The display is updated (step S16). On the other hand, when the event is a play effect permission event (YES in step S17), the play effect prohibition flag is lowered (step S18), and the display on the display 6A is updated so as to indicate that the play effect is permitted. (Step S19).

  When the event is an event other than the above, for example, a performance event (note-on event or note-off event) (both NO in steps S14 and S17), it is determined whether or not the panel setting is ON for the play effect ( Step S20). That is, it is determined whether or not the device has been set (play effect ON) so that the user can apply the play effect using the setting operator 5A or the like. If the panel setting is not set to play effect ON and the device is set not to apply the play effect (NO in step S20), the process jumps to step S24. If the panel setting is the play effect ON and the device is set to apply the play effect (YES in step S20), it is determined whether or not the play effect prohibition flag is set (step S21). If it is determined that the play effect prohibition flag is not set (NO in step S21), the process jumps to the process in step S23. On the other hand, when it is determined that the play effect prohibition flag is set (YES in step S21), it is determined whether or not the setting for ignoring the play effect prohibition is made (step S22). If the setting for ignoring the play effect prohibition is not made (NO in step S22), the process jumps to the process in step S24. When the setting for ignoring the prohibition of the play effect is made (YES in step S22), the play effect is applied to the event (step S23). In other words, the electronic musical instrument may have a function of allowing the user to set whether to follow or ignore, instead of simply following the play effect prohibition information. As described above, for example, when the user has set to ignore the play effect prohibition information, even if the automatic performance data includes the play effect prohibition information, the play effect is ignored and ignored. You can hang it. As a method for applying a play effect to an event, the play effect is applied by changing the content of the original automatic performance data based on the change data for designating the change content prepared in advance. Since such a method is well-known, description here is abbreviate | omitted. In step S24, all events other than the play effect prohibition event and the play effect permission event that have been applied with the play effect or not applied with the play effect are placed in the reproduction buffer.

  In step S11, if there is no event that has reached the playback timing in the note sequence track chunk data of the original automatic performance data (NO in step S11), the playback timing is set in the playback buffer processed in step S23. It is determined whether there is an event that has been reached (step S12). If there is no event that has reached the playback timing in the playback buffer (NO in step S12), the process ends. In this case, automatic performance is not performed. On the other hand, if there is an event that has reached the playback timing in the playback buffer (YES in step S12), processing corresponding to the event is performed (step S13), such as generating a tone using the tone generator circuit 7. That is, a sound generation process for reading out an event from the playback buffer and generating a sound is performed, and an automatic performance is executed. The automatic performance executed here is a performance with a play effect applied when no play effect prohibited event is stored in the original automatic performance data, and the play effect prohibited event is included in the original automatic performance data. If stored, the corresponding portion (all or a part of the section) is a performance with no play effect applied. If the original automatic performance data is style data or arpeggio data, the tone is determined after the pitch is determined. The pitch is determined according to a predetermined rule at the time of performance. However, since many such techniques are known, description thereof is omitted here.

  Next, the play effect prohibition information (play effect prohibition event and play effect permission event) is performed on the original automatic performance data (specifically, each note sequence track data) so as to prohibit the play effect from being applied in a user desired section. The “play effect prohibition information recording process” for newly generating automatic performance data in which is stored) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of “play effect prohibition information recording process”. This process is a process that is operated in parallel with the above-described “master track reproduction process” and “note sequence track reproduction process” (see FIGS. 5 and 6). The user operates a predetermined user interface (various controls, etc.) at an appropriate timing while listening to a performance that is pronounced according to the operation of each of the above processes, so that the location according to the timing of the user operation during the automatic performance In addition, the play effect prohibition information can be recorded in the automatic performance data.

  In step S31, it is determined whether there is a performance event in the buffer. The buffer temporarily stores performance events that occur during a predetermined period according to the performance tempo (for example, 96 times per quarter note) and operation events that are generated according to user interface operations by the user until they are read. This is a storage area for storing. If there is a performance event in the buffer (YES in step S31), the performance event is added to new automatic performance data (step S36), and the process returns to step S31. On the other hand, if there is no performance event in the buffer (NO in step S31), it is first determined whether or not there is an operation event in the buffer that stops applying the play effect (step S32). If there is an operation event in the buffer that stops applying the play effect (YES in step S32), a play effect permission event is added to the new automatic performance data (step S33). Next, it is determined whether or not there is an operation event in the buffer that allows the play effect to be applied (step S34). If there is an operation event in the buffer that permits the play effect to be applied (YES in step S34), a play effect prohibition event is added to the new automatic performance data (step S35). In this way, when the automatic performance data is recorded while applying the play effect, the play effect prohibition event and the play effect permission event are recorded before and after the range in which the play effect is applied in the automatic performance data, respectively. Thus, when the generated automatic performance data is reproduced later, it is prohibited to apply a further play effect in the range.

In the “play effect prohibition information recording process” described above, play effect prohibition information is recorded in each note sequence track data, but play effect prohibition information (in this case, a play effect prohibition event) is recorded in the master track chunk data. Only) may be recorded. For example, when the user interface is operated only once during performance or when a dedicated user interface is operated, the play effect prohibition information may be recorded in the master track chunk data. Further, all the tracks may be designated as targets for recording the play effect prohibition information, or may be designated individually for each track.
In the above-described “play effect prohibition information recording process”, the play effect prohibition information is recorded immediately in response to a user operation during the performance. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the play effect prohibition information is related to the play effect performed during the performance. All user operations may be stored together with the time data, and based on this, the play effect prohibition information may be recorded in the corresponding portion of the original automatic performance data to generate new automatic performance data.
The automatic performance data to which the play effect prohibition information is added may be song data as described above, style data, or arpeggio data. Note that the selected automatic performance data may include a user interface that informs the user whether or not the play effect prohibition information is included. In addition, a user interface that conveys the play effect prohibition information to the user in real time during performance may be provided. It may be transmitted by visual perception such as display, or may be transmitted by hearing such as musical sound.
As a method for prohibiting a play effect based on the play effect prohibition information, a play effect may not be applied even if the user operates, or the user may not be able to perform the operation itself. In order to prevent the user from performing the operation itself, for example, a screen display for setting may not be performed even if the user performs a panel operation, or an LED may not be lit.

  The electronic musical instrument to which the automatic performance device according to the present invention is applied, by additionally recording in real time a musical sound based on a user operation appropriately input in accordance with a repeated automatic performance, such as a loop recording method or an overdub recording method. A data generation function for generating automatic performance data may be provided. When the data generation function is executed, the automatic performance data is reproduced while giving the desired change by the play effect function as described above (that is, the performance is performed while applying the play effect), so that the original automatic performance data is simply changed. A performance having a different atmosphere from the performance when played back can be performed, and automatic performance data after applying a play effect can be stored together with a musical sound input in accordance with a user operation. Of course, when there is no user operation, only the automatic performance data after applying the play effect may be stored. Therefore, a data generation function for generating automatic performance data with the repetition of such automatic performance will be described below.

  First, the processing outline of the data generation function will be briefly described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram for explaining the data generation function of the electronic musical instrument. In FIG. 8, the arrows in the figure represent the flow of automatic performance data (specifically, performance event data). The automatic performance data that is the basis of the automatic performance and the automatic performance data that has been subjected to the play effect or after the addition of the musical sound based on the user operation are respectively stored in the RAM 3 or a predetermined buffer in the external storage device 10. That is, the buffer 3 (or 10) for storing the automatic performance data is a double buffer or ring buffer comprising a reproduction buffer 3a for storing automatic performance data used for reproduction and a recording buffer 3b for recording the generated automatic performance data. It has a structure, and the reproduction buffer 3a and the recording buffer 3b are switched each time the loop loops one after another, thereby realizing a data generation function by a loop recording method and an overdub recording method.

  The control module A controls each module shown here. Specific processing (data generation processing) performed by the control module A will be described later (see FIGS. 9 to 11 described later). The reproduction module B reads the corresponding automatic performance data (specifically, performance event data) from the reproduction buffer 3a in synchronization with the timer 1A, and sends the read performance event data to the play effect module E. The play effect module E applies the play effect to the read performance event data based on the pre-stored play effect data (change data) 100 and sends it to the tone generator driver module F. The tone generator driver module F controls to generate a musical tone by sending performance event data after the sent play effect is applied to the tone generator circuit 7. The tone generator driver module F not only performs performance event data after the play effect is applied from the play effect module E, but also performs performance event data corresponding to the performance operator 4A whose user operation is detected by the key scan module D. Is also entered. Therefore, in addition to automatic performance with a play effect applied, it is possible to simultaneously generate musical sounds according to user operations. The performance event data from the play effect module E and the performance event data according to the user operation of the performance operator 4A from the key scan module D are both sent to the recording module C, and the recording module C stores these performance event data. Records in the recording buffer 3b. Therefore, when the automatic performance data recorded in the recording buffer 3b is compared with the original automatic performance data recorded in the reproduction buffer 3a, a play effect is applied, and further, the performance operator 4A operated by the user is applied. The corresponding performance event data is added. Of course, if the play effect is not applied or the performance operator 4A is not operated, it goes without saying that the original automatic performance data recorded in the reproduction buffer 3a is recorded in the recording buffer 3b as it is. Yes.

  Next, “data generation processing” for realizing the above-described data generation function will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of “data generation processing”. This process is started in response to a predetermined recording operation by the user. Hereinafter, the operation of the processing will be described according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In step S41, initial setting is performed. When the automatic performance data is not completely stored in the reproduction buffer 3a and the automatic performance data is completely generated from the state in which the reproduction buffer 3a is completely clean, the initial setting is the generation target. Processing such as specifying the length (for example, the number of bars) of the automatic performance data and clearing (empty) the reproduction buffer 3a is performed. On the other hand, when the automatic performance data is generated by using the existing automatic performance data stored in the reproduction buffer 3a, the original existing automatic performance data is previously read into the reproduction buffer 3a as the initial setting. Process such as. When existing automatic performance data is read into the reproduction buffer 3a, the user can select arbitrary data from the existing automatic performance data. A step S42 sets a play effect control flag secured in the work area of the RAM 3 to “permitted”. A step S43 waits for a panel operation for recording “start”. That is, the processing is kept on standby without continuing until recording “start” is instructed in accordance with the recording start / end switch operation by the user. When recording “start” is instructed, the recording module C is instructed to start recording for each of the playback module B and the recording module C, while the through effect is instructed to the play effect module E (step S44). After these instructions, the playback module B reads the performance event data from the playback buffer 3a in synchronization with the timer 1A, and the read performance event data is sent to the sound source driver module F and the recording module C via the play effect module E. Send each. In the recording module C, the performance event data sent is sequentially stored in the recording buffer 3b.

  In step S45, it is determined whether or not a panel operation for recording “end” has been performed. If it is determined that the recording “end” operation has been performed in response to the recording start / end switch operation by the user (YES in step S45), the processing ends. Upon completion of this process, the automatic performance data recorded in the recording buffer 3b is stored in a predetermined nonvolatile memory, the external storage device 10, or the like. However, if the play effect is not applied or the user does not perform any operation of the performance operator 4A, the automatic performance data recorded in the recording buffer 3b and the reproduction buffer 3a Therefore, the automatic performance data recorded in the recording buffer 3b need not be stored in a predetermined nonvolatile memory or the external storage device 10 or the like.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the recording “end” operation has not been performed (NO in step S45), it is determined whether or not the play effect control flag is set to “permitted” (step S46). If the play effect control flag is set to “permitted” (YES in step S46), the on / off setting of the play effect setting on the panel operator is reflected in the play effect module E, and the play effect setting is set. Is set to “ON”, the play effect module E is instructed to apply the play effect (step S47). As can be understood from FIG. 8 described above, in this case, the play effect module E processes the performance event data sent from the reproduction module B based on the pre-stored play effect data 100. The processed performance event data is sent to the sound source driver module F, sent to the recording module C, and recorded in the recording buffer 3b. Therefore, the musical sound generated through the tone generator circuit 7 is generated after the play effect is applied, and the performance event data after the play effect is applied is recorded in the recording buffer 3b. . Further, when there is an operation of the performance operator 4A by the user, the performance event data generated in response to the operation from the key scan module D is sent to the sound source driver module F and the recording module C. At the same time as the musical sound after the effect is applied, the musical sound based on the performance event data generated in response to the operation of the performance operator 4A by the user is generated. Then, the performance event data generated in response to the operation of the performance operator 4A by the user is recorded in the recording buffer 3b together with the performance event data after the play effect is applied.

  On the other hand, if the play effect control flag is not set to “permitted” (NO in step S46), the play effect is applied regardless of the play effect “on” setting or “off” setting on the panel operator. The play effect module E is instructed not to exist (step S48). In this case, the musical sound generated via the tone generator circuit 7 is generated with no play effect applied, and the original performance event data with no play effect applied is recorded in the recording buffer 3b as it is. (However, if there is an operation of the performance operator 4A by the user, performance event data generated in response to the operation is simultaneously recorded in the recording buffer 3b).

  In step S49, it is determined whether or not the end of the loop, which is the range in which the read pointer for the reproduction buffer 3a is repeatedly read, has been reached. If it is determined that the end of the loop has been reached (YES in step S49), the reproduction buffer 3a and the recording buffer 3b are updated, and the read pointer for the reproduction buffer 3a of the reproduction module B and the recording buffer of the recording module C are updated. Each of the write pointers for 3b is set to the head of the corresponding loop (step S50). In step S51, it is determined whether or not the automatic performance data recorded in the recording buffer 3b by one round of the latest loop, that is, the latest loop processing is data after the play effect is applied. If it is determined that the data is after the play effect has been applied (YES in step S51), the play effect control flag is changed from “permitted” to “prohibited” (step S52). In this way, even if the play effect is set to “on”, the play effect is applied only during one loop process, so loop playback, that is, automatic performance is repeated. There are no multiple play effects. In addition, since the play effect setting switch is used to instruct whether or not to apply the play effect by the “on” setting or “off” setting, the user operates the performance operator 4A to record additional music, When the play effect is set to “ON”, the play effect can be applied to the automatic performance data including the additionally recorded musical sound. In other words, it is not necessary to apply the play effect from the beginning of the recording, and after the musical sound generated according to the user operation is additionally recorded without applying the play effect, the play effect is applied to the generated automatic performance data. be able to.

  Next, another example of the “data generation process” for realizing the above-described data generation function will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the “data generation process”. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a “play effect process” operated in parallel with the “data generation process”. This “play effect process” is a process executed for each event included in the automatic performance data.

  In step S61, initialization is performed. In step S62, the play effect control flag secured in the work area of the RAM 3 is set to “permitted”. In step S63, the user waits for a panel operation for recording “start” by the user. When recording "start" is instructed, the playback module B and recording module C are instructed to start, while the play effect module E is instructed to through (step S64). In step S <b> 65, it is determined whether or not the user has performed a recording “end” panel operation. If the operation of “end” recording has been performed (YES in step S65), the process ends. In this case, the automatic performance data recorded in the recording buffer 3b is stored in the nonvolatile memory or the external storage device 10 or the like. If the recording “end” operation has not been performed (NO in step S65), it is determined whether or not the end of the loop, which is the range in which the read pointer for the reproduction buffer 3a is repeatedly read, has been reached (step S66). ). If it is determined that the end of the loop has been reached (YES in step S66), the reproduction buffer 3a and the recording buffer 3b are updated, and the read pointer for the reproduction buffer 3a of the reproduction module B and the recording buffer of the recording module C are updated. Each of the write pointers for 3b is set to the head of the loop (step S67). In step S68, it is determined whether or not the automatic performance data recorded in the recording buffer 3b by one round of the latest loop, that is, the latest loop processing is data after the play effect is applied. If it is determined that the data is after the play effect has been applied (YES in step S68), an event for prohibiting the play effect is written in the automatic performance data (step S69). For example, an event that prohibits the application of play effects to the entire automatic performance data (the already described play effect prohibition event) is written at the beginning of the automatic performance data. Of course, the play effect prohibition event and the play effect permission event may be written before and after the section where the play effect is applied, and it may be prohibited to apply the play effect only in this section.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in step S71, it is determined whether or not the performance event data is a “play effect permission event”. If it is a “play effect permission event” (YES in step S71), the play effect control flag is set to “permitted” (step S72). In step S73, it is determined whether or not the event is a “play effect prohibited event”. If it is a “play effect prohibited event” (YES in step S73), the play effect control flag is set to “prohibited” (step S74). In step S75, it is determined whether or not the performance event data is a normal performance event (for example, note-on, note-off, etc.). If it is a normal performance event (YES in step S75), it is determined whether the play effect control flag is “permitted” and the panel setting is a play effect “ON” setting (step S76). When the play effect control flag is “permitted” and the panel setting is the play effect “ON” setting (YES in step S76), the play effect is applied to the performance event, and this is referred to as the sound source driver module F. The data is sent to the recording module C (step S77). In this case, the automatic performance data after the play effect is applied is stored in the recording buffer 3b. On the other hand, if the play effect control flag is not “permitted” or if the panel setting is not “on”, even if it is “permitted” (NO in step S76), the performance event is recorded as it is with the sound source driver module F. The data is sent to module C (step S78). In this case, the original automatic performance data is stored as it is in the recording buffer 3b without applying the play effect.

Needless to say, the “data generation process” and the “play effect process” as described above are executed for each of a plurality of parts, and various processes relating to the play effect are executed for each part.
Note that the user may be allowed to set the play effect to be applied an arbitrary number of loops.
If the automatic performance device or program has a function for creating automatic performance data as described above, it is automatically added without user intervention as a function for adding play effect prohibition information to automatic performance data. Not limited to this, it may be added in accordance with a user operation.
Note that performance event data generated in response to a user operation of the performance operator 4A is automatically converted into performance event data for realizing an arpeggio, and a play effect is applied to the performance event data for realizing the converted arpeggio. May be recorded as automatic performance data.

Note that the target automatic performance data is not limited to preset data, but may be data created by the user.
The processing method for reproducing the automatic performance data includes a method of changing the processing cycle according to the set tempo, and the processing cycle is constant and the value of timing data during automatic performance is set according to the set tempo. Any method may be used, such as a method of changing, a processing cycle is constant, and a method of changing the timing of performance timing data in automatic performance data in a single process according to the tempo.

1 is a hardware configuration block diagram showing an overall configuration of an electronic musical instrument to which an automatic performance device according to the present invention is applied. FIG. 2A is a conceptual diagram showing the data structure of the song data. FIG. 2A shows a case where it is possible to prohibit the play effect from being applied to all tracks at once, and FIG. This is a case where it can be set to prohibit the application of a play effect for each track. FIG. 3A is a conceptual diagram showing the data structure of style data. FIG. 3A shows a case where it is possible to set to prohibit play effects from being applied to all tracks at once. FIG. This is a case where it can be set to prohibit the application of a play effect for each track. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the data structure of arpeggio data. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of reproduction processing of a master track. It is a flowchart which shows one Example of the reproduction | regeneration processing of a note sequence track. It is a flowchart which shows one Example of a play effect prohibition information recording process. It is a functional block diagram for demonstrating a data generation function. It is a flowchart which shows one Example of a data generation process. It is a flowchart which shows another Example of a data generation process. It is a flowchart which shows one Example of a play effect process.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... CPU, 2 ... ROM, 3 ... RAM, 3a ... playback buffer, 3b ... recording buffer, 4,5 ... detection circuit, 4A ... performance operator, 5A ... setting operator, 6 ... display circuit, 6A ... display, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 7 ... Sound source circuit, 8 ... Effect circuit, 9 ... Sound system, 10 ... External storage device, 11 ... MIDI interface, 11A ... MIDI apparatus, 12 ... Communication interface, 12A ... Server computer, X ... Communication network, 1D ... Communication bus (Data and address bus), A ... control module, B ... playback module, C ... recording module, D ... key scan module, E ... play effect module, F ... sound source driver module, 100 ... play effect data

Claims (5)

An automatic performance device capable of repeating automatic performance and generating automatic performance data based on the repeated automatic performance,
Setting means for setting whether or not to perform automatic performance while changing the content of the automatic performance data based on the change data specifying the change content;
Determining means for determining whether or not automatic performance has already been performed while changing the content of the automatic performance data based on the change data;
If the automatic performance is not yet performed while changing the content of the automatic performance data, the automatic performance is performed while changing the content of the automatic performance data according to the setting, while the content of the automatic performance data has already been changed. Performance means for performing automatic performance without changing the content of the automatic performance data,
An automatic performance apparatus comprising storage means for storing at least the automatic performance data whose contents have been changed as a target for repeated automatic performance. An automatic performance device capable of repeating automatic performance and generating automatic performance data based on the repeated automatic performance,
Setting means for setting whether or not to perform automatic performance while changing the content of the automatic performance data based on the change data specifying the change content;
A determination means for determining a range in which the content is not changed based on predetermined prohibition information for designating a range in which the content of the automatic performance data is changed or not;
For the range determined to change the contents of the automatic performance data according to the setting, the automatic performance is performed while changing the contents of the automatic performance data based on the change data, while the contents of the automatic performance data are not changed. A performance means for performing automatic performance without changing the content of the automatic performance data for the range determined as
An automatic performance apparatus comprising storage means for storing at least the automatic performance data whose contents have been changed as a target for repeated automatic performance. With performance controls,
It said storage means, the automatic performance apparatus according to data relating to a musical tone to be generated in response to user operated the performance operator to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that stored with the automatic performance data. On the computer,
A procedure for setting whether or not to perform automatic performance while changing the content of the automatic performance data based on the change data specifying the change content,
A procedure for determining whether or not an automatic performance has already been performed while changing the contents of the automatic performance data based on the change data;
If the automatic performance is not yet performed while changing the content of the automatic performance data, the automatic performance is performed while changing the content of the automatic performance data according to the setting, while the content of the automatic performance data has already been changed. If the automatic performance was performed, the procedure for performing the automatic performance without changing the content of the automatic performance data,
A program for executing at least a procedure for storing automatic performance data whose contents have been changed as a target for repeated automatic performance. On the computer,
A procedure for setting whether or not to perform automatic performance while changing the content of the automatic performance data based on the change data specifying the change content,
A procedure for determining a range in which the content is to be changed or not based on predetermined prohibition information specifying a range in which the content of the automatic performance data is to be changed or not;
For the range determined to change the contents of the automatic performance data according to the setting, the automatic performance is performed while changing the contents of the automatic performance data based on the change data, while the contents of the automatic performance data are not changed. For the range determined to be automatic performance without changing the content of automatic performance data,
A program for executing at least a procedure for storing automatic performance data whose contents have been changed as a target for repeated automatic performance.

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