JP4316432B2 - Music playback apparatus and music playback method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a music playback device, and more particularly to a music playback device that presents a search result using a music parameter of a music to a user.

  As an example of the prior art, a music listening mode in a music playback device such as a CD player installed in a general car audio system will be described with reference to FIG. 6 (conventional example 1).

  In FIG. 6, the music playback device includes a music source storage unit 91, a music source playback unit 92, a playback song control unit 93, and a playback song instruction unit 94. The music source storage unit 91 is realized as an audio CD, for example, and stores music data (music source). The music source playback unit 92 plays back the music stored in the music source storage unit 91. The playback music control unit 93 controls playback of the music source playback unit. The reproduction music instruction unit 94 includes an input device such as a button, and instructs the reproduction music control unit 93 to select a reproduction music in accordance with a user input operation.

  When a user listens to a music source stored in the music source storage unit 91, the user generally listens to each song in a predetermined song order. That is, when the music stored in the music source storage unit 91 is played back, the music source playback unit 92 normally plays back the music according to the music order recorded at the time of storage, for example, the music CD music order. Alternatively, the music is reproduced according to the music order designated in advance by the user.

  In addition, if the user does not like the currently playing music, the user can skip the music being played or specify the order of the music that he / she wants to listen to. Can be played. In other words, the reproduction music instruction unit 94 receives an input instruction from the user to skip the music being reproduced, and instructs the reproduction music control unit 93 to stop reproduction of the music and reproduce the music in the next music order. Instruct. Alternatively, the reproduction music instruction unit 94 receives an instruction to input a music number indicating an arbitrary music order from the user, stops the reproduction of the music being reproduced, and reproduces the music of the music number. To instruct. As described above, if the user does not like the currently listened music, the user needs to select a music that matches his / her preference by performing the above-described operation.

  As another example of the prior art, the following music reproducing device is also considered (conventional example 2) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In other words, in the music playback device of Conventional Example 2, the user can set whether or not the music currently being played is his / her preference. The music playback device plays back music by reflecting the settings made by the user. For example, only the music that the user has set as his / her preference is played. According to the music reproducing apparatus of Conventional Example 2, the user can automatically reproduce only his / her favorite music by setting in advance.

In recent years, information processing apparatuses having a large-capacity storage device have become widespread in recent years, and music data compression technology has also advanced. Can be stored.
JP-A-11-306740

  However, when the method of Conventional Example 1 is used in a music playback apparatus that stores data of a large number of music, the operation of selecting a favorite music from a large number of music is very burdensome for the user. This is because it is very troublesome for the user to determine the order of the songs for a large number of stored songs, and even if playback is performed in the order of the songs stored, it is skipped for a large number of songs. This is because it is very troublesome for the user to perform the operation and the operation of specifying the song number.

  Here, in the music reproducing apparatus of Conventional Example 2, it is possible to automatically reproduce only the user's favorite music. However, even if the method of Conventional Example 2 is used in a music playback device that stores a large number of music data, the burden on the user cannot be reduced. This is because, in the music reproducing device of Conventional Example 2, the user himself / herself has to set in advance whether or not the music is a favorite song. That is, since it is necessary to set in advance for all the music to be reproduced, the burden on the user increases. In addition, the user's preference for music, that is, what kind of music the user wants to play, varies depending on the situation and environment at that time. However, in the music reproducing device of the conventional example 2, the user has to perform resetting every time the user's preference of the music changes, which places a heavy burden on the user.

  Then, an object of this invention is to provide the music reproduction apparatus and method which can reproduce | regenerate the music according to the user's mood at that time, without a user's complicated operation.

  The present invention has the following configuration in order to solve the above problems. That is, the first invention is a music playback device that has a display device and plays back music. The music playback device includes a music data storage unit, a parameter storage unit, a playback unit, a candidate song specifying unit, a display control unit, and a playback control unit. The song data storage unit stores data of a plurality of songs. The parameter storage unit stores, for each piece of music for which data is stored in the music data storage unit, music parameters expressed by one or more factors by quantifying the characteristics of the music. The reproduction unit reproduces music data stored in the music data storage unit. The candidate song specifying unit first selects a song whose value of the first factor included in the song parameter is larger than the value of the first factor of the song being played out of the songs whose data is stored in the song data storage unit. While specifying as a candidate music, among the said music, the music in which the value of a 1st factor is smaller than the value of the 1st factor of the music in reproduction | regeneration is specified as a 2nd candidate music. The display control unit displays the music information related to the first candidate song in a predetermined first direction from the reference position on the screen of the display device when the data of the song is reproduced by the reproduction unit, and the second candidate song Is displayed in a second direction that is the reverse of the first direction. The reproduction control unit controls the reproduction unit to reproduce the designated music when receiving an input for designating the music indicated by the music information displayed on the display device from the user.

  In addition, in the second invention, the candidate song specifying unit has a factor of a second factor different from the first factor that is included in the song parameter among the songs for which data is stored in the song data storage unit. A music that is larger than the value of the second factor of the music being played is specified as the third candidate music, and among the music, the music of the second factor is smaller than the value of the second factor of the music being played May be specified as the fourth candidate song. At this time, when the music is played by the playback unit, the display control unit displays the music information related to the third candidate music in a third direction different from the first and second directions, and relates to the fourth candidate music. The music information is displayed in a fourth direction which is the reverse direction of the third direction.

  In the third invention, the candidate song specifying unit specifies, as the fifth candidate song, a song having a value of the first factor larger than a predetermined value among the songs whose data is stored in the song data storage unit. At the same time, among the music pieces, a music piece having a value of the first factor smaller than a predetermined value may be specified as the sixth candidate music piece. At this time, when the music data is reproduced by the reproduction unit, the display control unit displays the music information related to the fifth candidate music in the first direction and displays the music information related to the sixth candidate music in the second direction. .

  In the fourth invention, the candidate song specifying unit has a first factor value greater than the first predetermined value and included in the song parameter among the songs for which data is stored in the song data storage unit. A song having a value of a second factor different from the first factor and greater than a second predetermined value is identified as the seventh candidate song, and the value of the first factor is greater than the first predetermined value among the songs. And a music piece having a second factor value smaller than a second predetermined value is identified as the eighth candidate music piece, and among the music pieces, the first factor value is smaller than the first predetermined value, and A song having a value of the second factor greater than the second predetermined value is identified as the ninth candidate song, and among the songs, the value of the first factor is smaller than the first predetermined value and the value of the second factor May be specified as the tenth candidate song. When the music data is played back by the playback unit, the display control unit displays music information related to the seventh candidate music in the first direction, and displays music information related to the tenth candidate music in the second direction. The music information related to the candidate music is displayed in a third direction different from the first and second directions, and the music information related to the ninth candidate music is displayed in a fourth direction which is the reverse direction of the third direction.

  In the fifth invention, the display control unit may display the music information related to the music being reproduced by the reproduction unit at the reference position.

  In addition, in the sixth invention, the candidate song specifying unit uses the song parameter as a similar candidate song for a song whose song parameter is similar to the song being played out of each song whose data is stored in the song data storage unit. May be specified. At this time, a display control part displays the music information regarding a similar candidate music in the vicinity of a reference position.

  In addition, in the seventh invention, the candidate song specifying unit uses a song parameter as a candidate song that is similar to the song whose song parameter is being reproduced among the songs whose data is stored in the song data storage unit. May be specified. At this time, a display control part displays the music information regarding a similar candidate music in a reference position.

  In the eighth invention, the music reproducing device may further include a music type storage unit that stores a plurality of pieces of information indicating types of music distinguished by the value of the music parameter. At this time, the candidate song specifying unit specifies each song belonging to each of the plurality of types as a candidate song in accordance with the information stored in the song type storage unit. The display control unit sets the direction from the reference position on the screen of the display device to the position where the music information should be displayed in the direction from the predetermined position in the impression space with each factor of the music parameter as the coordinate axis to the position of each candidate song. In association with each other, the music information related to each candidate music is displayed on the display device.

  In the ninth invention, the reproduction control unit accepts an input for reproducing a part of the music indicated by the music information displayed on the display device, and when the input is accepted, You may make it control so that a reproducing part reproduces a part.

  In the tenth invention, the first factor may be expressed as a numerical value that increases as the song receives a lively impression of the listener and decreases as the song receives a gentle impression of the listener.

  In addition, this invention may be provided as a music reproduction method performed in the said music reproduction apparatus. The present invention may also be provided as a program that causes a music playback device to realize the above functions by being executed in a computer of the music playback device, or a recording medium that records the program.

  According to the first aspect, a plurality of types of candidate songs are presented to the user, and the user can select a song to be played later from the candidate songs. Accordingly, since the user can reproduce various music pieces only by the selection operation, the music pieces according to the user's mood at that time can be reproduced by simple operations. The music information of the candidate music is displayed so that the coordinate position in the impression space constituted by the music parameter factor is reflected in the position on the display screen (see FIG. 4). Therefore, since the user can grasp the impression of the candidate song at a glance, the user can easily select the candidate song and can more accurately select the song according to the mood at that time.

  According to the second aspect, the music information is displayed by reflecting the coordinate position in the impression space for at least two factors included in the music parameter. Therefore, since the music information is arranged by reflecting the coordinate position in the impression space two-dimensionally, the user can grasp the characteristics of the music more accurately.

  In addition, according to the third invention, the fifth and sixth candidate songs are specified by a method that is not related to the music being played back, so that more varied candidate songs can be presented to the user, User choices can be increased.

  In addition, according to the fourth invention, the coordinate information in the impression space is also two-dimensionally reflected on the display screen for the candidate music specified by a method not related to the music being reproduced. . Therefore, the user can grasp the characteristics of the candidate music more accurately.

  Further, according to the fifth aspect, displaying the music information of the music being reproduced at the reference position makes it easier to grasp the relationship between the candidate music and the music being reproduced.

  In addition, according to the sixth and seventh inventions, by further presenting similar songs as candidate songs, candidate songs rich in variations can be presented to the user, and the user's options can be increased.

  According to the eighth invention, a plurality of types of music are presented to the user as candidate music. Furthermore, since the music information of the candidate music is presented at a position on the screen reflecting the position in the impression space, the user can grasp the impressions of various types of music presented at a glance.

  Further, according to the ninth aspect, since the user is given an opportunity to audition the candidate song, the user can grasp the contents of the candidate song more accurately, and whether or not the candidate song is his / her desired song. Can be determined more accurately.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a music reproducing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the music playback device includes a music data storage unit 1, a parameter calculation unit 2, a parameter storage unit 3, a playback unit 4, a playback control unit 5, a candidate song specifying unit 6, a music type storage unit 7, and a display control unit 8. , An input unit 9, a display unit 10, and a music information storage unit 11. This music reproducing device is realized by a device that has an input device and a display device, and that realizes the functions shown in FIG. 1 when the CPU executes a predetermined program. Moreover, this music reproducing device is used as a car audio system, for example.

  The music data storage unit 1 stores reproducible music data (audio signals). When there is a request from the playback unit 4, the music data storage unit 1 outputs a part or all of the music data to the playback unit 4 in response to the request. The music data storage unit 1 is realized by a recording medium such as a CD, an HDD (hard disk drive), or a semiconductor memory. In the music reproducing apparatus shown in FIG. 1, an ID number is uniquely set for each piece of music for which data is stored in the music data storage unit 1. It is assumed that an instruction for designating music between the components of the music playback device is performed using this ID number.

  The parameter calculation unit 2 calculates music parameters for each piece of music for which data is stored in the music data storage unit 1. The music parameter is a numerical value obtained by quantifying the characteristics of the music. Specifically, the music parameter may be a musical feature such as the tempo or beat of the music, or an impression obtained by quantifying the impression (for example, liveliness or brightness) received by the listener on the music. It may be a value. Note that any method may be used for calculating the music parameter. As a music parameter calculation method, for example, there is a method described in JP-A-2002-278547.

  In the first embodiment, the music parameter is expressed by two factors, an emotion factor and an active factor. Both the emotion factor and the active factor are impression values obtained by quantifying the impression received by the listener on the music. The affective factor is a scale representing that a musical piece is human (in other words, gives a natural impression). In other words, a song with a large emotion factor value is a song that gives the listener a human impression, and a song with a small emotion factor value gives a mechanical (in other words, an artificial) impression to the listener. It is. On the other hand, the active factor is a scale representing the liveliness of the music. That is, music with a large active factor value is a music that gives a lively impression to the listener, and music with a small active factor value is a music that gives a gentle impression to the listener. These emotion factors and active factors can be calculated from music data by the method described in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-278547.

  As described above, the music parameter in the first embodiment is expressed by two factors. That is, the music parameter in the first embodiment is expressed as a two-dimensional vector quantity. Therefore, in the first embodiment, each piece of music whose data is stored in the music data storage unit 1 is a plane in which the emotion factor of the two factors of the music parameter is the X axis and the active factor is the Y axis. Expressed as a point above (called "impression space"). FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an impression space. For example, a musical piece whose emotion factor is “2” and whose active factor is “−1” is represented as a point 20 of coordinates (2, −1) on the impression space shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing each piece of music whose data is stored in the music data storage unit 1 as a point on the impression space. In FIG. 2, the point located on the right side (the positive direction of the X axis) means that the music represents emotional, that is, a human impression. Further, the point located on the upper side (positive direction of the Y axis) in FIG. 2 means that the music is more active, that is, the music expresses a lively impression. The distance in the impression space represents the degree of similarity of the impression of the music, and it can be said that the music in which the points in the impression space are close to each other are similar to each other.

  Further, when the music data is stored in the music data storage unit 1, the parameter calculation unit 2 reads the data of the music at an appropriate timing. Further, music parameters are calculated based on the read data. The calculated music parameter is output to the parameter storage unit 3.

  The parameter storage unit 3 stores the music parameter calculated by the parameter calculation unit 2. The parameter storage unit 3 stores music parameters for each piece of music for which data is stored in the music data storage unit 1. Note that the association between the music data stored in the music data storage unit 1 and the music parameters of each music stored in the parameter storage unit 3 is performed by using the ID number. That is, the parameter storage unit 3 stores the music parameter in association with the ID number. Further, the music parameters stored in the parameter storage unit 3 are output to the candidate song specifying unit 6 in response to a request from the candidate song specifying unit 6.

  The music information storage unit 11 stores music information for each of the music data stored in the music data storage unit 1. The music information is information related to the music, for example, the name of the music, the name of the artist, the image of the jacket of the album in which the music is recorded, and the like. The music information is stored in association with the ID number. The music information stored in the music information storage unit 11 is output to the candidate music specifying unit 6 in response to a request from the candidate music specifying unit 6.

  When the music data is played back by the playback unit 4, the candidate music specifying unit 6 is a music (candidate music) that is a candidate to be played next from the music stored in the music data storage unit 1. Is identified. As candidate songs, at least two or more candidate songs are specified. In the first embodiment, the candidate song specifying unit 6 specifies seven types of songs as candidate songs. The type of music specified as the candidate music is determined by the music selection pattern information stored in the music type storage unit 7. The music selection pattern information is information indicating the type of music. Note that the type of music to which a music belongs belongs to the value of the music parameter of the music. Further, when the candidate song specifying unit 6 specifies the candidate song, the candidate song specifying unit 6 acquires the song parameters of each song stored in the parameter storage unit 3, and specifies the candidate song using the acquired song parameters. Further, the candidate song specifying unit 6 acquires each piece of music information of the specified candidate song from the song information storage unit 11, and outputs the acquired song information to the display control unit 8. Each ID number of the candidate song specified by the candidate song specifying unit 6 is output to the reproduction control unit 5 as a candidate song list.

  The music type storage unit 7 stores the music selection pattern information. This music selection pattern information may be set in advance by the manufacturer of the music playback device, or may be set in advance by the user. The music selection pattern information stored in the music type storage unit 7 is output to the candidate music specification unit 6 in response to a request from the candidate music specification unit 6.

  The display control unit 8 causes the display unit 10 to display each piece of music information output from the candidate song specifying unit 6 so as to have a predetermined arrangement on the screen. Details of the predetermined arrangement will be described later (see FIG. 4). The display unit 10 is configured by a display device such as a CRT, for example.

  The input unit 9 is configured by an input device such as a button, a touch panel, or a keyboard. The input unit 9 receives an input for designating one of the songs indicated by the song information displayed on the display unit 10 from the user. When receiving the input from the user, the input unit 9 outputs information indicating the music designated by the user to the reproduction control unit 5.

  The reproduction control unit 5 instructs the reproduction unit 4 to reproduce the music designated by the user in the input unit 9. Specifically, the playback control unit 5 specifies the music to be played based on the information indicating the music output from the input unit 9 and the candidate music list output from the candidate music specifying unit 6, and The ID number is output to the playback unit 4. In addition, the reproduction control unit 5 notifies the candidate music identification unit 6 of the music reproduced by the reproduction unit 4. That is, the playback control unit 5 outputs the ID number of the music specified as the music to be played back to the candidate music specifying unit 6.

  In response to an instruction from the playback control unit 5, the playback unit 4 acquires music data stored in the music data storage unit 1. Specifically, the playback unit 4 acquires the music data indicated by the ID number output from the playback control unit 5 from the music data storage unit 1. Furthermore, the reproducing unit 4 reproduces part or all of the acquired music data.

  With the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the music playback device can present a plurality of candidate songs to the user when music data is played back. Since the user can designate the music to be reproduced next from among a plurality of candidate music, the user can select the next music without selecting his favorite music from all the music stored in the music data storage unit 1. You can easily select the music you want to play. Furthermore, in the music reproducing apparatus, various types of music are presented as candidate songs, and each candidate song is presented to the user so that a rough impression of each candidate song can be seen at a glance. The detailed operation of the music playback device configured as shown in FIG. 1 will be described below.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the candidate song specifying unit 6. In the music playback device shown in FIG. 1, the playback control unit 5 controls the playback unit 4 to play back music in a predetermined order when there is no particular user operation. The predetermined order may be any order, for example, an order recorded on a CD, or an order determined in advance by a user. Here, the reproduction control unit 5 outputs the ID number of the musical piece to be reproduced to the candidate musical piece identifying unit 6 every time reproduction of new musical piece data is started. The process shown in FIG. 2 is started when the ID number of the music is output from the reproduction control unit 5 to the candidate music specifying unit 6.

  In FIG. 3, first, in step S <b> 1, the candidate song specifying unit 6 receives a notification regarding the song played by the playing unit 4. That is, the ID number of the music played back by the playback unit 4 is received from the playback control unit 5. In subsequent step S <b> 2, the candidate song specifying unit 6 acquires the song parameters and song information of the song played back by the playing unit 4. That is, the candidate song specifying unit 6 notifies the parameter storage unit 3 of the ID number received from the reproduction control unit 5, thereby acquiring the song parameter of the song indicated by the ID number from the parameter storage unit 3. The candidate song specifying unit 6 notifies the song information storage unit 11 of the ID number received from the reproduction control unit 5, thereby acquiring the song information of the song indicated by the ID number from the song information storage unit 11.

Next, in step S <b> 3, the candidate song specifying unit 6 acquires music selection pattern information stored in the song type storage unit 7. In the first embodiment, the music selection pattern information indicates a music selection pattern including types 1 to 7 shown below.
Type 1: Music (similar music) with similar impressions to the music being played (hereinafter referred to as “reproduced music”) (2 songs)
Type 2: A song that is a bit more lively than the playback song (1 song)
Type 3: A song that is slightly calmer than the playback song (1 song)
Type 4: Lively and human-like music (1 song)
Type 5: Lively and mechanical music (1)
Type 6: Calm and mechanical music (1 music)
Type 7: Calm and human-like music (1 piece)

  When the song selection pattern information is acquired in step S3, the candidate song specifying unit 6 specifies the candidate song for each type included in the song selection pattern in the loop of step S4 to step S7. Specifically, first, in step S4, the candidate song specifying unit 6 designates a candidate song for one type. In step S4, a type that has not yet been specified in the loop of step S4 to step S7 is specified. In the subsequent step S5, the candidate song specifying unit 6 specifies a candidate song using the song parameters stored in the parameter storage unit 3 for the type specified in step S4. Here, the method of specifying the candidate song differs depending on each type. Hereinafter, a method for identifying candidate songs will be described for each type.

  First, the type 1 candidate music is music (hereinafter referred to as “similar music”) having an impression similar to that of the reproduction music. A similar song is a song whose coordinates on the impression space are close to the coordinates of the reproduced song. Therefore, in the first embodiment, two songs whose distance in the impression space is closest to the reproduced song are specified as similar songs. That is, in step S5, the candidate song specifying unit 6 acquires each song parameter stored in the parameter storage unit 3. And the music parameter of the reproduction | regeneration music acquired by step S2 and each said music parameter are compared, and a similar music is specified. In the example of FIG. 2, the music indicated by the points 22 and 23 is specified as the type 1 candidate music for the point 21 indicating the coordinates of the playback music.

  Note that when the candidate song specifying unit 6 specifies a type 1 candidate song, the candidate song specifying unit 6 may randomly select a song whose distance in the impression space is within a predetermined distance from the reproduced song. According to this, the music specified as the type 1 candidate music changes every time the reproduction music changes.

Next, the type 2 candidate song is a song that is a bit more lively than the reproduced song. A song that is a bit busier than the playback song is a song whose active factor is slightly larger than the playback song, that is, the coordinates in the impression space are slightly above the coordinates of the playback song (the positive direction of the Y direction). It is a song. As a specific method for identifying the type 2 candidate song, any method may be used as long as the method is performed using song parameters. For example, the following method is conceivable. That is, the type 2 candidate song is, for example, a piece of music that satisfies the condition on condition that the value of the active factor is larger than that of the reproduced song and the difference between the reproduced song and the active factor is within a predetermined range. Randomly determined from At this time, in addition to the condition, it may be a condition that the difference between the reproduction factor and the active factor is within a predetermined range. Also, the music, the value of the active agents is greater than the reproducing music, and may be determined in the music the difference between the active factor in reproducing music is minimized. In the example of FIG. 2, the music indicated by the point 24 is specified as the type 2 candidate music with respect to the point 21 indicating the coordinates of the playback music.

Also, the type 3 candidate music is a music that is a little gentler than the playback music. A song that is slightly calmer than the playback song is a song whose active factor is a little smaller than the playback song, that is, the coordinates in the impression space are slightly below the playback song coordinates (the negative Y direction). It is a song. The method for specifying the type 3 candidate music is the same as the method for specifying the type 2 candidate music. In the example of FIG. 2, the music indicated by the point 25 is specified as the type 3 candidate music with respect to the point 21 indicating the coordinates of the playback music.

  Next, the type 4 candidate song is a lively and human-like song. Lively and human-like music is music located in the first quadrant on the impression space. For example, rock-like music belongs to the first quadrant. Specifically, the candidate song specifying unit 6 randomly determines the type 4 candidate song from among the songs located in the first quadrant on the impression space. Type 5 candidate music, that is, lively and mechanical music, is music located in the second quadrant in the impression space. For example, dance-like music belongs to the second quadrant. The candidate song specifying unit 6 randomly determines the type 5 candidate song from among the songs located in the second quadrant on the impression space. A type 6 candidate song, that is, a gentle and mechanical song, is a song located in the third quadrant in the impression space. For example, R & B style music belongs to the third quadrant. The candidate song specifying unit 6 randomly determines the type 6 candidate song from the songs located in the third quadrant on the impression space. A type 7 candidate song, that is, a gentle and human-like song, is a song located in the fourth quadrant in the impression space. For example, ballad-like music belongs to the fourth quadrant. The candidate song specifying unit 6 randomly determines a type 7 candidate song from songs located in the fourth quadrant in the impression space. In the example of FIG. 2, the music indicated by point 26 is specified as a type 4 candidate music, the music indicated by point 27 is specified as a type 5 candidate music, and the music indicated by point 28 is type 6. A music piece identified as a candidate song and indicated by a point 29 is identified as a type 7 candidate song. The type 1 to type 3 candidate songs are specified in relation to the music parameters of the playback music, while the type 4 to type 7 candidate music are specified regardless of the music parameters of the playback music.

  When a candidate song of any type of type 1 to type 7 is specified in step S5, the candidate song specifying unit 6 acquires the song information of the specified candidate song from the song information storage unit 11 in step S6. . Furthermore, in step S7, the candidate song specifying unit 6 determines whether all types of candidate songs (type 1 to type 7 in the first embodiment) have been specified. If it is determined in step S7 that all types of candidate songs have been specified, the candidate song specifying unit 6 performs the process of step S8. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S7 that at least one type of candidate song has not been specified, the candidate song specifying unit 6 performs the process of step S4. Thereafter, the processes in steps S4 to S7 are repeated until all types of candidate songs are specified.

  In step S8, the candidate song specifying unit 6 causes the display unit 8 to display the song information of each candidate song and the song information of the reproduced song. That is, the candidate song specifying unit 6 outputs each piece of music information acquired in step S6 and the music information acquired in step S2 to the display control unit 8. At this time, the candidate song specifying unit 6 outputs the song information and information (position information) indicating the position on the screen where the song information is to be displayed in association with each piece of song information. In addition, the positional information matched with the music information of reproduction | regeneration music is predetermined, and the positional information matched with the music information of each candidate music is predetermined for every type. That is, the music information specified as each type of candidate music is displayed at a position predetermined for each type. After step S8, the candidate song specifying unit 6 stands by until the next reproduction of a new song is started. And when reproduction | regeneration of a new music is started by the reproducing part 4, the process of step S1-S8 is performed again.

  The music information of each type of candidate song is output to the display control unit 8 by the operation of the candidate song specifying unit 6 shown in FIG. The display control unit 8 displays each piece of music information output from the candidate song specifying unit 6 on the display unit 10. Here, each piece of music information is displayed at a position indicated by the position information. Hereinafter, the display screen on which the music information of the candidate music is displayed will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a candidate song display screen according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 4, the display screen 30 displays music information 31 of reproduced music and music information 32 to 39 of each candidate music. In FIG. 4, the song name and artist name (singer name) of the song are displayed on the screen as song information. The song information is any information that can identify the song. For example, it may be a jacket photo of a CD package in which music is recorded.

  In FIG. 4, the music information 31 of the reproduced music is displayed at the approximate center of the screen. The music information 32 and 33 of the type 1 (similar music) candidate music is displayed in the vicinity of the music information 31. In FIG. 4, the music information 32 and 33 are displayed on both sides of the music information 31. As shown in FIG. 4, by displaying the music information 32 and 33 in the vicinity of the music information 31 of the reproduced music, the user intuitively knows that the music indicated by the music information 32 and 33 is similar to the reproduced music. Can be informed. That is, the user can recognize at a glance that the music indicated by the music information 32 and 33 is a music similar to the reproduction music.

  In FIG. 4, the music information 34 of the type 2 candidate music is displayed above the music information 31. On the other hand, the music information 35 of the type 3 candidate music is displayed below the music information 31. Here, the type 2 candidate song is a song whose emotion factor is larger than that of the reproduced song, and the type 3 candidate song is a song whose emotion factor is smaller than that of the reproduced song. That is, in FIG. 4, the music information of the music whose emotion factor is larger than the reproduction music is displayed above the music information 31 of the reproduction music, and the music information of the music whose emotion factor is smaller than the reproduction music is the music of the reproduction music. Information 31 is displayed in the downward direction. As described above, in the music information of the candidate music, the direction from the reference position on the screen of the display device to the position where the music information should be displayed is related to the direction from the predetermined position in the impression space to the position of each candidate music. Is displayed. By displaying the music information at a position corresponding to the size of each factor of the music parameters, the user can intuitively recognize the impression of the music indicated by the music information. That is, the user can intuitively recognize the impression of the musical piece indicated by the musical piece information compared to the reproduced musical piece by the display position of the musical piece information.

  Further, in the first embodiment, in addition to the type 2 and 3 candidate songs, the music information of the type 4 to 7 candidate songs should also be displayed from the reference position on the screen of the display device. Are displayed so as to be associated with directions from a predetermined position in the impression space to the position of each candidate song. That is, in FIG. 4, the music information 36 of the type 4 candidate music is displayed in the upper right direction of the music information 31, in other words, in the upper right portion of the screen 30. The music information 37 of the type 5 candidate music is displayed in the upper left direction of the music information 31, the music information 38 of the type 6 candidate music is displayed in the lower left direction of the music information 31, and the music information of the type 7 candidate music. 39 is displayed in the lower right direction of the music information 31. Here, the type 4 and type 5 candidate songs are songs having a larger emotion factor than the type 6 and type 7 candidate songs. Therefore, in FIG. 4, a song having a relatively large emotion factor is displayed on the upper side of the screen. On the contrary, a music piece having a relatively small emotion factor is displayed on the lower side of the screen. The type 4 and type 7 candidate songs are songs having an active factor larger than the type 5 and type 6 candidate songs. Therefore, in FIG. 4, music having a relatively large active factor is displayed on the right side of the screen, and conversely, music having a relatively small active factor is displayed on the left side of the screen.

  Consider a case where the user selects a song to be reproduced from the songs whose music information is displayed on the display screen shown in FIG. For example, when a user wants to play a musical piece having a small emotion factor, that is, a mechanical musical piece, the user may select a musical piece whose music information is displayed on the left side of the screen. In addition, for example, when a music piece having a large active factor, that is, a lively music piece is to be reproduced, the user may select a music piece whose music information is displayed on the upper side of the screen. As shown in FIG. 4, by displaying the music information at a position corresponding to the impression of the music, the user can easily understand the impression of the music on which the music information is displayed.

  The user looks at the display screen shown in FIG. 4 and instructs the reproduction of a desired candidate song by using the input unit 9 when he / she wants to listen to the displayed candidate song. For example, when the input unit 9 is a touch panel that covers the display screen of the display unit 10, the user can specify the candidate song to be played by touching the song information indicating the candidate song that the user desires to play.

  When the reproduction control unit 5 receives an instruction of the music to be reproduced from the input unit 9, the reproduction control unit 5 controls the reproduction unit 4 to reproduce the music. As a result, the reproducing unit 4 starts reproducing the music data. At this time, the playback control unit 5 outputs the ID number of the music for which playback has been started to the candidate song specifying unit 6. As a result, a new candidate song is presented to the user. When the playback control unit 5 receives an instruction for the music to be played back from the input unit 9, the playback control unit 5 may stop the playback music and start playing the music, or after the playback music ends, Playback may be started.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, candidate songs selected using music parameters from the music data stored in the music data storage unit 1 are presented to the user. Here, the music information of the candidate music is displayed with the coordinate position in the impression space reflected in the position on the display screen (see FIG. 4). Therefore, since the user can grasp the impression of the candidate song at a glance, the user can easily select the candidate song.

  In addition, according to the first embodiment, a candidate song is presented to the user every time music playback is newly started. Therefore, the user can always select the next song to be listened to during the reproduction of the song.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a music reproducing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration and operation of the music reproducing device according to the second embodiment are the same as the configuration and operation shown in FIG. However, in the music reproducing device according to the second embodiment, the music parameter is assumed to be composed of three factors. In the second embodiment, the type presented to the user as a candidate song is different from that in the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, the music parameter includes a light / dark factor in addition to the emotion factor and the active factor. The light / dark factor is an impression value obtained by quantifying the impression received by the listener with respect to the music, like the emotion factor and the active factor. The light / dark factor is a scale representing the brightness (darkness) of the music. That is, music with a large value of the light / dark factor is a music that gives the listener a bright impression, and music with a small value of the light / dark factor is a music that gives the listener a dark impression.

  In the second embodiment, the music parameter is expressed as a three-dimensional vector quantity. Therefore, in the second embodiment, therefore, in the second embodiment, each musical piece whose data is stored in the musical piece data storage unit 1 has an emotion factor of the two parameters of the musical piece parameter as the X axis. Where the active factor is the Y axis and the light and dark factor is the Z axis. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an impression space according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, in the second embodiment, the impression space is a three-dimensional space, and each piece of music is represented as a point in the three-dimensional space. In FIG. 5, only the points indicating the coordinates of the reproduced music and the coordinates of the music specified as the candidate music are shown for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the drawing.

Moreover, in 2nd Embodiment, the pattern information stored in the music type storage part 7 shows the music selection pattern which consists of the following types 11-type 18. FIG.
Type 11: A song that is a bit more lively than the playback song (1 song)
Type 12: A song that is slightly calmer than the playback song (1 song)
Type 13: A song slightly brighter than the playback song (1 song)
Type 14: A song that is a little darker than the playback song (1 song)
Type 15: Lively and bright music (1 song)
Type 16: Lively and dark music (1 song)
Type 17: Calm and dark music (1 song)
Type 18: A calm and bright song (1 song)

  In the second embodiment, type 11 is the same as type 2 and type 12 is the same as type 3. In the example of FIG. 5, the music indicated by the point 52 is specified as the type 11 candidate music and the music indicated by the point 53 is specified as the type 12 candidate music for the point 51 indicating the coordinates of the playback music. Is done.

  Type 13 candidate music, that is, music that is slightly brighter than the playback music, is a music that has a slightly higher value of the light and dark factor than the playback music, that is, the coordinates in the impression space are slightly more positive on the Z axis than the playback music. It is a song located in the direction. In addition, the type 14 candidate song, that is, a song that is slightly darker than the playback song, is a song that has a value of the brightness factor slightly smaller than that of the playback song, that is, the coordinates in the impression space are Z-axis more than the coordinates of the playback song The music is located in a slightly negative direction. The identification of the type 13 and type 14 candidate songs can be performed by the same method as the type 2 and type 3 candidate song identification methods. In the example of FIG. 5, the music indicated by the point 54 is specified as the type 13 candidate music and the music indicated by the point 55 is specified as the type 14 candidate music for the point 51 indicating the coordinates of the playback music. Is done.

  Further, the type 15 candidate song, that is, a lively and bright song, is a song located in the first quadrant on the YZ plane in the impression space. As the type 15 candidate music, for example, a refreshing music (giving the listener a refreshing impression) corresponds. When specifying the type 15 candidate song, the candidate song specifying unit 6 randomly determines the candidate song from the songs located in the first quadrant on the YZ plane in the impression space. The type 16 candidate music, that is, the lively and dark music, is music that is located in the second quadrant on the YZ plane in the impression space. As the type 16 candidate music, for example, baby metal music is applicable. A type 17 candidate song, that is, a gentle and dark song, is a song located in the third quadrant on the YZ plane in the impression space. As the type 17 candidate music, for example, dark ballad music is applicable. A type 18 candidate song, that is, a gentle and bright song, is a song located in the fourth quadrant on the YZ plane in the impression space. As the type 18 candidate music, for example, a bright ballad music is applicable. The specific method for identifying the type 16 to type 18 candidate music follows the method for identifying the type 15 candidate music. In the example of FIG. 5, the music indicated by point 56 is specified as a type 15 candidate music, the music indicated by point 57 is specified as a type 16 candidate music, and the music indicated by point 58 is type 17 music. A music piece identified as a candidate song and indicated by a point 59 is identified as a type 18 candidate song.

  Note that the candidate song display screen in the second embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. That is, in the second embodiment, the display screen 30 displays the music information 31 of the reproduced music and the music information 32 to 39 of each candidate music. Here, the music information 32 to 39 is music information of candidate songs of types 11 to 18 in order. Also in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the music information 32 to 39 is a screen that reflects the position in the impression space of the music, that is, the position corresponding to the impression of the music. 30. That is, lively candidate songs are displayed on the upper side of the screen, and calm candidate songs are displayed on the lower side of the screen. Bright candidate songs are displayed on the right side of the screen, and dark candidate songs are displayed on the left side of the screen.

  In the second embodiment, similar songs may be displayed on the screen 30 as candidate songs. For example, instead of the music being reproduced, the music information of the candidate music of similar music may be displayed at the center position of the screen. That is, the music information 31 may be music information of candidate songs for similar songs.

  As shown in the second embodiment, the present invention can also be applied to the case where there are three or more music parameter factors. That is, in the second embodiment, by focusing on the two factors (active factor and light / dark factor) included in the music parameter, the positional relationship between the two factors in the impression space is reflected on the display screen. Music information can be displayed at the position. Even if the order of the music parameters is four or more dimensions (when the music parameters include four or more factors), the positions of the two factors in the impression space can be obtained by paying attention to any two factors. The music information can be displayed by reflecting the relationship on the display screen.

  In other embodiments, the music playback device may be any device that focuses on at least one factor included in the music parameters. That is, any music information may be displayed as long as it reflects the positional relationship of at least one factor included in the music parameter in the impression space on the display screen (see music information 34 and 35 shown in FIG. 4).

  Further, in the first and second embodiments, the music reproducing device accepts an instruction to reproduce the entire candidate music (for one music). Here, in another embodiment, in addition to the instruction, an instruction to reproduce only a part of the candidate song may be accepted. That is, the music reproducing device may accept an instruction to reproduce the entire candidate music (normal reproduction) and an instruction to reproduce only a part of the candidate music (partial reproduction). Hereinafter, details of a case where an instruction to reproduce only a part of a candidate song is received will be described as a modification of the first and second embodiments.

  In the modified example, the music data storage unit 1 stores information indicating the part to be partially reproduced in the whole music. A part to be partially reproduced is, for example, a chorus part of a music piece, that is, a musically most impressive part of the music piece. The rust portion can be calculated by, for example, the method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-278547. The parameter calculation unit 2 calculates in advance the start point of the portion of music for which data is stored in the music data storage unit 1. When receiving an instruction for partial playback of a candidate song from the input unit 9, the playback control unit 5 acquires information indicating the starting point of the candidate song from the song data storage unit 1. Then, the reproducing unit 4 is controlled so as to reproduce the candidate music from the start point. That is, when the user gives an instruction to partially reproduce the candidate song, the entire reproduced song is not reproduced. At this time, the playback control unit 5 does not notify the candidate song specifying unit 6 that data playback of a new song has started.

  As described above, when only a part of the music (for example, only the chorus part) is reproduced, the user listens to only a part of the music and determines whether or not to reproduce the entire music. If the user likes the music, the normal playback instruction is given. If there is no instruction from the user even after the reproduction of only a part of the music is completed, another part of the music may be further reproduced.

  As described above, in the above-described modification, only a part of the candidate music is reproduced, and if the user likes it, the candidate music can be heard from the beginning. Thereby, the user can reproduce the entire candidate song after more accurately grasping the contents of the candidate song.

  In the above embodiment, there is one candidate song specified for each type, and the song information of one candidate song is displayed for each type. Here, in another embodiment, a plurality of candidate songs may be presented for one type. For example, when two candidate songs are specified as songs that are a little bit busier than the reproduced song, the candidate song has an emotion factor value larger than that of the reproduced song and a difference from the reproduced song emotion factor within a predetermined range. As a condition, two songs may be randomly determined from among the songs that satisfy the condition. In addition, as the candidate song, a plurality of songs may be determined in order from a song having an emotion factor value larger than that of the reproduced song and a small difference from the emotion factor of the reproduced song. In the case of specifying a plurality of candidate songs, any method may be used as long as the method is performed using music parameters as in the case of specifying one candidate song.

  Further, when a plurality of candidate songs are displayed on a display device for one type, for example, the following display forms are conceivable. That is, you may make it display the music information of the said some candidate music in one display area (The music information 31 shown in FIG. 4, music information 32, etc.). Further, for example, a plurality of display areas may be provided in accordance with the candidate songs. Specifically, the same type of candidate songs may be displayed in a line from the center of the screen on which the music information of the reproduced music is displayed. Referring to FIG. 4 as an example, when two type 2 candidate songs are specified, for example, a display area for displaying one piece of music information on the display area where the music information 34 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. May be provided. Furthermore, when music information of a plurality of candidate songs of the same type is displayed in a line from the center of the screen, the music information may be displayed in order according to the value of the music parameter of the candidate music. For example, in the example of FIG. 4, the music information may be displayed such that the candidate music having a smaller emotion factor value is positioned on the lower side of the screen.

  In addition, the said music reproduction apparatus can be utilized as a jukebox used for a car audio system etc.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the music reproduction apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention The figure which shows an example of the impression space in 1st Embodiment The flowchart which shows the flow of the process in the candidate music specific | specification part 6 The figure which shows the example of the display screen of the candidate music in 1st Embodiment The figure which shows an example of the impression space in 2nd Embodiment The figure which shows the structure of the conventional music reproduction apparatus

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Music data storage part 2 Parameter calculation part 3 Parameter storage part 4 Playback part 5 Playback control part 6 Candidate music specific | specification part 7 Music type storage part 8 Display control part 9 Input part 10 Display part 11 Music information storage part

Claims (9)

A music playback device to have a display device to present a new candidate songs by the reproduction of music,
A music data storage unit for storing data of a plurality of music;
A parameter storage unit that stores, for each piece of music in which data is stored in the music data storage unit, a music parameter that quantifies the characteristics of the music and is expressed by two or more factors;
A playback unit that plays back the music using the data of the music stored in the music data storage;
Among the songs whose data are stored in the song data storage unit, the first song whose value of the first factor included in the song parameter is larger than the value of the first factor of the song being played back by the playing unit is the first. identified as candidate songs, among the respective music, along with the value of the first factor to identify the smaller music than the value of the first factor of the song that is the reproduction as a second candidate songs included in the music parameter,
Of each piece of music for which data is stored in the music data storage unit, a piece of music in which the value of the second factor included in the music parameter is larger than the value of the second factor of the piece of music being played is set as the third candidate song. A candidate song identifying unit that identifies, as a fourth candidate song, a song in which the value of the second factor included in the song parameter is smaller than the value of the second factor of the song being played , ,
If the easy song is playing by the reproduction section, wherein the music information about the first candidate songs, to display a reference position on the screen of the display device in a predetermined first direction, music related to the second candidate songs Displaying information in a second direction that is the opposite of the first direction ;
The music information related to the third candidate music is displayed in a third direction different from the first and second directions, and the music information related to the fourth candidate music is displayed in a fourth direction which is the reverse direction of the third direction. A display control unit to display;
A reproduction control unit that controls the reproduction unit to reproduce the designated musical piece when receiving an input designating the musical piece indicated by the musical piece information displayed on the display device from the user ;
A music type storage unit that stores a plurality of pieces of information indicating types of music distinguished by the value of the music parameter;
The candidate song specifying unit specifies each song belonging to each of a plurality of types as a candidate song according to the information stored in the song type storage unit,
The display control unit is configured such that a direction from the reference position on the screen of the display device to a position where the music information should be displayed is a position of each candidate song from a predetermined position in an impression space with each factor of the music parameter as a coordinate axis. The music reproducing apparatus which displays the music information regarding each said candidate music on the said display apparatus in relation to the direction until . The music display device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays music information regarding the music being played at the reference position. The candidate music specifying unit, wherein among the music data in the music data storage unit is stored, the music parameter identified using the music to be similar to the music in being the reproduction as a similar candidate songs,
The music playback device according to claim 2 , wherein the display control unit displays music information related to the similar candidate music in the vicinity of the reference position. The candidate music specifying unit, wherein among the musical composition data storing unit data is stored, the music parameter identified using the music to be similar to the music piece, which is the reproduction as a similar candidate songs,
The music reproduction device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays music information related to the similar candidate music at the reference position.     The reproduction control unit receives an input for reproducing a part of the music indicated by the music information displayed on the display device, and when the input is received, the reproduction unit receives a part of the designated music The music playback device according to claim 1, wherein the music playback device is controlled to play back.   The music reproducing device according to claim 1, wherein the first factor is expressed by a numerical value that increases as the music receives a lively impression of the listener and decreases as the music receives a gentle impression of the listener. . A music playback method used in the music reproducing device which have a display device for presenting a new candidate pieces by the reproduction of the music,
The music player is
A music data storage unit for storing data of a plurality of music;
A parameter storage unit that stores, for each piece of music in which data is stored in the music data storage unit, a music parameter that quantifies the characteristics of the music and is expressed by two or more factors ;
A music type storage unit that stores a plurality of pieces of information indicating types of music distinguished by the value of the music parameter ,
A playback step of playing back the song using the song data stored in the song data storage unit;
Among each piece of music for which data is stored in the music data storage unit, a song whose first factor value included in the song parameter is larger than the value of the first factor of the song being played back by the playing step is the first. identified as candidate songs, among the respective music, along with the value of the first factor to identify the smaller music than the value of the first factor of the song that is the reproduction as a second candidate songs included in the music parameter,
Of each piece of music for which data is stored in the music data storage unit, a piece of music in which the value of the second factor included in the music parameter is larger than the value of the second factor of the piece of music being played is set as the third candidate song. A candidate song identifying step that identifies, as a fourth candidate song, a song in which the value of the second factor included in the song parameter is smaller than the value of the second factor of the song being played , ,
If the easy song is playing by the reproduction step, the music information about the first candidate songs, to display a reference position on the screen of the display device in a predetermined first direction, music related to the second candidate songs Displaying information in a second direction that is the opposite of the first direction ;
The music information related to the third candidate music is displayed in a third direction different from the first and second directions, and the music information related to the fourth candidate music is displayed in a fourth direction which is the reverse direction of the third direction. Display control steps to be displayed;
A reproduction control step for controlling the reproduction of the designated music piece in the reproduction step when an input for designating the music piece indicated by the music information displayed on the display device is received from the user ;
The candidate song specifying step specifies each song belonging to each of a plurality of types as a candidate song according to the information stored in the song type storage unit,
The display control step includes a direction from the reference position on the screen of the display device to a position where the music information should be displayed, and a position of each candidate song from a predetermined position in the impression space with each factor of the music parameter as a coordinate axis. The music reproduction method of displaying the music information regarding each candidate music on the display device in association with the above directions . A program to be executed by a computer of a music reproducing device which have a display device for presenting a new candidate pieces by the reproduction of the music,
The music player is
A music data storage unit for storing data of a plurality of music;
A parameter storage unit that stores, for each piece of music in which data is stored in the music data storage unit, a music parameter that quantifies the characteristics of the music and is expressed by two or more factors ;
A music type storage unit that stores a plurality of pieces of information indicating types of music distinguished by the value of the music parameter ,
A playback step of playing back the song using the song data stored in the song data storage unit;
Among each piece of music for which data is stored in the music data storage unit, a song whose first factor value included in the song parameter is larger than the value of the first factor of the song being played back by the playing step is the first. identified as candidate songs, among the respective music, along with the value of the first factor to identify the smaller music than the value of the first factor of the song that is the reproduction as a second candidate songs included in the music parameter,
Of each piece of music for which data is stored in the music data storage unit, a piece of music in which the value of the second factor included in the music parameter is larger than the value of the second factor of the piece of music being played is set as the third candidate song. A candidate song identifying step that identifies, as a fourth candidate song, a song in which the value of the second factor included in the song parameter is smaller than the value of the second factor of the song being played , ,
If the easy song is playing by the reproduction step, the music information about the first candidate songs, to display a reference position on the screen of the display device in a predetermined first direction, music related to the second candidate songs Displaying information in a second direction that is the opposite of the first direction ;
The music information related to the third candidate music is displayed in a third direction different from the first and second directions, and the music information related to the fourth candidate music is displayed in a fourth direction which is the reverse direction of the third direction. Display control steps to be displayed;
When receiving input from the user specifying the music indicated by the music information displayed on the display device, the computer executes a reproduction control step for controlling the reproduction of the designated music in the reproduction step ,
The candidate song specifying step specifies each song belonging to each of a plurality of types as a candidate song according to the information stored in the song type storage unit,
The display control step includes a direction from the reference position on the screen of the display device to a position where the music information should be displayed, and a position of each candidate song from a predetermined position in the impression space with each factor of the music parameter as a coordinate axis. The program which displays the music information regarding each said candidate music on the said display apparatus in relation to the direction until . The said computer-readable recording medium which recorded the program of Claim 8 .

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