JP4821366B2 - Group music learning system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a collective music learning system capable of introducing a data file to be used in each slave unit.

A collective music learning system composed of one master unit and a plurality of slave units is known from Patent Document 1, for example. In Patent Document 1, the group performance training apparatus 1 that controls the entire system is an external input, an external output, and a microphone input connected to one master unit (teacher electronic musical instrument) 21, a speaker 23, and a headphone 25 with a teacher microphone. And a headphone interface 6; 7; 9,10, and a plurality of student input / output interfaces 8 connected to a plurality of student attachments 24. Each student attachment 24 includes a respective child device (student electronic musical instrument). ) 26 and student headphones with microphone 27 are connected. The group performance learning apparatus 1 has an operator group 2 for monitoring the performance sound of each slave unit, selects any slave unit to be monitored, and teaches the performance sound of the selected slave unit. Can be monitored.
Japanese Patent No. 3371503

  In the group music learning system, there is a case where a data file such as a MIDI file is used as a teaching material in each slave unit. In the conventional system described above, a recording medium including a data file for a student who is a user of each slave unit. Was distributed, and data files from the recording medium were introduced to each slave unit. For this reason, it takes a long time to prepare a recording medium for each slave unit or to have each student perform a work for introducing a data file.

  In view of such circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a collective music learning system capable of easily introducing a data file used in each terminal into each terminal.

  According to the main feature of the present invention, the management device (MN), the teacher terminal device (TM32) and the plurality of student terminal devices (TM1 to TM31) are communicably connected via a communication network (CN), A plurality of isochronous packets (Bd: Bd1 to Bd8) including digital audio data and an asynchronous packet (As) including a data file (MIDI file) are connected between these devices (MN, TM32, TM1 to TM31) within one isochronous cycle. The management apparatus (MN) transmits an asynchronous packet (As) including a data file (MIDI file) through a communication network (CN) to a teacher terminal apparatus (TM32) and Multiple student terminal devices (TM1 to TM31 The file receiving means (MC) for transmitting to the teacher terminal device (TM32) and the plurality of student terminal devices (TM1 to TM31) receive the asynchronous packet (As) through the communication network (CN). For the means (CM), the file storage means (EM32, EM1 to EM31) for restoring and saving the data file (MIDI file) included in the received asynchronous packet (As), and the communication network (CN), Audio transmitting / receiving means (CA, CT) for transmitting / receiving isochronous packets (Bd) including digital audio data, and the management device (MN) is further transmitted by isochronous packets (Bd) on the communication network (CN). For digital audio data Device (TM32) and audio path control means (ME, AC) for controlling transmission / reception paths between the plurality of student terminal devices (TM1 to TM31), and the file transmission means (MC) There is provided a collective music learning system (claim 1) that transmits data files (MIDI files) simultaneously in asynchronous packets (As) regardless of transmission / reception path control by ME, AC). Note that the parentheses indicate reference symbols, terms, and the like of the examples added for convenience of understanding, and the same applies to the following.

A group music learning system according to the main feature of the present invention (Claim 1) comprises a management device (MN), a teacher terminal device (TM32; master device), and a plurality of student terminal devices (TM1 to TM31; slave devices). These devices are communicably connected via a communication network (CN) constituted by a general-purpose digital network [for example, Ethernet (registered trademark)]. Further, for example, a digital audio network in which transmission / reception paths are managed, such as CobraNet (registered trademark), is used as a communication network (CN). To Bd8) and an asynchronous packet (As) including a data file (MIDI file) can be transmitted and received between these devices (MN, TM32, TM1 to TM31).
As for the data file (MIDI file), the management device (MN) packetizes the data file (MIDI file) by the file transmission means (MC) and uses the asynchronous packet (As) as a teacher terminal device through the communication network (CN). (TM32) and a plurality of student terminal devices (TM1 to TM31). The teacher terminal device (TM32) and the plurality of student terminal devices (TM1 to TM31) receive the asynchronous packet (As) from the communication network (CN) through the file receiving means (CM) and receive the file storage means (EM32, EM1). To EM31 (electronic musical instrument), the data file (MIDI file) included in the received asynchronous packet (As) is restored and saved. Therefore, according to the present invention, when a data file is introduced into each terminal device, it is only necessary to simultaneously transmit the data file from the management device to each terminal device, and the working time can be reduced.

  As for the digital audio data, the teacher terminal device (TM32) and the plurality of student terminal devices (TM1 to TM31) are connected to the network (CN) by the audio transmission / reception means (CA, CT). The digital audio data transmitted with the isochronous packet (Bd) on the communication network (CN) is transmitted to the audio path control means (ME, AC) of the management device (MN). Thus, the transmission / reception path between the teacher terminal device (TM32) and the plurality of student terminal devices (TM1 to TM31) is controlled. Thereby, according to the audio transmission / reception path control by the management apparatus (MN), the audio data from the predetermined terminal apparatus can be sent to the predetermined terminal apparatus by the isochronous packet (Bd), and the data file (MIDI file) is Regardless of this transmission / reception path control, it is transmitted in an asynchronous packet (As). Therefore, according to the present invention, a data file can be flowed on a digital audio network in which transmission / reception paths are managed regardless of the path of audio data, and the remaining time of real-time transmission of digital audio can be used. You can send data files.

[System Overview]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a group music learning system (music network system) according to an embodiment of the present invention. This collective music learning system includes a management device MN, a teacher terminal device TM32, and a plurality of student terminal devices TM1 to TM31 provided in a music learning area such as a classroom. These devices MN, TM32, TM1 to TM31 are , Ethernet (registered trademark) [hereinafter referred to as “LAN”], etc., are connected so as to be communicable with each other via a communication network CN constituted by a general-purpose digital network. The management device MN and the teacher terminal device TM32 are installed in the vicinity and can be operated by a teacher during music learning. Each of the student terminal devices TM1 to TM31 is operated by a student and there are 31 units in this example, and a maximum of 31 Can be used by human students.

  The management device MN, also called a center device, comprises a management computer CP and a digital mixer MX, and controls audio data transmission / reception paths between the teacher terminal device TM32 and the student terminal devices TM1 to TM31 flowing on the network CN. Or transmitting performance data such as a MIDI file over the network CN.

  The management computer CP is composed of a general-purpose information processing device such as a personal computer, and in accordance with the operation content of the operation unit, connection information for instructing a communication state (referred to as “connection”) between the terminal devices TM1 to TM32 regarding audio data. The performance data to be sent to the terminal devices TM1 to TM32 is transmitted to the digital mixer MX through the communication cable CB such as USB. On the other hand, the mixer MX controls the audio communication state between the terminal devices TM1 to TM32 based on the connection information from the computer CP, and transmits performance data from the computer CP to the network CN.

  The student terminal devices TM1 to TM31 and the teacher terminal device TM32 are also referred to as a teacher terminal or a parent device and a student terminal or a child device, respectively, and are electronic music terminals having the same hardware configuration. EM1-EM32 and converters CV1-CV32 are provided. In addition, about a terminal device and its component, common reference symbol TM, EM, CV etc. are written together in common description, and the reference numerals 1-32 showing a terminal number are added as needed.

  In each of the terminal devices TM: TM1 to TM32, electronic musical instruments EM: EM1 to EM32 use electronic musical instruments having various music information processing functions, and the converters CV: CV1 to CV32 have audio data flowing over the network CN. The data necessary for the player is taken into the electronic music apparatus EM, the audio data from the electronic music apparatus EM is sent out over the network CN, and the performance data transmitted and received between the network CN and the electronic music apparatus EM is relayed. The performance data is MIDI data described in the MIDI format.

  In this system, a switched network constructed by a switching hub is used as the communication network CN, and audio data and performance data of left and right channels (L, R) are transmitted between the devices MN, TM32, TM1 to TM31. It is transmitted and received by a predetermined packet communication method. Accordingly, a plurality of N (N = 32) electronic music terminals TM1 to TM32 are divided into eight terminal groups for each of a plurality of C (C = 4) terminals. , 5th to 8th, ..., 29th to 31st student terminals TM1 to TM4, TM5 to TM8, ..., TM29 to TM31 constitute the 1st to 8th student groups GP1 to GP8, respectively, and the 8th student group GP8. The 29th to 31st student terminals TM29 to TM31 included together with the teacher terminal TM32 constitute an eighth terminal group (GP8 ′).

  According to one characteristic of the performance data transmission / reception of this system, the converters CV (CV1 to CV32) of the respective electronic music terminals TM (TM1 to TM32) output from the electronic music apparatus (electronic musical instrument) EM (EM1 to EM32). The analog audio data such as the performance sound and voice to be played can be converted into digital audio data and sent on the general-purpose digital network CN as a packet (Bd). The digital audio data on the network CN is digital mixer of the management device MN. The transmission / reception path between each electronic music terminal is controlled by MX. Then, the converter CV of the predetermined electronic music terminal takes in digital audio data from the predetermined electronic music terminal from the digital network CN according to the control of the transmission / reception path, converts it into analog audio data, and converts it into an electronic music device (electronic musical instrument) EM. To enter. Therefore, each device constituting the system can be connected by a general-purpose digital network, and installation of the system component device, cable routing, etc. can be greatly simplified.

  Further, according to one feature of the data file transmission / reception of this system, the management apparatus MN packetizes the performance data file (MIDI file) and uses each electronic music terminal through the general-purpose digital network CN in the first packet (As). Simultaneous transmission to TM (TM1 to TM32) is possible. Each electronic music terminal TM receives the first packet (As) from the network CN through the converter CV, and the performance data file included in the received first packet (As) is restored and saved by the electronic musical instrument EM. . The converter CV of each terminal TM further transmits and receives the second packet (Bd) including the digital audio data to the digital audio network CN, and the audio data on the network CN is separated from the file simultaneous transmission by the management device MN. Is transmitted from the predetermined terminal TMa to the predetermined terminal TMb according to the control of the audio transmission / reception path by the digital mixer MX. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the work time for introducing the file in each terminal by simultaneous transmission of the data file from the management device to each electronic music terminal, and further, the audio data path with respect to the digital audio network in which the transmission / reception path is managed. Can stream data files independently.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the electronic music terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. As described above, the optional electronic music terminal TM in this collective music learning system is composed of the electronic music device (electronic musical instrument) EM and the converter CV. The electronic music device EM includes a central processing unit (CPU) 1, a random access memory (RAM) 2, a read only memory (ROM) 3, an external storage device 4, a performance operation detection circuit 5, a setting operation detection circuit 6, and a display circuit 7. , A sound source circuit 8, an effect circuit 9, an audio input / output circuit 10, a MIDI input / output circuit 11, and the like, and these elements 1 to 11 are connected to each other via a bus 12.

  The CPU 1 constitutes a data processing circuit DP together with the RAM 2 and the ROM 3 and executes corresponding music information processing using a clock by the timer 13 in accordance with various music information processing programs. The RAM 2 performs various processes necessary for these processes. Used as a work area for temporarily storing data. The ROM 3 stores various control programs, control data, performance data (MIDI data), and the like necessary for executing these processes.

  The external storage device 4 includes a compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), a flexible disk (FD), a magneto-optical (in addition to a built-in storage medium such as a hard disk (HD) and a rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory. MO) discs, digital multipurpose discs (DVDs), small memory cards such as SmartMedia (registered trademark), etc., and various portable external recording media, and control programs and performance data (MIDI data: MIDI files and MIDI messages) Etc.) can be stored in any external storage device 4.

  The performance operation detection circuit 5 detects the actual performance operation content of the performance operator 14 such as a keyboard, and introduces performance data of the actual performance corresponding to this to the data processing circuit DP. The setting operation detection circuit 6 is a key switch. A setting operation unit is configured together with the setting operation element 15 such as a mouse and the like, the setting operation content of the setting operation element 15 is detected, and setting data corresponding to this is introduced into the data processing circuit DP. The display circuit 7 constitutes a display unit together with a display (display device) 16 such as a screen display LCD and various indicators (not shown), and controls display / lighting contents of the display and indicators according to instructions from the CPU 1. Display assistance for the operation of the operators 14 and 15 is performed.

  The sound source circuit 8 and the effect circuit 9 function as an audio data generation unit (also called a sound source unit). That is, the tone generator circuit 8 generates musical sound data representing a predetermined musical sound waveform according to the performance data of the actual performance generated from the performance operation detection circuit 5 through the data processing circuit DP, and the effect circuit 9 having the effect imparting DSP In accordance with the performance data, two left and right channel digital audio data representing a performance sound waveform having a predetermined effect added to the musical sound data is generated. The audio data generators 8 and 9 can also generate digital audio data for automatic performance according to the performance data stored in the storage means (3, 4) during automatic performance.

  The audio input / output circuit 10 includes a D / A converter that converts the digital audio data generated by the effect circuit 9 into analog, and is connected to an audio input / output device 17 having headphones and a microphone. To the converter CV. Then, according to the setting state of the setting operation unit, the analog audio data (performance sound) converted by the D / A conversion unit is output to the headphones or the converter CV of the input / output device 17 and from the microphone of the input / output device 17. Analog audio data (sound) representing a sound waveform based on the input sound (sound) is output to the converter CV, or analog audio data (performance sound / sound) input from the converter CV is input / output device 17 Output to the headphones.

  The MIDI input / output circuit 11 is connected to the converter CV, and exchanges performance data (MIDI data) between the electronic music apparatus EM and the converter CV. For example, performance data stored in the storage means 3, 4 or performance data generated by the data processing circuit DP is output to the converter CV, or performance data input from the converter CV is stored through the data processing circuit DP. The data are stored in the means 2 and 4 and sent to the audio data generation units 8 and 9.

  The converter CV is connected to the network CN, receives digital audio data and performance data from the network CN, converts the received digital audio data into analog audio data by a D / A converter, and outputs the analog audio data to the audio input / output circuit 10. Alternatively, the received performance data is output to the MIDI input / output circuit 11. The converter CV converts the analog audio data from the audio input / output circuit 10 into digital audio data by an A / D converter and outputs the digital audio data to the network CN, or the performance data from the MIDI input / output circuit 11 to the network CN. Output to.

  Other electronic music terminals TMe connected to the network CN have the same hardware configuration as described above. As for the management device MN, the digital mixer MX has a basic configuration including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an external storage device, a setting operation unit, a display unit, and the like, as well as the electronic music device EM described above, and is connected to the network CN. A network interface (I / F) to be connected, a communication interface (I / F) connected to the communication cable CB, and a mixing processing circuit having a number of input / output channels and operating in accordance with a digital mixing engine (ME). In addition to the same basic configuration, the management computer CP has a communication I / F connected to the cable CB, and a large number of performance data (MIDI data such as MIDI files and MIDI messages) in an external storage device. Accumulated.

  When the change of connection is instructed by the GUI function of the setting operation unit and the display unit, the computer CP transmits connection information representing the changed connection contents to the digital mixer MX through the communication I / F and the cable CB. When performance data selection and transmission is instructed by the function, the instructed desired performance data can be transmitted to the mixer MX through the communication I / F and the cable CB. Further, the computer CP can receive performance data from the electronic music terminal TM from the mixer MX through the cable CB and the communication I / F.

  The network I / F of the digital mixer MX distributes the digital data received from the network CN to a predetermined input channel corresponding to each terminal TM, and outputs it to the mixing processing circuit (digital mixing engine ME). The mixing processing circuit performs mixing processing on the digital audio data distributed to the audio input channel (mixer input channel mi-ch) among the digital data input from the network I / F, and converts the connection information from the computer CP into the connection information. In response, digital audio data of a predetermined input channel is output to a predetermined audio output channel (mixer output channel mo-ch). The performance data distributed to the performance data input channel (in) is relayed, transmitted to the computer CP through the communication I / F and the cable CB, and input from the computer CP through the cable CB and the communication I / F. The performance data is output to the performance data output channel (out).

  Then, the network I / F sends out the digital data of each output channel output from the mixing processing circuit onto the network CN. Thereby, the management apparatus MN transmits the digital audio data from the predetermined electronic music terminal TMa corresponding to the predetermined audio input channel to the predetermined electronic music terminal TMb corresponding to the predetermined audio output channel corresponding to the connection information. The performance data from the computer CP can be transmitted to all the electronic music terminals TM1 to TM32.

[Example of transfer data]
In each electronic music terminal of the collective music learning system according to one embodiment of the present invention, the converter converts analog audio data generated by the electronic music device (electronic musical instrument) into a packet of digital audio data on the communication network. The digital audio packet received from the communication network is converted into analog audio data and input to the electronic music apparatus. Further, the performance data (MIDI data) is converted into MIDI packets by the management device and transmitted to the digital network, and the performance data is extracted from the MIDI packet on the network by the converter of each electronic music terminal and restored by each electronic music device. In this collective music learning system, a network protocol called “CobraNet” (trademark) using an isochronous transmission method is adopted in order to realize such packet-type data exchange.

  More specifically, in this collective music learning system, isochronous transmission is achieved through a network CN using CobraNet using a LAN cable (for example, a CAT5 cable compatible with 100Base-TX (100 Mbps)) and a switching hub. Thus, uncompressed digital audio data of 64 channels in each direction (128 channels in both directions) can be distributed simultaneously in real time. Here, digital audio data is transmitted in units of small packets, and after reception, the original data is returned from the packet. In CobraNet, a bundle corresponds to a packet. That is, in the network CN adopting CobraNet, digital audio data is distributed in units of bundles, and one bundle is distributed for each LAN data packet. Further, in this system, performance data (MIDI data) is transferred onto the network CN by utilizing the CobraNet serial bridge function for transferring serial data. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of transfer data and the like that can be used in the group music learning system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

  The bundle is transferred in a plurality of A isochronous packets every isochronous cycle, and a maximum of 8 bundles can be transmitted per cycle. In this example, as shown in FIG. 3 (1), one isochronous cycle [the interval of each cycle is 1.33 milliseconds, and a predetermined latency is used to re-serialize digital audio data into packets or re-serialize the packets back. Each time (1.33, 2.66, 5.33 milliseconds: equivalent to 64, 128, 256 samples) occurs, a plurality of A = 8 bundles Bd1 to Bd8 are transmitted. Each isochronous cycle starts with a beat packet Bt for synchronization, and then eight isochronous packets, that is, first to eighth bundles Bd1 to Bd8 are sequentially sent on the communication network CN.

  In each isochronous cycle, an asynchronous packet (asynchronous serial packet) As for transferring asynchronous serial data is transmitted in the remaining time after the isochronous packet, that is, the isochronous packet group Ic including the bundles Bd1 to Bd8 is sent. The asynchronous packet As is used to transfer performance data (MIDI data) and is also referred to as a “MIDI packet”.

  One bundle is composed of a plurality of B channels. For example, in the case of digital audio data with a resolution (number of quantization bits) of 20 bits / sampling frequency of 48 kHz, one bundle can contain up to eight channels. In this example, one bundle is composed of a plurality of B = 8 channels (also referred to as “channels within a bundle”), and each bundle Bd: Bd1 to Bd8 is a bundle communication as shown in FIG. From start preamble, LAN header consisting of destination MAC address and source MAC address, frame type Ft, first to eighth channels CH1 to CH8 for digital audio data, and FCS (frame check sequence) error check Become.

  As shown in FIG. 3 (3), the frame type Ft includes a Cobra number, a header, a bundle number, and a time. The bundle number is transfer destination (destination) information for identifying “the bundle Bd is a“ unicast bundle ”to be transferred from one device to another device”. During sequential transfer of isochronous bundles, each bundle data is always transferred to only one device specified by the bundle number (destination number) .In CobraNet, a unicast bundle has a predetermined range of numbers 256. ~ 65279 is attached.

  FIGS. 3 (4a) and (4b) show an example of the structure of a MIDI file transferred as performance data using an asynchronous packet (MIDI packet). As shown in FIG. 3 (4a), the MIDI file stored in the external storage device of the computer CP includes a header composed of various setting data, event data a, b,... Describing a plurality of events sequentially in time series. The end-of-file Eof indicating the end of the file is divided, and at the time of the MIDI file transfer, it is divided for each predetermined data amount suitable for transmission in the asynchronous packet As. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 (4 b), event data is divided into data 1, data 2,..., A MIDI file is divided into a header, data 1, data 2,. The packet is divided into packets (data 1 packet, data 2 packet,..., End-of-file packet), and data of each MIDI packet is sequentially transmitted as an asynchronous packet As.

[Outline of data transfer]
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of assignment of bundle numbers in the group music learning system according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this collective music learning system, the network I / F of the digital mixer MX is composed of four network cards NC1 to NC4 connected to each LAN cable, and the communication network CN is connected to a 36-port switching hub. 36 LAN cables (CAT5 cable) are used. Of these LAN cables, four cables are connected to the first to fourth network cards NC1 to NC4 of the mixer MX, respectively, and 31 cables are connected to the first to 31st student terminals TM1 to TM31, respectively, and remain. One cable is connected to the teacher terminal TM32. Note that the 29th to 31st student terminals TM29 to TM31 and the teacher terminal TM32 constitute an 8th terminal group GP8 'as a digital music network system, similar to the 1st to 7th terminal groups GP1 to GP7.

  According to one characteristic of the collective music learning system as a music network system, the center device (management device) MN and a plurality of N (N = 32) electronic music terminals TM1 to TM32 are connected via a communication network CN ( Bundle) Bd can communicate digital audio data (digital music data) representing music such as performance sounds, and a plurality of A (A = 8) packets Bd: Bd1 to Bd8 (10101, 10201) to the communication network CN. , ..., 10801; 10105, 10205, ..., 10805) can be transmitted and received simultaneously. A plurality of B (B = 8) channels (CH1 to CH8) included in each packet Bd are divided into a plurality of C (C = 4) channel groups (CH1 / CH2, CH3 / CH4,..., CH7 / CH8), By assigning B / C (B / C = 2) channels in each channel group to each of the multiple C electronic music terminals TM1 to TM4, TM5 to TM8,. A terminal group GP1, GP2,..., GP8 ′ composed of music terminals TM1 to TM4, TM5 to TM8,. In addition, each of the electronic music terminals TM1 to TM32 is set to receive packets having different transmission destination numbers (bundle numbers). By allocating a single packet to a plurality of devices and sharing them in this way, one packet Bd is used by a plurality of C electronic music terminals, and a plurality of N (for example, N = A) larger than the number of packets (number of bundles) A. XC) electronic music terminals can be used in a digital audio network, and packets can be delivered to each electronic music terminal without collision with the transmission destination number assigned to each packet.

  4, in the digital mixer MX, the digital mixing engine (mixing processing circuit) ME includes 64 input channels mi-ch (ch1 to ch64) and 64 output channels mo-ch (ch65 to ch128). These input / output channels (also referred to as “audio channels”) correspond to the left (L) and right (R) audio channels of each of the electronic music terminals TM1 to TM32 every two channels. For example, the first and second input channels ch1 and ch2 and the first and second output channels ch65 and ch66 correspond to the left and right audio channels of the student terminal TM1, and the third and fourth input channels ch3 and ch4 and the third and fourth outputs. Channels ch67 and ch68 correspond to the left and right audio channels of student terminal TM2, and so on. The 63rd and 64th input channels ch63 and ch64 and the 63rd and 64th output channels ch127 and ch128 correspond to the 32nd terminal, that is, the teacher terminal. Corresponds to the TM32 left and right audio channels.

  Each network card NC1 to NC4 can handle input / output digital audio data of 16 channels, that is, 2 bundles. By setting the bundle number, each of the 16 channels of digital audio data is assigned to 8 terminals of the corresponding 2 terminal group. You can send and receive. In other words, two reception bundles are received from the network CN, 16-channel digital audio data is input to the digital mixing engine ME, 16-channel digital audio data is received from the digital mixing engine ME, and two transmission bundles are output to the network CN. can do.

  In FIG. 4, the framed numbers at the bottom of each of the electronic music terminals TM1 to TM32 and the top of each of the network cards NC1 to NC4 indicate examples of bundle number assignment settings for the devices TM1 to TM32 and NC1 to NC4. "," R "represents a transmission / reception classification. In this system, 8 (= B) channels of digital audio data from electronic music terminals of each terminal group GP1 to GP8 ′ are input to the digital mixer MX by any of 8 (= A) bundles Bd1 to Bd8, and the mixer If digital audio data for 8 (= B) channels from MX is output to the electronic music terminals of each of the terminal groups GP1 to GP8 ′ by any of the 8 (= A) bundles Bd1 to Bd8, the data is simultaneously transmitted among all the devices. The correspondence between each group and each bundle is not fixed, but in the following, the first to eighth terminal groups GP1 to GP8 ′ are respectively assigned to the first to eighth bundles Bd1 to Bd8. A description will be given assuming that it corresponds.

  For data transmission from the mixer MX, for example, the first network card NC1 puts the digital audio data of channels ch65 to ch72 from the digital mixing engine ME into the channels CH1 to CH8 of the bundle Bd1, and the first terminal group GP1 first ( A bundle number 10101 addressed to the first terminal is sent to the communication network CN (T10101), and the digital audio data of the channels ch73 to ch80 is put into the channels CH1 to CH8 of the bundle Bd2, and the second terminal group It can be sent to the network CN with a bundle number 10201 addressed to the GP2 first terminal (T10201).

  Similarly to the first network card NC1, the second network card NC2 inserts the digital audio data of the channels ch81 to ch88 and ch89 to ch96 from the engine ME into the respective in-bundle channels CH1 to CH8, and each of the first network cards Bundles Bd3 and Bd4 with bundle numbers 10301 and 10401 destined for the terminal can be sent to the network CN (T10301 and T10401). Similarly, the third and fourth network cards NC3 and NC4 also insert the digital audio data of the channels ch97 to ch104, ch105 to ch112; ch113 to ch120, ch121 to ch128 into the channels in the bundles CH1 to CH8, respectively. Can be sent out to the network CN as bundles Bd5 to Bd8 with bundle numbers 10501, 10601; 10701, 10801 destined to the terminal (T10501, T10601; T10701, T10801).

  In contrast, the first (first) first terminal TM1 of the first terminal group GP1 receives the bundle Bd1 (ch65 to ch72) from the digital mixer MX corresponding to the own terminal group GP1 from the network CN. (T10101 → R10101), the first (first) fifth terminal TM5 of the second terminal group GP2 can receive the bundle Bd2 (ch73 to ch80) corresponding to the own terminal group GP2 (T10201 → R10201). Similarly, the 9th and 13th terminals TM9 and TM13 of the first (first place) third and fourth terminal groups GP3 and GP4 are bundles Bd3 and Bd4 (ch81 to ch88 and ch89) corresponding to their own terminal groups GP3 and GP4, respectively. ˜ch96) can be received (T10301 → R10301, T10401 → R10401). Hereinafter, the 5th to 8th terminal groups GP5 to GP8 ′ first (first place) terminals TM17 and TM21; TM25 and TM29 similarly have bundles Bd5 to Bd8 (ch97) corresponding to their own terminal groups GP5 to GP8 ′, respectively. ˜ch104, ch105 to ch112; ch113 to ch120, ch121 to ch128) can be received (T10501 → R10501, T10601 → R10601; T10701 → R10701, T10801 → R10801).

  Each of the 4 (= C) electronic music terminals constituting each terminal group GP1 to GP8 ′ is assigned to its own terminal among 8 (= B) channels (CH1 to CH8) included in the received packet. 2 (= B / C) channel group (CH1 / CH2, CH3 / CH4, CH5 / CH6, CH7 / CH8) is taken in the digital audio data. A packet including a channel of digital audio data is transmitted to the communication network CN. Further, the first to third rank terminals TM1 to TM3, TM5 to TM7,..., TM29 to TM31 in each terminal group set the destination numbers of the received packets as the next rank terminals TM2 to TM4, TM6 to TM8,. , TM30 to TM32 are converted into transmission destination numbers, and packets are sent to each subsequent terminal.

  For example, when the terminals TM1, TM5, TM9, TM13, TM17, TM21, TM25, and TM29, which are first in each terminal group, receive a bundle corresponding to their own group from the digital mixer MX, they correspond to their own terminals from the received bundle. 2-channel digital audio data (ch65 / ch66, ch73 / ch74, ch81 / ch82, ch89 / ch90, ch97 / ch98, ch105 / ch106, ch113 / ch114, ch121 / ch122) can be captured. Each of these terminals also transmits 2-channel digital audio data (ch1 / ch2, ch9 / ch10, ch17 / ch18, ch25 / ch26, ch33 / ch34, ch41 / ch42, ch49 / ch50, ch57) transmitted from its own terminal. / ch58) is inserted into the corresponding two channels, and a new bundle (10102, 10202, 10302) destined for the terminals TM2, TM6, TM10, TM14, TM18, TM22, TM26, TM30 in the second group (second rank) in the group. , 10402, 10502, 10602, 10702, 10802) can be generated and sent to the network CN.

  Each of these secondary terminals receives a bundle addressed to the terminal from the upper terminal from the network CN (T10102 → R10102, T10202 → R10202,..., T10802 → R10802), and the digital corresponding to the terminal from the received bundle. 2-channel digital audio data (ch67 / ch68, ch75 / ch76,..., Ch123 / ch124) from the mixer MX and 2-channel digital audio data (ch3 / ch4, ch11 / ch12,. ch59 / ch60) is inserted into the corresponding two channels, and further bundles (10103, 10203,..., 10803) destined for the next (third) terminals TM3, TM7, TM11, TM15, TM19, TM23, TM27, TM31. ) Can be generated and sent to the network CN. Similarly, these third-order terminals also receive bundles addressed to their own terminals (T10103 → R10103, T10203 → R10203,..., T10803 → R10803) and fetch channel data corresponding to their own terminals (ch69 / ch70, ch77 / ch78,. ch125 / ch126) and insertion (ch5 / ch6, ch13 / ch14,..., ch61 / ch62), and generation (and transmission of bundles (10104, 10204,..., 10804) addressed to the next (fourth) terminal .

Then, the last (fourth) terminals TM4, TM8,..., TM32 in the group each receive a bundle addressed to the own terminal from the upper (third) terminal in the group from the network CN (T10104 → R10104, T10204 → R10204,..., T10804 → R10804), 2-channel digital audio data (ch71 / ch72, ch79 / ch80,...) From the mixer MX corresponding to the terminal itself.
ch127 / ch128) can be received. Each of these terminals inserts 2-channel digital audio data (ch7 / ch8, ch15 / ch16,..., Ch63 / ch64) transmitted from its own terminal into the corresponding two channels, and the first to fourth digital mixers MX. A bundle with bundle numbers 10105, 10205,..., 10805 destined for the network cards NC1 to NC4 is generated and sent to the network CN.

  That is, each terminal group GP1, GP2; GP3, GP4; GP5, GP6; GP7, GP8 'last terminal TM4, TM8; TM12, TM16; TM20, TM24; TM28, TM32 (TM32 is a teacher terminal) Terminals TM1 to TM4, TM5 to TM8; TM9 to TM12, TM13 to TM16; TM17 to TM20, TM21 to TM24; TM25 to TM28, TM29 to TM32 digital audio data (ch1 to ch8, ch9 to ch16) ; ch17 to ch24, ch25 to ch32; ch33 to ch40, ch41 to ch48; ch49 to ch56, ch57 to ch64) on each channel CH1 to CH8, each network card NC1; NC2; NC3; NC4 bundle (10105, 10205; 10305, 10405; 10505, 10605; 10705, 10805), for example, bundles Bd1, Bd2; Bd3, Bd4; Bd5, Bd6 Bd7, as Bd8, can be delivered to the network CN at the same time.

  On the other hand, the first network card NC1 of the mixer MX receives the bundle Bd1 of the bundle number 10105 from the fourth terminal TM4 from the network CN (T10105 → R10105), and the first network card NC1 of the mixer MX In addition to receiving digital audio data of channels ch1 to ch8 from the terminals TM1 to TM4 in the terminal group GP1, the bundle Bd2 of the bundle number 10205 from the eighth terminal TM8 is received (T10205 → R10205), and the channels CH1 to CH1 of the bundle are received. From CH8, digital audio data of channels ch9 to ch16 from the terminals TM5 to TM8 in the second terminal group GP2 can be received.

  Similarly, the second network card NC2 receives bundles Bd3 and Bd4 of bundle numbers 10305 and 10405 from the twelfth and sixteenth terminals TM12 and TM16 from the network CN (T10305 → R10305, T10405 → R10405), Digital audio data of channels ch17 to ch24 and ch25 to ch32 can be received from the terminals TM9 to 12 and TM13 to 16 in the 4-terminal group GP3, GP4 (T10305 → R10305, T10405 → R10405). Similarly, the third and fourth network cards NC3; 4 are bundled from the network CN by bundle numbers 10505, 10605; 10705 from the 20th, 24th, 28th, 32th (teacher) terminals TM20, TM24; TM28, TM32, respectively. , 10805 bundles Bd5, Bd6; Bd7, Bd8 (T10505 → R10505, T10605 → R10605; T10705 → R10705, T10805 → R10805), fifth, sixth; seventh, eighth terminal groups GP5, GP6; GP7, GP8 ′ Digital audio data of channels ch33 to ch40, ch41 to ch48; ch49 to ch56, ch57 to ch64 can be received from each of the terminals TM17 to 20, TM21 to 24; TM25 to 28, and TM29 to TM32.

[Specific example of data transfer]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the converter and the network card in the group music learning system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The converters CV: CV1 to CV32 in the electronic music terminals TM: TM1 to TM32 all have the same configuration, and the network cards NC: NC1 to NC4 of the digital mixer MX also have the same configuration. In (1), the converters CV1 and CV2 of the first and second terminals TM1 and TM2 are taken as an example, and in FIG. 5 (2), the configurations of the converter and the network card are explained taking the first network card NC1 as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the converter CV of each electronic music terminal TM includes a network terminal (not shown), a transfer control circuit CT, an audio conversion circuit CA, and a MIDI conversion circuit CM. The network terminal is connected to the LAN cable of the communication network CN, takes out the 2-channel digital audio data corresponding to the terminal from the transfer control circuit CT and the bundle received at the network terminal, and also generates the two-channel data generated by the terminal. A new bundle in which digital audio data is inserted into two channels of the corresponding bundle is output to the network terminal. The audio conversion circuit CA includes a D / A converter and an A / D converter, converts the digital audio data taken out by the transfer control circuit CT into analog by the D / A converter, and converts the audio of the electronic music apparatus EM. In addition to outputting to the input / output circuit 10, the 2-channel analog audio data from the audio input / output circuit 10 is converted to digital by the A / D converter and output to the network terminal. The MIDI conversion circuit CM outputs the performance data (MIDI file) in the asynchronous packet As received at the network terminal to the MIDI input / output circuit 11 of the electronic music apparatus EM, and the performance data from the MIDI input / output circuit 11 on the network. Output to the terminal.

  Each network card NC of the digital mixer MX can handle digital audio data of 16 channels (2 bundles) of input / output of the digital mixing engine ME. As shown in FIG. A network terminal NT connected to a CN LAN cable, an audio conversion circuit AC that performs “CobraNet audio / audio conversion”, and a mixing unit I / O terminal MT connected to a digital mixing engine (mixing processing circuit) ME . In addition, a MIDI conversion circuit MC that performs “CobraNet serial / MIDI conversion” is provided in one network card, for example, the first network card NC1.

  For example, the audio conversion circuit AC of the first network card NC1 shown in FIG. 5 (2), when receiving data, “CobraNet audio → audio conversion” (a format in which audio data in the CobraNet format can be handled by the mixing engine ME. And the second terminal TM4 of the first terminal group GP1 and the two bundles to which the two bundle numbers 10105 and 10205 for the network card NC1 are given from the communication network CN through the network terminal NT. “Reception bundle R10105” and “Reception bundle R10205” from the eighth terminal TM8 of the second terminal group GP2 are sequentially fetched, and digital audio data of channels ch1 to ch8 and ch9 to ch16 from the channels CH1 to CH8 of each bundle, respectively. Take out, mixing I / O terminal Output to mixer input channels (mi-ch) ch1 to ch16 of mixing engine ME through MT.

  Also, when data is transmitted, “audio to CobraNet audio conversion” (audio data in a format that can be handled by the mixing engine ME is converted into audio data in the CobraNet format) is performed from the mixing engine ME to the mixing unit I / O. The digital audio data of the mixer output channels (mo-ch) ch65 to ch80 is received through the terminal MT, the digital audio data of the channels ch65 to ch72 and ch73 to ch80 is inserted into the respective channels CH1 to CH8, and the first and second terminals Two bundles with bundle numbers 10101 and 10201 for the first terminals TM1 and TM5 of the groups GP1 and GP2, that is, “transmission bundle T10101” and “transmission bundle T10201” are sequentially generated and transmitted to the network CN through the network terminal NT. .

  On the other hand, in the converter CV1 of the first terminal group GP1 and the first terminal TM1 shown in FIG. 5 (1), the data is received by the transfer control circuit CT1 from the communication network CN to the terminal TM1. "Transmission bundle T10101" from the first network card NC1 given the bundle number 10101 is fetched (R10101), the digital audio data of the audio channels ch65 and ch66 contained in the channels CH1 and CH2 in the bundle are taken out and converted into audio This is converted into analog audio data by the D / A converter of the circuit CA1, and is output to the audio input / output circuit 10 of the electronic music apparatus EM1.

  When transmitting data, the conversion circuit CA1 converts the analog audio data of the channels ch1 and ch2 from the audio input / output circuit 10 of the electronic music apparatus EM1 into digital by the A / D converter and converts it to the transfer control circuit CT1. The transfer control circuit CT1 moves the digital audio data of the audio channels ch67 to ch72 contained in the in-bundle channels CH3 to CH8 to the in-bundle channels CH1 to CH6, and at the same time the digital audio data (ch1 , ch2) are put into the intra-bundle channels CH7 and CH8, a bundle with the bundle number 10102 for the next (second) terminal TM2 of the first terminal group GP1 is generated and sent to the network CN through the network terminal (T10102). ).

  In the converter CV2 of the first terminal group GP1, the second-ranked terminal TM2, as in the first-ranked terminal TM1, at the time of data reception, the transfer control circuit CT2 gives the bundle number 10102 for the terminal TM2 from the network CN. The bundle from the first terminal TM1 is fetched (R10102), the digital audio data of the audio channels ch67 and ch68 included in CH3 and CH4 of the “transmission bundle T10101” and transferred to the channels CH1 and CH2 in the bundle is fetched. This is converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter of the audio conversion circuit CA2 and output to the electronic music apparatus EM2. At the time of data transmission, the digital audio data of audio channels ch67 to ch72; ch1 and ch2 transferred to the in-bundle channels CH3 to CH6; CH7 and CH8 are shifted forward by two channels to channels CH1 to CH4; CH5. , CH6, and the analog audio data of the audio channels ch3, ch4 from the electronic music apparatus EM2 is digitized by the conversion circuit CA2 and inserted into the last in-bundle channels CH7, CH8, and the second rank of the first terminal group GP1 ( (Third) A bundle with a bundle number 10103 for the terminal TM3 is generated and sent to the network CN through the network terminal (T10103).

  Similarly, the converter CV3 of the third-ranked terminal TM3 takes in the bundle (bundle number 10103) addressed to the own terminal from the second-ranked terminal TM2 and takes out digital audio data (ch69, ch70) of the own terminal compatible channel. Output to the electronic music device EM3, the data is shifted by 2 channels in the bundle, and the audio data (ch5, ch6) from the electronic music device EM3 is inserted into the last 2 channels and bundled to the next (fourth) terminal TM3 (Bundle number 10104) is generated and sent. Similarly, the fourth terminal TM4 extracts the digital audio data (ch71, ch72) of the channel corresponding to the own terminal from the bundle (bundle number 10104) addressed to the own terminal from the third terminal TM3 and sends it to the electronic music apparatus EM4. Output and generate a bundle (bundle number 10105) addressed to the first network card NC1 in which the two-channel shift in the bundle and the audio data (ch7, ch8) from the electronic music device EM4 are inserted into the last two channels Send out on network CN.

  In the second terminal group GP2, the converters of the terminals TM5 to TM8 perform the same operations as the terminals TM1 to TM4 of the first terminal group GP1, respectively, and the fourth-rank terminal TM8 is connected to the electronic music devices EM5 to EM8. A bundle (bundle number 10205) including the audio data (ch9 to ch16) addressed to the first network card NC1 is generated and transmitted to the network CN.

  As for the transfer of performance data (MIDI data), the digital mixer MX outputs MIDI data such as MIDI files and various MIDI messages received from the computer CP to the performance data output channel out, and the MIDI conversion circuit of the first network card NC1. The MC can send MIDI data output from the performance data output channel out of the mixing unit I / O terminal MT to the communication network CN through the network terminal NT by placing it on the asynchronous packet As of the isochronous cycle.

  In each electronic music terminal TM: TM1, TM2,..., The MIDI data from the asynchronous packet As received from the network CN through the network terminal by the MIDI conversion circuits CM: CM1, CM2,... Of the converter CV: CV1, CV2,. Are input to the data processing circuit DP through the input / output circuit 11 of each electronic music device EM: EM1, EM2,..., Restored by the data processing circuit DP, and stored in the external storage device 4 or the like.

  In addition, when one MIDI music terminal TM sends MIDI data output from the MIDI input / output circuit 11 on the asynchronous packet As to the communication network CN through the network terminal NT by the MIDI conversion circuit CM, The MIDI file can be extracted from the asynchronous packet As and input to another electronic music apparatus EMe and the computer CP by the MIDI conversion circuit CMe of the music terminal TMe and the MIDI conversion circuit MC of the first network card NC1.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of connection by a digital mixing engine. The digital mixing engine ME of the digital mixer MX controls the connection state (mixing) between the mixer input channel mi-ch (ch1 to ch64) and the mixer output channel mo-ch (ch65 to ch128) according to the connection information from the computer CP. The audio data transfer (connection) between the electronic music terminals TM1 to TM32 is controlled. FIG. 6 (1) shows an example of connection when mixing the performance sounds and voices of the electronic music devices EM1 to EM31 of all the child devices (student terminals) and listening to them with the electronic music device EM32 of the parent device (teacher terminal). In this case, the mixer MX receives audio data (ch1 to ch62) representing performance sounds and voices from all student terminals TM1 to TM31 on all channels CH1 to CH8 of the reception bundle R10105 to R10705 and channels CH1 to CH6 of the reception bundle R10805. The received audio data (ch127 to ch128) mixed by the engine ME is transmitted to the teacher terminal TM32 on the channels CH7 and CH8 of the transmission bundle T10801 addressed to the eighth terminal group GP8 ′ (29th terminal TM29).

  FIG. 6 (2) shows an example of connection when listening to the performance sounds and voices of the electronic music device EM32 of the parent device using the electronic music devices EM1 to EM31 of the child devices. The digital mixer MX is an audio from the teacher terminal TM32. Data (ch63, ch64) is received by the channels CH7, CH8 of the reception bundle R10805, and this is converted into data of the output channels ch65 to ch126 by the mixing engine ME and transmitted to all terminal groups GP1 to GP8 '(transmission bundles R10101 to R10701). All channels CH1 to CH8 and transmission bundle R10801 channels CH1 to CH6) are transmitted to all student terminals TM1 to TM31. FIG. 6 (3) is a connection example in the case where the user plays the sound and sound of each other only between a specific child device, for example, the electronic music device EM1 of the first child device and the electronic music device EM32 of the parent device. Yes, the mixer MX receives the audio data (ch1, ch2; ch63, ch64) from the first student terminal TM or the teacher terminal TM32 in the reception bundle R10105 (CH1, CH2); R10805 (CH7, CH8), The engine ME sets the data of the output channels ch127, ch128; ch65, ch66, the eighth or first terminal group GP8 '; the transmission bundle addressed to GP1, R10801 (CH7, CH8); R10101 (CH1, CH2), the teacher terminal TM32 or the first Transmit to the student terminal TM1.

[Example of processing flow]
7 to 9 are flowcharts showing processing examples of a computer management program, a digital mixer, and an electronic music terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. The management computer CP of the management apparatus MN is normally in an operation standby state, and when a connection change operation is performed on the operation unit by a user such as a teacher, for example, as shown in FIG. The connection change instruction process is performed. First, in Step P11, it is determined whether or not the connection change operation is an instruction to communicate with a specific child device (student terminal). Here, when communication with the specific slave unit is instructed (P11 → YES), the process proceeds to step P12, and the specific slave unit that is the communication partner of the master unit is designated according to the operation content. Connection information that instructs the mixing engine ME of the mixer MX to change the connection so that the master unit and the specific slave unit are in a communication state is generated, and this connection information is transmitted to the mixer MX and returned to the original standby state. . On the other hand, when it is not a communication instruction with the specific child device (P11 → NO), for example, connection information for instructing the mixer engine ME to change the connection so that the parent device and all the child devices are in a communication state is generated in step P14. The connection information is transmitted to the mixer MX, and the process returns to the original standby state.

  Further, when an operation for simultaneous transmission of MIDI files (performance data) is performed, the computer CP performs, for example, file simultaneous transmission processing shown in FIG. In the first step P21 of the file simultaneous transmission process, for example, the MIDI file transmitted from the management apparatus MN is selected according to the content of the file selection operation for the file list displayed on the display, and in the subsequent step P22, the selected MIDI file is selected. The file is read from the external storage device, the MIDI file is divided, and a plurality of data packets such as a header packet, data 1, data 2,..., And a MIDI packet such as an end-of-file packet are generated. Next, in step P23, the header packet is transmitted to the mixer MX through the USB cable CB. Next, in step P24, data packets are sequentially transmitted from the data 1 through the USB cable CB to the mixer MX. In the next step P25, completion of data packet transmission is checked, and when transmission of all data packets is completed (P25 → YES). Then, the process proceeds to Step P26, where the end of file packet is transmitted to the mixer MX through the USB cable CB, and the process returns to the original standby state.

  On the other hand, the digital mixer MX performs, for example, the processing shown in FIG. First, in Step M1, it is determined whether or not a bundle addressed to the mixer MX is received from the network CN. When the bundle is received (M1 → YES), the process proceeds to Step M2 and a bundle called “CobraNet Audio” The digital audio data is converted into data suitable for processing by the mixing engine ME, that is, digital audio data for each mixer input channel mi-ch. Subsequently, in step M3, in accordance with the connection information received from the computer CP, the digital audio data is mixed to generate a bundle addressed to a predetermined terminal by inserting the digital audio data for each mixer output channel mo-ch into a predetermined channel in the bundle. In the next step M4, the generated bundle is transmitted as an isochronous packet (Bd) on the network CN. After the bundle transmission process (M4) or when no bundle is received (M1 → NO), the process proceeds to step M5.

  In Step M5, it is determined whether or not a MIDI packet is received from the USB cable CB. If no MIDI packet is received (M5 → NO), the process returns to the reception standby state. If a MIDI packet is received (M5 → YES) Proceed to M6. In step M6, the received MIDI packet is converted into an asynchronous serial data packet (As). In subsequent step M7, the isochronous packet group Ic is transmitted as an asynchronous packet As on the network CN, and the process returns to the reception standby state. .

  Moreover, in each electronic music terminal TM, the process of FIG. 9 is performed by the converter CV and the electronic music apparatus EM, for example. As shown in FIG. 9 (1), the converter CV determines whether or not a bundle addressed to itself is received in step V1, and when the bundle is received (V1 → YES), step V2 Then, the digital audio data corresponding to the terminal is extracted from the digital audio data (CobraNet audio) in the bundle and supplied to the D / A converter of the audio conversion circuit CA. When the bundle is not received (V1 → NO) or after the process of step V2, the process proceeds to step V3 to generate a bundle of a predetermined destination containing the digital audio data from the A / D converter of the audio conversion circuit CA. In the subsequent step V4, the generated bundle is transmitted as an isochronous packet (Bd) on the network CN. In the next step V5, it is determined whether or not the asynchronous serial packet As is received. If the asynchronous packet As is not received (V5 → NO), the process returns to the reception standby state. When the asynchronous packet As is received (V5 → YES), in Step V6, the asynchronous packet As is converted into a MIDI signal, output to the electronic music apparatus EM, and the process returns to the reception standby state.

  As shown in FIG. 9 (2), the electronic music apparatus EM determines whether or not a MIDI signal has been received in step E1, and when a MIDI signal is received (E1 → YES), proceeds to step E3. It is then determined whether the file is a MIDI file packet. Here, if the packet is a MIDI file packet (E2 → YES), the MIDI file is restored and stored in the external storage device 4 in step E3. If not (E2 → NO), other MIDI message processing is performed in step E4. Do. Then, when no MIDI signal is received (E1 → NO) or after the processing of steps E3 and E4, normal processing such as musical tone formation based on performance operation is performed at step E5, and the process returns to the standby state.

[Various Embodiments]
The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, this is merely an example, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the digital audio network protocol is not limited to CobraNet. Further, by preparing a plurality of digital mixers, the scale of the group music learning system or the music network system may be increased.

  In addition, an example in which 36 LAN cables are connected to a 36-port switching hub as the communication network CN is shown. The communication network CN may be configured by a plurality of LAN cables connecting the electronic music terminals (TM1 to TM32).

  Further, the number of packets A, the number of channels B, and the number of groups C are not limited to the exemplified numbers.

It is a general | schematic block diagram showing the structure of the whole group music learning system by one Example of this invention. It is a block diagram showing the hardware structural example of the electronic music terminal by one Example of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the structural example of the transfer data etc. which can be utilized with the group music learning system by one Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the example of allocation of the bundle number by one Example of this invention. It is a figure showing the example of a structure of the converter and network card by one Example of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a connection by the digital mixing engine by one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart showing the example of a process by the management program of the computer by one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart showing the example of a process of the digital mixer by one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart showing the example of a process of the electronic music terminal by one Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

TM: TM1 to TM32 Electronic music terminal including a converter CV and an electronic music device EM,
Audio conversion circuit and MIDI circuit in AC, MC network card,
CH1-CH8 Bundle channels,
CT: CT1, CT2, ... transfer control circuit,
CA: CA1, CA2,... Audio conversion circuit in the converter,
ch1 to ch64, ch65 to ch128 Audio channels (mixer input channel mi-ch and mixer output channel mo-ch).

Claims (1)

A management device, a teacher terminal device, and a plurality of student terminal devices are communicably connected via a communication network, and a plurality of isochronous packets including digital audio data and an asynchronous packet including a data file within one isochronous cycle. Is a collective music learning system that can transmit and receive between these devices,
The management device has a file transmission means for transmitting an asynchronous packet including a data file to a teacher terminal device and a plurality of student terminal devices through a communication network,
The teacher terminal device and the plurality of student terminal devices are:
A file receiving means for receiving an asynchronous packet through a communication network;
A file storage means for restoring and storing the data file included in the received asynchronous packet;
Audio transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving isochronous packets including digital audio data to a communication network;
The management device further
For digital audio data transmitted in an isochronous packet over a communication network, audio path control means for controlling a transmission / reception path between a teacher terminal device and a plurality of student terminal devices,
The group music learning system, wherein the file transmission means transmits the data file all at once in an asynchronous packet regardless of the transmission / reception path control by the audio path control means.

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