JP4924129B2 - Electronic music apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic music apparatus and program for realizing a predetermined function. In particular, the present invention relates to an electronic music apparatus and program capable of limiting resources permitted to be used for a predetermined function according to license information.

Conventionally, a music application device, an electronic musical instrument, and the like are known as electronic music devices that realize predetermined music functions such as a synthesizer function and a sequencer function. The music application device can realize a music function equivalent to that of a predetermined electronic musical instrument by operating a predetermined music application program (software) on a personal computer (hereinafter simply referred to as a personal computer). A music application program that runs on a personal computer is distributed together with a storage medium on which the music application program is recorded, such as a compact disk, and a hardware key (for example, a USB dongle) together. The hardware key includes license information of the music application program (information for certifying that the user using the music application program is a licensed user, and the music application program Indicating the authority to use the resource to be used). A user connects a USB dongle holding such license information to a personal computer via a predetermined interface (for example, a USB interface), so that only the personal computer to which the USB dongle is connected is stored in the storage medium. The stored music application program can be installed and operated. At this time, according to the contents of the stored license information, etc., the function unit that can be used in the function realized by the operation of the music application program (for example, the number of simultaneous pronunciations and the simultaneous use in the sound source function) The possible effect types, the number of effects, etc .: in this specification, these are collectively referred to as resources). For example, there is an apparatus described in Patent Document 1 shown below.
JP 2004-212603 A

  By the way, the resource limitation by license information in a conventionally known device is a limitation only for a music application program executed by each device, and when other music application devices execute the same music application program, It has no effect on the equivalent functions of electronic musical instruments. Therefore, in order to cancel the resource range restriction or to expand the range of available resources by narrowing the resource restriction range, the user has to newly acquire license information with different contents. However, even though there is a surplus of resources that are not used by other music application devices or electronic musical instruments, it is wasteful not to use the surplus of resources, and license information that is generally distributed for a fee It is troublesome for the user to acquire a new value, and a burden is imposed on the user. Therefore, when multiple electronic music devices each having the same function (specifically, the above-described music application device and electronic musical instrument) are used in combination, they are used between devices as necessary. There has been a demand for a technique that can use a surplus of unused resources (a part that is not used) interchangeably, but such a technique has not been considered in the past.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and among the resources permitted to be used in accordance with predetermined license information in each device, the remaining unused resources are connected between connected electronic music devices. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic music apparatus and a program which can effectively utilize already licensed resources by appropriately accommodating each other.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic music apparatus comprising: connection means for connecting another electronic music apparatus; and license information indicating a right to use the resource used for executing a predetermined function in the electronic music apparatus. Storage means for storing, request means for requesting necessary resources when executing the predetermined function in the electronic music apparatus, and referring to the license information stored in the storage means, the requested resource Means for transmitting the requested resource borrowing request data to another electronic music device connected to the connection means when the electronic music device does not have use authority, and the borrowing request data According to the license information and means for receiving the borrowing permission data given from the other electronic music device, Scan and using the borrowed granted resource in accordance with the borrowing authorization data comprises a control unit for executing the operation in the electronic musical apparatus related to the predetermined function.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic music apparatus comprising: connection means for connecting another electronic music apparatus; and license information indicating a right to use the resource used to execute a predetermined function in the electronic music apparatus. Storage means for storing, means for receiving borrowing request data from another electronic music device connected to the connection means, and referring to the license information according to the borrowing request data, the connection means If the resource requested from the other connected electronic music device has the right to use the electronic music device, the requested request is sent to the other electronic music device connected to the connection means. Means for transmitting borrowing permission data for permitting the borrowing of resources.

  According to the present invention, when one electronic music apparatus requests a resource necessary for executing a predetermined function in the electronic music apparatus, it is used to execute the predetermined function stored in the storage means. Other electronic music devices connected to the connection means when referring to the license information indicating the use authority of the resource in the electronic music device and the requested resource does not have the use authority in the electronic music device To the requested resource borrowing request data. In the other electronic music apparatus connected to the electronic music apparatus by connection means, the license information stored in the storage means is referred to according to the received borrowing request data, and the requested resource is the electronic music apparatus. If the user has the right to use, borrowing permission data permitting the borrowing of the requested resource is transmitted to one of the electronic music apparatuses connected to the connecting means. In this way, a resource request that is required when a predetermined function is executed in the electronic music apparatus cannot be satisfied with only resources that are permitted to be used according to the license information stored in the device itself. In this case, the borrowing permission data given from another connected electronic music apparatus is received, and the electronic music is used using the resource having the right to use according to the license information and the resource permitted to be borrowed according to the borrowing permission data. An operation related to the predetermined function is executed in the apparatus. That is, resources that are insufficient from other electronic music devices are temporarily borrowed. In this way, resources that have already been licensed can be effectively used and used throughout the system, and the user can use as many resources as necessary without acquiring new license information. become.

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

  According to the present invention, in the electronic music devices connected to each other, among the resources permitted to be used in accordance with the license information related to the functions realized by the respective devices, extra resources are interchanged as necessary. There is an effect that the user can easily utilize and use the already licensed resources effectively in the entire system.

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

  First, an embodiment of the hardware configuration of the electronic music apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration block diagram showing an embodiment of the overall configuration of an electronic music apparatus according to the present invention. The electronic music device shown here may specifically be a music application device or an electronic musical instrument, and these devices can be described as using the same hardware configuration. This will be described using only one figure.

  The hardware configuration example of the electronic music apparatus (music application apparatus) shown here is configured by using a personal computer, and the computer executes various music applications in the music application. This is implemented by executing a corresponding predetermined control program (software program not shown). Of course, these processes are not limited to the form of computer software, but can be implemented in the form of a microprogram processed by a DSP (digital signal processor), and are not limited to the form of this type of program. Or you may implement in the form of the hardware device for exclusive use comprised including the integrated circuit or the large-scale integrated circuit. Note that the music application device has a function equivalent to that of an electronic musical instrument (for example, a hardware synthesizer) connected to the USB controller 11 described later by operating a music application program that realizes a sequencer function, a synthesizer function, or the like. As long as it is a device that can be used in combination with other music application devices, electronic musical instruments, etc., and is not limited to a personal computer, a game-only device, a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone or PDA, or Any product application form such as a karaoke apparatus or other multimedia equipment may be used.

  The music application apparatus (personal computer) shown in FIG. 1 is controlled by a microcomputer including a microprocessor unit (CPU) 1, a read only memory (ROM) 2, and a random access memory (RAM) 3. The CPU 1 controls the operation of the entire music application device. For this CPU 1, via a data and address bus 1D, ROM 2, RAM 3, detection circuit 4, display circuit 5, tone generator circuit 6, external storage device 8, MIDI interface (I / F) 9, communication interface (I / F) 10) The USB controller 11 is connected to each other. Further, the CPU 1 is connected to a timer 1A for measuring the interrupt time and various times in the timer interrupt process (interrupt process). For example, the timer 1A generates a clock pulse, and gives the generated clock pulse to the CPU 1 as a processing timing command or to the CPU 1 as an interrupt command. The CPU 1 executes various processes according to these instructions.

  The ROM 2 stores various programs executed by the CPU 1 and various data. The RAM 3 is used as a working memory that temporarily stores various data generated when the CPU 1 executes a predetermined program, or as a memory that stores a currently executed program and related data. A predetermined address area of the RAM 3 is assigned to each function and used as a register, flag, table, memory, or the like. The operation element 4A is, for example, a numeric keypad for inputting numeric data, a keyboard for inputting character data, a mouse for operating a predetermined pointing device displayed on the display 5A, or a special switch, and can be used as an operation element. Anything can be used. The detection circuit 4 detects the operation state of each operation element of the operation element 4A, and outputs switch information corresponding to the operation state to the CPU 1 via the bus 1D. The display circuit 5 displays a predetermined screen (not shown) according to the operation of the music application program on a display 5A composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), a CRT, etc. Various information related to the program, the control state of the CPU 1, and the like are displayed.

  The tone generator circuit 6 can simultaneously generate musical tone signals (eg, audio data) on a plurality of channels, and music application program such as MIDI sequence data (eg, software sequencer) provided via the data and address bus 1D. In response to the operation, various performance information such as MIDI data generated in accordance with user input is input, and a musical sound signal is generated based on the performance information. The musical sound signal generated from the sound source circuit 6 is given an effect through an effect circuit (not shown) and is produced by a sound system 7 including an amplifier and a speaker. Any conventional configuration may be used for the sound source circuit 6 and the sound system 7. For example, the tone generator circuit 6 may employ any of various tone synthesis methods such as FM, PCM, physical model, formant synthesis, etc., and may be configured by software processing by the CPU 1 or by dedicated hardware. May be.

  The external storage device 8 stores various data, various control programs executed by the CPU 1, and the like. For example, in the case of a music application device, a music application program, music data generated along with the operation of the music application program, and the like are stored. In the case of an electronic musical instrument, waveform data and license information of each music application program are stored. (Information that proves that the user who uses the music application program is a licensed user, and license information that describes different contents depending on the type and number of resources that are permitted to use is prepared. Is stored). Further, when a control program is stored in the external storage device 8 (for example, a hard disk), the CPU 1 is caused to perform the same operation as when the control program is stored in the ROM 2 by reading it into the RAM 3. be able to. In this way, control programs can be easily added and upgraded. The external storage device 7 is not limited to a hard disk (HD), but is detachable such as a flexible disk (FD), a compact disk (CD-ROM / CD-RAM), a magneto-optical disk (MO), or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Any storage device using various types of external storage media may be used. It may be a non-volatile semiconductor memory.

  The MIDI interface (I / F) 9 inputs MIDI format data (MIDI data) from another externally connected MIDI device 9A or the like to the music application device, or operates a music application program from the music application device. This is an interface for outputting the data in the MIDI format generated along with this to another MIDI device 9A or the like. When another device such as a separate music application device or electronic musical instrument is connected to the MIDI interface (I / F) 9, MIDI data is transmitted and received between the connected other device and the music application device. It becomes possible to generate a musical tone in each device according to the transmitted / received MIDI data. Note that MIDI data input / output may be performed via the USB controller 11 described later. The communication interface (I / F) 10 is connected to a wired or wireless communication network X such as a LAN, the Internet, or a telephone line, and is connected to the server computer 10A via the communication network X, and the server computer 10A. Is an interface for taking in a control program or various data from the music application device side. That is, when no control program or various data is stored in the ROM 2 or the external storage device 8 (for example, hard disk), it is used for downloading the control program and various data from the server computer 10A. Such a communication interface 10 may be both wired and wireless and may include both.

  The USB (Universal Serial Bus) controller 11 includes one or more USB terminals, and the music application apparatus and another USB device 13 (a music application apparatus including the USB controller 11 or the like directly connected to the USB terminal) USB that performs control to transmit and receive various types of information to and from a number of other USB devices 13 that are indirectly connected to the USB terminal via a USB hub (HUB) device 12. Interface control equipment. The USB hub device 12 includes a large number of USB terminals. By connecting the music application device to one of the USB terminals and the other USB device 13 to each of the remaining terminals of the USB terminal, This is to secure a communication path for transmitting and receiving various types of information between a large number of connected USB devices 13 (such as electronic musical instruments) and a music application device. In this embodiment, a music application device and an electronic musical instrument are connected to each other via the USB controller 11 or the like, so that a license (usage) is used between music application devices and electronic musical instruments that store license information of the same music application program. Among the resources that are permitted, the remaining unused resources can be lent and borrowed (ie, interchanged) with each other (details will be described later).

  The electronic musical instrument connected to the music application device via the MIDI interface 9 and / or the USB controller 11 is a device having at least a music function equivalent to the music function realized by the music application program (that is, the electronic musical instrument is music). It may be associated with the music function realized by the application program), and the license information related to the music function realized by the own device and the music function realized by other devices may be stored in the external storage device 8 or the like. It only has to be able to do it. In addition to the same components as the music application apparatus shown in FIG. 1, these electronic musical instruments include setting operators not shown, performance operators such as keyboard type, stringed instrument type, wind instrument type, percussion instrument type, and body-mounted type. It may be a device provided with (or composed of an operation form). For example, the setting operator selects a song selection switch, pitch, tone, effect, etc. for selecting song data (transmitted from a music application device or stored in advance in an electronic musical instrument) to be used for accompaniment -Various operators for setting / control may be included. The performance operator is, for example, a keyboard provided with a plurality of keys for selecting the pitch of a musical tone, and has a key switch corresponding to each key. ) Can be used not only for musical performance, but also as input means for selecting a song to be played.

Note that the above-described music application device (or electronic musical instrument) is not limited to one in which the operation element 4A, the display 5A, the sound source circuit 6 and the like are built in one device body, but each is configured separately, and has a MIDI interface and various networks. Needless to say, each of the devices may be connected using a communication means such as the above.
In addition, although the music application apparatus mentioned above showed as an example what provided the sound source circuit 6 and the sound system 7, it is not restricted to this, The sound source circuit 6 and the sound system 7 do not need to be provided.

  When the music application device shown in the present embodiment operates the music application program, it is based on the license information of the music application program stored in a hardware key (USB dongle or the like) connected to the music application device via USB. Thus, the range of resources permitted to be used in the music function realized by the music application program is limited. On the other hand, when the same music function is operated for the electronic musical instrument, the range of resources permitted to be used in the music function is limited based on the license information stored in the electronic musical instrument. At this time, if the user has not obtained an official license (license), the music application device and the music function of the electronic musical instrument are not used. Even if a user has an official license (license), the music function in each device can be used only for the range of resources permitted for use according to the license information that the user has acquired. I try to use it. That is, the range of resources that are permitted to be used is determined in advance for each license information, and the music function is provided for each device within the range of resources that are permitted to be used corresponding to the license information acquired by the user. It can be operated. As described above, the system including the music application device and the electronic musical instrument shown in the present embodiment uses one or more common resources for the music application device and one or more electronic musical instruments connected to the music application device via USB. License management function to manage according to the license information.

  Further, in the system in which the music application device and the electronic musical instrument (electronic music device) shown in this embodiment are connected to each other via USB, the remainder of the resources permitted to be used in each device is connected. It has a resource management function that can be flexibly accommodated based on requests from other devices. Of course, the present invention is not limited thereto, and each of the music application device and the electronic musical instrument generates performance information (MIDI data or the like) according to, for example, user input (sequencer function), and generates musical sounds electronically according to the generated performance information. It goes without saying that other functions such as (synthesizer function) may be provided, and the connected device on the other side may be controlled. Since these other functions may be any known ones, description thereof is omitted here.

  Next, an outline of processing for realizing the above-described license management function and resource management function will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram for explaining an overview of processing for realizing the license management function and the resource management function.

  The music application processing unit MA of the music application apparatus PC starts to operate a music application program that realizes, for example, a synthesizer function or a sequencer function in response to a switch operation by the user. When the sequencer function of the music application program is started, for example, predetermined performance information (MIDI data or the like) is generated in response to user input, and this is sequentially or collectively output in the order of performance. The MIDI / audio driver unit AD controls the USB-connected electronic musical instruments DM1 to DM3 so as to generate musical sounds according to the performance information output from the music application processing unit MA. That is, by transmitting performance information output from the music application processing unit MA to the electronic musical instruments 1 to 3 (DM1 to DM3) connected to the music application apparatus PC via the USB interface, the electronic musical instrument Musical sounds are generated in DM1 to DM3. In the electronic musical instruments 1 to 3 (DM1 to DM3), the control unit DC controls the performance information transmitted from the music application apparatus PC via the USB interface to the musical tone generation unit A, and the musical tone generation unit A performs music. A musical tone is generated based on performance information sent from the application apparatus PC. By doing so, MIDI data or the like is output from the music application device PC to the electronic musical instruments 1 to 3 (DM1 to DM3) connected via USB as needed, and the electronic musical instruments 1 to 3 (DM1 to DM3) are output for each electronic musical instrument 1 to 3 (DM1 to DM3). It can be controlled to generate musical sounds.

  Further, the musical tone generation unit A of each of the electronic musical instruments 1 to 3 (DM1 to DM3) performs a performance operation detection unit that generates predetermined performance information (such as MIDI data) in accordance with the operation status of the performance operator of the electronic musical instrument. The performance information can be received from B, and a musical sound is generated according to the performance information generated in response to the operation of the performance operator by the performance operation detector B. Further, the music application device PC connected via USB may be controlled so that a musical tone is generated according to the performance information output from the performance operation detection unit B. In that case, when the music application apparatus PC receives performance information from the electronic musical instruments 1 to 3 (DM1 to DM3) via the USB interface, the received performance information is sent to the MIDI / audio driver unit AD to generate musical sounds, Alternatively, an operation based on the received performance information is performed in accordance with the music application program being operated by the music application processing unit MA (for example, screen display). In this way, a corresponding predetermined operation may be executed on the music application apparatus PC side in accordance with the output of MIDI data or the like from the electronic musical instruments 1 to 3 (DM1 to DM3).

  When the operation of the music application program by the music application processing unit MA described above is started, the license management driver unit LD of the music application apparatus PC determines the resources permitted to be used in accordance with the license information of the music application program to be started. Get the type and number. At this time, the license management driver unit LD refers to the license information stored in one or more hardware keys K (USB dongle) that are USB-connected to the music application device PC, and the resources that are permitted to use. Get the type and number. The control unit KC that controls the entire hardware key K sends to the music application apparatus PC the type and number of resources according to the license information of the corresponding music application program acquired by the license management function unit KF. Of course, if the user who intends to use the music application program (that is, the user who uses the music application apparatus PC) is not a user who has obtained a license (license) for the music application program, the hardware key K Since the license information of the music application program that the user wants to use is not stored and the type and number of resources permitted to be used are not sent to the music application device PC at all, it is assumed that the user is not licensed in such a case. Needless to say, the music application device PC cannot operate the music application program.

  On the other hand, when the user who intends to use the music application program is a user who has a license (license for use) with respect to the music application program, the music application processing unit MA is within the range of the type and number of the acquired resources. Run the music application program. In addition, the license management driver unit LD is requested a resource necessary for executing a predetermined function during the operation of the music application program, and the request is permitted by the music application processing unit MA according to the license information. If the request is made to operate using more than one type or number of resources, each of the devices from one to a plurality of electronic musical instruments 1 to 3 (DM1 to DM3) connected via USB to the music application device PC Borrow resources from the resources that are allowed to be used in (and do not use them), and use the resources that are allowed to be used together with the borrowed resources for the function of the music application program. Perform the actions involved. When the borrowed resources are no longer necessary, the borrowed resources are returned to the borrowed electronic musical instruments 1 to 3 (DM1 to DM3).

  When the corresponding functions are operated in the electronic musical instruments 1 to 3 (DM1 to DM3), the license management fan action unit LF refers to the license information stored in each electronic musical instrument, Get the number etc. and operate the function based on this. In addition, there is a portion that is not used among the types and number of resources that are permitted to be used during operation of the function, and a “borrowing request” (borrowing request data) is received from the music application device PC connected via USB. In such a case, the unused resources are lent to the music application apparatus PC. In this case, if the requested resource cannot be allocated by itself only, the music application device can be further borrowed from the other electronic musical instruments that are managed as the host device. Lending (that is, lending) the resources that can be dealt with by the own device to the PC together with the resources borrowed from other electronic musical instruments. In this way, the music application program to be operated by the music application apparatus PC and the function realized by the electronic musical instrument based on the license information stored in the hardware key K or the electronic musical instrument DM connected to the music application apparatus PC by USB. In addition, the license management is performed on the other resources, and the surplus resources between the devices connected via USB are appropriately accommodated to other devices that require the resources.

  In the illustrated example, the USB controller 11 included in the music application device is a so-called USB host controller (driver unit HD), and thus the music application device is a USB host device. On the other hand, the USB controller 11 included in the electronic musical instrument and the hardware key is a so-called USB target controller (driver unit TD, KD), and thus the electronic musical instrument and the hardware key are the USB target device. The electronic musical instrument may include both a USB target controller (driver unit TD) and a USB host controller (driver unit HD). In such a case, the electronic musical instrument can be a USB target device or a USB host device. . In this case, the device can lend the resource again. For example, in the illustrated example, the electronic musical instrument 1 (DM1) becomes both a USB target device and a USB host device, so the electronic musical instrument 1 (DM1) uses resources borrowed from the electronic musical instrument 3 (DM3) to the music application device PC. You can lend it again.

  Next, specific processing for realizing the resource management function described above will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of “main processing” for realizing the resource management function. The “main process” shown here is a process operated by each of the music application apparatus and the electronic musical instrument that are connected to each other via USB.

  Step S1 acquires and stores the number of resources permitted to be used for a predetermined function of the own device (music application device or electronic musical instrument executing this processing) based on the license information. That is, based on the license information stored in the hardware key USB-connected to the own device in the case of a music application device, or based on the license information stored in the own device in the case of an electronic musical instrument. Get the number of resources licensed for a feature. The step S2 clears the “number of resources lent” that is compatible with other devices (music application device and electronic musical instrument) connected by USB from the own device.

  In step S3, “note-on number” is cleared. Step S4 is a request for a resource used to generate a musical sound (a resource necessary for executing the musical sound generating function), whether or not a note-on operation has been performed (or whether or not note-on event data has been received). ). If it is determined that a note-on operation has been performed (or note-on event data has been received) (step S4: yes), note-on processing is executed (step S5). As will be described in detail later, note-on processing is insufficient when only the number of resources permitted to be used by the own device is insufficient, and resources cannot be allocated to the note-on operation and cannot be handled. Borrow resources from other devices and perform processing such as generating musical sounds based on note-on operations (see FIG. 4). In step S6, it is determined whether or not a note-off operation has been performed (or whether or not note-off event data has been received). If it is determined that a note-off operation has been performed (or note-off event data has been received) (yes in step S6), note-off processing is executed. As will be described in detail later, note-off processing performs processing such as muting the musical sound generated based on the note-on operation, and when there is a number of resources borrowed from other devices during the note-on operation. A process of returning resources that are no longer necessary based on the off operation is performed (see FIG. 5).

  In step S8, it is determined whether or not a “borrowing request” (borrowing request data) has been received from another device connected to the own device via USB. This “borrowing request” (borrowing request data) is issued from another device when other devices run out of resources during the note-on operation (see FIG. 4 described later). If it is determined that the “borrow request” has been received (step S8: yes), the lending process is executed (step S9). As will be described in detail later, in the lending process, a process of lending surplus resources that are not allocated among the resources that are permitted to be used by the own machine is performed with respect to another device that has issued the “borrowing request” ( (See FIG. 6). In step S10, it is determined whether or not a “return notification” indicating that the use authority is returned is received from another device USB-connected to the own device. If it is determined that the “return notification” has been received (step S10: yes), the process to be returned is executed (step S10a). Although details will be described later, in the returned processing, among the resources lent to the other device from the own device based on the “borrowing request” from the other device, the resource that is no longer needed is appropriately changed to the other device. (See FIG. 7). After the process is completed, the process returns to step S4, and the processes in steps S4 to S10a are repeatedly executed.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the “note-on process” (see step S5 in FIG. 3) executed in the “main process”. In step S11, a shortage of resources in the own device is calculated. Here, the resource shortage is calculated according to the following equation (1).
(Equation 1)
Insufficient resources = "Number of resources allowed for own device"-"Number of resources lent" to other devices-"Number of notes already on (number of resources allocated to own device) ) "-" Number of new note-on operations (number of resources to be allocated) "

  In step S12, it is determined whether or not the calculated resource shortage exists. When there is no resource shortage (the calculated resource shortage is “0” or more), that is, when a resource can be allocated to a newly performed note-on operation only for the resource permitted to be used by the own device (No in step S12), note-on processing such as generating a tone based on the note-on operation is executed (step S20). On the other hand, when there is a shortage of resources (the calculated shortage of resources is less than “0”), that is, when resources cannot be allocated to the newly performed note-on operation only with the resources permitted for use by the own device. (Yes in step S12), one device is identified in the order of the upstream device, the downstream device 1, the downstream device 2,... Step S13). Here, whether the device corresponds to the upstream device or the downstream device is determined based on the form of USB connection. For example, in the case of the USB connection shown in FIG. 2, there is no upstream device for the music application apparatus PC, and the downstream devices are the electronic musical instrument 1 (DM1) and the electronic musical instrument 2 (DM2). For the electronic musical instrument DM1, the upstream device is the music application device PC, and the downstream device is the electronic musical instrument 3 (DM3). In such USB connection, the upstream device (host device: only one) and the downstream device (target device: one to a plurality of devices) are connected to each type of USB controller and the USB connection form between the devices. Since this is known, it will not be described in detail here.

  In step S14, a resource shortage is requested to the device that borrows the specified resource ("borrowing request" is transmitted). In step S15, when a response (borrowing permission data) corresponding to the request is received from the device that borrows the specified resource, the borrower (ID unique to the device that borrows the resource) and the number of borrowed resources are stored. At this time, if resources have already been borrowed from the same device, the number of resources already borrowed and the number of newly borrowed resources are added to update the number of borrowed resources. A step S16 decides whether or not a shortage of resources has been secured. If it is determined that a shortage of resources has been secured (yes in step S16), the process jumps to step S20. If it is determined that a shortage of resources has not been secured (no in step S16), all other devices connected to the own device via USB (however, devices in a range that can be recognized as upstream or downstream devices) In step S17, it is determined whether the resource shortage has been inquired. If it is determined that all devices have not been inquired (no in step S17), the process returns to step S13, and the processes in steps S13 to S17 are repeatedly executed. In other words, resources are accommodated from more devices. If it is determined that all devices have been inquired (step S17: yes), resources cannot be borrowed from other devices and resources cannot be allocated for new note-on operations. Then, note-on processing based on the note-on operation is performed (step S18). Alternatively, note-on processing may not be performed based on the note-on operation (that is, note-on operation is ignored). A step S19 updates the “number of notes on”.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the “note-off process” (see step S7 in FIG. 3) executed in the “main process”. A step S21 executes note-off processing such as muting a musical tone being generated based on a note-off operation. In step S22, it is determined whether resources are borrowed from other devices. If it is determined that the resource is not borrowed from another device (no in step S22), the process jumps to step S27. On the other hand, if it is determined that the resource is borrowed from another device (Yes in step S22), the upstream device, the downstream device 1, One device is identified in the order of downstream devices 2,... (Step S23). If the specified device is a stored borrowed device (see step S15 in FIG. 4), out of the number of borrowed corresponding to the stored borrowed device, it cannot be assigned with a note-off operation. A “return notification” for returning the resources to the specified device is returned (step S24).

  In step S25, it is determined whether all the resources that are no longer allocated due to the note-off operation have been returned to the borrowed device. When it is determined that all the resources that are no longer allocated due to the note-off operation have been returned to the borrowed device (yes in step S25), the process jumps to step S27. If it is determined that all the resources that are no longer allocated due to the note-off operation have not been returned to the borrowed device (no in step S25), all other devices connected to the own device via USB ( However, it is determined whether or not the above processing has been performed for a device in a range that can be recognized as an upstream or downstream device (step S26). If it is determined that the above process has not been performed for all other devices connected to the own device via USB (No in step S26), the process returns to step S23 and the processes from step S23 to step S26 are performed. repeat. If it is determined that the above processing has been performed on all other devices connected to the own device via USB (yes in step S26), the processing proceeds to step S27. A step S27 updates the “number of notes on”.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the “lending process” (see step S9 in FIG. 3) executed in the “main process”. In step S31, the remainder of the resource in the own device is calculated. Here, the remainder of the resource is calculated according to Equation 2 shown below.
(Equation 2)
Remaining resource = "Number of resources permitted to use" for own device-"Number of resources lent" to other devices-"Number of notes already on (resources assigned to own device) number)"

  In step S32, the number of resource requests based on the “borrowing request” is compared with the calculated resource surplus, and the resource surplus exceeds the number of requests according to the “borrowing request” (borrowing request data) from another device. It is determined whether or not there is. If it is determined that there are more resources than the number of requests (yes in step S32), the process jumps to step S38. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no more resource than the number of requests (no in step S32), in order to borrow a resource from another device and lend it again, a shortage of resources (here, request One device is identified in the order of the upstream device, the downstream device 1, the downstream device 2,... With respect to the own device as a borrowing device (subtracting the remainder of the resource from the number) (step S33). . In step S34, a request for a shortage (subtracting the excess from the number of requests) is requested (sending a “borrowing request”) to the specified another device. In step S35, when a response (borrowing permission data) corresponding to the request is received from the device that borrows the specified resource, the borrower (ID unique to the device that borrows the resource) and the number of borrowed resources are stored. At this time, if resources have already been borrowed from the same device, the number of resources already borrowed and the number of newly borrowed resources are added to update the number of borrowed resources.

  A step S36 decides whether or not a shortage of resources has been secured. If it is determined that a shortage of resources has been secured (yes in step S36), the process jumps to step S38. If it is determined that a shortage of resources has not been secured (no in step S36), all other devices connected to the own device via USB (however, devices in a range that can be recognized as upstream or downstream devices) In step S37, it is determined whether a resource shortage has been inquired. If it is determined that all devices have not been inquired (no in step S37), the process returns to step S33, and the processes in steps S33 to S37 are repeatedly executed. If it is determined that all devices have been inquired (yes in step S37), the process in step S38 is performed. In step S38, only the resources that can be secured are lent to the requesting device (borrowing permission data is returned). In step S39, “the number of resources lent” is updated. In this way, when the own device is requested to borrow resources from the requesting device, the remaining number of resources cannot satisfy the requested number. A “borrowing request” is made to the device, and a resource borrowed from another device is also lent to the requesting device so as to respond to the “borrowing request” from the requesting device.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the “returned process” (see step S11 in FIG. 3) executed in the “main process”. In step S41, it is determined whether there is a resource borrowed by another device. If it is determined that the resource is not borrowed by another device (no in step S41), the process jumps to the process in step S46. On the other hand, if it is determined that other devices have borrowed resources (yes in step S41), one device is arranged in the order of upstream device, downstream device 1, downstream device 2,. Specify (step S42). If the identified device is a device of a borrowed destination that has been stored (see step S15 in FIG. 4), the number of borrowings corresponding to the stored borrower is returned to the borrowed device (step S43). ).

  In step S44, it is determined whether or not all of the resources borrowed from the borrowed device are returned to the borrowed device for the amount that cannot be allocated due to the note-off operation. If it is determined that all the resources that are no longer allocated due to the note-off operation have been returned to the borrowed device (yes in step S44), the process jumps to step S46. If it is determined that all the resources that are no longer allocated due to the note-off operation have not been returned to the borrowed device (no in step S44), all other devices connected via USB to the own device ( However, it is determined whether or not the above processing has been performed for a device in a range that can be recognized as an upstream or downstream device (step S45). If it is determined that the above process has not been performed for all other devices connected to the own device via USB (No in step S45), the process returns to step S42 and the processes from step S42 to step S45 are performed. repeat. If it is determined that the above processing has been performed on all other devices connected to the own device via USB (step S45: yes), the processing proceeds to step S46. A step S46 updates “the number lent” to other devices. In this way, when the own device borrows resources from another device and lends resources to the requesting device, if the device returns the resources from the lending device, the own device lends. Priority is given to returning resources borrowed from other devices (or resources that are rented) over resources that are borrowed.

  As described above, license management of the music application device and the electronic musical instrument connected to the music application device via USB is performed not only according to the license information stored in each device, but also permitted to be used in each device according to the license information. It is now possible to lend the resources that are not used by the own device to other devices, and borrow from the other devices the resources that are not allowed to be used by the own device. As a result, when a music application device having an equivalent function and an electronic musical instrument are used in combination, the user is connected as necessary without acquiring new license information. Since each device (electronic music device) can exchange resources with each other as appropriate, it is already licensed. Is composed has resources to be able to use to utilize effectively the entire system.

The resource lending / borrowing described above is actually performed by transmitting / receiving the authority to use the resource (borrowing permission data) between electronic music devices connected to each other via USB.
Note that the types of functional units (resources) whose functions are restricted in the music application device and / or electronic musical instrument according to the license information are, for example, the number of simultaneous pronunciations that can be generated simultaneously in the sound source function, or different musical instrument sounds assigned to each The number of parts used when playing the instrument sound. Other examples include the number of sampling frequency (for example, 96 kHz) options and the word length of one sample data (for example, 32-bit data) related to the quality of the musical sound to be generated in an audio signal processing function such as a sound source or a mixer. and so on. There are types of effects that can be used and the number of effects that can be used simultaneously when combining multiple effects in a sound source or a mixer. There are the number and type of MIDI control change data that can be used. There are types of file formats that can be read (for example, MP3 format and WAV format). There are edit types (for example, cut and paste, time stretch, etc.) in the waveform editing function. There is a scale of the internal mixer (for example, the number of input channels, the number of output channels, the number of buses such as AUX). There are the number of audio data / MIDI data input ports and output ports when an interface such as USB or LAN is attached. Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above example.

  Note that the function of lending and borrowing resources between electronic music devices connected to each other via USB is not limited to the musical sound generation function based on the above-described note-on / note-off operation, and any function can be used as long as it relates to music. (For example, a score display function). However, it goes without saying that this is a function that allows resource management based on license information. Further, not real-time lending and borrowing as described above, but non-real-time lending and borrowing may be used. For example, in the above example, before the user uses a predetermined function of the electronic musical instrument 1, the upper limit of the number of resources to be used in advance is explicitly input using an operator, a display, or the like, and the number of resources Is secured by a license owned by the electronic musical instrument 1 itself or a license borrowed from another connected device, and the license is recorded and held so that a predetermined function is realized within the range of the number of resources. Good. Then, the secured resource may be released explicitly by the user as well.

1 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration showing an embodiment of an overall configuration of an electronic music apparatus according to the present invention. It is a control block diagram for demonstrating the outline | summary of the process which implement | achieves a license management function and a resource management function. It is a flowchart which shows one Example of the "main process" which implement | achieves a resource management function. It is a flowchart which shows one Example of "note-on process." It is a flowchart which shows one Example of "note-off process." It is a flowchart which shows one Example of the "lending process." It is a flowchart which shows one Example of the "returned process."

Explanation of symbols

1 ... CPU, 2 ... ROM, 3 ... RAM, 4 ... detection circuit, 4A ... operator, 5 ... display circuit, 5A ... display, 6 ... sound source circuit, 7 ... sound system, 8 ... external storage device, 9 ... MIDI Interface, 9A ... MIDI device, 10 ... Communication interface, 10A ... Server computer, 11 ... USB controller, 12 ... USB hub device, 13 ... USB device, 1D ... Communication bus, X ... Communication network, PC ... Music application device (PC) ) DM ... electronic musical instrument K ... hardware key MA ... music application processing unit LD ... license management driver unit AD ... MIDI / audio driver unit HD ... USB host controller driver unit LF ... license management function unit A ... musical sound generation unit, B ... performance operation detection unit, TD ( D) ... USB target controller driver part, DC (KC) ... control unit, KF ... license management function unit

Claims (6)

A connection means for connecting another electronic music device;
Storage means for storing license information indicating a right to use a resource used to execute a predetermined function in the electronic music device;
Request means for requesting necessary resources when executing the predetermined function in the electronic music device;
When the license information stored in the storage means is referred to and the requested resource does not have use authority in the electronic music device, the electronic music device connected to the connection means Means for sending borrowing request data for the requested resource;
Means for receiving borrowing permission data given from the other electronic music device in response to the borrowing request data;
An electronic music apparatus comprising: control means for executing an operation related to the predetermined function in the electronic music apparatus using a resource having use authority according to the license information and a resource permitted to be borrowed according to the borrowing permission data.   The means for transmitting the borrowing request data is used for another function of the requested resource in the electronic music device even when the requested resource has a use authority in the electronic music device. 3. The electronic music according to claim 2, wherein if it is already in use, the borrowing request data of the requested resource is transmitted to another electronic music device connected to the connection means. apparatus. A connection means for connecting another electronic music device;
Storage means for storing license information indicating a right to use a resource used to execute a predetermined function in the electronic music device;
Means for receiving borrowing request data from another electronic music device connected to the connection means;
Refer to the license information according to the borrowing request data, and if the resource requested from another electronic music device connected to the connection means has the use authority in the electronic music device, the connection An electronic music device comprising: means for transmitting borrowing permission data for permitting borrowing of the requested resource to another electronic music device connected to the means. Means for transmitting borrowing request data of the requested resource to another electronic music device connected to the connection means in accordance with the borrowing request data; and And further comprising means for receiving borrowing permission data given from the electronic music device,
The means for transmitting the borrowing permission data is used for another function of the requested resource in the electronic music device even when the requested resource has a use authority in the electronic music device. The borrowing permission data given from the received another electronic music device is transmitted to the other electronic music device that has issued the borrowing request data. The electronic music device according to 1. On the computer,
A procedure for connecting another electronic music apparatus to a predetermined connection means;
A procedure for storing, in a predetermined storage means, license information indicating a right to use a resource used to execute a predetermined function in the electronic music device;
A procedure for requesting necessary resources when the predetermined function is executed in the electronic music device;
When the license information stored in the storage means is referred to and the requested resource does not have use authority in the electronic music device, the electronic music device connected to the connection means A procedure for sending borrowing request data for the requested resource;
A procedure for receiving borrowing permission data given from the other electronic music device in response to the borrowing request data;
A program for executing a procedure for executing an operation related to the predetermined function in the electronic music device using a resource having use authority according to the license information and a resource permitted to be borrowed according to the borrowing permission data. On the computer,
A procedure for connecting another electronic music apparatus to a predetermined connection means;
A procedure for storing, in a predetermined storage means, license information indicating a right to use a resource used to execute a predetermined function in the electronic music device;
A procedure for receiving borrowing request data from another electronic music device connected to the connection means;
Refer to the license information according to the borrowing request data, and if the resource requested from another electronic music device connected to the connection means has the use authority in the electronic music device, the connection A program for executing a procedure for transmitting borrowing permission data for permitting borrowing of the requested resource to another electronic music apparatus connected to the means.

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