JP5168962B2 - Music application device, electronic musical instrument, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a music application device capable of operating a predetermined music application program, an electronic musical instrument having at least a function equivalent to the function realized by the music application program, and a program used for these devices. In particular, the present invention relates to a music application device, an electronic musical instrument, and a program used for these devices that can limit resources used in the music application program and the electronic musical instrument according to predetermined license information.

Generally, a music application program (software) that operates on a personal computer (hereinafter simply referred to as a personal computer) and realizes predetermined music functions such as a synthesizer function and a sequencer function is recorded with the music application program. For example, a storage medium such as a compact disk and a hardware key (for example, a USB dongle) are bundled together and distributed. License information (music) of the music application program is included in the hardware key. Information that proves that the user who uses the application program is a user who has obtained a license for use). 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 (in this case, the personal computer corresponds to the music application device). For example, there is an apparatus described in Patent Document 1 shown below. Further, in such a device, in accordance with the operation of the music application program on a personal computer (music application device), music data generated for an electronic musical instrument connected to the personal computer via a predetermined interface is transmitted. Thus, a musical sound based on the generated music data can be generated on the electronic musical instrument side.
JP 2004-212603 A

  By the way, in the conventionally known music application apparatus as described above, functional units that can be used in functions realized in accordance with the operation of the music application program in accordance with the contents of the license information stored in the USB dongle. The limit range of (for example, the number of simultaneous sounds in the sound source function, the types of effects that can be used simultaneously, the number of effects, etc .: these are collectively referred to as resources in this specification) is changed. Therefore, the user can release the resource range restriction for the music application program by newly acquiring license information with different contents, or increase the available resource range by narrowing the resource restriction range. Can be done as needed. However, the resource limitation by the license information in the conventionally known device is limited only to the function realized by the operation of the music application program, and of course, there is no limitation on the equivalent function of the electronic musical instrument. It has no effect (that is, resources are not limited on the electronic musical instrument side). Then, the consistency of resources that can be used between the music application device and the electronic musical instrument cannot be achieved, and it is difficult for the user to combine the music application device and the electronic musical instrument. Therefore, when a music application device (specifically, only when a music application program is operating) having an equivalent function and an electronic musical instrument are used in combination, only the music application device according to predetermined license information is used. There has been a demand for a device that can limit the resources of an electronic musical instrument, but such a device has not been considered.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and music that can easily limit the resources of both a music application device and an electronic musical instrument connected to the music application device according to predetermined license information. It is an object to provide an application device, an electronic musical instrument, and a program used for those devices.

A music application apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention is a music application apparatus that is used in combination with an electronic musical instrument and controls the electronic musical instrument, comprising: connection means for connecting one or more electronic musical instruments; and the connection And acquiring means for acquiring license information of a predetermined function stored in each of the one or more electronic musical instruments, and based on the acquired license information, it can be used by all of the connected electronic musical instruments. A determining unit that determines a resource range; an allocating unit that allocates a resource that is permitted to be used for each of the connected electronic musical instruments from the determined resource range; and the connected 1 to 1 Notifying means for notifying each of the plurality of electronic musical instruments of the resource to be used and assigned to each electronic musical instrument. Have.
Further, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it further comprises operating means for operating a predetermined music application program that realizes at least a partial function similar to the function executed by the electronic musical instrument, wherein the operating means is the assigning means. The music application program is operated while restricting resources based on the remaining resources allocated to each electronic musical instrument in the determined resource range.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic musical instrument according to an instruction from a connection unit that connects a music application device, a storage unit that stores license information of a predetermined function, and the connected music application device. Returning means for returning the license information stored in the storage means to the music application device, and depending on the notification of the resource permitted to be used from the connected music application device, regardless of the stored license information. Control means for restricting resources and executing the predetermined function.

  According to the present invention, the music application device acquires license information of a predetermined function from one or more electronic musical instruments connected to the connection means, and based on the acquired license information, the one or more connected electronic devices. After determining a range of resources that can be used by the entire musical instrument (and music application device), resources that are permitted to be used for each of the one or more electronic musical instruments (and music application devices) out of the determined resource range And the assigned resource is notified to each electronic musical instrument. The electronic musical instrument executes the predetermined function by limiting the resource regardless of the stored license information in accordance with the resource that is permitted to be used notified from the music application device connected to the connection unit. In addition, the music application device may transmit a predetermined music application program that realizes at least a partial function similar to a function executed by the electronic musical instrument to a remaining resource allocated to each electronic musical instrument in the determined resource range. Based on the above, operate with limited resources. In this way, when a music application device having a predetermined function and one or more electronic musical instruments are used in combination, the user is individually permitted to use one or more electronic musical instruments. The resource range that can be used by the entire system is determined and the resources are reassigned to each electronic musical instrument (and music application device). Regardless of the resource on which it is based, the available resources can be expanded / restricted to easily execute each function of the electronic musical instrument (and music application device).

  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, the license information is shared by one or more electronic musical instruments connected to the music application device, and individually assigned to one or more electronic musical instruments (and music application devices) connected to the music application device. Resources that can be used in the entire system based on the license information of the system, and the resources that can be used individually for each electronic musical instrument (and music application device) are reassigned within the aggregated resources Therefore, the user expands / limits the resources used in each electronic musical instrument (and music application apparatus) regardless of individual resource restrictions assigned in advance, and each function of the electronic musical instrument (and music application apparatus) is performed. Can be easily performed, and Cormorants effect can be obtained.

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

  First, an embodiment of a hardware configuration of a music application apparatus or an electronic musical instrument according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration showing an embodiment of the overall configuration of any one of the above devices. However, since each of the above devices can be described as using a similar hardware configuration, here, only one diagram of the music application device will be described as a representative.

  The hardware configuration example of the music application device shown here is configured by using a personal computer, and processing for executing various music applications therein is performed by predetermined control corresponding to each music application. This is implemented by executing a program (a 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 according to the present invention is provided in an electronic musical instrument (for example, a hardware synthesizer) connected to the USB controller 11 to be described later by operating a music application program that realizes a sequencer function, a synthesizer function, or the like. Can be used as long as the device can be used in combination with the electronic musical instrument, and is not limited to a personal computer, and is not limited to a personal computer, a portable device such as a mobile phone or PDA, or a karaoke device Any other application form such as a multimedia device may be adopted.

  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 8 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 an electronic musical instrument is connected to the MIDI interface (I / F) 9, MIDI data can be transmitted / received between the connected electronic musical instrument and the music application device, and according to the transmitted / received MIDI data. Musical sounds can be generated in each other's devices. 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 includes the music application device and another USB device 13 (here, in particular, the USB controller 11) directly connected to the USB terminal. USB that performs control to transmit and receive various types of information to and from a large number of other USB devices 13 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, the music application device and the electronic musical instrument are connected via the USB controller 11 of each device, and in this embodiment, the license is granted to the electronic musical instrument that stores the license information of the music application program executed by the music application device It is possible to inquire about (licensed) resources, transmit resources allocated to the electronic musical instrument, or transmit / receive MIDI data or the like (details will be described later). Note that the USB controller 11 included in the music application device is a so-called USB host controller, 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 is a so-called USB target controller, and thus the electronic musical instrument is a USB target device.

  The electronic musical instrument connected to the music application device via the MIDI interface 9 and / or the USB controller 11 can store license information of the music application program in the external storage device 8 or the like, and functions realized by the music application program Any device may be used as long as it has at least a function equivalent to the above (that is, the electronic musical instrument shown in this specification is associated with a function realized by the music application program). 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.

  In the music application apparatus shown in the present embodiment, when the music application program is operated, the license of the music application program stored in a hardware key (USB dongle or the like) connected to the music application apparatus via USB or an electronic musical instrument is stored. Based on the information, the range of resources permitted to be used in the function realized by the music application program and the function of the electronic musical instrument is respectively limited. At this time, if the user has not obtained a formal license (license), the music application program and the electronic musical instrument are not operated at all, thereby preventing the user from using the music application program and the electronic musical instrument. On the other hand, even for a user who has an official license (license), the music application program and the electronic musical instrument can be used only for the range of resources permitted to be used in accordance with the license information acquired by the user. Can be used. That is, the range of resources permitted to be used is determined in advance for each license information, and the user can use the music application device and the electronic musical instrument within the range of resources permitted for use according to the acquired license information. A range of resources to be arbitrarily used can be allocated to each of these (details will be described later). 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. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and each of the music application device and the electronic musical instrument generates, for example, performance information (MIDI data, etc.) according to user input (sequencer function), and generates musical sounds electronically according to the generated performance information. Needless to say, it may have other functions such as (synthesizer function) for inputting and processing performance information and audio data, or outputting the processed performance information and audio data. Since any other function other than the license management function may be known, a description thereof is omitted here.

  Next, according to the predetermined license information as described above, a license management function for managing resources in both the functions of the music application program operated on the music application apparatus and the electronic musical instrument connected to the music application apparatus via USB is realized. An outline of the processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram for explaining an outline of processing for realizing the license 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 electronic musical instrument DM connected via USB so as to generate a musical tone signal (audio data) according to the performance information output from the music application processing unit MA. That is, the performance information output from the music application processing unit MA is transmitted to the electronic musical instrument DM connected to the music application apparatus PC via the USB interface so that the electronic musical instrument DM generates a musical sound. I have to. In the electronic musical instrument DM, performance information transmitted from the music application device PC via the USB interface is sent to the audio function unit AF, and the audio function unit AF performs music sound based on the performance information transmitted from the music application device PC. The sound source circuit 6 and the like (see FIG. 1) are controlled so as to generate. By doing so, it is possible to output MIDI data or the like from the music application apparatus PC to the USB-connected electronic musical instrument DM as needed, and to control the electronic musical instrument DM to generate musical sounds.

  When the music application program MA starts to operate the music application program, the license management unit LS determines the types of resources that are permitted to be used according to the license information of the music application program to be started. Get the number, etc. At this time, the license management unit LS not only refers to the license information stored in one or more hardware keys K that are USB-connected to the music application PC, but is also USB-connected to the music application device PC. Also referring to the license information stored in one or more electronic musical instruments DM, the type and number of resources permitted to be used are acquired. That is, the license management driver unit LD follows the instruction from the license management unit LS and licenses the music application program to start operation on the hardware key K and the electronic musical instrument DM connected to the music application device PC via USB. Queries whether information is stored. When the license management function units KF and LF of the hardware key K and the electronic musical instrument DM receive a license information inquiry from the music application apparatus PC connected via USB, the license information is stored in the stored license information. When the corresponding license information is found, the type and number of resources permitted to be used according to the license information are returned to the music application apparatus PC.

  The license management unit LS aggregates the types and number of resources returned from the hardware key K and the electronic musical instrument DM connected to the music application device PC by USB, thereby determining the types and number of resources permitted to be used. Determine the total number. At this time, the resource types based on the same license information are not counted twice. In addition, after determining the total number of types and number of resources permitted to be used, according to user input, the upper limit of the types and number of resources allocated to functions realized by the music application program, and the types of resources allocated to similar functions in electronic musical instruments And assign an upper limit for each.

  In the music application apparatus PC and the electronic musical instrument DM, each function is operated within the upper limit of the type and number of the allocated resources. When operating the music application program on the music application device PC, the music application processing unit MA operates the music application program based on the assignment from the license management unit LS. When the corresponding function is operated in the electronic musical instrument DM, the audio function unit AF operates the corresponding function based on the assignment from the license management unit LS. 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 to be used in neither the electronic musical instrument DM nor the electronic musical instrument DM is stored, it goes without saying that the music application program is not operated as a user who has not obtained a license in such a case. In this way, it is realized by the music application program and the electronic musical instrument DM that are operated on the music application apparatus PC based on the license information stored in the hardware key K and the electronic musical instrument DM connected to the music application apparatus PC by USB. The license management for the function to be performed is performed.

  Note that the audio function unit AF of the electronic musical instrument DM monitors the operation status of the performance operator of the electronic musical instrument DM, and when detecting that the performance operator has been operated, a predetermined generated according to the performance operator. Performance information (such as MIDI data) may be transmitted to the music application apparatus PC connected via USB. In such a case, when the music application device PC receives performance information from the electronic musical instrument DM via the USB interface, the received music performance information is sent to the software synthesizer function of the music application program via the MIDI / audio driver unit AD to generate musical sounds. Or according to the music application program being operated by the music application processing unit MA, an operation based on the received performance information is performed (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 instrument DM.

  Next, specific processing for realizing the music application program license management function as described above in the music application apparatus PC and the electronic musical instrument DM shown in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3 or FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the “license management process”. This “license management process” is a process that is started only on the music application apparatus PC side when the music application apparatus PC and the electronic musical instrument DM are connected to each other via USB.

  In step S1, a list of devices (hardware key K and electronic musical instrument DM) connected via USB to the music application apparatus PC is acquired from the USB host controller driver unit HD. That is, when the hardware key K and the electronic musical instrument DM are connected to the music application apparatus PC by USB, the USB host controller driver unit HD detects the hardware key K and the electronic musical instrument DM (USB target device) connected by USB. Then, a list of all the devices connected via USB is created based on the detected hardware key K and vendor information and function information sent from the electronic musical instrument DM. In step S2, for each of the devices having the license management function unit KF (LF) (devices connected via USB), for each type and type of resource licensed based on the license information stored for each device Inquires about the upper limit (resource information) of the number of resources, and acquires the licensed resource type and the number of resources from each device. At this time, the type of resources and the number of resources for each device are aggregated for each license information, thereby determining the types of resources permitted to be used and the total number of resources (range of resources). That is, the overall resources permitted to be used as a system are determined according to all license information stored in each USB-connected device. In step S3, a resource allocation list is initialized. This resource allocation list is definition information that defines the upper limit of the number of resources that can be used for each type of resource that is permitted to be used, and is connected to the music application device PC and the music application device PC via USB. It is prepared for each electronic musical instrument DM.

  In step S4, it is determined whether or not the USB host controller driver unit HD has detected a change in the device configuration (USB network configuration). If the USB host controller driver unit HD does not detect a change in the device configuration, that is, the new device is not additionally connected to the music application apparatus PC by USB, and is any of the devices already connected by USB. Is not removed from the music application device PC (no in step S4), the user can use the music application device PC that is the host device or each electronic musical instrument DM that is connected to the USB that is the target device. It is determined whether or not resource number allocation processing has been performed (step S8). When it is determined that the user has not performed the resource number allocation process (no in step S8), the process returns to step S4. On the other hand, if it is determined by the user that the resource number allocation process has been performed in any of the above devices (Yes in step S8), the total number of resource numbers allocated is determined according to the resource number allocation to each device by the user. Then, it is determined whether the total number of allocated resources exceeds the total number of licensed resources (step S9). If it is determined that the total number of allocated resources exceeds the total number of licensed resources (Yes in step S9), the allocation of the number of resources to each device by the user is reflected in the resource allocation list (updated) Without returning to step S4. If it is determined that the total number of allocated resources does not exceed the total number of licensed resources (no in step S9), the resource of the corresponding device is determined according to the allocation of the number of resources to each device by the user. The allocation list is updated (step S10).

  In step S4, when the USB host controller driver unit HD detects a change in device configuration, that is, when a new device is USB-connected to the music application device PC, or any of the devices already connected by USB If it is removed from the music application device PC (yes in step S4), the change in the device configuration is reflected in the resource allocation list (step S5). Specifically, when a new device is USB-connected to the music application device PC, a resource allocation list corresponding to the additionally connected device is created. When any of the devices already connected by USB is removed from the music application apparatus PC, the resource allocation list corresponding to the removed device is deleted.

  In step S6, it is determined whether or not the total number of resources allocated by counting the number of resources already allocated to each device exceeds the total number of licensed resources. For example, when an electronic musical instrument that stores license information is removed from a music application device, the type of resource and the number of resources that are permitted to be used according to the license information are not licensed. This is inconvenient because it may exceed the total number of licensed resources. In order to avoid such inconvenience, here, the same process as in step S9 is performed, and a process for determining whether or not the total number of allocated resources exceeds the total number of licensed resources is performed. If it is determined that the total number of allocated resources does not exceed the total number of licensed resources (no in step S6), the process returns to step S4. On the other hand, if it is determined that the total number of allocated resources exceeds the total number of licensed resources (step S6: yes), the music application processing unit MA or each target device is displayed on the allocated number of resources list. The upper limit of resources allocated to (electronic musical instrument) is changed (step S7).

  Step S11 instructs the music application processing unit MA to set the upper limit of the resource according to the resource allocation list related to the music application device PC among the resource allocation list for each device updated as described above. That is, in the music application apparatus PC, when the music application processing unit MA executes the music application program, each function operates according to the instruction for the upper limit of the resource. In step S12, according to the resource allocation list for each target device (electronic musical instrument DM) in the resource allocation list for each device updated as described above, the target device (via the USB host controller driver unit HD) is selected. The upper limit of the resource is instructed to the audio function part AF of the electronic musical instrument DM) (step S12). That is, the target device (electronic musical instrument DM) operates each function by setting the upper limit of the usable resource in accordance with the resource upper limit instruction sent from the music application apparatus PC.

  Next, another example of the “license management process” in the music application apparatus PC and the electronic musical instrument DM shown in this example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing another example of the “license management process”. In this process, the resources that can be used in the music application device PC and the electronic musical instrument DM are changed in real time in accordance with the number of resources (for example, the number of simultaneous sounds) in use in the electronic musical instrument DM. The “license management process” shown here is realized by combining processes started on the music application apparatus PC side and the electronic musical instrument DM side.

  As processing of the music application device PC (specifically, the license management unit LS), first, from the USB host controller driver unit HD to a device (hardware key K or electronic musical instrument DM) connected to the music application device PC via USB. A list is acquired (step S21). In step S22, for each of the devices having the license management function units KF and LF, that is, for each of the devices connected via USB, the type of the resource licensed for each type and type based on the license information stored for each device. Queries the upper limit of the number of resources, etc., and acquires the type and number of resources licensed from each device. In step S23, the type of resources and the number of resources for each device are aggregated for each license information, and the type of resources permitted to be used and the total number of resources for each type (resource range) are obtained. And the total number of resources for each type (range of resources) are held (stored) in the RAM. Step S24 clears the resource usage count for each resource type currently in use.

  In step S25, it is determined whether or not there is a request for permission of note-on (musical sound control information) from the music application processing unit MA or from the electronic musical instrument DM connected via the USB host controller driver unit HD. If it is determined that there is a request for permission of note-on (yes in step S25), the resource type and the number of resources permitted to be used are obtained based on the number of note-ons requested for permission (step S26). Then, the number of allowed note-ons is returned to the music application processing unit MA or to the electronic musical instrument DM via the USB host controller driver unit HD (step S27). Further, the number of currently used resources is updated (step S28). In step S29, it is determined whether or not a note-off (musical sound control information) is notified from the music application processing unit MA or from the electronic musical instrument DM via the USB host controller driver HD. If it is determined that there is a note-off notification (yes in step S29), the number of resources currently in use is updated (step S30). In step S31, it is determined whether the USB host controller driver unit HD has detected a change in device configuration. When a change in the device configuration is detected (step S31: yes), the total number of resources is updated (step S32).

  On the other hand, as processing of the electronic musical instrument DM (or processing of the music application processing unit MA in the music application device PC), it is determined whether or not a note-on event has occurred (step P1). Step P2 issues a note-on permission request to the license management unit LS of the music application apparatus PC which is the host device via the USB target controller driver unit TD. Step P3 receives the permitted note-on number returned from the license management unit LS of the music application device PC which is the host device via the USB target controller driver unit TD. Step P4 determines whether the number of allowed note-ons is less than the requested number of note-ons. If it is determined that the number of allowed note-ons is less than the requested number of note-ons (yes in step P4), the truncation process is executed, and a part of the tone generation based on the requested note-on is omitted ( Step P5). Step P6 executes a sound generation process for generating a musical sound based on note-on. Step P7 determines whether or not a note-off event has occurred. If it is determined that a note-off event has occurred (yes in step P7), a note that includes truncation processing is added to the license management unit LS of the music application device PC that is the host device via the USB target controller driver unit TD. The number of OFF is notified (step P8).

  As described above, the license management of the music application program operating on the music application device and the electronic musical instrument connected to the music application device via USB can be performed according to the common license information. When a music application device having an equivalent function and an electronic musical instrument are used in combination, it is possible to easily restrict resources of the music application device and the electronic musical instrument together with ensuring consistency. become.

In addition, since the user can arbitrarily allocate resources that can be used, the user can freely use the music application device and the electronic musical instrument according to their usage within the range of the permitted resources. The resource to be used can be set and used. For example, “license information A” capable of simultaneously sounding up to 256 sounds on an electronic musical instrument is stored, while “license information B” capable of simultaneously sounding up to 256 sounds on a hardware key connected to a music application device via USB. ”Is stored, the user can appropriately use as described below.
(1) A user who seeks an operation with high compatibility between an electronic musical instrument and a music application program applies “license information A” of 256-sound resources permitted to be used for the electronic musical instrument to the music application program. Thus, a pseudo sound generation channel is allocated so that a maximum of 512 sounds can be simultaneously generated by the music application program (however, in this case, the electronic musical instrument cannot be sounded).
(2) A user who attaches importance to the quality and stability of the sound to be generated or a user who is used in live performance uses “license information B” of 256 sound resources permitted for the music application program to the electronic musical instrument. In this case, a sound channel is assigned so that a maximum of 512 sounds can be generated simultaneously by the electronic musical instrument (however, in this case, the music application program cannot perform sound generation).
(3) Based on the “license information A” and “license information B” stored in each device, 256 sounds to be frequently edited are assigned to the music application program, and basic 256 sounds are assigned to the electronic musical instrument.
Needless to say, the user can expand the range of resources permitted to be used by additionally purchasing new license information when resources such as the number of simultaneous pronunciations are insufficient.

  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. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and other examples include, for example, the number of sampling frequency (for example, 96 kHz) and the word length of one sample data related to the quality of the musical sound generated by the audio signal processing function such as a sound source and a mixer. (For example, 32-bit data). 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.

In the above-described embodiment, how many resources are allocated to each of the music application program and the electronic musical instrument is determined by the user allocation process (see step S8 in FIG. 3). Each device may be automatically determined as necessary.
When the music application apparatus according to the present invention is applied to an electronic musical instrument, the license management as described above is performed between the electronic musical instrument and the electronic musical instrument connected to the electronic musical instrument by USB according to the license information stored therein. It goes without saying that you can do that.

1 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration showing an embodiment of an overall configuration of any one of a music application apparatus and an electronic musical instrument 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. It is a flowchart which shows one Example of a license management process. It is a flowchart which shows another Example of a license management 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 LS ... license acquisition unit MA ... music application processing unit ID ... communication interface driver unit LD ... license management driver unit AD ... MIDI / audio driver unit HD ... USB host controller driver unit AF ... Audio function part, LF ... La Sense management function unit, TD ... USB target controller driver section

Claims (6)

A music application device that is used in combination with an electronic musical instrument and controls the electronic musical instrument,
Connecting means for connecting one or more electronic musical instruments;
Obtaining means for obtaining license information of a predetermined function stored in each of the connected electronic musical instruments;
Determining means for determining a range of resources that can be used by the connected electronic musical instruments as a whole based on the acquired license information;
Allocating means for allocating resources to be permitted to use for each of the connected electronic musical instruments from the determined resource range;
A music application apparatus comprising notification means for notifying each of the connected electronic musical instruments of a resource that is permitted to be assigned to each of the electronic musical instruments.   The system further comprises operating means for operating a predetermined music application program that realizes at least a partial function similar to the function executed by the electronic musical instrument, wherein the operating means is the resource range determined by the assigning means in the resource range determined by the assigning means. 2. The music application apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the music application program is operated based on a remaining resource allocated to each electronic musical instrument while limiting resources. Said assigning means, in response to the predetermined control information, wherein each of the connected one or a plurality of electronic musical instruments are generated, generation of an electronic musical instrument generates the control information from among the range of resources that said determining said control information music application apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that allocated appropriately to ensure resources that require authorization used with the. A connection means for connecting the music application device;
Storage means for storing license information of a predetermined function;
In response to an instruction from the connected music application device, return means for returning the license information stored in the storage means to the music application device;
An electronic musical instrument comprising control means for restricting resources and executing the predetermined function regardless of the stored license information in response to a notification of a resource permitted to be used from the connected music application device. On the computer,
A procedure for obtaining license information of a predetermined function stored in each of one or more electronic musical instruments connected to the connection means;
Determining a range of resources that can be used by the connected electronic musical instruments as a whole based on the acquired license information;
Allocating resources to be permitted to use for each of the connected electronic musical instruments from the determined resource range;
A procedure of notifying each of the connected electronic musical instruments of a resource that is permitted to use assigned to each electronic musical instrument;
A program for running On the computer,
In response to an instruction from the music application device connected to the connection means, a procedure for returning license information of a predetermined function stored in the storage means to the music application device;
A program for executing a procedure for restricting resources and executing the predetermined function regardless of the stored license information in response to a notification of a resource permitted to be used from the connected music application device.

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