JP5293286B2 - Musical sound control device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a musical sound controller for easily loop-controlling a series of operations for achieving one or more kinds of functions. <P>SOLUTION: Loop pattern information where a plurality of operations included in one or more kinds of musical sound control functions are combined is stored, the operation to be executed among the plurality of operations is changed in a changing order according to the operation of an operator, and the musical sound control corresponding to the operation is performed. When changing of the plurality of operations has gone around, by repeating the changing to the initial operation of the changing order, the loop control related to one or more kinds of musical sound control functions consisting of the plurality of operations is achieved. Thus, in response to the operation of the operator such as a foot switch, a user can sequentially change the plurality of various operations for achieving the plurality of kinds of functions, and the series of operations for achieving the plurality of different kinds of functions can be loop-controlled. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a musical tone control apparatus and program for switching an operation related to musical tone control in accordance with an operation of a predetermined operator such as a foot switch. In particular, the present invention relates to a technique in which a plurality of operations are sequentially switched according to an operation of an operation element, and a series of operations for realizing one to a plurality of types of functions can be loop-controlled.

  Conventionally, an operator that takes either an on state or an off state, and at least any of the off state to the on state (referred to as an on operation) or the on state to the off state (referred to as an off operation). Each time an operation is performed on an operator that generates a predetermined signal (or data) in accordance with one of the operations, for example, when a foot switch is depressed (ON operation), the tone is controlled based on the generation of the signal. Musical tone control apparatuses and programs that switch and execute such predetermined operations are known. As an example of such an apparatus, there is an apparatus described in Patent Document 1 or 2 shown below.

  The apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is an electronic musical instrument that can reproduce song data and automatic accompaniment data. A musical sound reproduction function for automatically playing a song or accompaniment is assigned as a footswitch function, and “reproduction start” is performed. And “stop playback”, or “start playback” and “stop playback and return playback position to the beginning” can be switched immediately. On the other hand, the device described in Patent Document 2 is an electronic musical instrument having a sequencer function, and has a so-called punch-in function for updating and recording a musical tone as a foot switch function in accordance with an operation of a performance operator or the like during musical tone reproduction. Two operations such as “recording a musical tone (punch-in)” and “playing a musical tone (punch-out)” can be switched immediately.

JP2005-1882092 JP-A-11-194768

  In the conventional apparatus as described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 described above, the user simply operates the foot switch at the foot without interrupting the performance even when playing a guitar or the like. Operations such as “play / stop” and “punch-in / punch-out” can be switched. However, in the past, there was a problem in that it was not only easy to switch between two operations controlled in pairs in a single type of function (in the above example, the playback function and the punch-in function), and was unusable. .

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and is paired in a single type of function (in the above example, the play / stop function and the punch-in / out function) in accordance with the operation of an operator such as a foot switch. It is easy not only to switch one operation alternately, but also to be able to sequentially switch various operations, and to easily loop control a series of operations that realize different types of functions by switching these operations It is an object of the present invention to provide a musical tone control apparatus and a program that can be used.

  The musical tone control apparatus according to the present invention is a musical tone control that realizes a series of musical tone control corresponding to the function by appropriately switching a plurality of operations related to the control of the musical tone signal included in the predetermined musical tone control function. A loop that combines an operation element and a plurality of operations included in a predetermined musical sound control function in a switching order, and is a combination of a plurality of operations included in one or more types of musical sound control functions. Display means for storing pattern information and display means for displaying the display bodies corresponding to the plurality of operations in the switching order based on the loop pattern information, wherein the display bodies form a series of operation loops. Corresponding to at least one of the displayed display objects that has been switched to the execution target in accordance with the operation of the operation element arranged and displayed in the mode Display control means for controlling the display means so as to display a display object in a display mode different from other display bodies, and an execution target among a plurality of operations according to the loop pattern information according to the operation of the operator. Control means for switching the operations to be performed in the switching order and executing the musical tone control corresponding to the operations, and the control means performs the first operation in the switching order as the switching of the plurality of operations is completed. It is characterized in that loop control relating to one or a plurality of types of musical tone control functions composed of the plurality of operations is realized by repeating switching to the above.

  According to the present invention, loop pattern information obtained by combining a plurality of operations included in one or a plurality of types of musical tone control functions is stored in a storage unit, and a plurality of operations are performed according to the loop pattern information according to the operation of the operator. Of these, the operation to be executed is switched in the switching order, and the tone control corresponding to the operation is executed. At that time, when the switching of the plurality of operations is completed, the loop control related to one or more types of musical tone control functions including the plurality of operations is performed by repeating switching to the first operation in the switching order. Is to be realized. In this way, the user not only switches between two operations that are paired in a single type of function in response to the operation of an operator such as a foot switch, but also a variety of multiple types that realize multiple types of functions. The operations can be sequentially switched, and a series of operations for realizing different types of functions can be loop-controlled. Such a device is very convenient for the user.

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

  According to the present invention, it is possible to repeat the execution of the musical tone control corresponding to the operation by sequentially switching a plurality of operations for realizing one to a plurality of types of functions according to the operation of the operation element as a series of operation loops. As a result, the user can easily perform loop control of a series of operations for realizing one or more types of functions simply by repeatedly operating the operator.

1 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration showing an embodiment of the overall configuration of a musical tone control apparatus according to the present invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows one Example of the data structure of a loop pattern table. It is a conceptual diagram which shows one Example of a loop edit screen. It is a conceptual diagram which shows another Example of a loop edit screen. It is a flowchart which shows one Example of the first half process of a main process. It is a flowchart which shows one Example of the latter half process of a main process.

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

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the hardware configuration showing an embodiment of the overall configuration of the musical tone control apparatus according to the present invention. The hardware configuration example of the musical tone control apparatus A shown here is configured by using a personal computer, and the processing for executing various music applications therein is a predetermined control corresponding to each music application. This is implemented by executing a program (for example, a sequencer software program). 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 dedicated hardware apparatus comprised including the integrated circuit or the large-scale integrated circuit.

  Here, the music application program is not limited to the sequencer software program, but in the following, in order to make the explanation easier to understand, an example is given in which the apparatus operates as a sequencer having various functions relating to the reproduction / recording of musical sounds by the sequencer software program. Explained.

  First, the musical tone control apparatus A according to the present invention is connected to an external performance control apparatus E via a communication interface 8 (for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus)). In the external performance control device E, various musical tone signals generated by one or more musical instruments G (for example, audio signals input from a microphone in the case of a natural musical instrument, and generated by the musical instrument in the case of an electronic musical instrument). Performance information (MIDI data) is input, and the input musical sound signal is sent to the musical sound control apparatus A via the communication interface 8. At this time, the performance control device E performs signal processing such as amplification of the input musical sound signal and mixing of a plurality of musical sound signals, and the processed musical sound signal is sent to the musical sound control device A via the communication interface 8. You can also send it.

  In the musical tone control device A, the transmitted musical tone signal can be recorded in the RAM 3 and further in the external storage device 7. Then, the musical tone control device A can reproduce the musical tone based on the recorded musical tone signal and send the reproduced musical tone to the external performance control device E via the communication interface 8. The performance control device E is connected to a sound system X composed of an amplifier, a speaker, and the like, so that the musical sound sent from the musical sound control device A is generated.

  Further, the performance control device E is an operator such as a foot switch that takes either an on state or an off state, and is from the off state to the on state (on operation) or from the on state to the off state ( An operation element F that generates a predetermined signal (or data) in accordance with at least one of the operations (off operation) is connected. A signal generated in response to the operation of the operation element F is input to the musical tone control apparatus A via the performance control apparatus E and the communication interface 8, and the musical tone control apparatus A that has received the signal has a plurality of orders according to a predetermined order. The operation can be switched sequentially. A detailed description of switching of a plurality of operations in accordance with the operation of the operation element F (foot switch) will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the musical tone control apparatus A shown in this embodiment is controlled by a microcomputer comprising 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 apparatus. For this CPU 1, ROM 2, RAM 3, input operation unit 4, display unit 5, sound source 6, external storage device 7, and communication interface (I / F) 8 are connected via a communication bus 1D (for example, data and address bus). It is connected.

  The ROM 2 stores various data such as various control programs (sequencer programs and the like) executed or referred to by the CPU 1 and loop pattern tables (see FIG. 2 described later). The RAM 3 is a working memory that temporarily stores various data generated when the CPU 1 executes a predetermined control program, or a memory that temporarily stores a control program currently being executed and related data. used. A predetermined address area of the RAM 3 is assigned to each function and used as a register, flag, table, memory, or the like. In this embodiment, the operation is not switched by directly referring to the loop pattern table stored in the ROM 2, but any loop pattern data (loop) read from the loop pattern table and stored in the RAM 3 is used. The operation is switched with reference to (pattern information) (and display update of a loop edit screen as shown in FIG. 3 to be described later).

  The input operation unit 4 is a switch for setting the device to operate as a sequencer (a sequencer program is activated in response to the operation of the switch), a switch for selecting a musical sound to be played or edited, and playing / stopping a musical sound. In addition to a button for instructing, and a switch for displaying a “loop edit screen” (see FIGS. 3 and 4 to be described later), it is used as an operator such as a numeric keypad for inputting numeric data, a keyboard or mouse for inputting character data. Any thing can be used. Further, it may be a performance operator such as a keyboard that generates performance information (MIDI data or the like) in response to a user operation.

  The display unit 5 is composed of a display made up of, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), a CRT, or the like. Various information such as information related to music (for example, a list of song data and automatic accompaniment data) or a control state of the CPU 1 is displayed. The display unit 5 may be a touch panel having a detection function for detecting (recognizing) a user touch operation performed on the screen.

  The sound source 6 can simultaneously generate musical sound signals on a plurality of channels, and generates musical sounds based on performance information (MIDI data) given via the bus 1D. The musical sound generated from the sound source 6 is generated from the sound system X including an amplifier and a speaker connected to the performance control device E via the communication interface 8 and the external performance control device E. An effect may be applied to the musical sound generated from the sound source 6 using an effect circuit or the like (not shown). Note that any conventional configuration may be used for the configuration of the sound source 6. For example, the tone generator 6 may employ any of various musical tone synthesis methods such as FM, PCM, physical model, formant synthesis, etc., and may be constituted by dedicated hardware or by software processing by the CPU 1. Good.

  The external storage device 7 stores various information such as song data and automatic accompaniment data prepared in advance, recorded musical tone signals, and various control programs executed by the CPU 1. When no control program is stored in the ROM 2, the control program is stored in the external storage device 7 (for example, a hard disk) and read into the RAM 3 to store the control program in the ROM 2. An operation similar to the case can be executed by the CPU 1. 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 can be attached in various forms such as a flexible disk (FD), a compact disk (CD), a magneto-optical disk (MO), or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). A storage device using an external recording medium may be used. Alternatively, a semiconductor memory or the like may be used.

  A communication interface (I / F) 8 is used to transmit a musical tone signal from the musical instrument G, an operation signal (or data) from the foot switch F, and a musical tone reproduced by the musical tone control device A between the device and the performance control device E. It is an interface for sending and receiving various types of information. The communication interface 8 may be, for example, a MIDI interface, a LAN, the Internet, a telephone line, or the like, and may include both wired and wireless ones.

  In the above-described musical tone control device A, the input operation unit 4, the display unit 5, the sound source 6 and the like are not limited to those built in one device body, but each is configured separately, and communication such as a MIDI interface or various networks is performed. Needless to say, each device may be configured to be connected using an interface. In particular, the musical sound control device A does not necessarily include the sound source 6 and may use an external sound source connected via the communication interface 8. In that case, the sound system X may be connected to an external sound source.

  Note that the musical tone control apparatus A shown in the present embodiment is an apparatus capable of executing various software programs such as music application programs related to musical tone control such as reproduction / recording of musical sounds, and is not limited to a personal computer. In addition, a mobile communication terminal such as a mobile phone or a PDA, a karaoke apparatus, or other multimedia equipment may be used in any product application form. When applied to a portable communication terminal, not only when a predetermined function is completed with only the terminal, but also a part of the function is provided on the server side, and the predetermined function is realized as a whole system composed of the terminal and the server. You may make it do.

  Next, a loop pattern table defining a plurality of operations to be switched according to the operation of the foot switch F will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an embodiment of the data structure of the loop pattern table.

  The loop pattern table is composed of a plurality of loop pattern data (here, 5 pieces). Each loop pattern data defines a loop pattern name, order, display, state, and operation content. The loop pattern name is a name unique to each loop pattern data, and for example, a name that briefly indicates a main function defined by the loop pattern data is given. In the example shown in the figure, “play” is a music sound playback function, “play + RTZ” is the above playback function, in addition to the “return playback position to the beginning” function, “record” is a music signal recording function, “+ Recording” is the data that plays the music signal recording function after playback in addition to the music signal playback function, and “Recording + Confirmation” is the data that plays the music playback function after recording in addition to the music signal recording function. Represent.

  “Order” defines the order of operations to be switched according to the operation of the foot switch F. Here, the order of each operation (1 to 4) for switching between two operations (playback), switching between three operations (playback + RTZ, recording), and switching between six operations (trial listening + recording, recording + confirmation) 6) is defined. In addition, this “order” includes any action box D (D1 to D6, D1 to D3) and action position indicator H (H1 to H1) displayed on a “loop edit screen” (see FIGS. 3 and 4) described later. H6, H1 to H3). “Display” is an operation content displayed on the “loop edit screen”. The “display” content corresponds to the operation content described later. The “state” represents the current and next switching target operation displayed on the “loop edit screen”, and an initial state is defined in the loop pattern table (details will be described later).

  “Operation content” defines a series of operations to be switched. As an example of this series of operations, in this embodiment, in order from the top, “play (PLAY) → playback stop (STOP)”, “play (PLAY) → playback stop (STOP) → return to the top (RTZ)”, “recording” Defines multiple operations that realize a single type of function, such as standby (REC) → recording (PLAY) → recording end (STOP), and “play (PLAY) → playback stop (STOP) → back to top (RTZ) → Recording standby (REC) → Recording (PLAY) → Recording end (STOP) ”,“ Recording standby (REC) → Recording (PLAY) → Recording end (STOP) → Return to top (RTZ) → Playback It shows that a plurality of operations for realizing different types of functions such as (PLAY) → stop playback (STOP) are defined. In the above example, the plural types of functions are a “playback function” and a “recording function”. Other examples of a series of operations include, for example, “recording standby (REC) → recording (PLAY) → recording end (STOP) → save music signal (SAVE) → moving to next marker position”, “recording” There are various types such as "Standby (REC)-> Recording (PLAY)-> Recording end (STOP)-> Target next track-> Return to top (RTZ)".

  Next, the “loop edit screen” will be described. 3 and 4 are conceptual diagrams showing an example of the “loop edit screen”. This “loop edit screen” is a screen that is used to refer to an operation that is currently being executed or an operation that is to be executed next when a user switches operations, or to edit loop pattern information. FIG. 3 shows a screen displayed when switching six operations, and FIG. 4 shows a screen displayed when switching three operations.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the “loop edit screen” is roughly divided into a plurality of operation boxes D (D1 to D6, D1 to D3), and concentric circles corresponding to the plurality of operation boxes D, respectively. A ring display R including a plurality of operation position indicators H (H1 to H6, H1 to H3) arranged at equal intervals in a shape, a pattern selection drop-down list P, and a “+/−” button N are displayed at appropriate positions. Is done. Here, a ring display R is shown to indicate that a series of operations for realizing one to a plurality of types of functions are repeated under loop control by sequentially switching a plurality of operations. The operation boxes D and the operation position indicators H are displayed in the number corresponding to the “operation contents” of the loop pattern information (see FIG. 2) displayed in the pattern selection drop-down list P. In the operation box D, “display” of the loop pattern information is displayed in order (for example, clockwise) according to “order”.

  For example, in the case of the display example shown in FIG. 3, since the loop pattern information is a “trial listening + recording” loop pattern, six action boxes D and six action position indicators H are displayed. In each of the operation boxes D1 to D6, “PLAY”, “STOP”, “RTZ”, “REC”, “PLAY”, and “STOP” are displayed clockwise. On the other hand, in the case of the display example shown in FIG. 4, since the loop pattern information is a “recording” loop pattern, three action boxes D and three action position indicators H are displayed. In the operation boxes D1 to D3, “REC”, “PLAY”, and “STOP” are displayed clockwise.

  The action box D is a drop-down list. For example, in addition to the above-described operations such as “PLAY / STOP / RTZ / REC”, a plurality of functions related to various functions that can be realized by the device such as “PunchIn / PunchOut”. The operation is displayed, and the user can select one of the displayed ones. That is, the user can change the operation to be switched by selecting an operation in an arbitrary operation box D, that is, edit the “operation content” of the currently selected loop pattern information.

  The operation position indicator H in the ring display R is for indicating at least the operation currently being executed, and the operation position indicator H indicating the operation currently being executed is lit. In FIG. 3, the operation position indicator H2 corresponding to the second “STOP” among “PLAY”, “STOP”, “RTZ”, “REC”, “PLAY”, “STOP” arranged clockwise is shown. Since it is lit (shown in black in the figure), it can be seen that the operation currently being executed is “(reproduction) stop”. The lighting control of the operation position indicator H indicating the currently executed operation is performed in accordance with the switching of the operation according to the stepping operation of the foot switch F by the user. In order to indicate the next operation to be performed, the operation position indicator H indicating the next operation is blinked (in the example of FIG. 3, the third “RTZ” indicated by hatching in the figure). The operation position indicator H3) corresponding to. The other operation position indicators H are turned off.

  In this way, when the user repeatedly depresses the foot switch F, the operation position indicator H is sequentially turned on / off / flashed so as to go around. In addition to such display control, a plurality of operations are switched, and a series of operations for realizing one to a plurality of types of functions are repeatedly performed (loop control). In the initial display state of the “loop edit screen” (the state in which the foot switch F has not been operated yet), only the operation position indicator H1 indicating the next operation should be blinked as shown in FIG. (Indicated by diagonal lines). The display layout in which the operation position indicator H and the operation box D are ring-displayed R in the switching order according to such a series of operations is easy to see for the user and the operations can be easily repeated.

  The pattern selection drop-down list P displays loop pattern information having the same number of operation patterns among a plurality of loop pattern information defined in the loop pattern table so that the user can select one displayed. It has become. For example, in FIG. 3, a pattern for switching six operations is displayed, and the pattern selection drop-down list P includes “recording + confirmation” in addition to the “trial listening + recording” loop pattern as a pattern for switching six operations. "The loop pattern is displayed and the user can select any pattern. In response to this pattern selection, the operation in the operation box D is updated according to the “display” of the selected loop pattern information, and “ON / OFF / flashing state of the operation position indicator H is selected” Updated according to "status".

  The “+/−” button N is for adjusting the number of operations to be switched. Operating the “+” button increases the number of actions, and operating the “−” button decreases the number of actions. In accordance with the adjustment of the number of operations by the “+/−” button N, the display of the operation position indicator H and the operation box D is added or deleted. For example, when the number of operations is increased from “3” to “6” by operating the “+” button on the display screen of FIG. 4, six operation position indicators as shown in FIG. H and action box D will be displayed. As described above, since the user can select and set the operation content to be switched by using the operation box D, the operation content can be selected from the operation box D additionally displayed or the remaining operation box D after deletion. It can be selected appropriately. That is, it can be said that the adjustment of the number of operations by the “+/−” button N is for editing the content of the currently selected loop pattern information without changing the loop pattern information by the pattern selection drop-down list P.

  In order to be able to newly create loop pattern information, “new” can be selected in the pattern selection drop-down list P, or a “new” button for creating a new one can be displayed on the screen. It may be arranged separately. When newly creating loop pattern information, the default number of operation position indicators H and operation boxes D are displayed, and the user operates the “+/−” button N to adjust the number of operations. It is preferable that the operation content can be determined by operating D.

Although the ring display R is used, the present invention is not limited to this, and a series of operations for realizing one to a plurality of types of functions including the plurality of operations by sequentially switching a plurality of operations according to the stepping operation of the foot switch F. Any display form may be used as long as the user can understand that the operation can be loop-controlled.
In the above-described embodiment, the current operation position is presented to the user by lighting the operation position indicator H. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a ring display R composed of a plurality of operation position indicators H and each operation position so that an operation position indicator H (for example, H1 displayed on the upper part) that is always at a predetermined position always indicates an operation currently being executed. The operation box D corresponding to the indicator H may be rotated as a whole (rotation in one direction, either right or left).

  Next, in addition to a process of switching a plurality of operations in accordance with the stepping operation of the foot switch F and a display update process of the “loop edit screen”, a loop pattern information update process using the “loop edit screen” is performed. The “main process” to be realized will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the “main process”. For convenience of illustration, FIG. 5A shows the first half process and FIG. 5B shows the second half process subsequent to the first half process. This process is a process executed by the CPU 1 and is started, for example, according to a predetermined switch operation by the user.

  First, as shown in FIG. 5A, step S1 displays a “loop pattern editor screen”. Loop pattern data (loop pattern information) referred to when the “loop pattern editor screen” is displayed is, for example, a default arbitrary loop pattern read from a loop pattern table stored in the ROM 2 and stored in the RAM 3. Data, or loop pattern data stored in the RAM 3 that was referenced when the “main process” was executed last time.

  In step S2, it is determined whether or not the number of operations in one loop is OK. That is, the user is confirmed whether or not the number of operations to be switched is the same as the number of operations displayed on the “loop pattern editor screen” (corresponding to the number of operation position indicators H). If it is determined that the number of operations in one loop is not OK according to the user's confirmation operation (NO in step S2), the operation in one loop according to the operation of the “+/−” button N on the screen by the user An adjustment of the number is accepted (step S3). Then, the screen display is updated in accordance with the adjustment (step S4). In this screen display update, the number of operation position indicators H and operation boxes D is increased or decreased, and when the number is increased, “STOP” is displayed in the increased operation boxes D, and other operation boxes D are displayed. Continuously displays the operation name that was displayed before the display was updated. After the process of step S4, the process returns to step S2.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of operations in one loop is OK (YES in step S2), it is determined whether or not the loop pattern is OK (step S5). That is, the user is confirmed whether or not one or more functions to be switched are the same as the loop pattern displayed in the pattern selection drop-down list P. If it is determined that the loop pattern is not OK according to the user's confirmation operation (NO in step S5), the user is caused to select loop pattern information corresponding to the current number of operations from the pattern selection drop-down list P, and the user selection is performed. The screen is updated based on the loop pattern information selected accordingly (step S6). After the process of step S6, the process returns to step S2.

  If it is determined that the loop pattern is OK (YES in step S5), the current loop pattern information (order, display, state, operation content) is read from the loop pattern table and temporarily stored in the RAM 3 (step S7). Then, based on the current loop pattern information, the “status” is searched for the “order” in standby, and the operation position indicator H associated with the “order” on the screen is blinked and displayed (step S8). For example, when the current loop pattern information is the “trial listening + recording” pattern shown in FIG. 2, the “order” of “standby” is “1”, so the operation position indicator H1 shown in FIG. Will blink.

  In step S9, it is determined whether or not a musical tone signal generated in response to the operation of the musical instrument G connected to the external performance control device E is acquired via the communication interface 8. If it is determined that a musical tone signal has been acquired (YES in step S9), a processing unit (DSP or the like) is instructed to execute sequential playback processing or recording processing (step S10). Here, the sequential reproduction process is a musical tone reproduction based on performance information (MIDI data) acquired from the external performance control device E, and the recording process is to record an audio signal input from the external performance control device E in the external storage device 4 ( Recording). If it is determined that no musical sound signal has been acquired (NO in step S9) or after the process in step S10, the process in step S11 in the latter half of FIG. 5B is executed.

  In the process shown in FIG. 5B following the process shown in FIG. 5A, has step S11 acquired the ON operation signal generated in response to the operation of the foot switch F connected to the external performance control device E via the communication interface 8? Determine whether or not. When the ON operation signal is acquired from the foot switch, that is, when the stepping operation is performed (YES in step S11), the lit operation position indicator H is turned off and the blinking operation position indicator H is lit. (This will cause the lighting position to move sequentially on the screen.) For example, for a processing unit (such as a DSP) that implements a sequencer function so as to execute the command indicated by the “operation content” with reference to the loop pattern information An instruction is given (step S12). In step S13, the standby setting is changed to the current setting in the “state” of the current loop pattern information, and the “state” in which the “order” is next (operation) is set to the standby setting. In step S14, the operation position indicator H on the screen corresponding to the “order” newly set for standby is blinked. As a result, the blinking position is sequentially moved in the same manner as the above-described movement of the lighting position on the screen. After the process of step S14, the process returns to the process of step S9 in FIG. 5A.

  If it is determined that the ON operation signal is not acquired from the foot switch F (NO in step S11), it is determined whether or not a cancel signal is acquired from the foot switch F (step S15). When a cancel signal is acquired from the foot switch F, for example, when the stepping operation is continuously performed within a predetermined time (YES in step S15), the processing unit (DSP or the like) is interrupted to interrupt the operation being executed. ) (Step S16). In step S17, the operation position indicator H that is lit or blinking on the screen is turned off. In step S18, the first “status” of the “order” of the loop pattern information is set to standby, and the other “status” is set to “−”. In step S19, only the operation position indicator H (H1 in FIGS. 3 and 4) on the screen corresponding to the first “order” of the loop pattern information is blinked. After the process of step S19, the process returns to the process of step S9 in FIG. 5A. In this way, the operation currently being executed can be interrupted by a special operation of the foot switch F (double-click continuous stepping operation), and the operation can be quickly returned to the state where it can be restarted from the operation at the beginning of the loop (cancellation) function). Of course, it may be possible to restart from the interrupted operation.

  When it is determined that the cancel signal has not been acquired from the foot switch F (NO in step S15), it is determined whether or not the loop pattern information is to be changed (step S20). If it is determined that the loop pattern information is to be changed according to the user selection in the pattern selection drop-down list P (YES in step S20), the processing unit is instructed to interrupt any operation being executed (step S21). The loop pattern information stored in the RAM 3 is rewritten with the designated loop pattern information (step S22). After the process of step S22, the process returns to the process of step S2 in FIG. 5A.

  If it is determined that the loop pattern information is not to be changed (NO in step S20), it is determined whether an end operation has been performed (step S23). If it is determined that the ending operation has been performed (YES in step S23), the processing unit is instructed to interrupt if there is an operation being executed (step S24), and the ending process such as closing the screen is performed ( Step S25), the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the end operation has not been performed (NO in step S23), it is determined whether or not other processing operations have been performed (step S26). If it is determined that another processing operation has been performed (YES in step S26), an instruction is given to execute various processes corresponding to the other processing operation such as volume adjustment corresponding to the operation (step S27). After step S27, the process returns to step S9 in FIG. 5A.

As described above, the execution of the musical tone control corresponding to the operation by sequentially switching a plurality of operations realizing one or more types of functions according to the operation of the foot switch F is repeated as a series of operation loops. Therefore, the user can easily perform loop control of a series of operations for realizing one or more types of functions simply by repeatedly operating the operation elements, and has a degree of freedom in combinations of operations and functions. High and very convenient for the user. For example, a plurality of types of functions such as “trial listening” and “recording” can be loop-controlled only by repeatedly depressing the foot switch F. This means that simply by stepping on the foot switch F, the user can easily perform operations related to those functions as many times as desired or even in the middle of a continuous operation.
In addition, since the type of looping operation and the current or next operation are displayed on the screen, the user can confirm the operation being executed and the next switchable operation from the screen while playing. It is.

In the “loop edit screen”, each operation is displayed as a “box” -like operation box D in accordance with the number of operations in a loop on the display screen. The “box” -like action box D may be displayed, and the unused action box D may be grayed out.
In the above-described embodiment, an operation that enters each “box” -like operation box D of the “loop edit screen” is selected from the drop-down list. However, for example, the dialog box is opened and selected. Also good. Alternatively, not only text display such as “PLAY” but also icon display may be used.
In the above-described embodiment, on the “loop edit screen”, the operation position indicator H corresponding to the operation being executed is turned on, and the operation position indicator H corresponding to the operation switched to “next” is blinked. However, the present invention is not limited to this as long as the user can identify the operation being performed and the operation to be switched next, for example, the operation being performed, the operation to be switched to the next, and other operations. Thus, the corresponding operation position indicator H may be displayed with a different size.

A series of actions (loop pattern information) selected as a loop is stored in advance in the musical tone control apparatus A. However, the user selects an action in each action box D on the “loop edit screen” and newly selects a new action. Needless to say, a series of operations can be created, and the created series of operations (loop pattern information) can be registered. Of course, a series of registered operations (loop pattern information) can be selected and used in the same manner as previously stored. There may be a dedicated button for registration.
Note that some operations set in each operation box D cannot be used depending on the situation. For example, in the case of the “return to the previous marker position” operation, etc., it cannot be used unless a marker is set in the original music data. In such a case, the “unusable operation” cannot be selected.

In the above-described embodiment, the cancel function is realized by double-clicking the foot switch F continuously. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the cancel function is supported for any button arranged on the apparatus. It is also possible to make it.
When information indicating a series of operations is enabled, information indicating the operation defined at the top is set to the standby state by default, but it can be set so that, for example, it can be started from the second or third definition. It may be.
The operation element is not limited to the stepping operation of the foot switch F, and is an operation element that takes either an on state or an off state, and is from the off state to the on state (on operation) or from the on state to the off state (off operation). ) May be configured such that an operator (referred to as a finger pedal) that generates a predetermined signal in accordance with at least one of the operations is placed on the user's hand.
Note that a switch for setting the device to operate as a sequencer, for example, may be provided on the performance control device E side.
Note that the musical sound control device A may be built in the performance control device E.

1 ... CPU, 2 ... ROM, 3 ... RAM, 4 ... input operation unit, 5 ... display unit, 6 ... sound source, 7 ... external storage device, 8 ... communication interface, 1D ... communication bus, A ... musical sound control device, E ... Performance control device, F ... Operator (foot switch, etc.), G ... Musical instrument, X ... Sound system, D (D1-D6) ... Action box, H (H1-H6) ... Action position indicator, P ... Pattern selection Drop-down list, N ... "+/-" button, R ... Ring display

Claims (3)

A musical tone control apparatus that realizes a series of musical tone control corresponding to the function by appropriately switching a plurality of operations related to the control of the musical tone signal included in the predetermined musical tone control function,
An operator,
Storage means for storing the plurality of operations included in a predetermined musical sound control function in the order of switching, and storing loop pattern information combining a plurality of operations included in one or more types of musical sound control functions ,
Display means for displaying the display bodies corresponding to the plurality of operations based on the loop pattern information in the switching order, wherein the display bodies are arranged and displayed in a display mode forming a series of operation loops;
In response to the operation of the operator, the display means is controlled to display a display body corresponding to at least the operation switched to the execution target among the displayed display bodies in a display mode different from other display bodies. Display control means for
In accordance with the operation of the operation element, it comprises control means for switching the operation to be executed among a plurality of operations according to the loop pattern information in the switching order and executing the musical tone control corresponding to the operation,
The control means repeats switching to the first operation in the switching order as the switching of the plurality of operations completes, whereby loop control relating to one or more types of musical tone control functions composed of the plurality of operations. A musical sound control device characterized by realizing the above.   In accordance with an operation of the operation element, there is further provided a determining means for determining whether the instruction is an instruction to switch the plurality of actions or an instruction to interrupt the execution of the musical tone control corresponding to the action switched to the execution target. The musical tone control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means interrupts the musical tone control being executed when the instruction is to interrupt the musical tone control. On the computer,
A procedure for storing a plurality of operations related to the control of a musical tone signal included in the function with respect to a predetermined musical tone control function in a switching means in a switching order, and combining a plurality of operations included in one to a plurality of types of musical tone control functions Memorizing loop pattern information;
Displaying the display bodies corresponding to the plurality of operations on the display means based on the loop pattern information in the switching order, and arranging and displaying the display bodies in a display mode forming a series of operation loops; ,
In response to the operation of the operator, the display means is controlled to display at least a display body corresponding to the operation switched to the execution target among the displayed display bodies in a display mode different from the other display bodies. Procedure and
In accordance with the operation of the operation element, according to the loop pattern information, the operation to be performed is switched among the plurality of operations in the switching order and the musical tone control corresponding to the operation is executed, and the switching of the plurality of operations A program for executing a loop control related to one or a plurality of types of musical tone control functions consisting of a plurality of operations by repeating switching to the first operation in the switching order as the circuit goes around .

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