JP5433989B2 - Electronic music equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic music apparatus that controls timbre effect parameters associated in advance with a control operator in accordance with the operation of the control operator. In particular, it presents a screen on which the user can visually control the timbre effect parameter while enjoying it visually, and uses the screen to operate a control operator that can influence the so-called parameter setting. The present invention relates to a technique in which a user can freely and easily set a change mode (control mode) of control of a corresponding timbre effect parameter.

Conventionally, in an electronic music apparatus such as an electronic musical instrument, various tone effect parameters such as volume, pitch, LFO, etc. for musical tone control are associated in advance with a plurality of control operators such as a modulation wheel and a slider. It is known that the associated parameters can be controlled (specifically, control values (parameter values) are determined) according to the operation of each control operator. For example, the device described in Non-Patent Document 1 shown below is an example of a device related to such a device.
“MOTIF XS 6/7/8 Instruction Manual”, 2007, Yamaha Corporation, Internet <http://www2.yamaha.co.jp/manual/pdf/emi/japan/synth/motifxs_ja_om_c0.pdf>

  In a conventionally known apparatus as described in Non-Patent Document 1, a parameter group called a controller set is stored in timbre data prepared in advance for each timbre, and a modulation wheel is used as the parameter group. And control parameters such as how much the parameter is controlled by the operation of the control operator, that is, the operation amount of the control operator. It is possible to set a so-called depth or the like that defines the relationship with the control amount of the parameter. Further, a plurality of controller sets that define the association between the control operators and parameters, the depth, and the like are stored, and the user can arbitrarily select a controller set to be used from among them. In the present specification, the “tone” is not limited to a general single tone such as a piano or a guitar, but a so-called “tone element” in the case where one “tone” is composed of a plurality of tone elements. ”And a so-called“ performance ”in which a plurality of single timbres are combined into one timbre set, and so on, including a timbre group composed of one timbre element or a plurality of single timbres.

  By the way, in the conventional apparatus, in accordance with associating the timbre effect parameter with the control operator according to the controller set, the control change of the timbre effect parameter according to the operation of the control operator based on the depth defined in the controller set. A mode is set. The change mode of the control of the timbre effect parameter according to the operation of the control operator (also referred to as control mode) is how much the parameter can be controlled by operating the control operator (increasing the control value of the parameter) (Including the reduction) and so on, the degree of operation of the so-called parameter is affected, and the operation feeling of the user's control operator varies depending on the difference in the change mode. However, in the conventional apparatus, for example, when the control operator is operated sequentially from “0 (min)” (for example, no operation) to “maximum (max)”, the operation amount The parameter control amount can be set only in such a manner that the control amount of the parameter increases unilaterally (or decreases unilaterally), so the user cannot perform more free parameter control. There was a problem. In addition, according to the operation of the control operator, the control value of the timbre effect parameter is simply displayed as it is as a numerical value or a predetermined meter display, and the user can control the timbre effect parameter while enjoying visually, It was not the kind that could intuitively grasp the parameter condition from the displayed contents.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and presents a screen on which the user can visually enjoy and control the timbre effect parameter while also visually controlling the timbre effect parameter. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic music apparatus in which a user can freely and easily set a change mode (control mode) of control of a timbre effect parameter according to a child operation.

An electronic music apparatus according to the present invention is an electronic music apparatus that imparts a predetermined effect to a musical sound based on a timbre effect parameter, and includes a control operator and a first display object associated with the control operator. , A display for displaying at least a second display object associated with the timbre effect parameter, a setting means for setting a trajectory as a display path of the first display object, and an operation of the control operator, display control means for changing control so the display position of the first display object is moved on a track that the setting, the display position and the display position of the second display objects in the first display object that moves orbits that the setting depending on the relative positional relationship between, determining means for determining a control value of the tone color effect parameter associated with the second display object There are, said determining means for determining as the control value with in the relative positional relationship is changed in accordance with movement of the first display object is changed, the tone control on the basis of the control value of the tone color effect parameter the setting The tone control parameter is controlled by the operation of the control operator in accordance with the setting of the trajectory.

According to the invention, on the display device, control a first display object associated with the operating element, the advance and a second display object associated with the tone color effect parameter to at least the display, the operation of the control operating member The display position of the first display object is changed and controlled according to the above. At this time, the display position of the first display object is changed and controlled so as to move on the trajectory set by the setting means. Then, depending on the relative positional relationship between the display position of the display position and the second display object in the first display object that can move on the said tracks, a control value of the tone color effect parameter associated with the second display object is determined, first the control value with in the relative positional relationship is changed becomes possible to change according to the movement of the display object, it executes a tone control on the basis of the control value of the tone color effect parameter the determined. That is, your have first display object may be displayed position taken in on the display device, as well as restricted to the set the orbit, the display position and the second display object in the first display object that can move only the orbit Since the control value of the timbre effect parameter associated with the second display object is variably determined in accordance with the relative positional relationship with the display position of the timbre, the control value of the timbre effect parameter is determined by the control operation. Even if the child is operated in the same way, it depends on the set trajectory. In this way, the user can freely and easily set the control mode of the timbre effect parameter according to the operation of the control operator that can influence the so-called parameter setting, by simply setting the trajectory appropriately. become. Further, the user can happily control the timbre effect parameter while visually enjoying the change in the positional relationship of these display objects.
An electronic music apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is an electronic music apparatus that imparts a predetermined effect to a musical sound based on a timbre effect parameter, and includes a control operator and a first associated with the control operator. A display for displaying at least a display object and a second display object associated with the timbre effect parameter; a setting means for setting a trajectory as a display path of the first display object; and an operation of the control operator. The display control means for changing and controlling the display position of the first display object so as to move on the set trajectory, and the display of the first display object and the second display object moving on the set trajectory Determining means for determining a control value of a timbre effect parameter associated with the second display object according to a positional relationship; A tone control unit for performing tone control based on a control value of the tone color effect parameter, and, according to the setting of the trajectory, a control mode of the tone color effect parameter according to the operation of the control operator is determined, and the display The second display object displayed on the screen is set with an effective area having a predetermined range in which parameter control is enabled, and the first display object is positioned within the effective area. The first display object whose control of the timbre effect parameter associated with the second display object is enabled by the control operator associated with the display object, and the display position is changed and controlled according to the operation of the control operator, and the first display object The control value of the timbre effect parameter is set according to the display position relationship in the effective area with the second display object. Characterized in that it constant. In this case as well, the user can freely and easily set the control mode of the timbre effect parameter according to the operation of the control operator that can influence the so-called parameter, by simply setting the trajectory appropriately. Become. Further, on the condition whether or not the first display object is located within the effective area, the control operator associated with the first display object controls the timbre effect parameter associated with the second display object. Since it can be enabled / disabled, the association of the timbre effect parameter with the control operator can be controlled by the relative positional relationship between the trajectory of the first display object and the effective area of the second display object.

According to the invention, to limit the display position in which the first display object have you on the display device can take on only the track that the set, also a can move on said tracks in accordance with the operation of the control operating member from what has been the first control value of the relative positional relationship between the tone color effect parameter associated with the second display object according to the display position of the display position and the second display objects in the display object to be determined variably Thus, the user can freely and easily set the control mode of the timbre effect parameter according to the operation of the control operator only by appropriately setting the trajectory.
In addition, since the first display object is displayed so as to move on the set trajectory according to the operation of the control operator, the user can happily control the timbre effect parameter while watching the movement of the first display object. In addition, it is possible to intuitively grasp the parameter depth from the movement of the first display object.

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

  FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration block diagram showing an embodiment of the overall configuration of an electronic music apparatus according to the present invention. The electronic music apparatus shown in this embodiment is, for example, an electronic musical instrument, and 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 electronic music apparatus. ROM 2, RAM 3, detection circuits 4 and 5, display circuit 6, sound source / effect circuit 7, storage device 8, and communication interface (I / F) 9 are connected to the CPU 1 via a data and address bus 1D. ing. Further, the CPU 1 includes a timer (not shown) that measures the interrupt time and various times in the timer interrupt process (interrupt process). For example, the timer generates a clock pulse and gives the generated clock pulse as a processing timing command to the CPU 1 or as an interrupt command to the CPU 1. The CPU 1 executes various processes according to these instructions.

  The ROM 2 stores various control programs executed by or referred to by the CPU 1, various data, and the like. The RAM 3 is used as a working memory for temporarily storing various data generated when the CPU 1 executes a predetermined program, or as a memory for temporarily storing a currently executing program and related data. The A predetermined address area of the RAM 3 is assigned to each function and used as a register, flag, table, memory, or the like. Here, for example, association information (described later) regarding the associated control operator and timbre effect parameter is stored.

  The performance operator 4A is, for example, a keyboard or the like having a plurality of keys for selecting the pitch of a musical tone, and has a key switch corresponding to each key. (Keyboard etc.) can be used not only for manual playing by the user's own playing, but also as means for selecting a tone color, setting a tone color effect parameter, and the like. The detection circuit 4 generates a detection output by detecting the pressing and release of each key of the performance operator 5A.

  The setting operation element (switch, etc.) 5A is a selection switch for selecting a timbre to be used for performance, for example, various timbre effect parameters such as volume, pitch, LFO and the like (for example, 0 to 128, -64 to + For example, a modulation wheel, a pitch bend wheel, an after touch, etc. , Knobs, sliders, ribbon controllers, and other control operators, and a screen editing switch for editing a “parameter control screen” (see FIG. 3) to be described later. Each of the control operators can be associated not only with a timbre effect parameter determined in advance according to the selection of the controller set, but also with an arbitrary timbre effect parameter by the user.

  Of course, in addition to the above, the setting operator 5A is a numeric keypad for inputting numeric data and a keyboard for inputting character data for selecting / setting / controlling pitches, tones, effects, and the like, or various types displayed on the display 6A. Various operators such as a mouse (referred to as a two-dimensional pointing operator) for operating a pointer for designating the position of the screen may be included. The detection circuit 5 detects the operation state of the setting operation element 5A, and outputs switch information and the like corresponding to the operation state to the CPU 1 via the data and address bus 1D.

  The display circuit 6 displays various screens such as a “parameter control screen” (see FIG. 3) on a display 6A composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD) or a CRT, as well as the ROM 2 and the storage device 8. Various data stored in the memory or the control state of the CPU 1 can be displayed. By referring to these various types of information displayed on the display 6A, the user can easily select a timbre and music to be used during performance and set a timbre effect parameter. It should be noted that the display 6A may be a touch panel, and in that case, it is needless to say that the display 6A includes means for detecting that the screen has been touched. In this case, the display 6A includes a so-called soft switch, and a two-dimensional pointing operator (object) that can change and control the display position and shape of each object on the “parameter control screen” displayed on the display 6A as a touch panel as a mouse or the like. It also serves as an operator.

  The tone generator / effect circuit 7 can simultaneously generate music signals on a plurality of channels, inputs data and performance information given via the address bus 1D, synthesizes music based on the performance information, and generates a music signal. Is generated. Further, when synthesizing a musical sound, various effects can be applied based on the control value (parameter value) for each set tone color effect parameter. The tone signal generated from the sound source / effect circuit 7 is generated from a sound system 7A including an amplifier and a speaker. Any conventional configuration may be used for the configuration of the sound source / effect circuit 7 and the sound system 7A. For example, the tone generator / effect circuit 7 may employ any of various tone synthesis methods such as FM, PCM, physical model, formant synthesis, etc., or may be configured with dedicated hardware, or by software processing by the CPU 1. It may be configured.

  The storage device 8 includes, for example, the above-described controller set, timbre parameter data (see FIG. 2 to be described later) referred to when displaying the “parameter control screen” (see FIG. 3) on the display 6A, the associated control operator and timbre. Various data such as association information (to be described later) related to the effect parameters, various control programs executed by the CPU 1, and the like are stored. When the control program is not stored in the ROM 2 described above, the control program is stored in the storage device 8 (for example, a hard disk) and is read into the RAM 3 to store the control program in the ROM 2. It is possible to cause the CPU 1 to perform the same operation. In this way, control programs can be easily added and upgraded. The storage device 8 is not limited to a hard disk (HD), but may be 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 may be used as long as it uses a storage medium in the form. Alternatively, a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory may be used.

  The communication interface (I / F) 9 is a MIDI input / output interface for transmitting and receiving performance data in MIDI format between an external device (not shown) and the electronic music device, and various information such as non-MIDI data and control programs. For example, an interface such as RS-232C, USB (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE1394 (Eyetripe 1394), Bluetooth (trademark), an infrared transmitter / receiver, etc., having a function as a data input / output interface for transmission / reception. Alternatively, the electronic music device can be connected to an external device (for example, a server device) on the network via a wired or wireless communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, or a telephone line. It may be a network interface capable of transmitting and receiving MIDI data, various information, scripts, and the like between the device and the server device. Such a communication interface 9 may be both wired and wireless and may include both.

  In the electronic music apparatus described above, the performance operator 4A is not limited to the form of a keyboard instrument, but may be any form such as a stringed instrument, a wind instrument, or a percussion instrument. In addition, the electronic music apparatus is not limited to one in which the performance operator 4A, the display 6A, the sound source / effect circuit 7 and the like are built in one apparatus body, but each is configured separately, and communication means such as a MIDI interface and various networks are provided. Needless to say, the apparatus may be configured to be connected to each other. Furthermore, the electronic music apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to an electronic musical instrument, but may be a portable communication terminal such as a mixer, a personal computer, or a mobile phone, or a karaoke apparatus or a game apparatus that can control musical sounds according to timbre effect parameters. Any form of apparatus or device may be used.

  Here, the timbre parameter data will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an embodiment of the data configuration of timbre parameter data. The timbre parameter data is data for displaying a “parameter control screen” (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, on the display 6A, and is stored for each timbre in the storage device 8 or the like. Applicable data is identified.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the timbre parameter data is roughly composed of one or more source object data and one or more destination object data. The source object data is information related to the source object OS and the rail object R (see FIG. 3 described later) that can be displayed on the “parameter control screen”, and includes source type, rail data, and other data. The source type is data defining the type of control operator to be associated with each source object OS displayed on the screen. For example, the device includes a modulation wheel, pitch bend wheel, after touch, knob, slider, ribbon controller, and the like. Define one of the existing control operators. The rail data is data that characterizes the display mode of the rail object R displayed in pairs in combination with the source object OS. For example, the rail data has a start point position indicating the display start position of the rail object R and an end point position indicating the display end position (specifically Screen line coordinates), the line type of the rail object R (a straight line or a curved line, a broken line or a closed curve, or a combination of a plurality of such line segments), and the line type In the case of a curved line, a broken line, or a closed curve, one or a plurality of intermediate display positions (coordinates) in those line segments are defined. Other data defines the display mode (for example, shape and display color) of the source object OS, the initial display position (coordinates), and the like.

  On the other hand, the destination object data is information related to a destination object OD (see FIG. 3 to be described later) that can be displayed on the “parameter control screen”, and includes timbre effect parameter type, effective area data, and other data. The timbre effect parameter type is data defining various timbre effect types to be associated with each destination object OD, and is applied to the musical tone in the sound source / effect circuit 7 provided with the device, such as volume, pitch, and LFO. Define one of the possible timbre effects (may be one or more). The effective area data may be an appropriate shape such as a size or shape (circular shape, star shape, elliptical shape) that characterizes the effective area KA (see FIG. 3) defined on the screen for each destination object OD. ) And the like. The other data defines the display mode (for example, shape and display color) of the destination object OD, the initial display position (coordinates), and the like.

  Next, FIG. 3 shows a display example of a “parameter control screen” displayed on the display 6A based on the timbre parameter data described above. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a “parameter control screen”. The “parameter control screen” can simultaneously display a plurality of source objects OS (displayed in combination with one rail object R as described above) and a plurality of destination objects OD. In order to facilitate understanding of the explanation, an example is shown in which one source object OS (including a pair of rail objects R) and one destination object OD are displayed. That is, the source object OS and destination object OD to be displayed on the “parameter control screen” may be arbitrarily selected by the user, and the object data corresponding to the user selection is referred to from the timbre parameter data on the screen. Show only objects that are needed for.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the “parameter control screen” includes a source object OS (first display object) and a rail object R (trajectory) based on the source object data, and a destination object OD (second object) based on the destination object data. Display object). The display mode of the source object OS is not limited to the circular graphic display as shown in the figure, and may be an arbitrary graphic display such as a polygon or a star, or an icon that imitates the shape of the control operator. It may be a graphic display. Although omitted in the illustrated example, not only the graphic display but also the names of control operators associated with the source object OS, their abbreviations, and symbols may be displayed. Further, when a plurality of source objects OS are displayed at the same time, the display modes such as colors and shapes may be different for each source object OS. As with the source object OS, the destination object OD may be displayed in an appropriate shape, or the name of the timbre effect parameter associated with the destination object OD may be displayed.

  The source object OS represents a control source capable of controlling various timbre effect parameters. For example, control operators such as a modulation wheel, pitch bend wheel, after touch, knob, slider, and ribbon controller are supported as control sources. Attached. The rail object R is displayed as a pair with the source object OS, and defines a trajectory when the source object OS associated with the control operator is moved and displayed on the screen. That is, the display control is performed so that the source object OS moves on the rail object R according to the operation of the control operator. In this embodiment, the operation amount of the control operator is “minimum (min)”. It is positioned at the rail start point when it is in a state (for example, 0, -64, etc.), and it is positioned at the rail end point when the operation amount is "maximum (max)" (for example, 128, +64, etc.) Thus, the display control of the source object OS is performed by moving on the rail object R by an amount corresponding to the increase / decrease of the operation amount of the control operator from time to time (such as on the line segment of the rail object R). Correspondence between the predetermined position and the operation amount of the control operator (-64 to +64 in the illustrated example) is formed). That is, since the line segment length of the rail object R represents the entire range in which the control operator can operate, the extent to which the user operates the control operator from the position of the source object OS on the rail object R. Can be easily grasped.

  On the other hand, the destination object OD is associated with one of various parameters relating to timbre effects that can be given to a musical tone such as volume, pitch, LFO, and vibrato, and the operation of the control operator (or the source object OS) Represents a timbre effect parameter of a control target for which a control value is determined in accordance with (a) operation. The effective area KA is individually arranged in the destination object OD. This effective area KA associates or disassociates the control operator associated with the source object OS and the timbre effect parameter associated with the destination object OD having the area (establish / release patching). ) Represents a boundary / range, and may or may not be displayed on the screen so that the user can visually recognize it. That is, when the source object OS is located outside the effective area KA, it indicates that the association is not established. When the source object OS is located within the effective area KA, the association is established. Represents that.

  The user operates a two-dimensional pointing operation element (object operation element) such as a mouse to arbitrarily change the display position, display mode, etc. for each of the source object OS, the rail object R, the destination object OD, and the effective area KA. can do. When the display position of the source object OS (or rail object R) is changed (moved), the display position of the paired rail object R (or source object OS) that is basically displayed is also changed (moved). ) However, only the source object OS can be removed from the rail object R and moved to another position (for details, refer to FIG. 4H described later).

  For the rail object R, the display direction, the line segment length (that is, the rail start point position and / or the rail end point position are changed), the shape thereof, and the like can be changed. The rail object R is basically displayed as a continuous straight line as shown in the figure, but it may be other than a straight line as shown in FIG. 5C described later, or as shown in FIG. 5D. It does not have to be continuous. The range of the effective area KA can be enlarged or reduced. When the line segment length of the rail object R is changed or the range of the effective area KA is enlarged or reduced, the operation range of the control operator that can control the parameters is limited (details will be described later). Of course, when the display position, display orientation, and the like of the rail object R are changed, the display position of the paired source object OS displayed along with the change is also changed. Needless to say, when the display position, display mode, and the like of each object on the “parameter control screen” is changed, the corresponding object data of the timbre parameter data is updated. Further, when the length of the line segment of the rail object R is changed, the correspondence relationship between the operation amount of the control operator and the display movement amount of the source object OS on the line segment of the rail object R is also changed. This correspondence may be anything such as a predetermined arithmetic expression or table prepared in advance for each type of control operator.

  The operations for establishing patching between the control operator and the timbre effect parameters are the operation of the control operator and the operation of only the two-dimensional pointing operator (object operator) such as a mouse without operating the control operator. There are cases where the control operator is further operated after the two-dimensional pointing operator is operated. When patching is established, association information (not shown) regarding the associated control operator and timbre effect parameter is generated and stored in the RAM 3 or the like. The association information includes data indicating control operators and timbre effect parameters associated with each other, display positions of the source object OS and the destination object OD corresponding thereto, display positions of the source object OS and display of the destination object OD. It includes the distance to the position (display interval) and the like. When the patching is released, the corresponding association information may be deleted.

  Here, the operation for establishing / releasing the patching between the control operator and the timbre effect parameter will be described using a specific example. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an outline of the patching establishment operation in the “parameter control screen” shown in FIG. FIG. 4A shows a state where neither the source object OS nor the rail object R are in the effective area KA. FIGS. 4B and 4C show a state in which the rail object R is entirely within the effective area KA (together with the source object OS). Here, in FIG. 4B, the orientation of the rail object R is directed to the destination object OD (center), but in FIG. 4C, the orientation of the rail object R is directed to the destination object OD (center). Not suitable. FIG. 4D shows a state in which a part of the rail object R is in the effective area KA.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, when the two-dimensional pointing operator is operated to move both the source object OS and the rail object R to a position outside the effective area KA, patching is not established. In this case, the source object OS that moves on the rail object R never enters the effective area KA no matter how the control operator is operated. Therefore, after operating the two-dimensional pointing operator, Even if the control operator is operated, patching cannot be established. Therefore, the source object OS and the rail object R (or the destination object OD and the effective area KA) in the display state of FIG. 4A are clicked and dragged, and FIG. 4B or FIG. When the display state is moved to the display state where the source object OS is located in the effective area KA, patching can be established. On the other hand, by clicking and dragging the source object OS and the rail object R (or the destination object OD and the effective area KA) in the display state shown in FIG. 4B or 4C, as shown in FIG. When moved to the display state, patching can be canceled. In this way, the user can establish / cancel patching only by operating the two-dimensional pointing operator without operating the control operator.

  On the other hand, when the source object OS and the rail object R (or the destination object OD and the effective area KA) in the display state of FIG. 4A are clicked and dragged, as shown in FIG. If a part of the object is within the effective area KA but the operation is stopped when the source object OS is located outside the effective area KA (indicated by a dotted line in the figure), patching is not established as it is. In this case, after operating the two-dimensional pointing operator, the control operator associated with the source object OS is further operated, and the operation is performed until the source object OS is located in the effective area KA. Can be established (indicated by the solid line in the figure). Conversely, patching can be canceled by operating the control operator until the source object OS is located outside the effective area KA.

  FIG. 4E shows a state in which a part of the plurality of rail objects R1 and R2 are in the same effective area KA in one destination object OD. As described above, patching is established when the source object enters the effective area KA in accordance with the operation of the control operator. However, as shown in the figure, one of the source objects OS1, OS2 is in the effective area KA. If the patching has already been established, the patching is established with priority given to one of the other source objects OS1 and OS2 that have entered the effective area KA later (that is, the priority is accretion priority). To do). For example, when one of the source objects OS1 is already located in the effective area KA but the source object OS2 is later placed in the effective area KA (movement from the dotted line to the solid line display), Patching is established for the source object OS2 (patching is released for the source object OS1). Alternatively, patching may be established for a source object (OS1 or OS2) whose position has been moved later in a state where both source objects OS1 and OS2 are within the effective area KA. When the control operator is operated until the source object OS2 is moved out of the effective area KA, the patching is released with respect to the source object OS1 while the patching is released with respect to the source object OS1. By doing so, the same parameter is not controlled by two control operators. Note that patching may be established for both objects OS1 and OS2, and the value of the source object (OS1 or OS2) moved later may be adopted.

  In order to prevent the display state as shown in FIG. 4E, a part of another rail object is put in the effective area KA in the display state shown in FIG. Even if you try to click and drag, you may be restricted from doing so (in this case, established patching takes precedence).

  FIG. 4F shows a state where one source object OS enters the effective areas KA1 and KA2 of the plurality of destination objects OD1 and OD2 at the same time. In this case, since one source object OS simultaneously enters a plurality of effective areas KA1, KA2 in accordance with the operation of the control operator, patching is established for both the destination objects OD1, OD2 with respect to the source object OS. The On the other hand, when the control operator is operated until the source object OS is located outside the effective areas KA1 and KA2, patching can be simultaneously released for both the destination objects OD1 and OD2. In this way, two parameters can be controlled simultaneously with one control operator. In this case, the control value of each parameter is determined according to the distance (display interval) between the source object OS and each of the plurality of destination objects OD1 and OD2.

  FIG. 4G shows a state where one source object OS sequentially enters the effective areas KA1 and KA2 of the plurality of destination objects OD1 and OD2. In this case, the effective area KA1 and the effective area KA2 are sequentially crossed as the source object OS moves from the left to the right in the drawing according to the operation of the control operator. At this time, patching with the destination object OD1 is established when the source object OS enters the effective area KA1, and patching with the destination object OD1 is released when the source object OS leaves the effective area KA1. Then, as the source object OS moves from the left to the right in the drawing according to the operation of the control operator, when the source object OS enters the effective area KA2, patching with the destination object OD2 is established. When the user goes out of the effective area KA2, the patching with the destination object OD2 is released. In this case, different parameters can be controlled for each predetermined operation range in one control operator.

  FIG. 4 (h) shows the operation of a two-dimensional pointing operator (object operator) such as a mouse to move only the source object OS1 in the effective area KA1 from the rail object R and move it to another effective area KA2. The case where it was made to show. In this case, since the source object OS (indicated by a dotted line in the figure) designated (clicked) by the pointer Y before the movement is located in the effective area KA1, the patching with the destination object OD1 has already been established. However, since the source object OS is located in the effective area KA2 after movement by the drag operation, patching with the destination object OD2 is temporarily established (in this case, temporarily corresponding to the destination object OD2). In order to obtain the control value of the attached parameter, the control value of the parameter is determined according to the distance between the source object OS and the destination object OD2 at that time). When the control operator is operated in this state, the source object OS is returned to a predetermined position on the rail object R before the movement, and the patching with the destination object OD1 is established again (the patching after the movement). The patching with the destination object OD2 made is released).

  As described above, the source object OS, the rail object R, the destination object OD, and the effective area KA are set to arbitrary display positions on the screen according to the operation of an appropriate user interface such as a two-dimensional pointing operator by the operator. The source object OS can be moved on the rail object R according to the operation of the control operator. When the source object OS is located in the effective area KA, a control operator associated with the source object OS and a timbre effect parameter associated with the destination object OD having the effective area KA Association (patching) is established. When the source object OS is moved outside the effective area KA by the operation of the user interface or the control operator, the association (patching) between the control operator and the timbre effect parameter is released.

  Of course, after the patching between the control operator and the timbre effect parameter is established, the corresponding source object OS is moved and displayed on the rail object R in response to further operation of the control operator. A timbre effect parameter is determined according to a control value determined in advance corresponding to the distance (display interval) between the display position of the source object OS and the display position of the destination object OD located in the effective area KA. An outline of control of the timbre effect parameters using the “parameter control screen” will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining parameter control using the “parameter control screen” shown in FIG. In each diagram shown in FIG. 5, the “parameter control screen” is shown on the left, and the graph showing the relationship between the operation amount of the control operator and the control amount of the timbre effect parameter is shown on the right.

  FIG. 5A is a diagram for explaining parameter control in each of the three display patterns (A, B, C). In FIG. 5A, when the A pattern has the rail end point of the rail object R at the center position of the destination object OD, the B pattern has the rail end point of the rail object R up to the center position of the destination object OD. If not, the C pattern is a case where the rail object R does not face the center of the destination object OD. In each of these patterns, patching is established when the source object OS enters the effective area KA according to the operation of the control operator, and the control value is determined according to further operation of the control operator thereafter. Thus, parameter control is started after the operation amount of the control operator at the time when patching is established.

  Comparing the A pattern (or B pattern) and the C pattern in the figure, it can be understood that there is a difference in the range of the operation amount at which parameter control is started and the operation amount that can be parameter controlled. This difference is caused by the difference in the length of the line segment of the rail object R located outside the effective area KA. That is, as the length of the line segment of the rail object R located outside the effective area KA is shorter, the patching is established while the operation amount is smaller (for example, close to 0, -64, etc.) (point a in the figure, (Refer to point b), the range in which the parameters can be controlled is widened in the operation range of the control operator. That is, parameter control can be performed only in a part of the operation range of the control operator. On the other hand, for example, when the rail object R as shown in FIG. 4B is completely within the effective area KA from the beginning, the parameter control can be performed over the entire operation range of the control operator.

  Comparing the A pattern with the B pattern and further with the C pattern, it can be understood that the amount of change in the control value according to the operation amount (the degree of parameter variation, which is represented by the slope of the graph) is different. This difference is caused by a difference in the rail end point position of the rail object R. As the rail end point position of the rail object R is farther from the center of the destination object OD, the amount of change in the control value becomes smaller. In addition, when the amount of change in the control value according to the operation amount is small, the control value up to the predetermined maximum control amount value (indicated here as 100%) is determined even if the operation amount is maximum. There is no. In the C pattern, the control value increases in accordance with the operation amount up to point c, but decreases in accordance with the operation amount after point c. This is because in the C pattern, the source object OS approaches the center of the destination object OD up to point c, and after the point c, the source object OS moves away from the center of the destination object OD. In the illustrated example, the distance from the rail end point to the center of the destination object OD in the B pattern and the position where the source object OS in the C pattern is closest to the center of the destination object OD are made equal to each other. And the maximum control value of the C pattern are made equal to each other.

  In view of the above description, when the user edits the “parameter control screen”, the start point / end point position and orientation of the rail object R (including the distance to the center of the destination object OD), and the inside / outside of the effective area KA It will be understood that the control mode of the parameter control by the control operator can be arbitrarily changed by adjusting the length of the line segment of the rail object R positioned in each.

  FIG. 5 (b) shows that the start point of the rail is positioned at the center of one destination object OD and the end point of the rail is at the center of the other destination object OD in a range where the plurality of effective areas KA1 and KA2 overlap each other. This is the case where it is positioned. In this case, before the operation of the control operator is started, the source object OS is closest to the center of the destination object OD1, while being closest to the center of the destination object OD2. Then, in accordance with the operation of the control operator, the source object OS moves away from the center of the destination object OD1, while approaching the center of the destination object OD2. Therefore, the control value is sequentially decreased with respect to the destination object OD1, and the control value is sequentially increased with respect to the destination object OD2. Further, since the source object OS moves on one rail object R, the amount of change in the control value decrease / increase is the same. As described above, in the case of FIG. 5B, the user can perform cross-fade control of two different parameters according to the operation of one control operator.

  FIG. 5C shows a case where the rail object R has a curved shape instead of a straight line. FIG. 5D shows a case where the rail object R is not a continuous straight line but a discontinuous linear shape (here, examples of four straight lines F, G, H, and I are shown). In these cases, according to the shape of the rail object R, a change mode (an inclination of the change amount, a decrease / increase of the control value, etc.) between the operation amount and the control value changes. As shown in the figure, for example, when the shape of the rail object R is a curved line and approaches or moves away from the destination object OD, the control value corresponding to the operation amount is also close to the shape of the rail object R. A change mode is shown. Further, when the shape of the rail object R is a discontinuous straight line, the amount of operation is small when the shape of the rail object R is discontinuous (points d, e, and f in the figure). Even if there is a slight difference, the control value before and after that point can be greatly changed.

  Next, in the electronic music apparatus shown in the present embodiment, as a preparation before performing parameter control, for example, a “parameter control screen” for each tone including one or more display modes as shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. A screen editing process for creating / editing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of “object editing processing” for realizing creation / editing of a parameter control screen. This process is started in response to the operation of the screen edit switch.

  In step S1, a timbre to be edited / selected, that is, a timbre for which a parameter control screen is desired to be created / edited is selected. Specifically, one of a large number of timbres prepared in advance is selected according to the operation of the timbre selection switch by the user. In step S2, a two-dimensional plane for screen editing is displayed on the display 6A. In step S3, if existing object data is stored in the timbre parameter data of the selected timbre (see FIG. 2), the source object OS, the rail object R, the destination object OD (and the valid area KA) according to the object data. Are reflected on the two-dimensional plane for screen editing. That is, if any one of the many timbre parameter data stored in the storage means 8 is specified in accordance with the selection of the timbre and the timbre parameter data already contains object data, Since data related to each object at the time of creation / editing is stored in the display 6A, a “parameter control screen” previously created / edited by the processing is reproduced and displayed on the display 6A as a two-dimensional plane for screen editing. indicate.

  In step S4, it is determined whether or not an operation for adding the source object OS has been performed by an operation of a switch or the like. If the source object OS addition operation has not been performed (NO in step S4), the process jumps to step S7. On the other hand, when an addition operation of the source object OS is performed (YES in step S4), a control operator associated with the source object OS is selected and set, and the source object OS additionally displayed at the default position and the selected control operation Information about the child is stored as source object data (step S5). Then, the source object OS and the rail object R are additionally displayed at the default position on the two-dimensional plane for screen editing (step S6).

  In step S7, it is determined whether or not a destination object OD addition operation has been performed. If the addition operation of the destination object OD has not been performed (NO in step S7), the process jumps to the process in step S10. On the other hand, when the destination object OD is added (YES in step S7), the timbre effect parameter associated with the destination object OD is selected and set, and the destination object OD (default range) to be additionally displayed at the default position. And the information relating to the selected timbre effect parameter are stored as destination object data (step S8). Then, the destination object OD and the effective area KA are additionally displayed at the default position on the two-dimensional plane for screen editing (step S9).

  In step S10, it is determined whether or not each of the source object OS, the rail object R, the destination object OD, and the effective area KA is moved or deformed by an operation such as a two-dimensional pointing operator. If the movement / deformation operation of each of these objects has not been performed (NO in step S10), the process jumps to step S15. On the other hand, when the movement / deformation operation of each of these objects is performed (YES in step S10), the timbre effect parameter data is updated to the contents corresponding to the movement / deformation operation (step S11). If the object movement / deformation operation is performed so that the source object OS falls within the effective area KA (YES in step S12), patching is established and association information is generated (step S14). On the other hand, when the object is moved or deformed so that the source object OS located in the effective area KA goes out of the effective area KA (NO in step S12), the patching is canceled and the association information is displayed. Delete (step S13). When the source object originally located outside the effective area KA is moved / deformed to another position outside the effective area KA, the state where the patching is not performed is maintained.

  In step S15, it is determined whether or not an operation for changing the control operator associated with the source object OS has been performed. If the control operator associated with the source object OS is changed (YES in step S15), the control operator associated with the source object OS is changed and saved, and the source object data is saved (step S16). In step S17, it is determined whether or not an operation for changing the timbre effect parameter associated with the destination object OD has been performed. If the operation for changing the timbre effect parameter associated with the destination object OD is performed (YES in step S17), the timbre effect parameter associated with the destination object OD is changed and saved, and the destination object data is saved (step S18).

  In step S19, it is determined whether or not a deletion operation from the screen of the source object OS has been performed. When the deletion operation of the source object OS is performed (YES in step S19), the instructed source object data is deleted (step S20). As a result, not only the display of the corresponding source object OS is deleted from the screen, but also the display of the accompanying rail object R is deleted from the screen. In step S21, it is determined whether or not a deletion operation from the screen of the destination object OD has been performed. If the destination object OD is deleted (YES in step S21), the instructed destination object data is deleted (step S22). Thereby, the display of the corresponding destination object OD is deleted from the screen. Of course, when one of the source object OS and the destination object OD for which patching has been established so far is deleted as described above, the patching is canceled. In step S23, it is determined whether an editing end instruction has been issued. If it is determined that an instruction to end editing has not been given (NO in step S23), the process returns to step S4 and the above process is repeated and executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that an editing end instruction has been issued (YES in step S23), the two-dimensional plane display for editing is closed (step S24), and the process ends.

  Next, in the electronic music apparatus shown in the present embodiment, the above-described operation is performed by operating the control operator while viewing the “parameter control screen” (see FIGS. 3 to 5) previously displayed on the screen by the user. Specific processing for realizing establishment / deletion of patching and parameter control will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of “parameter control processing”. This process is a so-called interrupt process that is started at the start of the electronic music apparatus and is periodically executed every predetermined short time (for example, 2 ms). Needless to say, the “parameter control screen” is displayed on the display 6A in advance when this process is performed.

  In step S31, it is determined whether or not the control operator has been operated. If the control operator is not operated (NO in step S31), the process jumps to step S39. If the control operator is operated (YES in step S31), it is determined whether or not the source control object is associated with the operated control operator (step S32). If no source object OS is associated with the operated control operator (NO in step S32), the process jumps to step S39. When the source object OS is associated with the operated control operator (YES in step S32), the corresponding position on the rail object R is calculated based on the operation amount of the control operator (step S33). ). Then, the source object OS is arranged and displayed at the corresponding position on the rail object R after the calculation (step S34). That is, the source object OS is displayed so as to move on the rail object R to the calculated position. When the source object OS is removed from the rail object R and patching is temporarily established with another destination object OD (see FIG. 4H), when the control operator is operated, It goes without saying that the source object OS is arranged and displayed at the corresponding position on the original rail object R.

  In step S35, it is determined whether or not the source object OD that has moved on the rail object R is located within the effective area KA of the destination object OD. If it is determined that the source object OS is not located within the effective area KA of the destination object OD (NO in step S35), if the patching has already been established for the source object OS, the patching is canceled and the association information is deleted. (Step S36). On the other hand, if it is determined that the source object OS is located in the effective area KA of the destination object OD (YES in step S35), if patching has not been established yet, the patch is established and association information is generated ( Step S37). Further, in this case, the control value of the corresponding timbre effect parameter is determined according to the distance (display interval) between the source object OS and the destination object OD included in the generated association information, and the determined control value Is supplied to the sound source / effect circuit 7 (step S38). Thereby, a predetermined effect corresponding to the control amount operated by the user is given to the musical sound.

  In step S39, it is determined whether or not a two-dimensional pointing operator such as a mouse is operated and only the source object OS is removed from the rail object R and moved. If it is determined that the two-dimensional pointing operator has not been operated (NO in step S39), the process ends. If it is determined that the operation of the two-dimensional pointing operator has been performed (YES in step S39), the source object OS is arranged and displayed at the operated position (step S40). Step S41 determines whether or not the source object OS is located within the effective area KA of the destination object OD. If it is determined that the source object OS is not located within the effective area KA of the destination object OD (NO in step S41), the process ends. Note that when the source object OS newly deviates from the effective area KA of any destination object OD, the patching is released.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the source object OS is newly located in the effective area KA of the destination object OD (YES in step S41), patching is temporarily established for the destination object OD (step S42). Further, in this case, the control value of the corresponding timbre effect parameter is determined according to the distance (display interval) between the source object OS and the destination object OD, and the determined control value is sent to the sound source / effect circuit 7. (Step S43).

  As described above, the destination object representing the control target is configured such that the display position of the source object OS on the “parameter control screen” (see FIG. 3) moves on the rail object OD in accordance with the operation of the control operator. Since the user approaches or moves away from the OD, the user can happily control the timbre effect parameters while visually enjoying the change in the positional relationship of these display objects.

In addition, based on the positional relationship of the display objects, the user intuitively establishes / cancels the association (patching) between the control operator and the timbre effect parameter and determines the relationship between the operation amount of the control operator and the control value of the timbre effect parameter. It becomes easy to grasp. That is, the user operates the control operator while viewing each object display on the “parameter control screen”, and controls the patching and timbre effect parameters while intuitively understanding the operation feeling of the control operator according to the screen display. It can be carried out.
Furthermore, one source object OS enters the effective area KA of a plurality of destination objects OD simultaneously (see FIG. 4 (f)) or sequentially (see FIG. 4 (g)) according to the operation of the control operator. Thus, the user can easily switch and control a plurality of timbre effect parameters simultaneously or sequentially only by editing the “parameter control screen”.

  The user changes the display direction of the rail object R on the “parameter control screen” (see FIG. 3), the line segment length (start point, end point), the shape thereof, and the like, thereby controlling the tone effect parameter by the control operator. It becomes easy to freely set the degree of cracking. In accordance with this, the display position of the source object OS moves on the rail object OD in accordance with the operation of the control operator, so that the user can control the timbre effect parameter while enjoying it visually.

  Note that the shape of the effective area KA of the destination object OD is not limited to a perfect circle, and may be any shape such as an ellipse, a polygon, or a closed curve by a free curve. Any one of a plurality of shapes may be selected. Further, an absolute distance (display interval) between the center of the destination object OD and the source object OS in the effective area KA may be obtained, or as shown in FIG. Alternatively, a virtual equidistant line may be provided in the effective area KA, and the distance (display interval) may be approximated and obtained based on the equidistant line with which the source object OS is closest.

  In addition, when the control operator is an operator capable of infinite operation such as a rotary encoder, the rail object R is preferably an endless track. For example, as shown in FIG. 8B, if the source object OS loops, the rail object R has a closed shape in which the rail start point and the rail end point coincide (for example, a closed curve or a discontinuous line segment). Or the rail object R is displayed as a finite line segment that is not closed as shown in FIG. 8C, and the source object OS is displayed as a rail object. When the end point of the rail of R is reached, a display may be made to jump back to the start point of the rail. In these cases, the same parameter control is repeatedly performed for each predetermined operation amount of the control operator. Alternatively, in these cases, the control value is not simply obtained by the distance (display interval) between the destination object OD and the source object OS, but when the source object OS returns to the rail start point, before the return to the rail start point. The control value at the time point (rail end point time) may be added to the control value obtained by the distance (display interval) between the destination object OD and the source object OS (that is, the control value at the rail start point is “0”). Instead of fixing with), it is changed every time the control value returns to the rail end point). In this case, the control value increases or decreases while repeating the same change for each predetermined operation amount of the control operator.

Note that the above-described object data correction may be performed during the above-described “parameter control process” (see FIG. 7). For example, the position of the rail start point and rail end point of the rail object R may be changed using a two-dimensional pointing operator such as a mouse or a touch panel, and the effective area KA of the destination object OD may be enlarged or reduced. In this way, it is possible to easily switch between establishing / releasing patching and changing the amount of control by the control operator while performing a performance operation (keyboard operation or control operation). Convenient to.
In the above-described embodiment, the patching is established when the source object OS is located in the effective area KA. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the patching is performed when a part of the rail object R is located in the effective area KA. It may be established. However, even in this case, the control amount is not supplied to the sound source / effect circuit 7 until the source object OS enters the effective area KA.

In addition, a different screen is displayed for each tone color on the “parameter control screen”, and an object included in the range is copied by specifying an arbitrary range on one screen, and the copied object is displayed on another screen. You may be able to paste it. In this case, patching is established when the corresponding timbre parameter data is updated in accordance with the pasting and the source object OS is pasted so as to fall within the effective area KA of any destination object OD. Needless to say, the association information is generated with respect to the associated control operator (source object OS) and timbre effect parameter (destination object OD).
Note that the two-dimensional pointing operator (object operator) is not limited to the above-described mouse or touch panel. For example, it may be an arrow key or a pad.

1 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration showing an example of the overall configuration of an electronic music apparatus according to the present invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows one Example of the data structure of timbre parameter data. It is a conceptual diagram which shows one Example of a parameter control screen. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the outline of the patching operation | movement in a parameter control screen. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the parameter control using a parameter control screen. It is a flowchart which shows one Example of an object edit process. It is a flowchart which shows one Example of a parameter control process. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the other example of the parameter control using a parameter control screen.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... CPU, 2 ... ROM, 3 ... RAM, 4,5 ... detection circuit, 4A ... performance operator, 5A ... setting operator, 6 ... display circuit, 6A ... display, 7 ... sound source / effect circuit, 7A ... sound System 8 ... Storage device 9 ... Communication interface 1D Data and address bus OS OS Source object OD Destination object R Rail object KA Effective area Y Pointer

Claims (5)

An electronic music device that imparts a predetermined effect to a musical sound based on a timbre effect parameter,
A control operator;
A display that displays at least a first display object associated with the control operator and a second display object associated with the timbre effect parameter;
Setting means for setting a trajectory as a display path of the first display object;
Display control means for changing and controlling the display position of the first display object to move on the set trajectory in accordance with the operation of the control operator;
The control value of the timbre effect parameter associated with the second display object according to the relative positional relationship between the display position of the first display object moving on the set trajectory and the display position of the second display object Determining means for determining the control value to change as the relative positional relationship changes according to the movement of the first display object ;
Musical tone control means for performing musical tone control based on the control value of the set timbre effect parameter,
An electronic music apparatus characterized in that, according to the setting of the trajectory, the control mode of the timbre effect parameter according to the operation of the control operator is determined. An electronic music device that imparts a predetermined effect to a musical sound based on a timbre effect parameter,
A control operator;
A display that displays at least a first display object associated with the control operator and a second display object associated with the timbre effect parameter;
Setting means for setting a trajectory as a display path of the first display object;
Display control means for changing and controlling the display position of the first display object to move on the set trajectory in accordance with the operation of the control operator;
Determining means for determining a control value of a timbre effect parameter associated with the second display object according to a display positional relationship between the first display object moving on the set trajectory and the second display object;
Musical tone control means for performing musical tone control based on the control value of the set tone color effect parameter;
With
With the setting of the trajectory, the control mode of the timbre effect parameter according to the operation of the control operator is determined,
On the condition that the second display object displayed on the display is set with an effective area consisting of a predetermined range in which parameter control is enabled, and the first display object is located in the effective area. The first display in which the control of the timbre effect parameter associated with the second display object is enabled by the control operator associated with the first display object, and the display position is changed and controlled according to the operation of the control operator. in accordance with the display position relationship in the effective area of the the object second display object, the electronic musical apparatus shall be the determining means determines the control value of the tone color effect parameter. The setting means sets the trajectory based on a start point and an end point, and sets a minimum value and a maximum value among operation amounts of a control operator associated with the first display object for each of the start point and the end point. the assigned, the electronic musical apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that associating the operating range of the control operating element to the track. The setting is performed when the control operator associated with the first display object is an infinite operator capable of continuously performing an operation and outputting an operation value corresponding to the operation. The means sets a trajectory that returns to the start point when the first display object reaches the end point, and the display control means repeats the first display object on the trajectory for each predetermined operation amount of the infinite operator. 4. The electronic music apparatus according to claim 1, wherein display control can be performed so as to move. The setting means, the electronic musical apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that setting the discontinuous trajectory by combining a plurality of segments of the same or different shapes.

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