JP5560581B2 - Electronic musical instruments - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic musical instrument having a rhythm sound generation function for generating a rhythm sound in response to a touch operation on a pad or the like.

  Conventionally, some electronic musical instruments generate a rhythm sound of a rhythm tone color in response to a touch operation on a performance operator such as a pad. For example, in the electronic musical instrument disclosed in Patent Document 1, a continuous hitting pattern corresponding to a combination of a percussion instrument tone color assigned to each pad and a continuous hitting mode such as a roll performance method or a flam performance method is prepared and assigned by a pad operation. When the generated percussion instrument rhythm sound is generated, a performance effect by a plurality of continuous hit patterns is obtained by mode switching.

  In the electronic percussion instrument of Patent Document 2, a drum tone (corresponding to the drum set type) or a scale tone tone (such as timpani or marimba) can be assigned to each pad (FIG. 3), and a drum tone is assigned. When a predetermined drum tone (bass drum) is assigned to the foot pedal, the drum sound assigned to the pad or foot pedal is generated by the pad operation or foot pedal operation, and the scale tone color is assigned. When the foot pedal is operated during pad operation, the scale sound that should be generated by the pad operation is shifted by a semitone, so that many sounds can be produced with a small number of pads. Furthermore, in the rhythm performance device of Patent Document 3, a plurality of pattern data for performing a rhythm pattern of about 1 to several measures is stored, and a rhythm pattern is assigned to each pad, and the pad is responsive to pressing of the pad. Thus, a musical tone signal of a rhythm pattern assigned to the pad can be generated and repeatedly reproduced in units of phrases until the pad is released.

JP-A-5-173568 JP-A-9-160544 JP-A-8-286668

  However, when considering the practice of playing a rhythm pattern by pad operation, the conventional technique has various disadvantages. For example, in the electronic musical instrument disclosed in Patent Document 1, the set rhythm pattern is reproduced by simply pressing the pad once. Therefore, the user presses the pad at the timing of starting the reproduction of the rhythm pattern, and the reproduction ends. Since the pad is only released at the timing, and no performance operation is performed during that time, a performance effect with a desired continuous hitting pattern can be obtained with a simple operation, but this does not lead to practice or improvement of the user performance.

  As in the electronic percussion instrument of Patent Document 2, the operation of changing the pitch assigned to the target pad by a semitone using the foot pedal is different from the general drum playing method of hitting the pad using both hands. In addition, in this electronic percussion instrument, there is a possibility that the user's attention cannot be concentrated on the hand because it is necessary to sequentially read out from the pattern memory, sequentially generate data of a predetermined format and output it to the outside. Furthermore, in the rhythm performance device of Patent Document 3, a performer can perform a rhythm performance by a predetermined rhythm pattern (phrase) simply by pressing a predetermined pad. Each has a step time (pronunciation time) and gate time (pronunciation length), and is pronounced at the exact timing as set.

  In view of such circumstances, the present invention enables an electronic device suitable for practicing playing a rhythm pattern by allowing the rhythm pattern to be reproduced in accordance with individual touch operations on a performance operator such as a pad. The purpose is to provide a musical instrument.

  According to the main feature of the present invention, the rhythm pattern storage means (3, 3) stores one or more (FP1, FP2,...) Rhythm pattern data (FP) consisting of a plurality of event data (EV) each including timbre designation information. 4), a plurality of performance operators (PD: PD1 to PD4) for receiving performance inputs by touch operation, and a performance operator to which a specific rhythm tone (for example, a tom-tim tone) is assigned by the tone assignment means (S1). If there is a corresponding performance operator (PDa: PD3, for example) (S2 = YES), one of the rhythm pattern storage means (3, 4) is stored. Rhythm pattern assigning means (S3; [0046]) assigning rhythm pattern data (FPa) to the performance operator (PDa: PD3, for example) [0050]) and the performance operator (PDa: PD3, for example) to which the rhythm pattern data (FPa) is assigned by the rhythm pattern assigning means (S3) each time a performance input is received (S5 = YES → S6 = YES → S7 = YES), the event data (EV) is read one by one from the rhythm pattern data (FPa), and the rhythm musical tone having the tone specified by the tone specification information included in the event data (EV) For a performance operator (PD ≠ PDa: PD1, PD2, PD4, for example) to which a signal is generated (S17) and no rhythm pattern data (FP) is assigned by the rhythm pattern assigning means (S3), the performance input is accepted. (S5 = YES → S6 = NO, S6 = YES → S7 = NO) An electronic musical instrument comprising: (S8) musical tone signal generating means (S6 to S17; 7) for generating a rhythm musical tone signal having a predetermined rhythm tone color assigned by the means (S1). . Note that the parentheses indicate reference symbols, terms, parts, and the like of the examples added for convenience of understanding, and the same applies to the following.

  In the electronic musical instrument according to the present invention, the tone signal generation means (S6 to S17) manages the reading order (Count) of the event data (EV) for the rhythm pattern data (FPa) assigned to the performance operator (PDa). Event reading management means (S9 to S15), and the event reading management means (S9 to S15) designates the top event data (EV) as event data (EV) to be read first (S9 = YES → Every time there is an instruction to read the event data (EV) of the rhythm pattern data (FPa) (S5 = YES → S6 = YES → S7 = YES), from the top event data (EV) The reading order (Count) is advanced one by one up to the last event data (EV) (S9 = NO → S10). YES → S13 = YES → S14) After the reading order (Count) reaches the end event data (EV) (S13 = NO), the reading order (Count) is returned to the top event data (EV) (S15). ) [Claim 2].

  Furthermore, in the electronic musical instrument according to the present invention, the event readout management means (S9 to S15) starts timing when reading the event data (EV) for the first time (S9 = YES → S12), and starts this timing. (S10 = NO), when there is no touch operation to the performance operator (PDa) to which the rhythm pattern data (FPa) is assigned and a predetermined time (pattern reset waiting time) has elapsed (S10 = NO), The reading order (Count) can be returned to the top event data (EV) (S11).

  In the electronic musical instrument according to the main feature of the present invention (claim 1), a plurality of performance operators (pads PD) such as pads for receiving performance input by a user's touch operation are provided (PD1 to PD4), and a predetermined rhythm is provided. Tones can be assigned. Further, one or more (FP1, FP2,...) Rhythm pattern data (fill-in pattern data FP) including a plurality of event data (EV) is stored in the rhythm pattern data storage means (3, 4), and each event data ( EV) includes tone color designation information for sequentially designating a similar rhythm tone color (for example, various tom tone colors such as high tom, midi tom, and rotam) belonging to a specific rhythm tone color (for example, a tom tone tone color). During performance, when a predetermined rhythm tone is assigned to the performance operator (PD: PD1 to PD4) (S1), the performance operator (PD = PDa) to which a specific rhythm tone (for example, a tom-tamp tone) is assigned. If there is a corresponding performance operator (PDa: PD3, for example) (S2 = YES), any rhythm pattern (FPa) stored in the rhythm pattern storage means (3, 4) is searched. Assigned to the performance operator (PDa: PD3, for example) (S3; [0046], [0050]). For the performance operator (PD = PDa: PD3, for example) to which the rhythm pattern (FPa) is assigned, when the user sequentially performs a touch operation, the performance input is sequentially accepted (S5 = YES → S6 = YES). (→ S7 = YES) Every time a touch operation is performed, that is, every time a performance input is accepted, the event data (EV) of the rhythm pattern data (FPa) is read one by one (S9 to S16) and read. A rhythm musical tone signal having a predetermined rhythm tone color (for example, various tam tom tone colors) designated by tone color designation information of each event data (EV) is generated and output to the sound system (S17). On the other hand, for performance operators (PD ≠ PDa: PD1, PD2, PD4, for example) to which rhythm pattern data (FP) is not assigned, in response to reception of performance input by a user's touch operation (S5 = YES → S6) = NO, S6 = YES → S7 = NO), a rhythm tone signal having a predetermined rhythm tone color assigned thereto is generated (S8).

  In the present invention, as described above, a rhythm pattern is searched by searching for a performance operator (PDa) to which a specific rhythm tone (for example, a tom-tamp tone) is assigned to a plurality of performance operators such as pads. A performance operator (PDa) to which (FPa) is assigned is automatically designated, and a performance operator to which no rhythm pattern is assigned is assigned to the assigned rhythm tone (for example, other than tom tom) according to the touch operation. A musical tone signal having a rhythm tone) is generated, but for a performance operator (PDa: PD3, for example) to which a rhythm pattern (FPa) is assigned, the assigned rhythm is sequentially assigned each time a touch operation is performed. Generates a rhythm tone signal of a predetermined tone color (for example, various tom tone colors) based on each event data (EV) of the pattern (FPa) It is. That is, when a user plays a rhythm pattern (FPa), the rhythm pattern (FPa) is automatically struck every time the performance operator (PDa) to which the rhythm pattern (FPa) is automatically assigned according to the assignment of a specific rhythm tone. The rhythm sound by the pattern is reproduced one by one.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to automatically assign a rhythm pattern to a performance operator assigned with a specific rhythm tone (for example, a timbre tone), and use a performance operator to which no rhythm pattern is assigned. Perform a performance based on the rhythm tone assigned to this performance controller (for example, a rhythm tone other than a tam tom), or use a performance operator assigned a rhythm pattern to select a specific rhythm tone (for example, a Rhythm performance can be practiced by repeating the flow of rhythm pattern performance based on similar rhythm timbres (for example, various tom timbres) belonging to the system timbre). In particular, in a rhythm performance using a performance operator to which a rhythm pattern is assigned, the performance timing for playing back each rhythm pattern by causing the rhythm pattern to proceed in response to individual touch operations on the performance operator varies. There will be a lot of change. At the same time, it can be practiced to acquire performance operation at an appropriate timing, so that an electronic musical instrument suitable for rhythm pattern performance practice can be provided.

  For example, when playing a tom tom using a pad as a performance controller, if you want to practice a fill-in pattern using the tam tom rhythm pattern as a fill-in pattern, use multiple tom-tom sounds (high tom, midi tom, rotam, etc.) If you assign a fill-in pattern to a pad for tom tom, each time you strike this pad, the event of the fill-in pattern will be read out one by one according to the timing of hitting, and played as a rhythm sound suitable for practicing tom tom fill-in pattern performance. Is done. In this case, it is also possible to practice by shifting to a performance with such a fill-in pattern from the performance of a tom-tom tone assigned to the pad in advance, or to practice only the fill-in pattern of the tom-tom.

In the electronic musical instrument according to the present invention (claim 2), the event data (EV) is read out from the rhythm pattern data (FPa) assigned to the touch-operated performance operator (PDa), and the timbre designation information is obtained. When the event is read (S9 to S16), the event data management unit (S9 to S15) manages the reading order (Count) of the event data (EV). That is, the first event data (EV) is designated as the event data (EV) read when the first touch operation is performed in a series of touch operations (S9 = YES → S12 → S13 = YES → S14), and thereafter. Every time there is an instruction to read event data (EV) of rhythm pattern data by touch operation of (S5 = YES → S6 = YES → S7 = YES), from the first event data (EV) to the last event data (EV) The reading order (Count) is advanced one by one (S9 = NO → S10 = YES → S13 = YES → S14). After the reading order (Count) reaches the last event data (EV), the reading order (Count) is changed. Return to the first event data (EV) (S13 = NO → S15).
Therefore, according to the present invention, the user can practice the rhythm pattern repeatedly without interrupting the performance using the performance operator to which the rhythm pattern is assigned. You can also learn patterns by repeated practice.

Further, in the electronic musical instrument according to the present invention (Claim 3), the event reading management means (S9 to S15) starts time measurement (Time) when the event data (EV) is first read (S9 = YES → S12). After starting the time measurement (S9 = NO), when a predetermined time (pattern reset waiting time) has passed without touch operation on the performance operator (PD) to which the rhythm pattern (FPa) is assigned (S10). = NO), the reading order (Count) is returned to the top event data (EV) (S11).
Therefore, according to the present invention, when the performance input for the performance operator assigned with the rhythm pattern is interrupted for a predetermined time, the rhythm pattern reading order is reset, and the next time the performance input is received, Can be played from the event.

  In particular, when the user is a beginner, even if the user intends to strike the pad for the number of sounds in the fill-in pattern, the instrument may not be recognized as an input because the power is weak. In this invention, even in such a case, when performance input is not made for a certain period of time, the reading order is automatically reset to return to the first event, and then when the performance input is performed on the pad for the fill-in pattern, Output from the first note of the pattern. Therefore, the user's performance practice can be performed efficiently and smoothly by this pattern reset function.

It is a figure explaining the structural example of the electronic musical instrument by one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of fill-in pattern data by one Example of this invention. It is the 1st part of the electronic musical instrument processing flow example by one Example of this invention. It is a 2nd part of the example of an electronic musical instrument processing flow by one Example of this invention.

[Overview of system configuration]
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of an electronic musical instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 1A, this electronic musical instrument has a central processing unit (CPU) 1, a random access memory (RAM) 2, a read only memory (ROM) 3, an external storage device. 4, an input operation unit 5, a display unit 6, a sound source 7, a communication interface (I / F) 8, and the like, and these elements 1 to 8 are connected to each other via a bus 9.

  The CPU 1 constitutes a data processing unit together with the RAM 2 and the ROM 3, controls the operation of the electronic musical instrument using a clock by a timer according to a predetermined control program, and functions as an electronic percussion instrument device. The RAM 2 is used as a work area for temporarily storing various data necessary for such control. For example, the time information holding area 2a named “Time” or a read event number named “Count” is used. A holding region 2b is provided. The ROM 3 stores in advance a control program and control data for executing these processes.

  The external storage device 4 includes a storage medium such as an HD (hard disk), an FD (flexible disk), a CD (compact disk), a DVD (digital multipurpose disk), a flash memory or the like, and a driving device thereof. Control programs, control data, and the like can be stored in any storage medium. The storage medium may be detachable or may be built in the electronic musical instrument. The ROM 3 and the external storage device 4 store rhythm pattern data such as fill-in pattern data.

  The input operation unit 5 includes a plurality of performance operators (pads PD1 to PD4) called “pads”, an operator group including setting operators (panel switches SW) including various setting buttons and dials, and the like. And an operation detection circuit for introducing operation information corresponding to the detected content into the data processing units (1 to 3). The data processing unit controls each part of the electronic musical instrument based on the operation information. For example, when the performance operator is touch-operated and a performance input is detected, the performance information corresponding to the performance input is sent to the sound source 7 and the setting operation is performed. When the fill-in button in the child is operated, the fill-in function is turned on. The display unit 6 includes a display (DP) such as an LCD for displaying various information necessary for performance and setting such as setting contents, a built-in lamp attached to the switches (SW) in the input operation unit 5, and the like. These display / lighting contents are controlled in accordance with commands from the data processing unit, and display assistance regarding performance operations and setting operations is performed.

  The sound source 7 includes a waveform memory having a large number of rhythm tone waveform data and an effect circuit having a DSP, and has a predetermined rhythm tone based on performance information corresponding to performance input information from a performance operator. And a predetermined effect is added to the generated rhythm tone signal. The sound system 10 includes a D / A converter, an amplifier, a speaker (SP), and the like, and generates a musical sound based on a rhythm musical sound signal output from the sound source 7. This electronic musical instrument has an automatic rhythm performance function. For example, a rhythm having a rhythm pattern that the user wants to practice in accordance with the audition combined rhythm pattern data such as the audition combined fill-in pattern stored in the ROM 3 or the storage device 4 is used. A musical sound signal can be generated.

  The communication I / F 8 includes a wired I / F for music such as MIDI, a general-purpose network I / F such as USB, or a general-purpose short-range wireless I / F such as wireless Lan, and is played from an external operation device EM such as a foot pedal. Data can be exchanged or a new control program or control data can be received from another external device (not shown) and stored in the storage device 4.

  FIG. 1B shows an example of the appearance of the operation panel PN of this electronic musical instrument. In this example, the operation panel PN of the electronic musical instrument is provided with a plurality of pads PD: PD1 to PD4, panel switches SW, a display DP, a speaker SP, and the like. A foot pedal is connected as the device EM. The symbol “PD” generically represents an arbitrary pad. Each pad PD is a performance operator having an operation surface (hitting surface) with a built-in sensor, and is also called a pad operator. When the operation surface of the pad PD is struck with a stick or hand (tapping the operation surface is referred to as “touch” or “touch operation”), the touch operation is detected by the built-in sensor, and performance operation information indicating performance input to the pad Is sent from the pad PD to the data processing units (1-3).

  Predetermined rhythm tones (also called percussion instrument tones or percussion tones, including drum tones) are assigned to the pads PD1 to PD4 in advance. In the illustrated example, a “hi-hat” tone is assigned to the first pad PD1, a “snare” tone is assigned to the second pad PD2, and a predetermined “tam-tum” tone, for example, a “high tom” tone is assigned to the third pad PD3. "Tone" is assigned, and "cymbal" timbre is assigned to the fourth pad PD4. Accordingly, when the tone generator 7 receives performance information corresponding to performance operation information from the operated pad PD from the data processing unit, the tone generator 7 has a rhythm tone signal having a predetermined rhythm tone color pre-assigned to the pad according to the performance information. Is generated.

  A predetermined rhythm tone color is also assigned in advance to the foot pedal EM connected to the electronic musical instrument, and “bass drum” is assigned in the illustrated example. That is, when an operation (pressing operation) in which the pedal is depressed by the user is performed, the foot pedal EM sends pedal performance operation information corresponding to this operation to the data processing units (1 to 3). When performance information corresponding to the pedal performance operation information is received from the data processing unit, a rhythm tone signal having a predetermined rhythm tone assigned in advance to the foot pedal EM is generated according to the performance information.

  The panel switches (operators such as buttons and dials) SW have tone settings and volume settings for assigning rhythm tones to the pads PD1 to PD4 and the foot pedal EM, and a plurality of fill-in patterns (rhythms) prepared in advance. There is a tone setting operator, volume setting operator, pattern selection operator, etc. for selecting a pattern to select a pad touch to be assigned from among (pattern), and a waiting time for setting a waiting time for pattern readout reset There are a setting operator, a fill-in button for turning on / off the fill-in function, and the like, and a demo button for auditioning a desired fill-in pattern is provided as necessary.

[Fill-in pattern data (rhythm pattern data)]
In the electronic musical instrument according to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of rhythm patterns using a plurality of similar rhythm tones are stored in a storage means such as the ROM 3 or the storage device 4 for a predetermined rhythm tone such as a tam tom tone. ing. Each rhythm pattern is composed of a plurality of event data, and a plurality of similar rhythm timbres can be sequentially designated by timbre designation information included in each event data. Also, any rhythm pattern can be assigned to a pad to which a predetermined rhythm tone color is assigned. When this pad is called a fill-in target pad and is represented by the symbol “PDa”, and the rhythm pattern assigned to this pad is represented by the symbol “FPa”, the pad was previously assigned by touching the fill-in target pad PDa sequentially. Prior to a predetermined rhythm tone color, a rhythm tone signal of a rhythm tone color according to the assigned rhythm pattern FPa is sequentially generated.

  For this rhythm pattern, a fill-in pattern is preferably used. In this case, for example, another phrase or movement can be created by another rhythm tone color in a performance paragraph or stagnant portion by a snare or hi-hat. In addition, the events constituting the rhythm pattern include a plurality of similar rhythms including a predetermined rhythm tone pre-assigned to the fill-in target pad PDa, or a rhythm tone similar to the rhythm tone but having a different pitch and tone quality. A tone is used. For example, a tom pad (a pad with a pre-assigned tom tom tone (eg, high tom tone)) is assigned a fill-in pattern that uses multiple tom tones such as “high tom”, “medium tom”, and “rotum”. Then, every time the tam tom pad PDa is struck, the rhythm sound is reproduced by reading out the events of the fill-in pattern one by one in accordance with the slap timing. When the reading reaches the end event, it returns to the top event, and cyclic rhythm sound reproduction is performed. Furthermore, if there is no tapping on the pad PDa (touch operation) for a predetermined time (pattern reading reset waiting time), the order of event reading from the fill-in pattern is reset. Therefore, it is possible to reproduce a rhythm sound suitable for practicing a fill-in pattern in a tam-tom performance.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of fill-in pattern data according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a pattern example in the case where each event data EV in the fill-in pattern data FP is composed only of timbre designation information. FIG. 2B shows a pattern example when each event data EV in the fill-in pattern data FP is composed of a plurality of pieces of element information including timbre designation information. Each of the fill-in pattern data FP1, FP2,... Is given a data name such as “fill-in 1”, “fill-in 2”,..., For example, when selecting a fill-in pattern to be assigned to the tom pad PD3. The name is displayed on the display DP.

  2 (1) and 2 (2), each fill-in pattern data FP1, FP2,... Is composed of a plurality of event data EV, and each event data EV designates a tone color of a musical tone signal to be generated by the sound source 7. Tone specification information for playing. For example, in the “fill-in 1” pattern data FP1, as the event data EV, four timbre designation information designating each tone color of high tom, medium tom, rotam, and rotam is sequentially arranged, and in the pattern data FP2 of “fill-in 2” As the vent data EV, eight tone color designation information for designating each tone color of high tom, high tom,. The numbers “1”, “2”,..., Indicated beside each event data EV indicate the arrangement order of the event data EV, and the fill-in pattern data FP1, FP2,. When assigned to (a = 1 to 4), it represents the reading order of the event data EV that is read each time the fill-in target pad PDa is touched.

  The fill-in pattern data FP in FIG. 2 (2) is an example in particular when the trial listening function is taken into account, and is also referred to as a trial listening combined fill-in pattern. That is, this fill-in pattern is also used in the performance of the fill-in target pad PDa, but can be reproduced independently of the pad operation as automatic performance data for auditioning the model rhythm performance. Therefore, each event data EV indicates, in addition to the timbre designation information, timing information for instructing a timing for sounding, gate time information for instructing a time for sounding to be continued, and strength of a rhythm musical sound to be sounded. Contains velocity information. In this example, timing information is represented by “bar number: beat number: clock”, gate time information is represented by “number of clocks”, and a quarter note corresponds to 480 clocks.

  As described above, in the electronic musical instrument according to the embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of pad operators PD: PD1 to PD4 for performing performance input by touch operation are provided, and the storage means (3, 4) includes a plurality of pads. A plurality of rhythm patterns (fill-in patterns) FP (FP 1, FP 2,...) Are prepared, which are composed of event data EV and sequentially specify a plurality of similar rhythm tones according to tone color designation information included in each event data EV. A rhythm tone is assigned to each pad operator PD in advance, and a fill-in-target pad operator PDa [a = 1 to 4] (FIG. 1) to which a specific rhythm tone such as a high-tim tone belonging to a tom-tim tone is assigned. In the example, PD 3) can be assigned a rhythm pattern FPa. When the pad operator PD is played, if a pad operator (PD1, PD2, PD4) to which no rhythm pattern is assigned is touch-operated, a musical tone signal having a pre-assigned rhythm tone is generated according to the touch operation. . On the other hand, for each pad operator PDa (PD3) to be filled in, every time a touch operation is performed, event data EV is sequentially read one sound at a time from the rhythm pattern FPa assigned to the pad operator PDa in accordance with the timing of the touch operation. Rhythm music signal corresponding to the strength of the touch operation is generated. Here, if the touch operation on the fill-in target pad operator PDa is continuously repeated, the read target returns to the first event data EV after the last event data EV of the rhythm pattern FPa, so the rhythm pattern FPa The rhythm tone signal according to the above is repeatedly generated. In this case, when the touch operation on the fill-in target pad operator PDa is interrupted for a predetermined time (pattern read reset waiting time), the event reading order is reset to return to the first event data EV, and then the fill-in target pad operator PDa. When (PD3) is operated, a timbre tone signal according to the first event data EV is generated.

[Operation flow example]
3 and 4 are flowcharts showing operations based on electronic musical instrument processing according to one embodiment of the present invention. When the power of the electronic musical instrument is turned on, the electronic musical instrument processing starts. First, in step S1, the CPU 1 sets pad tone, volume, tempo, time signature, fill-in pattern selection, fill-in target pad designation. Various setting processing such as fill-in function on / off, pattern reset waiting time setting, various algorithm settings, and the like are performed. In various setting processes immediately after the power is turned on, default values prepared in advance are automatically set. For example, each pad PD1 to PD4 or foot pedal EM is set with a rhythm tone (pad tone setting) as shown in FIG. 1 (2), and the “pattern 1” fill-in pattern FP1 in FIG. 2 is selected (fill-in pattern selection). ), The third pad PD3 is designated as the fill-in target pad PDa (fill-in target pad designation), the fill-in function is set to off (fill-in function on / off), and the pattern reset waiting time is set to 5 seconds (waiting for pattern reset) Time setting) and algorithm (rule) are not set (various algorithm settings).

  Such an initial state can be changed by a user operation on the panel switches SW of the input operation unit 5. For example, in the pad tone setting, a user-desired rhythm tone is selected from a plurality of rhythm tones (waveform data) prepared in the sound source 7 (specifically, the tone number is selected), and the selected rhythm tone is selected from the pad PD1. -It can be set to PD4 or foot pedal EM. In the fill-in pattern selection, a desired fill-in pattern FPa is selected from a plurality of fill-in patterns FP prepared in the storage means (3, 4), and in the fill-in target pad designation, a fill-in target pad PDa is arbitrarily designated from the pads PD1 to PD4. . When the fill-in function is turned on / off, the fill-in function can be turned on. When the fill-in function is turned on, the fill-in pattern FPa selected by the fill-in pattern selection is changed to the fill-in target pad PDa specified by the fill-in target pad designation. If the fill-in function is set to OFF, the assignment of the selected fill-in pattern FPa to the fill-in target pad PDa becomes invalid and returns to the initial state (OFF).

  In the pattern reset waiting time setting, a user-desired pattern reset waiting time can be set. In various algorithm settings, a desired algorithm can be selected and set. If a fill-in pattern for audition as shown in FIG. 2 (2) is prepared as the fill-in pattern FPa selected by the fill-in pattern selection, the demo audition can be performed by operating the demo button in the panel switches SW. A rhythm tone signal is generated in accordance with the combined fill-in pattern.

  In the next step S2, it is determined whether or not the fill-in function is on. If the fill-in function is on (S2 = YES), the corresponding fill-in pattern data FPa is stored in the RAM 2 in step S3. The area is loaded and the assignment of the fill-in pattern FPa to the fill-in target pad PDa is validated. When the fill-in function is in the off state (S2 = NO) or after the fill-in pattern loading process in step S3, the process proceeds to step S4, the time-keeping function is turned off, and the time measurement value Time in the time-keeping information holding area 2a of the RAM 2 is set to “0 And the read event number Count of the event number holding area 2b is set to “0”, and the process proceeds to step S5.

  In step S5, it is determined whether or not a performance input to the pads PD1 to PD4 to the foot pedal EM is detected by the user. If a performance input to the pad to the foot pedal is detected (S5 = YES), the process proceeds to step S6. Then, it is determined whether or not the pad whose performance input has been detected is the fill-in target pad PDa. Here, when the performance input detection pad is the fill-in target pad PDa (S6 = YES), the process further proceeds to step S8 to determine whether or not the fill-in function is set to ON.

  If it is determined in step S6 that the performance input detection pad is not a fill-in target pad (S6 = NO), or if it is determined in step S7 that the fill-in function is set to OFF (S7 = NO), step Proceed to S8. Also, when a performance input to the foot pedal EM is detected in step S5 (S5 = YES), a negative determination is automatically made in step S6 (the performance input detection pad is not the fill-in target pad PDa) (S6 = NO), the process proceeds to step S8. In step S8, performance information including strength information extracted from the performance input information of the pads PD1 to PD4 to the foot pedal EM and information specifying the tone set for the pad to the foot pedal is stored in the sound source 7. The rhythm tone signal based on the performance information is generated and output to the sound system 11.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S7 that the fill-in function is set to ON (S7 = YES), the process proceeds to the pattern event reading process in steps S9 to S16. First, in step S9, the timing function is in the OFF state. It is determined whether or not there is, that is, whether or not the time measurement value Time is “0”. When the fill-in target pad PDa is first operated after the process of step S4 and the process proceeds to step S9, it is determined that the timing function is in an off state (Time = 0) (S9 = YES), and step S12 (FIG. After the timing function is turned on in 4) to start timing, the process proceeds to step S13. The time measurement started in step S12 is continued until the time measurement function is turned off, and the time measurement value Time is incremented as time elapses. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S9 that the timekeeping function is on (Time ≠ 0) (S9 = NO), the process proceeds to step S10 (FIG. 4), and is the timekeeping value Time smaller than the pattern reset waiting time? If the time measured value Time is less than the pattern reset waiting time (S10 = YES), the process proceeds to step S13. If the time value Time is equal to or longer than the pattern reset waiting time (S10 = NO), in step S11, the time measurement function is temporarily turned off to reset the time value Time to “0” and the read event number Count is also set to “0”. In step S12, the timing function is turned on again to start timing, and the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, it is determined whether or not the read event number Count is smaller than the event data number (= maximum event number) of the fill-in pattern FPa assigned to the fill-in target pad PDa, and the read event number Count is the number of the event data. If it is less (S13 = YES), the read event number Count is incremented by “1” in step S14, and the process proceeds to step S16. When the read event number Count reaches the number of event data (S13 = NO), the read event number Count is returned to “1” in step S15, and the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S16, the count-th event data of the fill-in pattern FPa is read and its tone color designation information is acquired. In the next step S17, the strong tone extracted from the acquired tone color designation information and the performance input information of the fill-in target pad PDa. The performance information including the length information is sent to the sound source 7 to generate a rhythm tone signal based on the performance information and output it to the sound system 11.

  When the performance input to the pads PD1 to PD4 or the foot pedal EM is not detected in step S5 (S5 = NO), or after the rhythm sound reproduction processing in step S8 (FIG. 3) or step S17, the process proceeds to step S18. Then, it is determined whether or not a setting change start operation has been performed on the panel switches SW of the input operation unit 5. It should be noted that the operation for starting the setting change includes an operation for simply turning off the fill-in function (referred to as a fill-in function off operation). Here, when there is no such operation (S18 = NO), it returns to step S5 (FIG. 3) and repeats the process of step S5-S18 mentioned above. If a setting change start operation such as a fill-in function off operation is performed in step S18 (S18 = YES), if reproduction is in progress in step S19, the reproduction process is stopped and the process returns to step S1. . And the process of step S1-S18 mentioned above is repeated. When the power is turned off, the electronic musical instrument process is terminated after performing the termination process.

  When a predetermined algorithm (rule) is set in step S1, processing according to the set algorithm is performed in step S2, and steps S8 and S17. For example, if an algorithm for automatically designating the pad to which the tom tom tone is assigned in step S1 as the fill-in target pad PDa is set, the tom tom type pad to which the tom tom tone is assigned in step S2 is searched. The process proceeds to step S3, and if not, the process immediately proceeds to step S4. If an algorithm for adjusting the detection reference level to be lowered or the detection sensitivity is increased with respect to the strength of touching (striking) in step S1, performance input with low touch strength is sufficient in steps S8 and S17. It is possible to generate a rhythm tone signal having a large velocity.

[Various Embodiments]
The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings. However, this is merely an example, and the present invention can be variously modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the embodiment, the fill-in pattern of the tam tom tone color is given as the rhythm pattern, but if possible with other rhythm tone colors, rhythm patterns of other rhythm tone colors can be prepared. Further, the number of rhythm patterns prepared can be freely increased, and may be registered later. The contents of each pattern may be editable.

  In the embodiment, the tom pad is assigned to the pad operator for fill-in and hi-hat, snare, and cymbal are assigned to the other pad operators. However, the number of pads and the rhythm tone assigned to each pad are not limited to this. . For example, in the simplest configuration, the number of pads may be one. Also, the rhythm tone assignment to the pad operator can be changed. The tone assigned to the tom tom pad (PD3) is not a high tom as in the embodiment, but may be other tom tones such as a medium tom or a tom.

  In the embodiment, four pads (PD1 to PD4) with touch sensors are prepared. However, for example, the operation area may be divided into a plurality of touch areas such as a multipoint touch panel.

  In the embodiment, application of the fill-in pattern can be enabled by designating the pad (PD3) as the fill-in target pad (PDa). However, the fill-in function is enabled only when a timbre tone is assigned. It may be controlled, or even a pad to which another tone is assigned may be controlled so that a tom-tam type fill-in pattern is forcibly reproduced when the fill-in function is turned on. In the embodiment, the fill-in pattern is applied only to one pad (PD3). For example, if only the second pad (PD2) is a tom-tum system and the fill-in function is turned on, the second pad (PD2) May be determined as a fill-in target pad (PDa) by automatically checking the tone color of each pad and determining the fill-in target pad.

  The pattern reset waiting time (the limit of the performance input waiting time to the fill-in target pad) is 5 seconds in the embodiment, but is not limited to this, and a mechanism that can set an arbitrary value may be used. If the tempo and time signature can be set, for example, a time corresponding to 3 bars (seconds) may be set as the waiting time limit. For example, if the tempo is “120” and the time signature is 4/4, the required time per measure is 2 seconds, so it is assumed that the performance until the fill-in is 3 measures, and there is more than 6 seconds from the input for the last fill-in pattern. If this happens, the first note of the fill-in pattern is played when the next performance is input.

  In the embodiment, the fill-in function is switched on / off by the operation switch. However, the fill-in function may be switched off and the fill-in pattern selection may be switched.

  In the embodiment, each event data of the fill-in pattern is required to include at least tone information (tom type), and the strength with which the user strikes the pad is reflected in the output sound. Velocity information may be included in the data, and the output sound may be generated with a strength corresponding to the velocity. In this case, there are various applications such as substituting velocity information only when the user's tapping force is weaker than a certain standard. In addition, the audition / fill-in pattern may include timing information at a minimum. Even with fill-in patterns without timing information, a simple audition function can be achieved by, for example, playing rhythm sounds based on timbre information in order at equal intervals for one cycle, riding at an appropriate tempo (for example, “100”). Can be added.

  In the embodiment, the number of fill-in target pads (PDa) is one, but when there are a plurality of fill-in target pads, it is preferable that the fill-in function is turned on / off and associated with the fill-in pattern for each pad. The fill-in target pad (PDa) may be designated by a user operation, or may be fixed and determined in advance. In the various setting steps (S1) of the embodiment, for example, if there is no user designation of a pad to be filled in, a pad determined by default may be designated.

2a Timekeeping information holding area named Time,
2b Read event number holding area named Count,
PD: PD1 to PD4; PDa pad [operator] (performance operator operated by touch),
FP: FP1, FP2 fill-in pattern [data] (rhythm pattern [data]),
FPa fill-in pattern assigned to fill-in target pad PDa,
EV Event data including at least tone specification information.

Claims (3)

Rhythm pattern storage means for storing one or more rhythm pattern data composed of a plurality of event data each including tone color designation information;
A plurality of performance operators for receiving performance input by touch operation;
Tone assigning means for assigning a predetermined rhythm tone to the performance operator;
The presence / absence of a performance operator assigned with a specific rhythm tone by the timbre assignment means is searched, and if there is a corresponding performance operator, any rhythm pattern data stored in the rhythm pattern storage means is A rhythm pattern assigning means assigned to the performance operator;
For performance operators to which rhythm pattern data has been assigned by the rhythm pattern assigning means, every time a performance input is received, event data is read out one by one from the rhythm pattern data, and a timbre designation included in the event data is designated. A rhythm tone signal having a tone color specified by information is generated, and a performance operator to which rhythm pattern data is not allocated by the rhythm pattern allocation unit is allocated by the tone color allocation unit in response to reception of a performance input. An electronic musical instrument comprising: a musical tone signal generating means for generating a rhythm musical tone signal having a predetermined rhythm tone color. The musical tone signal generating means has event reading management means for managing the reading order of event data for the rhythm pattern data assigned to the performance operator,
The event read management means includes:
Specify the first event data as the event data to be read first,
Every time there is an instruction to read the event data of the rhythm pattern data, the reading order is advanced one by one from the first event data to the last event data,
2. The electronic musical instrument according to claim 1, wherein after the reading order reaches the last event data, the reading order is returned to the first event data. The event read management means includes:
Start timing when reading event data for the first time,
3. The read-out order is returned to the first event data when a predetermined time has passed without a touch operation on the performance operator assigned with the rhythm pattern data after the start of timing. The electronic musical instrument described.

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