JP6089496B2 - Sound generation apparatus and sound generation method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for generating an acoustic signal in accordance with an instruction from a user.

  Conventionally, a technique for generating an acoustic signal according to an instruction from a user has been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 provides a user with low sound quality audio data synthesized in response to an instruction from a user, and purchases high sound quality audio data on condition that a predetermined charging process is executed. A technology for providing the user with the information is disclosed.

JP 2004-295645 A

  In the technique of Patent Document 1, the audio data provided to the user before execution of the accounting process is limited to low-quality audio data, and the restriction is released on condition that the accounting process is executed. However, for users who do not need high-quality audio data, for example, audio data for audition is sufficient, so the user is given sufficient incentive to execute billing processing (and realize effective monetization). To do) is actually difficult. On the other hand, if extremely low-quality audio data is provided for trial listening, the user's willingness to execute the purchase procedure may be reduced. In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to effectively limit an acoustic signal generation function while effectively maintaining an incentive to cancel the limitation of the acoustic signal generation function.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the sound generation device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a control unit that selects the first operation mode or the second operation mode, and an instruction from the user in the first operation mode. According to the second operation mode, an acoustic signal generation unit configured to generate an acoustic signal in which the pronunciation content is set with a lower degree of freedom than the first operation mode is provided. According to the above configuration, since the sound content of the acoustic signal in the second operation mode is limited as compared with the first operation mode, the low-quality sound data is provided to the user for auditioning. Compared with the technique, it is possible to effectively limit the function of generating an acoustic signal in the second operation mode while giving the user an incentive to shift to the first operation mode.

  Note that the degree of freedom in setting the pronunciation content means the degree to which the pronunciation content can be changed in accordance with an instruction from the user (the degree to which the user can freely set the pronunciation content). The higher the degree of freedom, the greater the degree to which the instruction from the user is reflected in the pronunciation content, and the lower the degree of freedom, the smaller the degree to which the instruction from the user is reflected in the pronunciation content. A state where the pronunciation content is set regardless of the instruction from the user (a state where the pronunciation content does not depend on the instruction from the user) corresponds to a state where the degree of freedom is the lowest. As understood from the above description, the second operation mode is an operation mode in which the instruction from the user is reflected in the pronunciation content to a lesser degree than the first operation mode, and the instruction from the user is used as the pronunciation content. Operation modes that are not reflected.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the sound generation means generates a sound signal of the pronunciation content in the second operation mode with a smaller number of types of phonetic codes (phonetic characters and phoneme symbols) than in the first operation mode. Specific examples of the above aspects will be described later as, for example, the first to third embodiments. For example, a configuration (for example, a second embodiment described later) that generates a sound signal having a pronunciation content limited to a voice code corresponding to user attribute information, or a voice code corresponding to user position information is used. A configuration (for example, a third embodiment to be described later) that generates sound signals of pronunciation content is suitable.

  In addition, the sound generation means outputs the sound signal of the sound production content that is set independent of the instruction from the user (that is, the sound production content selected regardless of the instruction from the user) in the second operation mode. The sound generation content (for example, a fourth embodiment to be described later) or the sound generation unit in which the sound generation unit replaces the sound code according to the instruction from the user with a specific sound code (alternative code) in the second operation mode. A configuration for generating an acoustic signal (for example, a first embodiment or a fifth embodiment described later) may be employed. The sound generation means can also generate a sound signal having a pronunciation content in which the total number of voice codes is limited in comparison with the first operation mode in the second operation mode.

  The sound generation device according to the second aspect of the present invention generates a sound signal having a pitch according to an instruction from a user in the first operation mode and a control unit that selects the first operation mode or the second operation mode. The second operation mode includes sound generation means for generating an acoustic signal in which the pitch is set with a lower degree of freedom compared to the first operation mode. According to the above configuration, since the pitch of the acoustic signal in the second operation mode is limited as compared with the first operation mode, the low-quality audio data is provided to the user for audition. Compared with technology, it is possible to effectively limit the function of generating an acoustic signal in the second operation mode while giving the user an incentive to move to the first operation mode.

  The degree of freedom in setting the pitch means the degree to which the pitch can be changed according to an instruction from the user (the degree to which the user can set the pitch freely). The higher the degree of freedom, the greater the degree to which the instruction from the user is reflected in the pitch, and the lower the degree of freedom, the smaller the degree to which the instruction from the user is reflected in the pitch. A state in which the pitch is set regardless of the instruction from the user (a state in which the pitch does not depend on the instruction from the user) corresponds to a state in which the degree of freedom is the lowest. As understood from the above description, in the second operation mode, the operation mode in which the instruction from the user is reflected in the pitch and the instruction from the user in the pitch is smaller than the first operation mode. Operation modes that are not reflected.

  Specifically, in the second operation mode, the sound generation means generates a sound signal with a smaller number of types of pitches compared to the first operation mode (for example, a seventh embodiment described later), or a user A configuration (for example, an eighth embodiment described later) that generates a sound signal having a pitch that is set to be independent of the instruction from is preferable. For example, a configuration for generating a melody acoustic signal generated by the automatic song processing or a configuration for generating a melody acoustic signal prepared in advance is adopted.

  In a preferred example of the sound generation device according to the first aspect or the second aspect, the sound generation means makes the degree of restriction on the generation of the sound signal in the second operation mode different between the different first period and second period. . According to the above aspect, it is possible to effectively give the user an incentive to shift to the first operation mode.

  The sound generation device according to each aspect described above is realized by hardware (electronic circuit) such as DSP (Digital Signal Processor) dedicated to generation of sound signals, and general-purpose arithmetic such as CPU (Central Processing Unit). This is also realized by cooperation between the processing device and the program. The program of the present invention is provided in a form stored in a computer-readable recording medium and installed in the computer, or is provided in a form distributed via a communication network and installed in the computer.

  The program according to the first aspect of the present invention generates a sound signal having a pronunciation content according to an instruction from a user in the control process for selecting the first operation mode or the second operation mode, and in the first operation mode, In the second operation mode, the computer is caused to execute an acoustic generation process for generating an acoustic signal in which the pronunciation content is set with a lower degree of freedom than in the first operation mode. The program according to the second aspect of the present invention generates a sound signal having a pitch according to an instruction from a user in the control process for selecting the first operation mode or the second operation mode, and in the first operation mode. In the second operation mode, the computer is caused to execute an acoustic generation process for generating an acoustic signal in which the pitch is set with a lower degree of freedom than in the first operation mode.

1 is a block diagram of a sound generation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram of control information. It is a block diagram of a sound generation part. It is a block diagram of the sound production | generation apparatus of 3rd Embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a sound generation device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The acoustic generation device 100 according to the first embodiment is a speech synthesizer that generates an acoustic signal V of a singing sound by segment-connected speech synthesis. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the arithmetic processing device 10, the storage device 12, This is realized by a computer system including a communication device 14, an input device 16, and a sound emitting device 18. For example, the sound generation device 100 is realized by a stationary information processing device (personal computer) or a portable information processing device (for example, a mobile phone or a smartphone).

  The communication device 14 communicates via a communication network (for example, the Internet). Charging processing for the user is executed by communication between the communication device 14 and a charging processing device (not shown) via a communication network. The input device 16 is a device that receives an instruction from a user, and includes, for example, a plurality of operators operated by the user. The sound emitting device 18 (for example, a headphone or a speaker) emits a sound wave corresponding to the acoustic signal V generated by the arithmetic processing device 10.

  The storage device 12 stores a sound generation program (application software) PGM executed by the arithmetic processing device 10 and various data (speech segment group G, control information C) used by the arithmetic processing device 10. A known recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium or a combination of a plurality of recording media is employed as the storage device 12.

  The speech unit group G is a set (speech synthesis library) of a plurality of speech units used as a material of the acoustic signal V. A phoneme segment is a phoneme (for example, a vowel or a consonant) that is the minimum unit of distinction of linguistic meaning, or a phoneme chain (for example, a diphone or a triphone) that connects a plurality of phonemes.

  The control information C designates a melody expressed by a time series of a plurality of notes. As shown in FIG. 2, the control information C of the first embodiment is a time series of a plurality of note information N each corresponding to each note in the music. Each note information N includes pitch information X1, period information X2, and pronunciation information X3. The pitch information X1 designates the pitch of each note (number corresponding to each pitch). The period information X2 specifies the sound generation period of the note by, for example, the start time and duration of the note. It is also possible to define the pronunciation period by the start time and end time of the notes. The pronunciation information X3 designates the voice code of the note. For example, a phonetic code such as a phonetic character (grapheme) or a phoneme symbol is specified by the phonetic information X3.

  The arithmetic processing unit 10 executes a sound generation program PGM stored in the storage device 12 to realize a plurality of functions (the operation control unit 22 and the sound generation unit 24) for generating the sound signal V. A configuration in which each function of the arithmetic processing device 10 is distributed over a plurality of integrated circuits, or a configuration in which a dedicated electronic circuit (DSP) realizes a part of the functions of the arithmetic processing device 10 may be employed.

  The operation control unit 22 controls the operation mode of the sound generation device 100. Specifically, the operation control unit 22 can select one of the first operation mode and the second operation mode. The first operation mode is an operation mode for the user to properly use the sound generation device 100 (sound generation program PGM). On the other hand, the second operation mode is an operation mode (trial mode, experience mode) for the user to try the sound generation device 100. The operation control unit 22 selects the second operation mode in the initial state immediately after the sound generation program PGM is stored in the storage device 12. Then, in response to an instruction from the user to the input device 16, predetermined purchase processing such as authentication processing and billing processing is executed between the communication device 14 and the billing processing device (billing server device), and the purchase processing is properly performed. When the operation is completed, the operation control unit 22 shifts the operation mode from the second operation mode to the first operation mode. The content of the purchase process is arbitrary. For example, it is also possible to execute purchase processing by the sound generation device 100 alone without communicating with the billing processing device.

  The sound generation unit 24 generates the sound signal V using the speech element group G and the control information C stored in the storage device 12. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the sound generation unit 24 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the sound generation unit 24 includes an information editing unit 32 and a synthesis processing unit 34.

  The user can instruct the pitch information X1, the period information X2, and the pronunciation information X3 for each note by appropriately operating the input device 16. The information editing unit 32 in FIG. 3 generates and edits control information C (pitch information X1, period information X2, and pronunciation information X3) in response to an instruction from the user to the input device 16.

  The information editing unit 32 of the first embodiment makes the range of phonetic codes (phonetic characters and phoneme symbols) that can be specified in the phonetic information X3 different between the first operation mode and the second operation mode. Specifically, the information editing unit 32 limits the speech code that can be set in the pronunciation information X3 in the second operation mode as compared with the speech code that can be set in the pronunciation information X3 in the first operation mode. That is, in the second operation mode, only the speech code in the range QA corresponding to a set of specific speech units (hereinafter referred to as “sound generation restriction range”) among the plurality of speech units of the speech unit group G is the pronunciation information. In the first operation mode, candidates that can be designated as the pronunciation information X3 are expanded to speech codes corresponding to all speech units in the speech unit group G in the first operation mode. For example, a range of a voice code (doremifasolaside) corresponding to a pitch name is suitable as the pronunciation restriction range QA. It should be noted that the range in which the user can instruct the pitch information X1 and the period information X2 is common to the first operation mode and the second operation mode.

  Specifically, the information editing unit 32 determines whether or not the voice code instructed by the user corresponds to a voice code within the pronunciation restriction range QA, and when it corresponds to a voice code within the pronunciation restriction range QA. Sets the voice code in the pronunciation information X3, but replaces the voice code designated by the user with a specific voice code (hereinafter referred to as "alternative code") if the voice code does not fall within the pronunciation restriction range QA. To do. The alternative code is a voice code selected in advance regardless of an instruction from the user. A speech unit corresponding to the alternative code is included in the speech unit group G. For example, a general voice code such as “La” or an onomatopoeia voice code such as “Pee” is suitable as an alternative code for the lyrics of music. It is also possible to use a silent voice code as an alternative code.

  The synthesis processing unit 34 generates the acoustic signal V using the speech element group G and the control information C in the storage device 12. Specifically, the synthesis processing unit 34 uses each voice note corresponding to the pitch specified by the pitch information X1 and the pronunciation period specified by the period information X2 as a voice code corresponding to the pronunciation information X3 of the control information C. An acoustic signal V of the uttered voice (singing sound) is generated. Specifically, the synthesis processing unit 34 sequentially selects speech units corresponding to the pronunciation information X3 of each note information N of the control information C from the speech unit group G, and then determines the pitch of the pitch information X1. The sound signal V is generated by adjusting the sound generation period of the period information X2 and connecting the adjusted speech segments to each other. The acoustic signal V generated by the synthesis processing unit 34 is supplied to the sound emitting device 18 and reproduced as a sound wave. A known speech synthesis technique is arbitrarily employed for generating the acoustic signal V in accordance with the control information C.

  In the first operation mode, the pronunciation information X3 is designated by using the speech codes corresponding to all the speech units in the speech unit group G as candidates, and the speech code that is a candidate for the pronunciation information X3 in the second operation mode is the pronunciation restriction range. Limited within QA. Therefore, the sound generation unit 24 according to the first embodiment functions as an element that generates the sound signal V having a smaller number of types of phonetic codes (phonetic symbols and phoneme symbols) in the second operation mode than in the first operation mode. To do. In other words, the restriction of the sound code in the second operation mode (sound generation restriction range QA) is released in the first operation mode.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the sound content (number of types of speech codes) of the acoustic signal V in the second operation mode is limited as compared with the first operation mode. The function of the sound generation device 100 is effectively limited as compared with the technique of Patent Document 1 that provides the user with a sample for listening, and the second operation mode is shifted to the first operation mode by executing the purchase process (acoustic signal). It is possible to give the user a sufficient incentive to remove the restriction on the function of generating V.

Second Embodiment
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the first embodiment, the pronunciation restriction range QA of the speech code that is a candidate for the pronunciation information X3 in the second operation mode is set in advance. In the second embodiment, the sound generation restriction range QA is variably set. In addition, about the element which an effect | action and function are equivalent to 1st Embodiment in each form illustrated below, the detailed description of each is abbreviate | omitted suitably using the code | symbol referred in 1st Embodiment.

  The storage device 12 of the second embodiment stores user attribute information. The attribute information includes, for example, personal information such as the user's name and information specifying the user's hobbies and preferences. The information editing unit 32 variably sets the pronunciation restriction range QA according to the user attribute information stored in the storage device 12. For example, a configuration in which the pronunciation restriction range QA is set so as to include the voice code (phonetic character or phoneme symbol) of the user's name indicated by the attribute information, or a word related to the user's hobbies and preferences indicated by the attribute information A configuration in which the pronunciation restriction range QA is set so as to include the speech code is preferably employed. In the first operation mode, the restriction on the sound generation restriction range QA is released as in the first embodiment.

  The generation of the acoustic signal V using the speech element group G and the control information C is the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the sound generation unit 24 of the second embodiment functions as an element that generates the sound signal V of the pronunciation content limited to the voice code corresponding to the user attribute information in the second operation mode. As can be understood from the above description, also in the second embodiment, the sound generation content of the acoustic signal V in the second operation mode is limited as compared with the first operation mode, and thus the same as in the first embodiment. The effect is realized. In the second embodiment, the pronunciation restriction range QA is variably set according to the user's attribute information. Therefore, the sound of the pronunciation content reflecting the user's attribute information within the restriction range of the pronunciation restriction range QA. There is an advantage that the signal V can be generated.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the sound generation device 100 of the third embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the sound generation device 100 according to the third embodiment has a configuration in which a position detection device 40 is added to the first embodiment. The position detection device 40 detects the position (user position) of the sound generation device 100. For example, the position detection device 40 receives radio waves from a plurality of GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites and generates position information.

  As in the second embodiment, the information editing unit 32 of the third embodiment variably sets the pronunciation restriction range QA of a speech code that is a candidate for the pronunciation information X3 in the second operation mode. Specifically, the information editing unit 32 variably sets the pronunciation restriction range QA according to the position information generated by the position detection device 40. For example, a configuration in which the pronunciation restriction range QA is set so as to include a speech code of a word (for example, place name or facility name) related to the position indicated by the position information is suitable. In the first operation mode, the restriction on the sound generation restriction range QA is released as in the first embodiment.

  The generation of the acoustic signal V using the speech element group G and the control information C is the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the sound generation unit 24 according to the third embodiment functions as an element that generates the sound signal V of the pronunciation content limited to the sound code corresponding to the position information of the user in the second operation mode. As can be understood from the above description, also in the third embodiment, the sound generation content of the acoustic signal V in the second operation mode is limited as compared with the first operation mode, and thus the same as in the first embodiment. The effect is realized. In the third embodiment, since the pronunciation restriction range QA is variably set according to the position information of the user, the sound of the pronunciation content reflecting the user's position information within the restriction range of the pronunciation restriction range QA. There is an advantage that the signal V can be generated. In addition, it is possible to provide the user with an interest that the sound signal V having different pronunciation contents can be generated according to the position of the user.

<Fourth embodiment>
In the first to third embodiments, the pronunciation information X3 is set in response to an instruction from the user within the pronunciation restriction range QA. In the second operation mode, the information editing unit 32 of the fourth embodiment specifies a speech code (phonetic character or phoneme symbol) that is independent of an instruction from the user as the phonetic information X3.

  Specifically, the information editing unit 32 randomly sets the pronunciation information X3 of each note information N in the control information C. For example, the information editing unit 32 sequentially selects a word from a plurality of candidates prepared in advance at random, and assigns a speech code corresponding to each word to each pronunciation information X3 in order. It does not matter whether or not the candidates for the pronunciation information X3 are limited to speech codes within the pronunciation restriction range QA. A configuration may also be employed in which speech codes corresponding to sentences prepared in advance are assigned to each pronunciation information X3 in order. In the first operation mode, as in the first embodiment, any voice code designated by the user can be designated as the pronunciation information X3.

  The generation of the acoustic signal V using the speech element group G and the control information C is the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the sound generation unit 24 according to the fourth embodiment is configured to generate the sound signal V of the sound production content set independently of the user's instruction (that is, the sound production content selected regardless of the user's instruction). Functions as an element that generates As understood from the above description, also in the fourth embodiment, the sound content of the acoustic signal V in the second operation mode is limited as compared with the first operation mode, and thus the same effect as in the first embodiment. Is realized.

<Fifth Embodiment>
The information editing unit 32 of the fifth embodiment allows the user to specify an arbitrary voice code as the pronunciation information X3 in both the first operation mode and the second operation mode. However, in the second operation mode, the information editing unit 32 replaces a part of the pronunciation information X3 set according to the instruction from the user with an alternative code independent of the instruction from the user (for example, the first embodiment). (Speech codes such as “La” and “P”) illustrated in FIG. For example, each piece of pronunciation information X3 randomly selected from the time series of the plurality of pronunciation information X3 designated by the user is replaced with a substitute code. In the first operation mode, as in the first embodiment, an arbitrary voice code designated by the user is designated as the pronunciation information X3.

  The generation of the acoustic signal V using the speech element group G and the control information C is the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the sound generation unit 24 of the fifth embodiment functions as an element that generates the sound signal V of the pronunciation content in which the sound code instructed by the user is replaced with a specific sound code (alternative code) in the second operation mode. To do. As understood from the above description, also in the fifth embodiment, since the sound content of the acoustic signal V in the second operation mode is limited as compared with the first operation mode, the same effect as in the first embodiment. Is realized.

<Sixth Embodiment>
The information editing unit 32 of the sixth embodiment makes the maximum number of notes (hereinafter referred to as “maximum number of notes”) M that can be specified by the control information C different between the first operation mode and the second operation mode. Specifically, the maximum note number M2 in the second operation mode is lower than the maximum note number M1 in the first operation mode. That is, in the second operation mode, the maximum number M of notes of the acoustic signal V is limited as compared with the first operation mode. Since the pitch information X1, the period information X2 and the pronunciation information X3 are set for each note, the total number of pitches specified by the pitch information X1 and the total number of speech codes specified by the pronunciation information X3 are also the second operation. The mode is limited as compared with the first operation mode.

  The generation of the acoustic signal V using the speech element group G and the control information C is the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, in the second operation mode, the sound generation unit 24 of the sixth embodiment generates the sound signal V of the pronunciation content in which the total number of voice codes (maximum note number M) is limited compared to the first operation mode. Acts as an element. As understood from the above description, in the sixth embodiment, the sound content of the acoustic signal V in the second operation mode is limited as compared with the first operation mode, and thus the same effect as in the first embodiment. Is realized.

<Seventh embodiment>
In the first to sixth embodiments, the configuration in which the user can arbitrarily specify the pitch information X1 of each note information N in the control information C has been exemplified. In the seventh embodiment, the range of pitches that can be set in the pitch information X1 is made different between the first operation mode and the second operation mode.

  Specifically, the information editing unit 32 compares the pitch range that can be set in the pitch information X1 in the second operation mode with the pitch range that can be set in the pitch information X1 in the first operation mode. Limit. That is, in the second operation mode, only a pitch within a specific range (hereinafter referred to as “pitch limit range”) QB selected from a plurality of pitches that can be set in the first operation mode is a candidate for pitch information X1. In the first operation mode, candidates that the user can designate as pitch information X1 are expanded to all types of pitches. For example, a configuration in which seven stem sounds corresponding to white keys of a keyboard instrument (pitch other than a derived sound corresponding to a black key) are set in a pitch limit range QB, or a predetermined three pitches (for example, Doremi ) Only in the pitch limit range QB is adopted. It is also possible to set each pitch belonging to a specific scale (for example, an Ionian scale or Ryukyu scale) or a specific pitch range (octave) as the pitch limit range QB.

  The generation of the acoustic signal V using the speech element group G and the control information C is the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the sound generation unit 24 of the seventh embodiment functions as an element that generates the sound signal V having a smaller number of types of pitches in the second operation mode than in the first operation mode. In other words, it can be said that the pitch restriction (pitch restriction range QB) in the second operation mode is released in the first operation mode. In the above description, only the pitch limit specified by the pronunciation information X3 is focused. However, any of the configurations of the first to sixth embodiments is optional for the restriction of the voice code specified by the pronunciation information X3. Adopted.

  As described above, in the seventh embodiment, since the pitch of the acoustic signal V in the second operation mode is limited as compared with the first operation mode, low-quality sound data is provided to the user for listening. Compared with the technology of Patent Document 1 to be provided, the function of the sound generation device 100 is effectively limited, and the second operation mode is shifted to the first operation mode by executing the purchase process (the generation function of the sound signal V is limited). It is possible to give a sufficient incentive to the user.

<Eighth Embodiment>
In the seventh embodiment, the pitch information X1 is set in response to an instruction from the user within the pitch limit range QB. In the second operation mode, the information editing unit 32 of the eighth embodiment controls the pitch independent of the instruction from the user (that is, the pitch selected regardless of the instruction from the user). Designated as each pitch information X1 in the information C.

  Specifically, in the second operation mode, the information editing unit 32 sequentially assigns each pitch of the melody generated by the automatic song processing to each pitch information X1. A known technique is arbitrarily adopted for the automatic composition process. It is also possible to generate a melody according to a word or sentence designated by the user (for example, an arrangement of each voice code designated by the user as the pronunciation information X3). In addition, a configuration in which each pitch of a melody prepared in advance is assigned to each pitch information X1 may be employed. In the first operation mode, the restriction on the pitch is released, and a sound signal V having a pitch according to an instruction from the user is generated.

  The generation of the acoustic signal V using the speech element group G and the control information C is the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the sound generation unit 24 of the eighth embodiment functions as an element that generates the sound signal V having a pitch set independently of the instruction from the user. As understood from the above description, also in the seventh embodiment, since the pitch of the acoustic signal V in the second operation mode is limited as compared with the first operation mode, the same effect as in the seventh embodiment. Is realized.

<Ninth Embodiment>
The sound generation unit 24 of the ninth embodiment individually sets the degree of restriction on the generation of the sound signal V in the second operation mode in each of a plurality of periods before execution of the purchase process. For example, in the first period A1 over a predetermined length (for example, 3 days) immediately after the sound generation program PGM is stored in the storage device 12, the sound generation restriction range QA is set to the bank (suspicious seso) and the pitch restriction range QB Set to C major scale. In the second period A2 over a predetermined length (for example, 7 days) after the passage of the first period A1, the pronunciation restriction range QA is set to the voice code (doremifasolaside) corresponding to the pitch name, and the pitch information X1 is the eighth implementation Limited to the melody of automatic song processing in the form. In the third period A3 from the elapse of the second period A2 to the completion of the purchase process (transition to the first operation mode), the pronunciation restriction range QA is set to “La”, and the pitch information X1 is set to each predetermined melody. Limited to pitch. It is possible to envisage both a configuration in which the restriction on the generation function of the acoustic signal V (a restriction on the sound content and pitch) is strengthened over time and a structure in which the restriction on the generation function is relaxed over time.

  In the ninth embodiment, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments are realized. Moreover, in 9th Embodiment, since the restriction | limiting with respect to the production | generation of the acoustic signal V is controlled variably, the incentive to transfer to 1st operation mode by execution of a purchase process can be given effectively to a user. It is. In the above example, both the restriction of the voice code specified in the pronunciation information X3 and the restriction of the pitch specified in the pitch information X1 are changed over time, but one of the voice code and the pitch is changed. It is also possible to change only the limitation of the time course.

<Modification>
Each of the above forms can be variously modified. Specific modifications are exemplified below. Two or more modes arbitrarily selected from the following examples can be appropriately combined.

(1) The method of restricting the phonetic code (phonetic character or phoneme symbol) specified in the pronunciation information X3 in the second operation mode as compared with the first operation mode is not limited to the above example. In the first operation mode, the sound generation unit 24 of the first to sixth embodiments generates the sound signal V of the pronunciation content (pronunciation information X3) according to the instruction from the user in the first operation mode, and in the second operation mode, It is included as an element that generates the acoustic signal V in which the sound generation content is set with a lower degree of freedom compared to the first operation mode.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, since it is assumed that the acoustic signal V of the singing sound is generated, the configuration in which the control information C includes the pitch information X1 and the period information X2 is exemplified. However, the pitch information X1 and the period information X2 are exemplified. Can be omitted from the first to sixth embodiments. That is, the first to sixth embodiments can be applied to the generation of a sound signal V of a voice such as a conversation sound that does not require a change in pitch over time.

(2) The method of limiting the pitch specified in the pitch information X1 in the second operation mode as compared with the first operation mode is not limited to the above example. The sound generation unit 24 of the seventh embodiment and the eighth embodiment generates a sound signal V having a pitch according to an instruction from the user in the first operation mode, and the first operation mode and the second operation mode. It is included as an element that generates the acoustic signal V in which the pitch is set with a lower degree of freedom. Further, the configuration for restricting the voice code specified in the pronunciation information X3 in the second operation mode can be omitted from the seventh embodiment and the eighth embodiment.

  In the seventh embodiment and the eighth embodiment, since it is assumed that the acoustic signal V of the singing sound is generated, the configuration in which the control information C includes the pronunciation information X3 is exemplified. However, the pronunciation information X3 is the seventh embodiment. And may be omitted from the eighth embodiment. That is, the seventh embodiment also applies to the case where the acoustic signal V of the musical tone of a note (for example, the performance sound of a musical instrument) defined by the pitch specified by the pitch information X1 and the sound generation period specified by the period information X2 is generated. The eighth embodiment can be applied.

(3) In each of the above-described embodiments, the speech unit corresponding to the speech code within the pronunciation restriction range QA out of the speech unit group G stored in the storage device 12 is selectively used in the second operation mode for sound. Although the signal V is generated, the speech element group G1 used in the first operation mode and the speech element group G2 used in the second operation mode can be prepared separately. The speech unit group G1 is a speech synthesis library that allows the user to use the acoustic generation device 100 in a regular manner (uses all the functions of the acoustic generation device 100), and the speech unit group G2 is used by the user. It is a speech synthesis library of a trial version (trial version that restricts specific functions and permits use of the sound generation apparatus 100) for using the sound generation apparatus 100 as a trial. The speaker of each speech unit is common to the speech unit group G1 and the speech unit group G2, but the number of speech units in the speech unit group G1 is the number of speech units in the speech unit group G2. It exceeds the number of types. That is, the speech unit group G2 corresponds to a subset of speech units corresponding to speech codes within the pronunciation restriction range QA in the speech unit group G1. Therefore, the data amount of the speech unit group G2 is less than the data amount of the speech unit group G1.

  In the initial state immediately after the introduction of the sound generation program PGM, the speech unit group G2 is stored in the storage device 12, and the speech unit group G1 is distributed from the distribution device to the communication device 14 on the condition that the purchase process is properly completed. And stored in the storage device 12. According to the above configuration, since the speech unit group G1 does not need to be stored in the storage device 12 when the purchase process is not executed, the communication amount at the time of transmission / reception of the speech unit group G1 and the speech unit group G1 There is an advantage that the storage capacity is reduced.

(4) Considering the fact that the number of types of speech elements used for generating the acoustic signal V in the second operation mode is smaller than that in the first operation mode, the acoustic signal V is generated in the second operation mode. A configuration in which the communication device 14 acquires necessary speech segments from the distribution device for each operation is also suitable. That is, the speech unit (speech unit group G) is not stored in the storage device 12 until the operation mode shifts from the second operation mode to the first operation mode.

(5) It is also possible to use the attribute information of the second embodiment and the position information of the third embodiment for setting the pitch limit range QB in the seventh embodiment. That is, the information editing unit 32 variably sets the pitch limit range QB according to the user's attribute information and position information.

(6) In each of the above-described embodiments, the case of shifting from the second operation mode to the first operation mode on the condition that the purchase process is executed has been illustrated, but the direction and conditions of the transition of the operation mode are appropriately changed. For example, a configuration in which the first operation mode is selected in the initial state immediately after the introduction of the sound generation program PGM and the first operation mode is shifted to the second operation mode when a predetermined period elapses without performing the purchase process. Can also be employed. In addition, a configuration in which any one operation mode is selected from three or more operation modes with different degrees of restriction on the generation of the acoustic signal V may be employed. For example, it is possible to change the operation mode (the degree of restriction on the generation of the acoustic signal V) step by step according to the amount paid by the user. A configuration for notifying the user of the degree of restriction on the generation of the acoustic signal V can also be employed. For example, a configuration in which an image (pop-up dialog) for notifying the user of the operation mode is displayed on the display device or a configuration in which an e-mail for notifying the operation mode is transmitted to the registered address of the user is suitable.

  Also, for example, various conditions such as satisfying a specific condition (for example, clearing a predetermined stage) in a game played by the user or answering a questionnaire regarding the sound generation program PGM are set in the operation mode (acoustic signal V). It is also possible to set a condition for changing the degree of restriction on generation.

  As understood from the above description, the operation control unit 22 in each embodiment described above is included as an element for selecting the first operation mode or the second operation mode with different degrees of restriction on the generation of the acoustic signal V. The direction and condition of mode transition and the total number of operation modes are arbitrary in the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Sound generation device, 10 ... Arithmetic processing device, 12 ... Memory | storage device, 14 ... Communication device, 16 ... Input device, 18 ... Sound emission device, 22 ... Operation control part, 24 ... Sound Generation unit, 32... Information editing unit, 34... Synthesis processing unit, 40.

Claims (4)

An operation control means for selecting the first operation mode or the second operation mode;
In the first operation mode, a sound signal having a pronunciation content corresponding to an instruction from the user is generated, and in the second operation mode, the pronunciation content is set with a lower degree of freedom compared to the first operation mode. Sound generating means for generating an acoustic signal,
The sound generation means generates a sound signal having a pitch according to an instruction from a user in the first operation mode, and has a lower degree of freedom in the second operation mode than in the first operation mode. A sound generator that generates a sound signal with a set pitch. The sound generation device according to claim 1 , wherein the sound generation unit generates a sound signal having a smaller number of types of pitches in the second operation mode than in the first operation mode. It said sound generating means, the degree of restriction to the generation of the acoustic signal in the second operation mode, different first period and sound generating apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 is different in the second period. Computer
Select the first operation mode or the second operation mode,
In the first operation mode, a sound signal having a pronunciation content corresponding to an instruction from the user is generated, and in the second operation mode, the pronunciation content is set with a lower degree of freedom compared to the first operation mode. Generate an acoustic signal,
In the generation of the acoustic signal, an acoustic signal having a pitch according to an instruction from a user is generated in the first operation mode, and the second operation mode has a low degree of freedom compared to the first operation mode. Generate an acoustic signal with the pitch set by
Sound generation method.

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