HK1061905B - An electronic music system and a method of playing electronic music - Google Patents

Description

Electronic music system and electronic music playing method

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an electronic musical system and an electronic musical performance method that use performance data extracted from provided music information in a secure state in which copyright is protected.

Background

Conventionally, music information has been in various forms such as electronic music score data, printed music score (paper), and audio signal. In order to automatically play such music information, it is necessary to convert the music information into performance data (for example, MIDI data) for controlling the sound source for generating a music signal.

The electronic musical score data is data created according to a predetermined rule with reference to an existing musical score, and is composed of data for specifying musical notes, data for specifying the types and display positions of staff, note part symbols, tone symbols, tempo symbols, strong and weak symbols, repetition symbols, notation and the like, instruction data for dividing musical notes for each measure, segment and page, image data of each symbol, and the like.

By executing the dedicated application data, musical score image data close to the quality of an existing musical score is synthesized from such electronic musical score data, and displayed on a display or printed by a printer.

For example, a download service of electronic score data based on scorchxf (tm) standard is performed, and a dedicated application program for displaying or printing a score based on the electronic score data is also provided (see, for example, non-patent document 1).

Performance data such as midi (musical instrument Digital interface) data can be extracted from data specifying notes included in the electronic score data. The MIDI data includes information specifying the sound emission time, and is stored in a storage unit or transmitted in a file format specific to, for example, an smf (standard MIDI file) format or a sequential software program. When MIDI data is transmitted in real time, information specifying the time is not necessary.

On the other hand, there is an OCR application that converts a printed musical score (paper) into processable musical score image data by a personal computer using a scanner and extracts performance data (MIDI data) from the musical score image data.

Also, a method is known in which audio data provided from an audio Compact Disc (CD) or the like is analyzed for melody portions and other portions, and performance data (MIDI data) is extracted.

By using the above-described various computer programs capable of extracting the performance data (MIDI data) from the score information, the user can easily obtain the performance data (MIDI data) and freely copy the performance data.

However, in music information such as electronic music score data, paper music score, and audio data, there are copyright rights and copyright adjacency rights (hereinafter simply referred to as copyright rights) of a writer, a composer, a performer, a data creator, and the like. Therefore, the user is not allowed to freely copy the performance data extracted from these pieces of data.

Even if the extraction of the musical performance data is permitted by the copyright owner of the original music information, the user who purchased the provided music information is permitted to use or copy the musical performance data for the purpose of personal use, but the extraction of the musical performance data is not permitted to be published on a web site or issued to another person.

Therefore, an electronic musical system is desired in which performance data extracted from provided music information cannot be freely copied for use.

Non-patent document 1: FREE ScorchXF (TM) Digital Delivery, [ online ], (average 14 year 9 month 10 day search), Internet Page < URL: http:// www.yamahamusicsoft.com/scorch/FREE _ sample. php >

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic musical system and an electronic musical performance method that use (automatically perform) performance data extracted from supplied music information in a copyright-safe (Secure) state.

The electronic music system of the present invention comprises: a musical performance data extracting device for extracting musical performance MIDI data from the provided musical composition information; an encryption device for encrypting the extracted MIDI data for performance by using an encryption key; a storage device for storing the MIDI data for performance encrypted by the encryption device; a decryption device for decrypting the encrypted MIDI data for performance from the storage device by using a decryption key corresponding to the encryption key; an automatic playing device includes a sound source for generating a music signal in accordance with the MIDI data for playing decrypted by the decrypting device.

Therefore, the performance data extracted from the provided music information can be stored in a copyright-safe (Secure) state, and the provided music information can be automatically performed based on the stored performance data.

The music information may be electronic score data, paper score, or audio data as long as the music data can be extracted.

The playing data extracting device, the encrypting device, the storing device, the decrypting device and the automatic playing device may be provided in the same device or may be distributed in devices located in separate places.

The storage device may be a memory card or a flexible disk that can be freely inserted and removed, in addition to a hard disk or a flash memory that is fixed in the device and can be read and written. As the key scheme, the encryption key and the decryption key may be the same scheme or may be different schemes.

In the electronic musical system according to the present invention, the automatic playing device automatically plays the provided musical composition information and then makes the decrypted MIDI data for playing unusable.

Therefore, when the decrypted performance data remains in the memory after the automatic performance, the security of the performance data can be improved by deleting the remaining performance data or the like or rendering the decrypted performance data unusable.

In the electronic musical system according to the present invention, the provided musical composition information is information in an encrypted state, and the performance data extracting device extracts the performance MIDI data by decrypting the provided musical composition information in the encrypted state.

Therefore, when the performance data is extracted from the music information and used, the performance data is used in a copyright secure (secure) state, and thus the copyright secure (secure) of the original music information can be secured.

In the electronic musical system according to the present invention, the performance data extracting means extracts the MIDI data for performance from the encrypted provided music information, and thereafter, makes the decrypted provided music information unusable.

Therefore, when the decrypted performance information is left in the memory after the performance data is extracted, the security of the music information can be improved.

The invention discloses a method for playing electronic music, which comprises the following steps: a MIDI data extracting step of extracting MIDI data for performance from the provided music information; an encryption step of encrypting the MIDI data for performance extracted in the MIDI data for performance extraction step with an encryption key; a storage step of storing the MIDI data for performance encrypted by the encryption step; a decryption step of decrypting the encrypted MIDI data for performance stored in the storage step by using a decryption key corresponding to the encryption key; an automatic playing step of automatically playing the supplied music information, wherein the automatic playing step includes a step of generating a music signal in accordance with the MIDI data for performance decrypted by the decrypting step.

The music information may be encrypted, and the playing data extracting step may extract the playing data by decrypting the encrypted music information.

In addition, the present invention provides an electronic musical system, including: a data extracting device for playing, which receives music information from outside and extracts playing data from the received music information, wherein the data form of the music information is different from that of the playing data; an encryption device for encrypting the performance data extracted by the performance data extraction device by using an encryption key; an encrypted performance data storage device that stores performance data encrypted by the encryption device in an encrypted state; a decryption device for decrypting the encrypted performance data stored in the encrypted performance data storage device by using a decryption key corresponding to the encryption key when the encrypted performance data is automatically played; a data storage device for musical performance, which temporarily stores the musical performance data decrypted by the decryption device; an automatic playing device for performing an automatic playing by controlling a sound source for generating a music signal based on the playing data temporarily stored in the playing data storage device; and a deleting device for deleting the performance data temporarily stored in the performance data storage device after the performance data is automatically played.

In addition, the present invention also provides an electronic music playing method, characterized by comprising: a data extraction step of receiving music information from outside and extracting music data from the received music information, the data format of the music information being different from that of the music data; an encryption step of encrypting the performance data extracted in the performance data extraction step by using an encryption key; an encrypted performance data storage step of storing the performance data encrypted by the encryption step in an encrypted performance data storage device in an encrypted state; a decryption step of decrypting the encrypted performance data stored in the encrypted performance data storage means by using a decryption key corresponding to the encryption key, when the encrypted performance data is automatically played; a data storage step of temporarily storing the performance data decrypted in the decryption step in a data storage device for performance; an automatic playing step of performing an automatic playing by controlling a sound source for generating a music signal based on the playing data temporarily stored in the playing data storage device; and a deletion step of deleting the performance data temporarily stored in the performance data storage device after the performance data is automatically played.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a personal computer used in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the overall flow of an application program executed by a personal computer;

fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a process of downloading electronic score data;

fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a process of receiving a supply of performance data, an automatic performance of the performance data and a save process executed in the electronic musical instrument;

fig. 7(a) and 7(b) show a flowchart of the process of extracting MIDI data from a paper score and then encrypting and saving the data, and a flowchart of the process of extracting MIDI data from audio data and then encrypting and saving the data.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 and 2 show the configuration of the 1 st and 2 nd systems according to the embodiment of the present invention.

In fig. 1, a content providing server 1 executes an electronic score providing service. The personal computer 2 downloads electronic musical score data from the content providing server 1 via the internet 3, and displays the musical score on the display 4 or prints the musical score on the printer 5.

The personal computer 2 receives musical score image data from a scanner 6 that scans a paper musical score and receives audio data from an audio device such as a CD player 7.

The personal computer 2 extracts performance data (MIDI data) from electronic musical score data, musical score image data, audio data, and the like. The extracted performance data is encrypted and then supplied to the electronic musical instrument 31 shown in fig. 2 via the ID-attached memory card 8 or the transmission path 9. When the automatic playing section 25 described later is included, an automatic playing is performed based on the extracted data for playing, and the generated music signal is output from the speaker 10.

Electronic score data may be created based on the performance data, and the performance guidance may be performed by instructing notes to be performed next on the display 4 in synchronization with the automatic performance.

In the illustrated example, the electronic score data is provided in an encrypted state. The content providing server 1 encrypts the electronic score data provided from the database 11 in the encryption unit 12.

The personal computer 2 downloads the encrypted electronic musical score data to an encrypted electronic musical score data storage unit 13, for example, a hard disk. Due to the encryption, the music information is downloaded in a copyright secure (secure) state. Then, after being decrypted by the decryption section 14, it is temporarily stored in the unencrypted electronic score data storage section 15 such as a Random Access Memory (RAM).

The first example of the key used for encryption and decryption is a unique identification number assigned in advance to each user or each personal computer. In the example 2, a license password provided by the content providing server 1 or a key issuing server not shown in the figure is paid in association with each purchased electronic musical score data, and these are referred to as a user ID.

The electronic score data temporarily stored in the unencrypted electronic score data storage unit 15 is extracted as performance data by the MIDI data extraction unit 16.

When the extraction of the musical performance data is completed, the electronic score data remaining in the unencrypted electronic score data storage unit 15 is deleted, and the musical performance data that is not encrypted is disabled. The unencrypted electronic score data storage unit 15 does not always exist, and even if the electronic score data remains, it may not be deleted if it is temporarily stored so as not to be accessible to the user. As long as the decrypted electronic score data cannot be used.

When the decrypted electronic score data is used by the display 4 or the printer 5, the electronic score data is also set in a state where it cannot be used after the use is finished.

In some cases, the encrypted electronic musical score data is added with a usage limit to be displayed on a display or a usage limit to be printed. At this time, the user of the personal computer 2 manages the user ID so that the user ID (license password) cannot be accessed.

Also, depending on the service method, the electronic score data itself may be downloaded to the unencrypted electronic score data storage unit 15 without being encrypted.

The data for musical performance is extracted or extracted from the musical score image data inputted from the scanner 6. The musical score image data is stored in the non-encrypted paper musical score data storage unit 17, for example, a hard disk, and the MIDI data extracting unit 18 extracts the musical performance data.

When playing music from the audio data inputted from the CD player 7, the audio data is stored in the unencrypted audio data storage 19, for example, a hard disk, and the MIDI data extracting unit 20 extracts the data for playing music.

The performance data outputted from the MIDI data extracting units 16, 18, 2 is encrypted by the encrypting unit 21 and stored in the encrypted MIDI data storing unit 22, for example, a hard disk. When the stored musical performance data is used, it is decrypted in the decryption unit 23 and then outputted to the unencrypted MIDI data storage unit 24. The key used in the encryption unit 21 and the decryption unit 23 may be determined between the content provider and the content provider, for example, and may be a manufacturing number for identifying each personal computer in addition to the user ID.

The case of an automatic musical performance will be described as an example of a mode of using musical performance data (MIDI data). The automatic playing section 25 controls a sound source not shown in the figure based on the playing data read from the unencrypted MIDI data storage 24 to generate a music signal, and outputs the music signal from the speaker 10.

When the automatic playing is finished, the playing data remaining in the unencrypted MIDI data storage 24 is deleted, and the playing data which is not encrypted is made unusable.

Note that the unencrypted MIDI data storage unit 24 does not always have to be present, and may not be deleted if temporarily stored so as to be inaccessible to the user.

The performance data outputted from the MIDI data extracting units 16, 18, and 2 is outputted to the unencrypted MIDI data storage unit 24, then is automatically played in the automatic playing unit 25, is outputted to the encrypting unit 26, is encrypted again, and then is stored in the ID-attached memory card 8 loaded in the card slot of the personal computer 2, or is outputted to the transmission path 9 via the interface.

The performance data stored in the encrypted MIDI data storage 22 may be decrypted by the decryption unit 23, and then output to the encryption unit 26, and similarly supplied to the electronic musical instrument 31.

The ID-attached memory card 8 is taken out from the personal computer 2, and is loaded into a card slot of an electronic musical instrument 31 shown in fig. 2, which will be described later, to supply performance data to the electronic musical instrument 2.

The ID-equipped memory card 8 is, for example, "SmartMedia (registered trademark)" with an ID, and is, for example, a memory card composed of a flash memory. For copyright protection, a unique 128-bit identification number is written in each memory card.

When the ID-attached memory card 8 supplies the electronic musical instrument 31 with the musical performance data, the encryption unit 26 of fig. 1 and the decryption unit 32 of fig. 2 may use, for example, the ID of the memory card as a key.

On the other hand, when the encrypted performance data is output to the transmission path 9, the performance data is supplied to the electronic musical instrument 31 shown in fig. 2 through the interface. In this case, the encryption unit 26 may use, for example, an electronic musical instrument manufacturing number as a key. The personal computer can automatically acquire the electronic musical instrument manufacturing number according to the communication protocol with the electronic musical instrument.

As the transmission path, a wired or wireless LAN (local area network) may be used in addition to a direct cable such as RS-232C. Wide area networks such as telephone communication networks may also be used. In an interface card of CSMA/cd (carrier Sense Multiple Access with connectivity detection) system, a MAC (media Access control) address may be given thereto, and in this case, the MAC address may be used as a key.

In fig. 2, the encrypted musical performance data supplied from the ID-attached memory card 8 is decrypted in the decryption unit 32 and temporarily stored in the unencrypted MIDI data storage 33. The automatic playing section 34 controls a sound source, not shown, based on the playing data read from the unencrypted MIDI data storage 33 to generate a music signal, and outputs the music signal from a speaker 35.

The electronic musical instrument 31 may be provided with keyboard performance guidance using performance data to guide the key to be pressed next by light-emitting display, or the electronic musical score making section 39 may be provided with musical score data based on the performance data and display the musical score data together with the current performance position index on the display 40 of the electronic musical instrument 31 to guide the performance.

The musical performance data decrypted by the decryption unit 32 may be encrypted again by the encryption unit 36 and stored in the encrypted MIDI data storage 37. At this time, the encrypted musical performance data stored in the ID-attached memory card 8 is deleted to prevent copying. When the performance data stored in the encrypted MIDI data storage 37 is used, the decryption unit 38 decrypts the performance data and outputs the decrypted performance data to the unencrypted MIDI data storage 33. The encryption unit 36 and the decryption unit 38 may encrypt and decrypt the electronic musical instrument manufacturing number using the electronic musical instrument manufacturing number as a key, for example.

When the encrypted musical performance data is supplied through the transmission path 9, the same key as that of the encryption unit 36 of the electronic musical instrument 31, for example, the electronic musical instrument manufacturing number, is used as the key, and the key can be directly supplied to the encrypted MIDI data storage 37 without passing through the encryption unit 32 and the decryption unit 36. When a memory card encrypted with the electronic musical instrument manufacturing number as a key is used instead of the ID-attached memory card 8, the encrypted MIDI data may be supplied directly to the encrypted MIDI data storage unit 37 in the same manner.

Depending on the electronic musical instrument 31, there is a musical instrument in which the "owner name" can be registered by the user, and the "owner name" can be used as a key.

In the system configuration shown in fig. 1 and 2, since the performance data is stored in the encrypted MIDI data storage 22, ID-attached memory card 8, and encrypted MIDI data storage 37 in an encrypted state, for example, even if the performance data stored in the encrypted MIDI data storage 22 is copied to an external device by a user or 3 rd person, the performance data cannot be freely used for an automatic performance or the like or copied by the user or 3 rd person because decryption cannot be performed in an external device having a decryption unit without the same decryption key. As a result, the copyright of the original music information can be protected.

Since the personal computer 2 encrypts the performance data extracted by the MIDI output extraction unit 16 or the like in the encryption unit 26 and supplies the encrypted data to the electronic musical instrument 31, even if another external device is connected to the personal computer 2 and receives the supply of the performance data, the external device of the 3 rd person who does not have the same decryption key in the decryption unit cannot decrypt the performance data, and therefore the user or the 3 rd person cannot freely use the performance data for an automatic performance or the like or copy the performance data.

If the secret key is also managed in a secret state for the user, the security of copyright protection can be further improved.

The extraction of the performance data may be executed by the electronic musical instrument 31 by causing the electronic musical instrument 31 to directly access the content providing server 1 by causing the personal computer 2 to function only as a communication interface.

Note that, the extraction and encryption of performance data may be executed on the content providing server 1 side that provides music information from the content database 11 or the like, and the storage, decryption, and automatic performance of the encrypted data may be executed on the personal computer 2.

Fig. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a personal computer used in the embodiment of the present invention.

In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same portions as those in fig. 1 and 2.

51 is bus, 52 is CPU (Central Processing Unit), 53 is RAM (random Access memory), and 54 is ROM (read Only memory). 55 is an operation member such as a keyboard and a mouse.

56 is a sound source, and 57 is an audio system. Reference numeral 58 denotes an external storage device such as a hard disk device, an ID-attached memory card 8 recording/reproducing device, or a CD-ROM reproducing device.

A reference numeral 59 denotes an interface, and various external devices such as the electronic musical instrument 31 are connected to the bus 51. In addition to the case of using a short-distance cable and lan (local Area network) connection, the content providing server 1 may be connected to the internet 3.

The CPU52 loads an application program stored in the hard disk of the external storage device 58 into the RAM53 under the control of the operating system program, and executes the control of downloading electronic musical score data, capturing image data and audio data, extracting musical performance data from musical instrument information having various formats, encrypting, storing, decrypting, automatically playing, providing musical performance data to the electronic musical instrument, and the like, which are described with reference to fig. 1.

The program for performing these functions is implemented by the coordinated actions of a plurality of application programs or the linked actions of a plurality of subprograms.

These programs are supplied via a CD-ROM or a memory card of the external storage device 58, or downloaded from the content providing server 1 or another server.

The sound source 31 generates a music signal from the performance data extracted from the music information, outputs the music signal to the acoustic system 57, and outputs the music signal from a speaker not shown in the figure. The CPU52 may also have a function of a software sound source.

The hardware configuration of the electronic musical instrument 31 shown in fig. 2 is similar to the personal computer 2 shown in fig. 3, except that the printer 5 and the scanner 6 are not connected, although not shown. The operation member 55 includes a keyboard, a foot pedal, a key switch on an operation panel, a variable operation member, and the like.

As the external storage device 58, there are a memory card with an ID 8 shown in fig. 1 and the like in addition to a built-in flash memory.

Fig. 4 to 7 show flowcharts for explaining operation examples according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the entire application program executed by the personal computer 2 (fig. 3) shown in fig. 1. Includes a process of extracting MIDI data from electronic score data, encrypting the data, and storing the data in a hard disk (encrypted data storage unit 22 in fig. 1).

Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of downloading electronic score data, which is performed in step S73 of fig. 4. The providing process of the data for performance of the electronic musical instrument 31 shown in fig. 2 is also performed.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a process executed in the electronic musical instrument 31 shown in fig. 2 to receive the provision of performance data executed in fig. 5.

Fig. 7(a) is a flowchart showing a process of extracting MIDI data from a paper music score, encrypting the data, and storing the encrypted data in a hard disk (corresponding to the encrypted data storage unit 22 in fig. 1) which is executed in step S74 in fig. 4.

Fig. 7 b is a flowchart showing a process of extracting MIDI data from audio data, encrypting the extracted MIDI data, and storing the encrypted MIDI data in a hard disk (corresponding to the encrypted data storage unit 22 in fig. 1) executed in step S75 in fig. 4.

The operation will be described in order from fig. 4.

In step S71 of fig. 4, whether or not there is an instruction to extract MIDI data (performance data) is determined by detecting an operation event or the like of the operation element 55 such as the keyboard or the mouse of fig. 3.

If there is an instruction to extract MIDI data, in step S72, it is determined whether the instruction is an instruction to extract from electronic score data, an instruction to extract from paper score (score image data), or an instruction to extract from audio data, and the processing proceeds to steps S73, S74, and S75, respectively.

The process of downloading electronic score data in step S73 is described below with reference to fig. 5.

In step S76, desired electronic score data is selected from among pieces of music stored in a Hard Disk (HD) (equivalent to the encrypted electronic score data storage section 13 of fig. 1).

In step S77, MIDI data is extracted, encrypted, and then stored in a Hard Disk (HD) (corresponding to the encrypted MIDI data storage unit 22 in fig. 1).

As for the steps S74, S75, processing similar to those of S73 to S77 will be described later with reference to fig. 7.

When there is an instruction to execute an automatic performance or a performance guidance in step S78, desired encrypted MIDI data stored in a Hard Disk (HD) (corresponding to the encrypted MIDI data storage unit 22 of fig. 1) is read and encrypted in step S79.

In step S80, the encrypted MIDI data is stored in a RAM (corresponding to the unencrypted MIDI data storage 24 of fig. 1), and the automatic performance or performance guidance is executed.

When an instruction to end the automatic performance is detected in step S81, the MIDI data saved in the RAM is deleted in step S82, and returned to the main routine of the application not shown in the figure. If the automatic performance has not ended, the process returns to the step S71.

In step S91 of fig. 5, a WWW (World Wide Web) browser is launched to access a download site of electronic score data (within the content providing server 1 of fig. 1).

In step S92, the user selects desired electronic musical score data, and if there is a purchase request, the content providing server 1 places the corresponding electronic musical score data in a purchase order to perform a payment process. After the personal computer 2 issues a distribution request, the contents providing server 1 transmits electronic musical score data. The personal computer 2 downloads the electronic musical score data and stores the electronic musical score data in a Hard Disk (HD) (corresponding to the encrypted electronic musical score data storage unit 13 of fig. 1).

In step S93, it is determined whether or not an instruction of electronic score data is available, and if so, in step S94, the application (or subroutine) shown in step S96 next is started, and if not, the process proceeds to step S95, and if an instruction to end the process is given, the process returns to step S76 in fig. 4, and if no instruction to end the process is given, the process returns to step S92.

The application program may be a program independent from the WWW browser or may be a plug-in software program.

In step S96, the process proceeds to steps S97 to S99 for the activation of the score display, the score printing function, the automatic playing function, and the function of supplying MIDI data to the electronic musical instrument 31.

In step S97, desired electronic score data is selected from among a plurality of pieces of electronic score data stored in a hard disk (corresponding to the encrypted electronic score data storage section 13 of fig. 1), decrypted with a user ID as a key, and temporarily stored in a RAM (corresponding to the unencrypted electronic score data storage section 15 of fig. 1).

In step S100, a musical score is displayed or a musical score is printed, and in step S101, when the function is completed, the process proceeds to step S102, and the decrypted electronic musical score data temporarily stored in the RAM (corresponding to the unencrypted electronic musical score data storage unit 15 in fig. 1) is deleted, and the process returns to fig. 4.

In the step S98, the same processing as in the step S97 is performed. Then, in step S103, MIDI data is extracted from the decrypted electronic score data and temporarily stored in a RAM (corresponding to the unencrypted MIDI data storage 24 in fig. 1).

In step S104, MIDI data is automatically played. When the automatic playing function is completed in step S105, the process proceeds to step S106, where the decrypted MIDI data temporarily stored in the RAM (corresponding to the unencrypted MIDI data storage 24 in fig. 1) is deleted, and the process proceeds to step S102.

In the step S99, the same processing as in the step S97 is performed. Then, in step S107, it is determined whether or not the memory card with ID 8 (fig. 1) is loaded, and if loaded, the process proceeds to step S108.

In step S108, MIDI data is extracted from the electronic score data temporarily stored in the RAM, encrypted with the ID of the ID-attached memory card 8 as a key, and stored in the ID-attached memory card 8. In step S110, when the function of supplying MIDI data to the electronic musical instrument 31 is finished, the flow proceeds to step S102.

In step S109, it is determined whether or not the electronic musical instrument 31 is connected to the network, and if so, the process proceeds to step S111, where MIDI data is extracted from the electronic score data temporarily stored in the RAM (equivalent to the unencrypted electronic score data storage unit 15 in fig. 1), encrypted with the electronic musical instrument manufacturing number as a key, and transmitted to the transmission path 9 (fig. 1 and 2).

In step S112, when the function of supplying MIDI data to the electronic musical instrument 31 ends, the flow proceeds to step S102.

In the above description, the deletion of the decrypted electronic score data temporarily stored in the RAM (equivalent to the unencrypted electronic score data storage section 15 of fig. 1) is performed in step S102. However, from the viewpoint of immediate deletion when the unencrypted electronic score data is not necessary, it is desirable to perform deletion immediately after the end of extraction of MIDI data in each of the execution of score display, score printing, automatic playing, and MIDI data provision.

The processing of the electronic musical instrument 31 is explained with reference to fig. 6.

In step S121, a normal electronic musical instrument is processed. In step S122, it is determined whether or not the automatic performance of the encrypted MIDI data in the ID-attached memory card 8 is instructed, and if yes, the process proceeds to step S123, and if not, the process proceeds to step S124. In step S123, MIDI data of a desired music piece is selected, the encrypted MIDI data is decrypted, temporarily stored in a RAM (corresponding to the unencrypted MIDI data storage 33 of fig. 2), and sequentially supplied to a sound source, thereby performing an automatic performance. In step S125, if an instruction is given to end the automatic playing of the ID-attached memory card 8, the process proceeds to step S126, where the decrypted MIDI data temporarily stored in the RAM (corresponding to the unencrypted MIDI data storage 33 of fig. 2) is deleted, and the process returns to step S121.

On the other hand, in step S124, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to store the encrypted MIDI data in the ID-attached memory card 8 in the main memory (for example, a flash memory, corresponding to the encrypted MIDI data storage unit 37 in fig. 2) of the electronic musical instrument 31, and the process proceeds to step S127 if there is an instruction, and proceeds to step S108 if there is no instruction.

In step S127, MIDI data of a desired music piece is selected from the plurality of music pieces stored in the ID-attached memory card 8, and the encrypted MIDI data is decrypted and stored in the main memory with the electronic musical instrument manufacturing number as a key.

In step S129, the encrypted MIDI data in the ID-attached memory card 8 is deleted, and the process proceeds to step S130.

In step S128, it is determined whether or not the encrypted MIDI data is received from the personal computer 2 connected to the network, and if so, the encrypted MIDI data is stored in the main memory, and the process proceeds to step S130.

In step S130, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to perform an automatic performance in accordance with the encrypted MIDI data in the main body memory, and if so, the process proceeds to step S132, and if not, the process returns to step S121.

In step S132, MIDI data of a desired music piece is selected, decrypted by using the electronic instrument manufacture number as a key, temporarily stored in a RAM (corresponding to the unencrypted MIDI data storage 33 of fig. 3), sequentially supplied to a sound source, and automatically played.

In step S133, if an instruction is given to end the automatic playing of the ID-attached memory card 8, the process proceeds to step S134, where the decrypted MIDI data temporarily stored in the RAM (corresponding to the unencrypted MIDI data storage 33 of fig. 2) is deleted, and the process returns to step S121.

Then, in fig. 7(a), in step S141, an application or subroutine for extracting MIDI data from the score image data is started. In step S142, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to obtain musical score image data, and if so, the process proceeds to step S143, where a desired paper musical score is scanned by the scanner 6 to generate musical score image data, which is stored in a hard disk.

At step S144, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to extract MIDI data, and if so, the process proceeds to step S145 to extract MIDI data, encrypt the MIDI data with a key, and store the extracted MIDI data in a magnetic hard disk.

If the process of extracting MIDI data from the paper score is instructed to end in step S146, the process proceeds to step S147, where the routine or subroutine is ended, and the process returns to the process of fig. 4.

On the other hand, in fig. 7(b), in step S151, an application or subroutine for extracting MIDI data from audio data is started. In step S152, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to extract MIDI data, and if so, the process proceeds to step S153, where audio data is selected from a plurality of music pieces stored in a hard disk (corresponding to the unencrypted audio data storage unit 19 in fig. 1), MIDI data is extracted, encrypted with a key, and stored in the hard disk (corresponding to the encrypted MIDI data storage unit 22 in fig. 1).

If an instruction is given to end the process of extracting MIDI data from audio data in step S154, the process proceeds to step S155, where the routine or subroutine is ended, and the process returns to the process of fig. 4.

The above description of the operation example of the embodiment of the present invention is completed, and a different form of content providing server is described here.

In the explanation with reference to fig. 5, the contents downloaded to the personal computer 2 of the user are often only electronic musical score data, and the personal computer 2 performs processing corresponding to the contents of the musical score display printing and the automatic playing.

In another form of the providing server shown below, after the step of S91 of fig. 5, if the user has a request for selecting a desired electronic score for purchase, the content providing server 1 puts the corresponding electronic score into a purchase list for payment processing.

The personal computer 2 of the user starts a dedicated application program for displaying or printing a musical score corresponding to the website, and instructs to display or print the musical score.

The content providing server 1 transmits musical score image data created from electronic musical score data. The personal computer 2 displays the musical score image data on the display 4 of fig. 1 or performs printing by the printer 5.

If the user has a request for selecting a desired electronic music score to purchase, the content providing server 1 places the corresponding electronic music score in a purchase list to perform a payment process. The personal computer 2 starts a dedicated application program for distributing MIDI data corresponding to the website to request downloading of MIDI data, and the content providing server 1 extracts MIDI data from electronic musical score data, encrypts the data using a user ID as a key, and distributes the encrypted data. The personal computer 2 stores the MIDI data in a Hard Disk (HD) (corresponding to the encrypted MIDI data storage unit 22 in fig. 1).

When the user wants to perform an automatic performance using the stored MIDI data, the user can use the hard disk to play the music automatically

In (HD), desired MIDI data is selected, decrypted based on the user ID, sequentially supplied to a sound source, and sounded.

When the user provides the stored MIDI data to the electronic musical instrument 31, the stored MIDI data is stored in the hard disk

The MIDI data in (HD) may be encrypted with the ID of the memory card 8, for example, and stored in the ID-attached memory card 8 in fig. 1, or may be encrypted with the electronic instrument manufacturing number, for example, and output to the transmission path 9 in fig. 1.

In the above description, the encrypted electronic score data storage unit 13 and the encrypted MIDI data storage unit 22 on the personal computer 2 side have the user ID as a key, the encrypted MIDI data storage unit 37 on the electronic musical instrument 31 side have the electronic musical instrument manufacturing number as a key, and the memory card 8 has the ID of the memory card 8 as a key. However, the key in these may be arbitrarily selected. Different keys may be used, or the same key, for example, the electronic musical instrument manufacturing number may be used in the encrypted MIDI data storage 22 and the encrypted MIDI data storage 37.

Alternatively, different encryption schemes may be used.

In the above description, the encryption method has been described by taking as an example a key method in which the encryption key and the decryption key have the same relationship, and for this reason, the case where the encryption key and the decryption key are merely keys has been described. However, the encryption method may be a public key method. In this case, the encryption key and the decryption key are different keys having a certain correspondence relationship, the encryption key is a public key, and the decryption key is a secret key.

As described above, the present invention has the following effects: the performance data extracted from the provided music information can be used in a copyright-safe state.

Claims (3)

1. An electronic musical system, comprising:

a data extracting device for playing, which receives music information from outside and extracts playing data from the received music information, wherein the data form of the music information is different from that of the playing data;

an encryption device for encrypting the performance data extracted by the performance data extraction device by using an encryption key;

an encrypted performance data storage device that stores performance data encrypted by the encryption device in an encrypted state;

a decryption device for decrypting the encrypted performance data stored in the encrypted performance data storage device by using a decryption key corresponding to the encryption key when the encrypted performance data is automatically played;

a data storage device for musical performance, which temporarily stores the musical performance data decrypted by the decryption device;

an automatic playing device for performing an automatic playing by controlling a sound source for generating a music signal based on the playing data temporarily stored in the playing data storage device; and

and a deleting device for deleting the performance data temporarily stored in the performance data storage device after the performance data is automatically played.

2. The electronic musical system of claim 1, wherein:

the above-mentioned music piece information supplied from the outside is information in an encrypted state,

the music data extracting device extracts the music data after decrypting the music information supplied from the outside in the encrypted state, and deletes the music information supplied from the outside in the decrypted state after extracting the music data.

3. An electronic musical performance method, comprising:

a data extraction step of receiving music information from outside and extracting data for performance from the received music information, the data format of the music information being different from that of the data for performance;

an encryption step of encrypting the performance data extracted in the performance data extraction step by using an encryption key;

an encrypted performance data storage step of storing the performance data encrypted by the encryption step in an encrypted performance data storage device in an encrypted state;

a decryption step of decrypting the encrypted performance data stored in the encrypted performance data storage means by using a decryption key corresponding to the encryption key, when the encrypted performance data is automatically played;

a data storage step of temporarily storing the performance data decrypted in the decryption step in a data storage device for performance;

an automatic playing step of performing an automatic playing by controlling a sound source for generating a music signal based on the playing data temporarily stored in the playing data storage device; and

a deleting step of deleting the performance data temporarily stored in the performance data storage device after the performance data is automatically played.