JP2008102349A - Automatic accompaniment device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to easily extend the musical range of arpeggio. <P>SOLUTION: Information on a sound production pattern that indicates at least a predetermined sound production pattern, and property information that indicates the property of the sound production pattern are acquired. According to the instruction for extending the musical range either upward or downward, an octave shift amount is changed sequentially, depending on the property information acquired. Based on the octave shift amount changed, the pitch of the arpeggio composing tone which is determined according to the inputted one or plurality of pieces of the pitch information, the acquired sound production pattern is octave-shifted, and the arpeggio constituting tone is developed sequentially over a plurality of octave ranges, in the musical range for which the extension instruction has been made. By doing so, the user does not need to prepare sound production data reflecting the desired musical range, beforehand, but can easily generate the arpeggio with a natural auditory feeling while adjusting the musical range appropriately during the performance using the existing sound production pattern data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic accompaniment apparatus and a program for automatically generating an arpeggio sound (dispersed chord) based on a predetermined arpeggio pattern in response to designation of a plurality of pitches. In particular, the present invention relates to an automatic accompaniment apparatus and a program that allow a user to easily expand the range used for arpeggio sounds.

An automatic accompaniment device having an arpeggio generation function that automatically generates an arpeggio (distributed chord) in response to a user's operation of a predetermined performance operator (for example, a key pressing operation on a keyboard or the like) is generally an “arpeggiator” or the like It is commonly called and used. In an arpeggiator known in the past, as an arpeggio pattern, at least a plurality of key numbers (not note numbers (pitch information) corresponding to pitches, but simple numbers) and sound generation timings assigned to the respective key numbers are used. Including the pronunciation pattern data is stored in advance. When a plurality of keys are pressed at the same time by the user, the arpeggiator performs predetermined rules (for example, in order of increasing pitches) with respect to note numbers assigned in advance to the plurality of keys pressed simultaneously. Etc.). Then, a note number to which a number corresponding to the key number in the stored pronunciation pattern data is assigned is generated at the sound generation timing corresponding to the key number. By repeating this while the key-pressing state continues, sound data consisting of the same pattern is periodically output to disperse multiple musical tones specified by the user as arpeggio sounds. So that it can occur. An example of an automatic accompaniment device having such an arpeggio generation function is, for example, the device described in Patent Document 1 shown below.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-10445

  By the way, in a conventionally known automatic accompaniment device, when it is desired to generate an arpeggio sound by expanding the sound range, in addition to the key number and the sound generation timing, the sound range is previously adjusted to the desired sound range width. It is necessary to define octave information (specifically, the octave shift amount). However, there are many ranges desired by the user, and it is very troublesome to prepare all the pronunciation pattern data having the corresponding ranges in advance so as to correspond to the respective ranges. Even if the pronunciation pattern data having a range is created, it is difficult for the user to perform the performance while appropriately selecting the corresponding pronunciation pattern data whenever necessary. Further, the pronunciation pattern data includes a type having regular characteristics and a type having phrase characteristics according to the arrangement of sounds (sound generation pattern) defined in the data. When using these pronunciation pattern data to generate arpeggio sounds by expanding the range, all types have been developed in the same way to generate arpeggio sounds.For example, the same pitch sequence continues, There was an inconvenience that an unnatural phenomenon occurred, such as suddenly dropping by 2 octaves. As described above, the conventional apparatus has a problem that it is difficult for the user to play the arpeggio sound without unnaturalness in the sense of hearing while appropriately changing the sound range during the performance.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and the user can appropriately set the range of the arpeggio sound during the performance by the user even if the pronunciation pattern data having the corresponding range for each desired range of the user is not created. An object is to provide an automatic accompaniment apparatus and a program that can be changed.

  An automatic accompaniment apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention is configured to acquire at least sound generation pattern information indicating a predetermined sound generation pattern and characteristic information indicating characteristics of the sound generation pattern, and to extend the sound range either up or down. An arpeggio sound is generated in accordance with a pitch range instructing means for instructing, a pitch information input means for inputting one or more pitch information, and the input one or more pitch information and the acquired pronunciation pattern information. In this case, the octave shift amount is sequentially changed in accordance with the acquired characteristic information, and the input one or more pitch information and the acquired pronunciation pattern information are determined based on the changed octave shift amount. The pitch of the arpeggio component sound to be determined is shifted by octave, and the arpeggio is sequentially shifted over a plurality of octave ranges within the extended range. Comprising a music generation means to expand the structure sound.

  According to the present invention, at least the pronunciation pattern information indicating the predetermined pronunciation pattern and the characteristic information indicating the characteristic of the pronunciation pattern are acquired, and according to the instruction to extend the range in the upper or lower direction, the octave is determined according to the acquired characteristic information. The shift amount is sequentially changed, and the pitch of the arpeggio constituent sound determined according to the inputted one or more pitch information and the acquired pronunciation pattern information is octave shifted based on the changed octave shift amount. Then, the arpeggio constituent sounds are successively developed over a plurality of octave ranges within the range instructed to be expanded. This eliminates the need for the user to prepare sound pattern data that reflects the desired sound range in advance, and uses the existing sound pattern data to adjust the sound range appropriately while playing a natural arpeggio. Can be generated easily.

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

  According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately change the range of the arpeggio sound during performance by the user without creating the pronunciation pattern data having the corresponding range for each user-desired range. The effect is obtained. Even if the user does not know the characteristics of the pronunciation pattern data, the pitch of the arpeggio sound is automatically determined for each characteristic of the pronunciation pattern data when the range is expanded. You can get a sound.

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

  FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration block diagram showing an embodiment of the overall configuration of an electronic musical instrument to which an automatic accompaniment apparatus according to the present invention is applied. The electronic musical instrument shown in this embodiment is controlled by a microcomputer including a microprocessor unit (CPU) 1, a read only memory (ROM) 2, and a random access memory (RAM) 3. The CPU 1 controls the operation of the entire electronic musical instrument. For this CPU 1, ROM 2, RAM 3, communication interface (I / F) 4, input operation unit 5, display unit 6, external storage device 7, and sound source 8 are respectively connected via a communication bus 1D (for example, data and address bus). It is connected. The ROM 2 stores various control programs executed or referred to by the CPU 1 (for example, automatic accompaniment processing (see FIG. 3 to be described later)) and various data (for example, arpeggio pattern data (see FIG. 2 to be described later)). . The RAM 3 is used as a working memory for temporarily storing various data generated when the CPU 1 executes a predetermined program, or as a memory for temporarily storing a currently executing program and related data. The A predetermined address area of the RAM 3 is assigned to each function and used as a register, flag, table, memory, or the like.

  The communication interface (I / F) 4 is connected to, for example, a wired or wireless communication network such as a LAN, the Internet, or a telephone line, and is connected to the external device 4A or the like via the communication network. This is an interface for taking control programs and various data into the electronic musical instrument main body. Such a communication interface 4 may include both of them, not wired or wireless.

  The input operation unit 5 is a performance operator such as a keyboard having a plurality of keys for selecting the pitch of a musical tone, and the electronic musical instrument is put into an “arpeggio performance mode” that automatically generates arpeggio sounds (distributed chords). Arpeggio performance mode setting switch for setting, arpeggio pattern data to be referred to in "Arpeggio performance mode", selection switch by type for selecting by type input, or automatically generated in "Arpeggio performance mode" For example, a range expansion instruction switch for setting an expansion range of the arpeggio sound to be set by an octave range input (for example, +3, +2, +1, 0, -1, -2, -3, etc.). The keyboard-type performance operator (hereinafter simply referred to as the keyboard) can be used for musical performances, as well as when the electronic musical instrument is set to the “arpeggio performance mode”. It can also be used as input means for selecting arpeggio pattern data to be referred to or setting an extended range of an arpeggio sound that is automatically generated in the “arpegio performance mode”. Of course, the input operation unit 5 includes various operators such as a numeric keypad for inputting numeric data, a keyboard for inputting character data, or a mouse used for operating a predetermined pointing device displayed on the display 6A. You may go out. The display unit 6 displays, for example, a list of pre-stored arpeggio pattern data by type on a display 6A composed of a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), a CRT, or the like, or arpeggio pattern data selected by the user or set by the user Various information such as the extended range of the arpeggio sound or the control state of the CPU 1 is displayed.

  As is known in the art, when the electronic musical instrument is set to the “arpeggio performance mode” by operating the above-described arpeggio performance mode setting switch, it corresponds to a fixed key range or a user setting assigned in advance on the keyboard. Any key range that fluctuates in this way is set as the “Arpeggio Key Range”. In other words, the “Arpeggio Key Range” is set by assigning in advance a dividing point that divides the keyboard into two parts, the low-pitched side and the high-pitched side. Alternatively, there is a method in which the user directly selects and sets the pitch range to be used as the “Arpeggio Key Range” from all key ranges, but there are any known methods for setting the “Arpeggio Key Range”. Also good. The note number (pitch information) detected in accordance with the key pressing operation by the user for each key in the “Arpeggio Key Range” is used to determine the pitch of the arpeggio constituent sound. That is, note number, velocity and note on / note based on the note number detected in accordance with the key pressing operation by the user for each key in the “arpegio key range” and arpeggio pattern data (see FIG. 2 described later). By setting “OFF” to the sound source 8, arpeggios (dispersed chords) are sounded and muted. Since this is well-known, description here is omitted. Needless to say, the note numbers detected in accordance with the user's key pressing operation for each key other than the “Arpeggio Key Range” are used to generate a musical tone as a normal keyboard performance.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 1, the external storage device 7 stores a control program, various data, and the like, similar to the ROM 2 described above. When the control program is not stored in the ROM 2, the control program is stored in the external storage device 7 (for example, a hard disk) and read into the RAM 3 to store the control program in the ROM 2. A similar operation can be performed by the CPU 1. In this way, control programs can be easily added and upgraded. The external storage device 7 is not limited to a hard disk (HD), but a flexible disk (FD), a compact disk (CD-ROM / CD-RAM), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), etc. It may be a storage device that uses various external recording media. Alternatively, a semiconductor memory or the like may be used.

  The tone generator 8 can simultaneously generate musical sound signals on a plurality of channels, and is provided with arpeggio pronunciation data and performance operation generated by “automatic accompaniment processing” (see FIG. 3 described later) given via the communication bus 1D. Various performance information such as sound generation data generated in response to the operation of the child is input, and a musical sound signal is generated based on the performance information. A musical sound signal generated from the sound source 8 is generated from a sound system 8A including an amplifier and a speaker. A predetermined effect may be applied to the musical sound signal generated from the sound source 8 using an effect circuit or the like (not shown). The format of the arpeggio sound data and the sound data may be digitally encoded such as the MIDI format, or may be a waveform sample data system such as PCM, DPCM, ADPCM. Any conventional configuration may be used for the configuration of the sound source 8 and the sound system 8A. For example, the sound source 8 may employ any of various tone synthesis methods such as FM, PCM, physical model, formant synthesis, etc., or may be constituted by dedicated hardware, or by software processing by the CPU 1. Also good.

  In the electronic musical instrument described above, the performance operator is not limited to a keyboard musical instrument, but may be a stringed musical instrument such as a guitar neck. The electronic musical instrument is not limited to the input operation unit 5, the display 6A, the sound source 8 and the like built in one electronic musical instrument main body, and each electronic musical instrument is configured separately, and each communication unit such as a MIDI interface or various networks is used. Needless to say, the apparatus may be configured to be connected. Furthermore, the apparatus to which the automatic accompaniment apparatus according to the present invention is applied is not limited to the form of an electronic musical instrument. -You may apply to equipment. When applied to a portable communication terminal, not only when a predetermined function is completed with only the terminal, but also a part of the function is provided on the server side, and the predetermined function is realized as a whole system composed of the terminal and the server. You may make it do.

  Here, the arpeggio pattern data stored in the ROM 2, the external storage device 7 and the like and referred to when the arpeggio sound is automatically generated in the “arpegio performance mode” will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an embodiment of the data structure of arpeggio pattern data. 2A shows the overall structure of the arpeggio pattern data, and FIG. 2B shows the data structure of the pronunciation pattern data included in the arpeggio pattern data.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, for example, an arpeggio pattern data group is prepared in advance for each tone color such as a piano or a guitar, and the arpeggio pattern data group includes a plurality of preset arpeggio pattern data sets set by the user. Arpeggio pattern data (1 to N) for each type is stored. Arpeggio pattern data (1 to N) for each type includes sound pattern data, range information, and characteristic information for each output track (Track '1' to Track 'n') used for outputting musical sounds. It becomes. The pronunciation pattern data is data that defines the pronunciation timing, tone length, volume, and octave shift amount of the pitch of each arpeggio component. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), there are five elements of timing (Timing), gate time (Gate), key number (Key), octave shift information (Oct), and velocity (Vel). Sound data (also called an event) is stored for a plurality of sounds. Note that the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B represents the sound pattern data for one measure (when the time length for one beat is 480 clocks, the time length for one measure is 1920 clocks).

  The timing (Timing) of the sound generation pattern data is data representing a clock value corresponding to the sound generation start timing of the musical sound. The gate time (Gate) is data representing the time length (clock value) from the key-on to the key-off of the musical sound to be generated. The key number (Key) is data for determining the pitch of a musical sound when an arpeggio is pronounced. For example, when the number of key presses that can be detected according to the key press operation of each key in the arpeggio key range is set to 4, the key number takes a numerical value of “1 to 4”, and the value of this key number is the sound of the arpeggio. Corresponding to the high change pattern, it is assigned in advance for each sound data. A register corresponding to the key number is set in the RAM 3 in advance, and a note number detected in accordance with a key pressing operation by the user for each key in the “arpeggio key area” is stored in the register. In this case, note numbers are assigned in ascending order of key numbers according to a predetermined rule (for example, in order of increasing pitches). Then, in automatic accompaniment processing (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, the note number assigned to the key number in the pronunciation pattern data is read from the corresponding register, and the pitch of the musical sound to be generated is determined based on this note number. Therefore, the order of the key numbers determines the arpeggio pattern. In addition, since there is processing such as octave shift when determining the pitch of the musical sound to be generated, the pitch corresponding to the note number assigned to the key number is the pitch of the musical sound that is sounded as it is Not exclusively.

  The octave shift information (Oct) of the pronunciation pattern data is used when the pitch (note) indicated by pressing each key in the “Arpeggio Key Range” is changed up and down in octaves. This is data that specifies how many octaves to change. For example, when the note number assigned to the key number is “C3” and the octave shift information (Oct) is designated as “0”, the timing for generating the pitch of “C3” The sound is generated as it is at the pitch of “C3”. On the other hand, when the octave shift information (Oct) is stored as “+1”, the pitch of “C4” obtained by shifting “C3” up by one octave at the timing of generating the pitch of “C3”. Let them pronounce. The velocity is data representing the velocity value (data used for volume control etc.) of the musical sound to be generated. Arpeggio pronunciation data corresponding to the key depression is generated in accordance with the tone generation pattern data defined for each number of key depressions.

  The range information is information indicating the unique range that is realized by each pronunciation pattern data, that is, the default range used by the arpeggio pattern. According to the octave shift information (Oct) defined in the pronunciation pattern data, “1 octave” ”To“ 4 octaves ”or“ more octaves (others) ”. For example, when the octave shift information (Oct) is defined by only “+0”, the range information is “1 octave”, and the octave shift information (Oct) is “+0” and “+1” (or “−” 1 ”), the range information is“ 2 octaves ”and the octave shift information (Oct) is“ +0 ”,“ +1 ”and“ +2 ”(or“ −1 ”). When defined, “3 octaves” are defined in the range information. The characteristic information is information indicating the characteristic of a specific musical sound realized by each sound generation pattern data, that is, the characteristic of the arpeggio pattern (regularity of the arrangement of sounds). ”Is defined. For example, the key number is not a simple number (however, there is a register corresponding to this key number), but the note number that is the pitch information that determines the pitch that is actually used when generating the arpeggio sound, that is, the pitch of the arpeggio constituent sound Is defined (in the case of a so-called fixed note type arpeggiator), “phrase” is defined in the characteristic information, and a numerical value of 3 or more is defined in the key number and the arrangement order is random. “Other”, for example, when the numerical value is defined in ascending order for the key number, the characteristic information is “up” (however, the key number is only “1” and the characteristic information may be defined as “up”) For example, when numerical values are defined in descending order for the key number, the characteristic information is “down” (however, the key number is only “1” and the characteristic information is defined as “down”) Any) and are defined respectively. Therefore, the tone range information of the sound generation pattern data shown in FIG. 2B is “2 octaves”, and the characteristic information is “others”.

  If the above-mentioned range information or / and characteristic information is not included (not defined) in the arpeggio pattern data, the sound pattern data is analyzed for each output track, and the range for each output track is analyzed. Information or / and characteristic information may be specified. For the range information, the octave shift information (Oct) of the pronunciation pattern data is analyzed. For example, when the octave shift information having the largest absolute value among the octave shift information is “+1”, the range information is changed to 2 octaves. When the octave shift information having the largest absolute value among the shift information is “+0”, the sound range information is specified as one octave. For the characteristic information, the key number of the pronunciation pattern data is analyzed. For example, when a note number is defined for the key number (in the case of a so-called fixed note type arpeggiator), the characteristic information is set to “phrase” and the key number. If a numerical value of 3 or more is defined, the characteristic information is defined as “Other”, and if the numerical value is defined in ascending order for the key number, the characteristic information is defined as “up”, and the numerical value is defined in descending order for the key number. If it is, the characteristic information is specified as “down”.

  In the electronic musical instrument shown in FIG. 1, arpeggio pronunciation data is generated based on a plurality of pitches determined in accordance with a keyboard operation by the user, using pronunciation pattern data of arpeggio pattern data selected in advance. Arpeggio sounds (dispersed chords) with natural audibility can be generated. The “automatic accompaniment process” for automatically generating such arpeggio sounds is performed by the CPU 1 of the electronic musical instrument shown in FIG. 1 executing a predetermined program (software) that realizes the automatic accompaniment process. Therefore, the processing operation of the “automatic accompaniment process” will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B. 3A and 3B are flowcharts showing an example of “automatic accompaniment processing”. This processing is executed when the device has been set to the arpeggio performance mode according to the operation of the arpeggio performance mode designation switch. Hereinafter, the processing operation of the processing will be described according to the flowchart shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. However, for the convenience of illustration, FIG. 3A shows the first half of the process, and FIG. 3B shows the second half of the process subsequent to the first half of the process shown in FIG. 3A.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, step S1 selects and reads arpeggio pattern data. That is, one arpeggio pattern data to be used for arpeggio generation is selected from the arpeggio pattern data group stored for each tone according to the operation of the type-specific selection switch, and the selected arpeggio pattern is selected. Data is read into the RAM 3 from the ROM 2 or the external storage means 7. In step S2, the range information is acquired from the pronunciation pattern data of the read arpeggio pattern data. Here, the processing after step S2 is described as being performed for each output track (for each sounding pattern data). In step S3, characteristic information is acquired from the pronunciation pattern data of the read arpeggio pattern data. Here, when the sound pattern information does not include the sound range information and the characteristic information, and the sound range information and the characteristic information cannot be acquired, the sound generation pattern data is analyzed as described above to acquire the information. Step S4 executes various initial settings. As the initial setting, for example, the octave range which is the range expansion range set by the user is set to “0”, the maximum range that can be used as the range is set to “4 (octave)”, and according to the number of keys A pointer 1 that temporarily sets a determined soundable range (for example, “C1 to C6” when the number of keys is 61 keys, “A1 to C7” when the number of keys is 88 keys) is set to the used key range. For example, the loop counter is set to “0” or the like, and the loop counter is set to the storage position of the data for the first sound defined in the pronunciation pattern data of the read arpeggio pattern data.

  Step S5 detects the start of a key pressing operation by the user within the arpeggio key range. In step S6, when the acquired characteristic information is other than “phrase” and other than “other”, a key pressing sound associated with each key in the arpeggio key range operated by the user is generated as pronunciation pattern data. (For example, when the characteristic information is “up”, the order of the pitches is low, and when the characteristic information is “down”, the descending order of the notes is high) Set. For pronunciation pattern data whose characteristic information is other than “phrase”, the key-pressing sounds associated with each key in the arpeggio key range operated by the user in order from the smallest numerical key number Assign in order. In step S7, it is determined whether or not the key pressing operation in the arpeggio key range by the user is ongoing. When it is determined that the key pressing operation within the arpeggio key range by the user has been completed (not maintained) (NO in step S7), the process ends. If it is determined that the key pressing operation in the arpeggio key range by the user is ongoing (YES in step S7), it is determined whether or not a sound range expansion instruction according to the operation of the sound range expansion instruction switch by the user has been accepted. (Step S8). If it is determined that the range expansion instruction has been accepted (YES in step S8), the octave range is changed to the value of the accepted range expansion instruction (step S9).

  Step S10 adds the range specified in the acquired range information and the absolute value of the range extension value stored in the octave range, and whether the addition result is equal to or less than the set maximum range value. Determine whether. When it is determined that the added value is less than or equal to the maximum range (YES in step S10), the added value (the range defined in the range information + the absolute value of the range expansion value of the octave range) is set to “sounding range”. (Step S11). On the other hand, if it is determined that the added value is not less than or equal to the sound range maximum value (NO in step S10), the sound range maximum value is set to "sounding sound range" (step S12). In step S13, it is determined whether or not the value of “sound range information + loop counter” is smaller than the sound generation range. When it is determined that the value of “sound range information + loop counter” is larger than the sounding range (NO in step S13), the loop counter is set to “0” and the pointer 1 is reset, that is, the pointer 1 is read out. The data is reset to the storage position of the data for the first sound defined in the sound pattern data of the arpeggio pattern data (step S14). In step S15, it is determined whether or not the acquired characteristic information is “phrase” or “other”. When the acquired characteristic information is “phrase” or “others” (YES in step S15), the data for one sound at the storage position indicated by the pointer 1 is read from the sound generation pattern data, and the automatic accompaniment sound (sound generation) Data) is generated (step S16). Here, if the characteristic information is “Other”, the automatic accompaniment sound (pronunciation) according to the octave shift information (Oct) in the pronunciation pattern data is added according to the key-pressing sound assigned to the key number. Data). On the other hand, when the characteristic information is “phrase”, an automatic accompaniment sound (sound production data) is generated according to the note number defined in the key number. If the acquired characteristic information is not “phrase” and “others” (NO in step S15), the data for one sound at the storage position pointed to by the pointer 1 is read from the pronunciation pattern data and set to the pointer 2 An automatic accompaniment sound (sound generation data) is generated from the key pressing sound (step S17). However, in this case, it is not necessary to consider the octave adjustment according to the octave shift information (Oct) in the pronunciation pattern data.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, step S18 determines whether or not the acquired characteristic information is “phrase” or “other”. When it is determined that the acquired characteristic information is “phrase” or “others” (YES in step S18), it is determined whether or not the octave range range expansion value is 0 or more (step S22). That is, it is determined whether or not the range extension is instructed to extend to a higher range than the default range defined in the range information of the pronunciation pattern data. If it is determined that the octave range range extension value is not 0 or more, that is, if it is instructed to extend to a lower range than the default range (NO in step S22), the generated automatic accompaniment sound An octave shift is performed so that the height is lowered by the loop counter (step S24). When it is determined that the octave range range extension value is 0 or more, that is, when it is instructed to extend to a higher range than the default range (YES in step S22), the generated automatic accompaniment sound The pitch is shifted so as to increase the pitch by the loop counter (step S23). If it is determined that the acquired characteristic information is not “phrase” or “others” (NO in step S18), the pitch of the generated automatic accompaniment sound is shifted by an octave so as to increase by the loop counter (step S19). ). Then, it is determined whether or not the octave range range expansion value is 0 or more (step S20). If it is determined that the octave range range expansion value is not greater than or equal to 0 (NO in step S20), the pitch of the generated automatic accompaniment sound is octave shifted so as to be lowered by the absolute value of the octave range range expansion value. (Step S21).

  In step S25, the pitch of the generated automatic accompaniment sound is stored within the soundable range and output to the sound source. In step S26, it is determined whether or not the acquired characteristic information is “phrase” or “other”. When it is determined that the acquired characteristic information is “phrase” or “others” (YES in step S26), the last data among the data for one sound in which the pointer 1 is defined in the pronunciation pattern data It is determined whether or not the storage position is pointed to (step S34). When it is determined that the pointer 1 points to the storage position of the last data defined in the sound generation pattern data (YES in step S34), the pointer 1 stores data for the first sound of the sound generation pattern data. It is set so as to return to the position (step S35). Then, “1” is added to the loop counter (step S36), and the process returns to step S7. On the other hand, if it is determined that the pointer 1 does not point to the storage position of the last data defined in the pronunciation pattern data (NO in step S34), the pointer 1 is advanced by 1 and the subsequent 1 of the pronunciation pattern data The data is set in the storage position of the sound data (step S37), and the process returns to step S7. In other words, when there is a key press, sound data is output sequentially according to the arpeggio pattern, but when the characteristic information is `` phrase '', when the end of the arpeggio pattern data is reached, it returns to the beginning, and while the key press continues Periodically repeats similar sound output.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S26 that the acquired characteristic information is not “phrase” or “others” (NO in step S26), the data corresponding to one sound in which the pointer 1 is defined in the pronunciation pattern data. It is determined whether or not the storage position of the last data is pointed out (step S27). When it is determined that the pointer 1 points to the storage position of the last data defined in the pronunciation pattern data (YES in step S27), the pointer 1 stores the data for the first sound of the pronunciation pattern data. It is set so as to return to the position (step S28). If it is determined that the pointer 1 does not point to the storage position of the last data defined in the pronunciation pattern data (NO in step S27), the pointer 1 is advanced by one and the subsequent one sound of the pronunciation pattern data Is set at the data storage position (step S29). In other words, when there is a key press, sound data is output sequentially according to the arpeggio pattern, but when the end of the arpeggio pattern data is reached, it returns to the beginning, and the same sound output data is output periodically while the key press continues. repeat.

  In step S30, it is determined whether or not the pointer 2 indicates the last (lowest ranking) key pressing sound among the plurality of key pressing sounds ranked. When it is determined that the pointer 2 indicates the last key pressing sound among the plurality of key pressing sounds ranked (YES in step S30), the first ( It is set so as to indicate the key pressing sound of the highest order (step S32). Then, “1” is added to the loop counter (step S33), and the process returns to step S7. On the other hand, when it is determined that the pointer 2 indicates the last key pressing sound among the plurality of key pressing sounds ranked (NO in step S30), the pointer 2 is advanced by one and the pointer 2 is ranked. A setting is made so as to indicate the key pressing sound of the next order among the plurality of key pressing sounds (step S31), and the process returns to step S7.

  Next, the range expansion of the arpeggio sound generated based on the pronunciation pattern data according to the above process will be described using a specific example. Here, the case where the characteristic information is “up” (or “down”) and the case where the characteristic information is “phrase” (or “other”) will be described separately. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the range expansion of the arpeggio sound generated based on the pronunciation pattern data whose characteristic information is “up”. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the range expansion of an arpeggio sound generated based on pronunciation pattern data whose characteristic information is “phrase”. The pronunciation pattern data is shown on the left side of the figure, and the specific example of the pronunciation data generated on the right side of the figure based on the key depression state and the range extension instruction is shown.

  The range expansion of the arpeggio sound generated based on the pronunciation pattern data whose characteristic information is “up” will be described with reference to FIG. First, a case where an instruction to extend the arpeggio range by “+1” is given as a range extension instruction will be described. For example, in the case where two keys to which “C3” and “E3” are assigned are pressed simultaneously among the keys included in the arpeggio key range as the key pressing state, it is defined in the pronunciation pattern data. “C3” is assigned to the key number “1 (Key = 1)” and “E3” is assigned to the key number “2 (Key = 2)” (because the characteristic information is “up” in this case, The young key numbers are assigned in order from the note number of the lower pitch. Since “1” is set as the key number for the first sound (Timing = 0000) of the pronunciation pattern data, the pitch is determined by the note number “C3” assigned to this key number “1” ( (See step S17: key number and pointer 2 correspond) "C3" is pronounced for the first note (see step S25). Since “2” is set as the key number for the second tone (Timing = 0240) of the pronunciation pattern data, the pitch is determined by the note number “E3” assigned to this key number “2” ( (See step S17) The second sound is pronounced “E3” (see step S25). In the same manner, “1” is set as the key number for the third sound (Timing = 0480) of the pronunciation pattern data, and “2” is set as the key number for the fourth sound (Timing = 0720) of the pronunciation pattern data. Therefore, although the pitch of the first sound is determined as “C3” and the second sound as “E3” (see step S17), the “loop counter” is changed from “0” to “1” before these processes. (See step S33), “C4” and “E4” that are one octave higher than the determined pitch are pronounced as the third and fourth sounds, respectively (step S19 and step S25). reference).

  When the processing using the data of the fourth sound (Timing = 0720), which is the data for the last sound of the pronunciation pattern data, is completed, the data returns to the data of the first sound (Timing = 0000) of the sound pattern data. Since the processing is continued (see step S28), the fifth tone is processed according to the first tone (Timing = 0000) of the pronunciation pattern data. Since “1” is set as the key number for the first tone (Timing = 0000) of the pronunciation pattern data, the pitch is determined by the note number “C3” assigned to this key number “1”. (Refer to Step S17) Since the “loop counter” has been changed from “1” to “2” before these processes (see Step S33), “C5” which is two octaves higher than the determined pitch. "Is determined as the fifth note (see step S19). In the same manner, according to the second sound (Timing = 0240) of the pronunciation pattern data, the sixth sound becomes “E5”. When the process of the sixth sound is completed, the loop counter and the pointer 1 are reset (see step S14). Therefore, the first sound (Timing = 0000) data of the sound generation pattern data is included in the seventh sound process. Used. Therefore, the pitch is determined by the note number “C3” assigned to the key number “1”, and the loop counter is “0” as described above. The height does not change and “C3” is pronounced as it is in the seventh sound (not shown).

  In this way, as an instruction to extend the range, the arpeggio range is instructed to be extended by “+1”, and the keys assigned with the note numbers “C3” and “E3” included in the arpeggio range are simultaneously pressed. When keyed, it is composed of eighth notes (Gate = 220) with pitches of “C3”, “E3”, “C4”, “E4”, “C5”, “E5” in order from the first note. Sound generation data that repeats the arpeggio pattern is generated. That is, when pronunciation pattern data whose characteristic information is “up” (or “down”) is used, the arpeggio range is instructed to be extended in the “+” direction (high range direction) as a range extension instruction. In such a case, the range is expanded by an octave higher by the designated “+ value” without changing the minimum pitch than before the range expansion.

  On the other hand, a case where an instruction to extend the arpeggio range by “−1” is given as the range extension instruction will be described. Since “1” is set as the key number for the first tone (Timing = 0000) of the pronunciation pattern data, the pitch is determined by the note number “C3” assigned to this key number “1”. In this case, since the process of raising the octave by the loop counter (see step S19) and the process of lowering the octave by the absolute value of the octave range (fixed to “1” here) (see step S21) are performed, the first tone Becomes “C2”, which is the pitch obtained by raising the determined “C3” by “0” octave and then by “1” octave (the loop counter is “0”, and the absolute value of the octave range is “1”). Similarly, the second sound is “E2” according to the second sound (Timing = 0240) of the pronunciation pattern data. When the third sound is created according to the third sound (Timing = 0480) of the pronunciation pattern data, “1” is set as the key number, so the note number “1” assigned to this key number “1” is set. The pitch is determined by “C3”. In this case, the “loop counter” is “1” and the “absolute value of the octave range” is “1” (fixed value). The determined pitch of “C3” is raised by “1” octave and then lowered by “1” octave, that is, “C3” remains as it is. In the same manner, the fourth sound becomes “E3” according to the fourth sound (Timing = 0720) of the pronunciation pattern data.

  When the processing using the data of the fourth sound (Timing = 0720), which is the data for the last sound of the pronunciation pattern data, is completed, the data returns to the data of the first sound (Timing = 0000) of the sound pattern data. Since the processing is continued (see step S28), the fifth sound is processed based on the first sound (Timing = 0000) of the pronunciation pattern data. Since “1” is set as the key number for the first tone (Timing = 0000) of the pronunciation pattern data, the pitch is determined by the note number “C3” assigned to this key number “1”. In this process, “loop counter” is “2” and “absolute value of octave range” is “1”, so “C3” is raised by “2” octave for the fifth tone. “1” is “C4”, which is the pitch lowered by one octave. In the same manner, according to the second sound (Timing = 0240) of the pronunciation pattern data, the sixth sound becomes “E4”. When the process of the sixth sound is completed, the loop counter and the pointer 1 are reset (see step S14). Therefore, the first sound (Timing = 0000) data of the sound generation pattern data is included in the seventh sound process. Used. Therefore, the pitch is determined by the note number “C3” assigned to the key number “1”. In this case, the loop counter is set to “0” as described above. "C2", which is the pitch obtained by raising "0" octave and then lowering "1" octave, is generated (not shown).

  In this way, the instruction to extend the arpeggio range as “−1” is instructed as a range extension instruction, and keys to which the note numbers “C3” and “E3” included in the arpeggio key range are respectively assigned are simultaneously displayed. When the key is pressed, the eighth note (Gate = 220) having the pitches “C2,” “E2,” “C3,” “E3,” “C4,” and “E4” in order from the first note. Sound generation data that repeats the configured arpeggio pattern is generated. That is, when pronunciation pattern data whose characteristic information is “up” (or “down”) is used, it is instructed to extend the arpeggio range in the “−” direction (lower range) as a range extension instruction. In this case, the minimum pitch is changed as compared with the range before the range expansion, and the range is expanded by an octave lower by the designated “−value”.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the range expansion of the arpeggio sound generated based on the pronunciation pattern data whose characteristic information is “phrase” will be described. First, a case where an instruction to extend the arpeggio range by “+1” is given as a range extension instruction will be described. For example, when a key to which “C3” is assigned among the keys included in the arpeggio key range is pressed as a key pressing state, the key number is displayed at the first tone (Timing = 0000) of the pronunciation pattern data. Note number “C3” is set, and here, even if the loop counter is “0” and “0” is increased by an octave (see step S23), the pitch does not change. " Since the note number “C3” is set as the key number for the second sound data (Timing = 0240), the second sound is “C3”. Similarly, the third and fourth sounds are “E3”, the fifth and sixth sounds are “G3”, the seventh sound is “A3”, and the eighth sound is “G3”.

  When the process using the data of the 8th sound (Timing = 1680), which is the data for the last sound of the pronunciation pattern data, is completed, the data returns to the data of the first sound (Timing = 0000) of the sound pattern data. Since the process is continued (see step S35), the ninth sound is processed based on the first sound (Timing = 0000) of the pronunciation pattern data. The note number “C3” is set as the key number for the first sound (Timing = 0000) of the pronunciation pattern data, but before this processing, the “loop counter” is set to “1” ( “C4”, which is one octave above “C3”, is the ninth note (see step S). Similarly, for the 10th to 16th sounds, the pitches are determined to be one octave higher than the second to eighth sounds. When the process of the 16th sound is completed, the process returns to the first sound (Timing = 0000) of the sound generation pattern data again and the process is continued, but when the process of the 16th sound is completed, the “loop counter” is “0”. (See step S14), the 17th and subsequent sounds will repeat the same pitch as the 1st to 16th sounds.

  As described above, when the arpeggio range is instructed to be extended by “+1” as a range extension instruction, and a key assigned with the note number “C3” included in the arpeggio key range is pressed. Sound generation data that repeats an arpeggio pattern composed of eighth notes (Gate = 220) having a pitch as shown in the figure is generated. That is, when pronunciation pattern data whose characteristic information is “phrase” (or “others”) is used, an instruction to extend the arpeggio range in the “+” direction (high range direction) is given as a range extension instruction. In such a case, the range is expanded by an octave higher by the designated “+ value” without changing the minimum pitch than before the range expansion.

  On the other hand, a case where an instruction to extend the arpeggio range by “−1” is given as the range extension instruction will be described. Since the first to eighth sounds are the same as those instructed to extend the above-described arpeggio range by “+1”, description thereof will be omitted. The process using the data of the 8th sound (Timing = 1680), which is the data for the last sound of the pronunciation pattern data, is completed, and the data returns to the first sound (Timing = 0000) of the sound pattern data again. When the ninth sound is processed, note number “C3” is set as the key number for the first sound (Timing = 0000) of the pronunciation pattern data, but in this case, the loop counter (here “ Since the process of lowering the pitch by the octave of 1 ”) is performed (see step S24), the ninth sound is“ C2 ”. In the same way, the 9th to 16th sounds are determined to be pitches obtained by subtracting one octave from the 2nd to 8th sounds. When the process of the 16th sound is completed, the process returns to the first sound (Timing = 0000) of the sound generation pattern data again and the process is continued, but when the process of the 16th sound is completed, the “loop counter” is “0”. (See step S14), the 17th and subsequent sounds are repeated at the same pitch as the 1st to 16th sounds.

  As described above, when the arpeggio range is instructed to be expanded by “−1” as the range expansion instruction, and the key assigned the note number “C3” included in the arpeggio key range is pressed. As shown in the figure, the phrase 1st loop is based on pronunciation data composed of eighth notes (Gate = 220) having a pitch within the original range based on the pronunciation pattern data, and the phrase 2nd loop is based on the pronunciation pattern data. Sound generation data composed of eighth notes (Gate = 220) having a pitch in the range one octave lower than the original range is generated. That is, when pronunciation pattern data whose characteristic information is “phrase” (or “others”) is used, the arpeggio range is instructed to be extended in the “−” direction (lower range) as a range extension instruction. In this case, the minimum pitch is changed as compared with the range before the range expansion, and the range is expanded by an octave lower by the designated “−value”.

  As described above, the user can freely change (expand) the range in which the arpeggio sound should be developed during performance without changing the pronunciation pattern data itself. In addition, since the sound range is expanded in consideration of the original sound range based on the pronunciation pattern data, the user does not need to recognize the original sound range based on the pronunciation pattern data to be used. Furthermore, the range in which the arpeggio sound is expanded automatically in response to the user's instruction for range expansion (octave range), but it is not simply expanded, but the range and pronunciation of the target arpeggio pattern data Since the sound range is expanded in consideration of the characteristics of pattern data (regularity of the arrangement of sounds), natural sound range expansion without difficulty is performed. In other words, since the arpeggio sound corresponding to the characteristics of the pronunciation pattern data is generated at the time of expansion of the sound range, it is possible to perform with a more natural and varied arpeggio sound.

It should be noted that the instruction to extend the sound range may be given by the user using the operator before or during the performance. Further, data in which a range extension instruction is programmed in advance may be input to the apparatus.
Note that a plurality of types of pronunciation pattern data may be stored in the apparatus, or may be structured so as to be referred to through an external apparatus or a network. When there are a plurality of types of pronunciation pattern data, the user may arbitrarily specify what to use.
It should be noted that other automatic accompaniment pattern data is not limited to the pronunciation pattern data. For example, in an automatic accompaniment apparatus using an accompaniment style, automatic accompaniment data is generated in accordance with an input chord detected from a keyboard or the like based on automatic accompaniment pattern data stored according to the accompaniment style selected by the user. The automatic accompaniment pattern data is a set of pitch data and timing data corresponding to each accompaniment sound, and is prepared as a source pattern based on a predetermined chord such as “Cmaj”. In such an automatic accompaniment device, the pitch in the source pattern is converted according to the type of the input chord, and the entire pitch is shifted according to the root of the input chord to generate an accompaniment with a pitch that matches the chord. .

It should be noted that the characteristic information possessed by each sounding pattern data may be stored in the data as one identifier, or may be determined by analyzing actual sounding pattern data. The same applies to the range information possessed by each pronunciation pattern data, and it may be stored in the data as one identifier, or may be obtained by analyzing actual pronunciation pattern data. When the characteristic information and the sound range information are included as identifiers, two different identifiers may be used, or one identifier may be distinguished.
If the range of sound that can be generated by the device exceeds the range that can be generated as a result of expanding the range, for example, the protruding pitch is moved up and down by one octave so that it can be within the range of sound that can be generated by the device. It is good to.

Note that the tone range information of the pronunciation pattern data may be indicated by a specific pitch, or may be indicated by a width such as 1 octave or 12 semitones.
Note that, as in the above-described embodiment, when the sound generation pattern data includes a plurality of output tracks, an instruction to extend the sound range may be given for each output track. Alternatively, even if there are sound output pattern data for a plurality of output tracks, it may be possible to instruct the expansion of the sound range in a plurality of output tracks.
Note that the pronunciation pattern data format is “Event + Relative time” that represents the time of occurrence of each event as the time from the previous event, and “Event” that represents the time of occurrence of the event as an absolute time within the song or measure. “Absolute time”, “pitch (rest) + note length” expressed in note pitches and note lengths or rest and rest lengths, a memory area is secured for each minimum performance resolution, and an event occurs Any format may be used such as a “solid method” in which an event is stored in a memory area corresponding to a time to be performed.

1 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration showing an embodiment of an overall configuration of an electronic musical instrument to which an automatic accompaniment apparatus according to the present invention is applied. FIG. 2A is a conceptual diagram showing an embodiment of the data structure of arpeggio pattern data, FIG. 2A shows the data structure of arpeggio pattern data, and FIG. 2B shows the data structure of pronunciation pattern data. It is the flowchart which showed one Example of the first half process of the automatic accompaniment process. It is the flowchart which showed one Example of the latter half process of the automatic accompaniment process. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the range expansion of the arpeggio sound produced | generated based on the pronunciation pattern data whose characteristic information is "up". It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the range expansion of the arpeggio sound produced | generated based on the pronunciation pattern data whose characteristic information is "phrase".

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... CPU, 2 ... ROM, 3 ... RAM, 4 ... Communication interface, 4A ... External device, 5 ... Input operation part, 6 ... Display part, 6A ... Display, 7 ... External storage device, 8 ... Sound source, 8A ... Sound System, 1D ... communication bus

Claims (3)

Acquisition means for acquiring at least pronunciation pattern information indicating a predetermined pronunciation pattern and characteristic information indicating characteristics of the pronunciation pattern;
A range expansion instructing means for instructing to extend the range in the upper or lower direction,
Pitch information input means for inputting one or more pitch information;
When generating the arpeggio sound according to the input one or more pitch information and the acquired pronunciation pattern information, the octave shift amount is sequentially changed according to the acquired characteristic information, and the changed octave shift Based on the volume, the pitch information of the arpeggio constituent sound determined according to the inputted one or more pitch information and the acquired pronunciation pattern information is shifted by an octave, and a plurality of pitches in the range instructed to be extended An automatic accompaniment apparatus comprising a musical sound generating means for sequentially developing arpeggio constituent sounds over an octave range. The acquisition means further acquires a range information indicating an octave range in which the arpeggio constituent sound is developed,
The musical sound generation means expands the octave range specified based on the acquired range information up or down according to the range expansion instruction by the range expansion instruction means, and expands the arpeggio constituent sound within the expanded octave range The automatic accompaniment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: On the computer,
A procedure for obtaining at least pronunciation pattern information indicating a predetermined pronunciation pattern and characteristic information indicating characteristics of the pronunciation pattern;
A procedure to instruct you to extend the range to the top or bottom,
A procedure for inputting one or more pitch information;
When generating the arpeggio sound according to the input one or more pitch information and the acquired pronunciation pattern information, the octave shift amount is sequentially changed according to the acquired characteristic information, and the changed octave shift Based on the volume, the pitch information of the arpeggio constituent sound determined according to the inputted one or more pitch information and the acquired pronunciation pattern information is shifted by an octave, and a plurality of pitches in the range instructed to be extended A program for executing an arpeggio constituent sound sequentially over an octave range.

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