Accompaniment sound generation device, electronic musical instrument, accompaniment sound generation method and accompaniment sound generation program

Abstract

Accompaniment sound generation device (10), comprising: a specification unit (13) that specifies multiple musical performance parts for which accompaniment sounds are generated based on an input musical performance sound; an accompaniment sound generation unit (14) that generates the accompaniment sounds belonging to the several specified musical performance parts for each musical performance sound; and an accompaniment sound output unit (17) that outputs the accompaniment sounds generated for the multiple musical performance parts, wherein the timing for generating the accompaniment sounds is synchronized with the timing for generating musical performance sounds.

Description

STATE OF THE ART Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an accompaniment sound generation device, a method and a program, as well as an electronic musical instrument incorporating the accompaniment sound generation device. Description of the state of the art

[0002] Electronic musical instruments are known that have a function which adds an automatic accompaniment sound to a musical performance sound inputted by a player based on pre-stored accompaniment pattern data. For example, an electronic keyboard instrument exists that includes an automatic accompaniment function. When the player performs a musical piece using a keyboard, the electronic keyboard instrument outputs an automatic accompaniment sound corresponding to a musical performance sound. An automatic accompaniment data generation device controls the rhythm of an automatic accompaniment sound so that it corresponds to an accented position in a musical performance.

[0003] US 5,164,531 A discloses an automatic accompaniment device that provides various accompaniment patterns and has suitable means for switching from one accompaniment pattern to another when the means receive corresponding control commands, in particular by pressing corresponding selection buttons. For example, it is possible to switch from one IntroPattern to another accompaniment pattern by means of suitable selection buttons. US 5,756,917 A discloses an automatic accompaniment device in which the user can individually edit accompaniment patterns in advance and save the edited accompaniment patterns for later use. SUMMARY

[0004] The player plays an electronic musical instrument that includes an automatic accompaniment function, allowing them to enjoy a musical performance sound accompanying an accompaniment sound while playing a melody, for example. Because the automatic accompaniment function repeatedly generates an accompaniment sound based on accompaniment pattern data, the accompaniment sound can become monotonous for the player. To offer the player greater enjoyment of a musical performance, the automatic accompaniment function is expected to generate an accompaniment sound with variations.

[0005] One task of the present revelation is to generate an automatic accompaniment sound with variations.

[0006] An accompaniment sound generation device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a specification unit that specifies several musical performance parts for which accompaniment sounds are to be generated based on an input musical performance sound, an accompaniment sound generation unit that generates the accompaniment sounds belonging to the several specified musical performance parts for each musical performance sound, and an accompaniment sound output unit that outputs the accompaniment sounds generated for the several musical performance parts, wherein the timing for generating the accompaniment sounds is synchronized with the timing for generating musical performance sounds.

[0007] Other features, elements, properties and advantages of the present disclosure will become clearer from the following description of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Fig. 1 is a block diagram that shows the functions of an electronic musical instrument; Fig. 2 is a diagram that shows the structure of data from accompanying style data; Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the functions of an accompaniment sound generation device; Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the setting information of an accent mode; Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the setting information of a Unison mode; Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a process for generating accompanying sound; Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the accompaniment sound generation process; Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the accompaniment sound generation process; and Fig. Figure 9 is a diagram of the sequence of automatic accompaniment generation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] An accompaniment sound generation device, an electronic musical instrument, an accompaniment sound generation method and an accompaniment sound generation program according to embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the drawings. (1) Configuration of the electronic musical instrument

[0009] Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic musical instrument 1, which includes the accompaniment sound generation device 10. A player can play a piece of music using the electronic musical instrument 1. Furthermore, the electronic musical instrument 1 can automatically add an accompaniment sound to a musical performance sound input by the player by causing the accompaniment sound generation device 10 to be activated.

[0010] The electronic musical instrument 1 includes a performance control element 101, a setting control element 102, and a display 103. The performance control element 101 includes a pitch indication control unit, such as a keyboard, and is connected to a bus 120. The performance control element 101 receives a musical performance action performed by the player and outputs musical performance data, which represents a musical performance sound. The musical performance data consists of MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) data or audio data. The setting control element 102 includes a switch that is turned on and off, a rotary encoder that is operated by turning, a linear encoder that is operated by sliding, etc., and is connected to bus 120.The setting control element 102 is used to adjust the volume of a musical performance sound or an automatic accompaniment sound, to switch a power supply on and off, and for various settings. The display 103, for example, has a liquid crystal display and is connected to bus 120. Various information about a musical performance, settings, etc., is displayed on the display 103. At least part of the performance control element 101, the setting control element 102, and the display 103 may consist of a touch panel display.

[0011] The electronic musical instrument 1 further comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 106, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 107, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 108, and a storage device 109. The CPU 106, the RAM 107, the ROM 108, and the storage device 109 are connected to the bus 120. The CPU 106, the RAM 107, the ROM 108, and the storage device 109 form the accompaniment sound generation device 10.

[0012] For example, RAM 107 consists of volatile memory used as a workspace for the CPU 106 to execute a program and temporarily stores various data. ROM 108 consists of non-volatile memory and stores a computer program, such as an accompaniment sound generation program P1, and various data, such as setting data SD and an accompaniment style data set ASD. Flash memory, such as an EEPROM, is used as ROM 108. The CPU 106 executes the accompaniment sound generation program P1 stored in ROM 108 while using RAM 107 as its workspace, thereby performing an automatic accompaniment process as described below.

[0013] Storage device 109 includes a storage medium such as a hard drive, an optical disc, a magnetic disk, or a memory card. The accompaniment sound generation program P1, the setting data SD, or the accompaniment style data set ASD can be stored in storage device 109.

[0014] The accompaniment sound generation program P1 in the present embodiment can be supplied in stored form on a recording medium that can be read by a computer and is installed in the ROM 108 or the storage device 109. Additionally, if the communication interface included in the electronic musical instrument 1 is connected to a communication network, the accompaniment sound generation program P1, supplied by a server connected to the communication network, can be installed in the ROM 108 or the storage device 109. Similarly, the setting data SD or the accompaniment style data set ASD can be acquired from a storage medium or from a server connected to the communication network.

[0015] The electronic musical instrument 1 further includes a tone generation unit 104 and a sound system 105. The tone generation unit 104 is connected to the bus 120, and the sound system 105 is connected to the tone generation unit 104. The tone generation unit 104 generates a musical sound signal based on musical performance data received by the performance actuation element 101 or on data according to an automatic accompaniment sound generated by the accompaniment sound generation device 10.

[0016] The Sound System 105 includes a digital-to-analog (D / A) conversion circuit, an amplifier, and a loudspeaker. The Sound System 105 converts the music signal supplied by the sound generation unit 104 into an analog signal and produces sound based on this analog signal. Thus, the music signal is reproduced. (2) Automatic accompaniment sound

[0017] Next, an automatic accompaniment sound generated by the accompaniment sound generation device 10 according to the present embodiment is described. The accompaniment sound generation device 10 according to the present embodiment can generate two types of automatic accompaniment sounds: a pattern accompaniment sound and a real-time accompaniment sound. The pattern accompaniment sound is generated by repeatedly playing back pre-stored accompaniment pattern data. A category, etc., is specified by the player, so that accompaniment pattern data corresponding to the specified category is played back. The player can give a musical performance in accordance with the playback of a pattern accompaniment sound.

[0018] A real-time accompaniment sound is an accompaniment sound generated in real time according to a music performance sound created by a music performance action performed by the player. A real-time accompaniment sound is generated for each music performance sound according to the contents of the SD settings data. When the player performs a music performance, a real-time accompaniment sound is added based on a music performance sound entered by the player. (3) Accompaniment style data

[0019] Next, the accompaniment style data set (ASD) is described. The ASD is the data obtained when the content of a sample accompaniment sound is classified into categories. Furthermore, the ASD can be used when determining the tone of a real-time accompaniment sound.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the data structure of the accompanying style dataset ASD. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, one or more accompaniment style records (ASDs) are prepared for each category, such as Jazz, Rock, or Classical. These categories can be provided hierarchically. For example, Hard Rock, Progressive Rock, and the like can be provided as subcategories of Rock. Each accompaniment style record (ASD) contains multiple accompaniment section records.

[0021] The accompanying section records are classified into records for an "Introduction" section, records for a "Main" section, records for a "Fill-in" section, and records for an "Ending" section. "Introduction," "Main," "Fill-in," and "Ending" represent section types and are indicated by the alphabetical letters "I," "M," "F," and "E," respectively. Each accompanying section record is further classified into several variations.

[0022] The variations in the "Introduction" section, the "Main" section, and the "Ending" section indicate an atmosphere or a degree of climax for an automatic accompaniment sound. In the example of Fig. 2. The variations are indicated by the alphabetical letters “A” (normal (quiet)), “B” (a little brilliant), “C” (brilliant), “D” (very brilliant) etc. in accordance with the degree of climax.

[0023] Since the "fill-in" section is a filling in between other sections, the variations of the "fill-in" section are represented by a combination of two alphabetical letters, which correspond to a change in the atmosphere or degree of climax between the section before the "fill-in" section and the section after the "fill-in" section. Fig. 2 correspond. For example, the variation “AC” corresponds to a change from “calm” to “brilliant”.

[0024] In Fig. 2. Each accompaniment section record is represented by a combination of an alphabetical letter indicating the section type and an alphabetical letter indicating the variation. For example, the section type of an accompaniment section record MA is "Main," and its variation is "A." Similarly, the section type of an accompaniment section record FAB is "Fill-in," and its variation is "AB."

[0025] The accompaniment section record contains an accompaniment pattern record (PD) for each of several musical performance parts (tracks), such as a main drum part, a bass part, a chord part, a phrase part, and a pad part. Furthermore, each accompaniment section record includes reference chord information and a pitch conversion rule (pitch conversion table information, a sound range, a sound regeneration rule at the time of the chord change, etc.). The accompaniment pattern record (PD) consists of MIDI or audio data and can be converted to any pitch based on the reference chord information and the pitch conversion rule.

[0026] The number of musical performance parts for which sample accompaniment sounds are to be generated, the note sequence of the accompaniment sample data set PD, and the like differ depending on the corresponding variation.

[0027] For example, the player can select the category of a desired pattern accompaniment sound and an accompaniment style data set ASD using the setting control element 102 of Fig. Select 1. A list of accompaniment section records (including variations) can be displayed on screen 103 based on the category of a sample accompaniment sound and the name of an accompaniment style. The player can then select the category, the name of an accompaniment style, etc., using the settings control 102. Furthermore, the player sets the structure of a piece of music using the settings control 102. Fig. 1. The structure of a piece of music is the arrangement of sections that make up the piece. For example, it specifies which section each period corresponds to from the beginning to the end of a piece. This also specifies the order of the accompaniment pattern records (PD) that form a pattern accompaniment sound. Alternatively, an accompaniment style record (ASD) and the structure of a piece of music can be automatically selected when the player chooses a desired piece of music from several pre-registered pieces. A pattern accompaniment sound is generated by the Sound System 105. Fig. 1 based on the content of the selection of a pattern accompaniment sound chosen by the player in this way and the accompaniment style data set ASD. (4) Functional configuration of the accompaniment sound generation device

[0028] Fig. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the accompaniment sound generation device 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The accompaniment sound generation device 10 is a device that generates a pattern accompaniment sound and a real-time accompaniment sound. The CPU 106 of Fig. 1 executes the accompaniment sound generation program P1, which is stored in the ROM 108 or the storage device 109, wherein the function of each component of the accompaniment sound generation device 10 is defined in Fig. 3 is implemented. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the accompaniment sound generation device 10 includes a music performance sound reception unit 11, a mode determination unit 12, a specification unit 13, a real-time accompaniment sound generation unit 14, an accompaniment style data acquisition unit 15, a pattern accompaniment sound generation unit 16 and an accompaniment sound output unit 17.

[0029] The music performance sound receiver 11 receives music performance data (a music performance sound) output by the performance control element 101. The music performance sound receiver 11 outputs the music performance data to the indication unit 13 and the real-time accompaniment sound generation unit 14. As described above, MIDI data or audio data is used as music performance data.

[0030] The mode selection unit 12 receives a mode activation performed by the player from the setting control element 102. The accompaniment sound generation device 10 of the present embodiment has several modes for performing real-time accompaniment. The player can perform a mode setting using the setting control element 102. In the present embodiment, two modes, an accent mode and a unison mode, are prepared as modes for real-time accompaniment.

[0031] Specification unit 13 indicates a musical performance part for which a real-time accompaniment sound should be generated. Similar to pattern accompaniment sounds, real-time accompaniment sounds are output for multiple musical performance parts, such as a main drum part, a bass part, a chord part, a phrase part, and a pad part, with the timing for generating the real-time accompaniment sounds being synchronized with the timing for generating musical performance sounds. Specification unit 13 specifies musical performance parts for which real-time accompaniment sounds should be generated based on musical performance data received by the musical performance sound receiver unit 11. That is, specification unit 13 specifies multiple musical performance parts for which real-time accompaniment sounds should be generated in relation to each musical performance sound.

[0032] The real-time accompaniment sound generation unit 14 generates real-time accompaniment data RD. The real-time accompaniment sound generation unit 14 generates real-time accompaniment data RD to be generated for the musical performance part specified by the specification unit 13. The real-time accompaniment sound generation unit 14 determines the timbre, volume, etc., of a real-time accompaniment sound based on the musical performance data (music performance sound) received by the musical performance sound receiving unit 11. The real-time accompaniment sound generation unit 14 outputs the generated real-time accompaniment data RD to the accompaniment sound output unit 17. The accompaniment sound output unit 17 outputs the real-time accompaniment data RD to the Fig. The tone generation unit 104 shown in Figure 1 reproduces a real-time accompaniment sound via the sound system 105.

[0033] The accompaniment style data acquisition unit 15 captures an accompaniment style record ASD. As described above, the player performs an action to select a pattern accompaniment sound, whereby the accompaniment style data acquisition unit 15 accesses the ROM 108 and captures the selected accompaniment style record ASD.

[0034] The pattern accompaniment sound generation unit 16 receives the accompaniment style data set ASD, which was captured by the accompaniment style data capture unit 15, and captures the accompaniment pattern data set PD, which is used for a pattern accompaniment sound, from the accompaniment style data set ASD. The pattern accompaniment sound generation unit 16 captures the accompaniment pattern data set PD, which is contained in the accompaniment style data set ASD, based on the accompaniment section data that includes the variation selected by the player. The pattern accompaniment sound generation unit 16 performs a pitch conversion required for the accompaniment pattern data set PD and outputs the converted accompaniment pattern data set PD to the accompaniment sound output unit 17 according to a tempo of a musical performance sound. The accompaniment sound output unit 17 outputs the accompaniment pattern data set PD to the Fig. The tone generation unit 104 shown in Figure 1 reproduces a sample accompaniment sound via the sound system 105.

[0035] The Real-Time Accompaniment Sound Generation Unit 14 also provides an instruction to stop the generation of pattern accompaniment data for the Pattern Accompaniment Sound Generation Unit 16. When the Real-Time Accompaniment Data (RD) is being generated, the generation of the Accompaniment Pattern Data Set (PD) is stopped. That is, when a Real-Time Accompaniment sound is output, a pattern accompaniment sound is muted for a set period of time. Furthermore, when Accent Mode or Unison Mode is enabled, the generation of the Accompaniment Pattern Data Set (PD) is stopped with respect to a portion of the musical performance parts for which Real-Time Accompaniment Data (RD) is being generated. That is, in a case where either of these modes is enabled, a pattern accompaniment sound is muted for each musical performance part with respect to that portion of the musical performance parts. (5) Real-time accompaniment mode

[0036] As described above, the accompaniment sound generation device 10 of the present embodiment features accent mode and unison mode as modes for generating a real-time accompaniment sound. In accent mode, for example, if the player presses a key hard or performs a musical piece forte, an automatic accompaniment sound is generated, such as the sound of a hard-hit cymbal. In unison mode, for example, an automatic accompaniment sound is generated, such as the sound of a stringed instrument with the same pitch as the sound of a piano according to a piano melody, or the sound of a stringed instrument that has the same musical note name as a piano sound and an octave relationship to a piano sound.

[0037] Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are diagrams showing the content of the SD settings data. Fig. 4 shows the content of accent mode data from the data registered in the SD settings data. Fig. Figure 5 displays the content of Unison mode data from the data registered in the SD settings data. In both modes, the data relating to a "music performance sound (input sound)," a "strength condition," a "conversion target," a "mute motif," and a "mute cancellation time" are registered in the SD settings data.

[0038] The "performance sound (input sound)" is the data that defines the type of performance sound. The real-time accompaniment sound generation unit 14 determines a performance sound according to a predefined algorithm. A "highest note" indicates the highest pitch among the sounds included in a performance sound. For example, if the player is playing chords, the highest pitch among the chords is determined as the highest note. "All notes" indicates all the sounds included in a performance sound. A "chord" indicates a performance sound that plays a harmonic (or accompaniment) role among the sounds played simultaneously. A "lowest note" indicates the lowest pitch among the sounds included in a performance sound. For example, if the player is playing chords, the lowest pitch among the chords is determined as the lowest note.

[0039] The "strength condition" specifies a strength condition for a "musical performance sound". In the Fig. 4 and Fig. Although the “strength condition” is indicated by intuitively simple expressions such as “strong”, “equal to or stronger than medium strength and weaker than strong”, and the like, the strength condition is actually specified by a specific numerical value such as a speed or a volume.

[0040] The "Conversion Destination" also includes fields for a "Part" and a "Pitch (Musical Instrument)." The "Part" field registers a musical performance part for which a real-time accompaniment sound is to be generated. The "Pitch (Musical Instrument)" field specifies the pitch of a real-time accompaniment sound or a musical instrument. A musical performance part for which a real-time accompaniment sound is to be generated is a "Lead Drum," a "Chord 1," a "Phase 1," etc., similar to a musical performance part included in the Accompaniment Style Data Set (ASD). The Pitch (Musical Instrument) for generating a real-time accompaniment sound is typically set to a drum kit in a case where the musical performance part is the "Lead Drum." The drum kit is set when a rhythm instrument used in the drum kit is assigned a MIDI note number.The type of rhythm instrument and the assignment procedure differ depending on the drum kit. In one case, where the "pitch (musical instrument)" of the "conversion target" is... Fig. 4. "Cymphony" is used to convert a musical performance sound into a sound with a pitch associated with a cymbal in a case where a part tone color is actually assigned to each drum kit. The High / Medium / Low of the "Pitch (Musical Instrument)" of the "Conversion Target" does not specify an actual conversion value, but rather indicates "a rhythm instrument that produces a high-pitched sound" / "a rhythm instrument that produces a medium-pitch sound" / "a rhythm instrument that produces a low-pitched sound". In the case of Fig. 4. A tone color set is applied to each part of the accompaniment style data set ASD, which is selected (set) at the time the generation of a real-time accompaniment sound begins.

[0041] The "mute motif" displays a sample accompaniment sound that is to be stopped when a real-time accompaniment sound is generated. If accent mode or unison mode is enabled, the generation of a sample accompaniment sound for a part of the musical performance is stopped. In the "mute motif," if a musical performance part is registered and either mode is enabled, the sample accompaniment sound of that musical performance part will not be played. Furthermore, if a real-time accompaniment sound is generated, the sample accompaniment sound of the musical performance part for which a real-time accompaniment sound is generated will not be played. If "1 Sound" is registered in the "mute motif," the playback of a sample accompaniment sound for each sound is stopped, corresponding to the generation of a real-time accompaniment sound.Alternatively, the playback of a pattern accompaniment sound can only be stopped in relation to the same sound as a real-time accompaniment sound for each sound according to the generation of a real-time accompaniment sound.

[0042] The "mute break time" specifies a point in time at which the playback of a pattern accompaniment sound indicated by the "mute motif" should be stopped. While "after a specified period" is described as "mute break time," this specifically registers a period from the cessation of playback of a pattern accompaniment sound until playback restarts, such as with a sound, beat, or the like. In a case where "detection of OFF state of input sound" is referred to as "mute break time," this means that the playback of a pattern accompaniment sound should restart at the point in time when the input of a musical performance sound is switched off.However, in a case where a musical performance part is registered in the "mute motif," the muting of a pattern accompaniment sound will not be canceled during a period in which the accent mode or real-time mode remains enabled. In a case where the mode is disabled, the muting of a pattern accompaniment sound will be canceled at the point where the OFF state of an input sound is detected.

[0043] For example, the data in the first row of the accent mode represents the following settings. In a case where the highest note of music performance data (music performance sound) is "strong," the sound of the main drum's cymbal is generated as a real-time accompaniment sound. When the sound of the main drum's cymbal is generated, the main drum of a pattern accompaniment sound is not played. Then, after a specified period of time, the playback of the main drum sound of a pattern accompaniment sound restarts.

[0044] Furthermore, the data in the third line of the Accent Mode specifies, for example, the following settings: The sound intensity has no constraints with respect to any pitch of music performance data (a music performance sound), and a real-time accompaniment sound is generated at the same pitch as a music performance sound (input sound) with respect to a music performance part of Chord 1. When Accent Mode is enabled, the playback of a pattern accompaniment sound with respect to a music performance part of Chord 1 is stopped. In a case where the mode is disabled, the playback of a pattern accompaniment sound restarts after the OFF state of an input sound is detected.

[0045] Furthermore, the data in the eighth line of the accent mode represents, for example, the following settings. In a case where the volume of a chord (a performance sound) included in the music performance data is equal to or greater than medium volume and less than strong volume, a kick drum is generated as a real-time accompaniment sound from the main drum part. If a kick drum is generated in the main drum part, a kick drum sound from a pattern accompaniment sound is not played. After a specified period of time, the generation of a kick drum sound from a pattern accompaniment sound is then restarted.

[0046] For example, the data in the third line of the Unison mode represents the following settings. The sound intensity has no constraints regarding the highest note of the music performance data (a music performance sound), and a real-time accompaniment sound is generated at the same pitch as the highest note of a music performance part of Chord 1. When Unison mode is enabled, playback of a pattern accompaniment sound relative to a music performance part of Chord 1 is stopped. When the mode is disabled, playback of a pattern accompaniment sound restarts after the OFF state of an input sound is detected.

[0047] Furthermore, the data in the ninth line of the Unison mode, for example, represents the following settings. The sound level has no conditions regarding the chord sound included in the music performance data (a music performance sound), and a snare drum sound is generated by the main drum part as a real-time accompaniment sound. When the snare drum sound is generated by the main drum part, the snare drum sound of the main drum, which is a pattern accompaniment sound, is not played back. Then, after a predetermined period, the playback of the snare drum sound of the main drum, which is a pattern accompaniment sound, is restarted.

[0048] In this way, the settings information for generating a real-time accompaniment sound is registered in the SD settings data. Specifically, in the... Fig. 4 and Fig. In the SD settings shown in section 5, the information of the "Part" of the "Conversion Target" is registered as information for specifying a musical performance part for which a real-time accompaniment sound is to be generated. Furthermore, the SD settings also register the information of the "Pitch (Musical Instrument)" of the "Conversion Target" as information relating to a generation rule for a real-time accompaniment sound. The information in Fig. 3 Real-time accompaniment sound generation unit 14 shown generates real-time accompaniment data RD for each music performance sound included in music performance data with reference to the setting data SD.

[0049] In the in the Fig. 4 and Fig. In the five examples shown, the settings are configured to generate real-time accompaniment sounds for multiple musical performance parts when musical performance data (a musical performance sound) is input. In this way, the accompaniment sound generation device 10 of the present embodiment can generate real-time accompaniment sounds for multiple musical performance parts in relation to the input of a musical performance sound. (6) An example of an accompaniment sound generation method

[0050] Next, the accompaniment sound generation method according to the present embodiment will be described. The CPU 106 performs the process described in Fig. 1 Accompaniment sound generation program P1 shown, wherein the accompaniment sound generation device 10 performs the accompaniment sound generation method mentioned below. Fig. 6, Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 shows the flowcharts illustrating the accompaniment sound generation method according to the present embodiment.

[0051] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, in step S11, the pattern accompaniment sound generation unit 16 first determines whether the setting control element 102 has detected an instruction to start the automatic accompaniment. If the instruction to start the automatic accompaniment has been detected, the accompaniment style data acquisition unit 15 reads the accompaniment style record ASD from ROM 108 in step S12. The accompaniment style data acquisition unit 15 reads the accompaniment style record ASD based on the selection information of the accompaniment style record ASD or the category information received from the setting control element 102. Next, the pattern accompaniment sound generation unit 16 acquires the accompaniment pattern record PD and delivers the accompaniment pattern record PD to the accompaniment sound output unit 17 in step S13. The accompaniment sound output unit 17 outputs the accompaniment pattern record PD to the tone generation unit 104.Thus, the playback of a pattern accompaniment sound is initiated via the sound system 105. As described above, the pattern accompaniment sound generation unit 16 captures the accompaniment pattern data set PD, which is contained in the accompaniment style data set ASD, based on the accompaniment section data that includes the variation selected by the player.

[0052] Then, in step S14, the pattern accompaniment sound generation unit 16 determines whether the setting control element 102 has detected an instruction to stop the automatic accompaniment. If the instruction to stop the automatic accompaniment has been detected, the pattern accompaniment sound generation unit 16 stops generating the accompaniment pattern record PD and stops playing a pattern accompaniment sound in step S15.

[0053] In a case where the instruction to stop the automatic accompaniment was not detected in step S14, step S16 determines whether the mode determination unit 12 has determined the ON state of accent mode or unison mode. That is, it determines whether the mode determination unit 12 has detected an instruction to start a real-time accompaniment function. In a case where the mode determination unit 12 detects the ON state of accent mode or unison mode, the real-time accompaniment sound generation unit 14 reads the setting data SD in step S21. Fig. 7.

[0054] In a case where a musical performance part exists for which a pattern accompaniment sound is to be stopped, the real-time accompaniment sound generator 14 subsequently provides a stop-a-pattern-accompaniment instruction to the pattern accompaniment sound generator 16. The real-time accompaniment sound generator 14 references the setting data SD. In a case where the generation of a pattern accompaniment sound is set to be stopped (muted) in units of a musical performance part in the "mute motif," the real-time accompaniment sound generator 14 provides a stop-a-pattern-accompaniment instruction with respect to the musical performance part. In response to this instruction, the pattern accompaniment sound generator 16 ceases outputting the accompaniment pattern record PD with respect to a musical performance part for which a stop instruction has been provided (step S22).

[0055] Next, in step S23, the mode determination unit 12 determines whether the instruction to stop a currently set mode has been detected. If the mode determination unit 12 has detected the instruction to stop the mode, the real-time accompaniment sound generation unit 14 stops generating real-time accompaniment data (RD) (step S24). Furthermore, the real-time accompaniment sound generation unit 14 instructs the pattern accompaniment sound generation unit 16 to restart the generation of a pattern accompaniment sound with respect to a musical performance part for which the generation of a pattern accompaniment sound is stopped (muted) (step S25). The process then returns to step S14 of Fig. 6 back.

[0056] In a case where the mode determination unit 12 did not detect a stop mode instruction in step S23, the mode determination unit 12 determines whether a mode change instruction was detected in step S26. For example, it determines whether the mode was changed from accent mode to unison mode, etc. If a mode change instruction was detected, the process returns to step S21 and reads the mode's setting data (SD) after the change. If a mode change instruction was not detected, the music performance sound receiving unit 11 determines whether a mode change instruction was detected in step S31. Fig. 8 a note-on has been detected. A note-on is an input event of a musical performance sound resulting from a key press on the keyboard. That is, the musical performance sound receiving unit 11 determines whether the input of musical performance data (a musical performance sound) by the player has been detected.

[0057] When the music performance sound receiver unit 11 detects a note-on, the specification unit 13 indicates a music performance part for which a real-time accompaniment sound should be generated based on the music performance sound detected in step S32. Specification unit 13 references the setting data SD and specifies a music performance part for which a real-time accompaniment sound should be generated based on the information of the "Part" of the "Conversion Target" corresponding to a currently set mode. Subsequently, in step S33, the real-time accompaniment sound generation unit 14 generates real-time accompaniment data RD with respect to the specified music performance part. The real-time accompaniment sound generation unit 14 references the setting data SD and determines the pitch, timbre, volume, etc.a real-time accompaniment sound to be generated based on the information of the “pitch (musical instrument)” of the “conversion target” which corresponds to a currently set mode.

[0058] The real-time accompaniment data RD, generated in the real-time accompaniment sound generation unit 14, is supplied to the accompaniment sound output unit 17. The accompaniment sound output unit 17 outputs the real-time accompaniment data RD to the tone generation unit 104, with the timing for generating a real-time accompaniment sound being synchronized to the timing for generating the captured musical performance sound of a note-on. In a case where real-time accompaniment data RD is played back with respect to multiple musical performance parts, the real-time accompaniment data RD for the multiple musical performance parts is output to the tone generation unit 104, with the timing for generating a real-time accompaniment sound being synchronized to the timing for generating a musical performance sound.Thus, the Sound System 105 outputs a musical performance sound and real-time accompaniment sounds for the multiple musical performance parts, with the timing for generating the musical performance sound being coordinated with the timing for generating the real-time accompaniment sounds.

[0059] In step S34, the music performance sound receiver 11 determines whether a note-off has been detected. A note-off indicates that the input of music performance data (a music performance sound) has changed from an ON state to an OFF state. If the music performance sound receiver 11 detects a note-off, the real-time accompaniment sound generator 14 stops generating a real-time accompaniment sound after a note-off in step S35. (7) Sequence of automatic accompaniment generation

[0060] Fig. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the sequence of automatic accompaniment sounds, including pattern accompaniment sounds and real-time accompaniment sounds. Fig. In the diagram, time progresses from left to right. At time T1, an instruction to start the automatic accompaniment is provided, and the generation of pattern accompaniment sounds begins. Pattern accompaniment sounds are generated for musical performance parts that include a main drum part, a basic part, a chord part 1, and a phrase part 1. After time T1, pattern accompaniment sounds are generated according to the musical performance sounds entered by the player.

[0061] Next, at time T2, an ON state of the unison mode is detected. This stops (mutes) pattern accompaniment sounds for musical performance parts that include the basic part, chord part 1, and phrase part 1. At time T2 and later, the generation of a pattern accompaniment sound for the main drum part resumes.

[0062] Next, at time T3, a musical performance sound is entered. Real-time accompaniment sounds are generated for the main drum part, the basic part, and chord part 1 based on the musical performance sound. Then, at time T3, the pattern accompaniment sound for the main drum part is stopped (muted). Between times T4 and T5, musical performance sounds are entered again. Based on this musical performance sound, real-time accompaniment sounds are generated for the main drum part, the basic part, and phrase part 1. Then, the pattern accompaniment sound for the main drum part is stopped (muted) between times T4 and T5. Subsequently, a musical performance sound is entered at time T6. Based on this musical performance sound, real-time accompaniment sounds are generated for all musical performance parts. Then, at time T6, a pattern accompaniment sound for the main drum part is stopped (muted). (8) Effects of the embodiments

[0063] The accompaniment sound generation device of the present embodiment specifies several musical performance parts for which real-time accompaniment sounds are to be generated based on an input musical performance sound, and generates the real-time accompaniment sounds corresponding to the several specified musical performance parts. The real-time accompaniment sounds generated for the several musical performance parts are then output, with the timing for generating the real-time accompaniment sounds being synchronized with the timing for generating a musical performance sound. Thus, the player can enjoy automatic accompaniment sounds with variations. Since a real-time accompaniment sound is generated for each musical performance sound, the automatic accompaniment sound is not monotonous for the player.

[0064] Furthermore, the present embodiment prepares several modes for generating a real-time accompaniment sound based on a music performance sound. Several music performance parts are then registered in the SD settings data, for which real-time accompaniment sounds are to be generated in each mode. A real-time accompaniment sound can be customized according to a mode preferred by the player.

[0065] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the setting data SD includes information relating to the generation rule of a real-time accompaniment sound, which is to be generated based on a music performance sound in each mode. The real-time accompaniment sound generation unit 14 then references the setting data SD and generates a real-time accompaniment sound based on a music performance sound according to the generation rule corresponding to a set mode. A real-time accompaniment sound can be customized according to a mode preferred by the player.

[0066] For example, if two human players perform in a piece of music where syncopation or a "match" (or "tutti") is present, the players perform in accordance with the syncopation or match. However, because a pattern accompaniment sound is used, a conventional automatic accompaniment sound generator cannot provide such a musical performance. That is, a performance expression that conveys a sense of unity, which can be achieved by human players, cannot be provided by the conventional automatic accompaniment sound generator unless appropriate accompaniment sound data is prepared in advance. Preparing such accompaniment sound data in advance requires a large amount of data. Furthermore, creating such accompaniment sound data is difficult and time-consuming for the average user.With the accompaniment sound generation device of the present embodiment, a musical performance part is specified for each musical performance sound, and a real-time accompaniment sound is generated based on a musical performance sound. Thus, an automatic accompaniment sound corresponding to an improvised musical performance, such as syncopation or a "match," can be played back in real time.

[0067] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, during a period in which a real-time accompaniment sound is being generated, the pattern accompaniment sound generation unit 16 stops generating a pattern accompaniment sound in relation to the same musical performance part. This makes it easier for the player to listen to a real-time accompaniment sound, and the user can enjoy the real-time accompaniment sound.

[0068] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when one of the modes in which a real-time accompaniment sound is to be generated is activated, the pattern accompaniment sound generation unit 16 stops generating a pattern accompaniment sound in relation to a musical performance part such as the basic part, chord part, pad part, or phrase part. This makes it easier for the player to listen to a real-time accompaniment sound and allows the user to enjoy it. Furthermore, when one of the modes in which a real-time accompaniment sound is to be generated is activated, the generation of a pattern accompaniment sound in relation to a musical performance part such as the main drum part continues. The player can enjoy a real-time accompaniment sound within a flow of pattern accompaniment sounds. (9) Correspondences between components in claims and parts in preferred embodiments

[0069] The following paragraphs provide non-limiting examples of correspondences between various elements listed in the claims below and those described above with respect to various preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples given below. In the embodiment mentioned above, the real-time accompaniment sound is an example of an accompaniment sound in the claims. In the embodiment mentioned above, the setting data SD is an example of setting information. In the embodiment mentioned above, the "music performance sound (input sound)" and the "strength condition" in Fig. Four examples of characteristics of a musical performance sound and the "pitch (musical instrument) of the "conversion target" in Fig. 4. An example of the characteristics of an accompaniment sound. In the embodiment mentioned above, the basic part, the chord part 1, and the phrase part 1 are in Fig. Nine examples of a first musical performance part are given, and the main drum part is an example of a second musical performance part. The first musical performance part can include several musical performance parts. Furthermore, the second musical performance part can include several musical performance parts.

[0070] Various elements specified in the claims, as well as various other elements with configurations or functions described in the claims, can be used as each of the individual components. (10) Other embodiments

[0071] While the accent mode and the unison mode, for example, are described as the modes for real-time accompaniment in the embodiment mentioned above, this is just one example. Modes can be prepared that correspond to categories such as a hard rock mode or a jazz mode, etc.

[0072] In the embodiment described above, the timbre, volume, etc., of a real-time accompaniment sound are determined with reference to the "pitch (musical instrument)" of the "conversion target" of the setting data SD. In another embodiment, the timbre, volume, etc., of a real-time accompaniment sound can be determined with reference to the accompaniment style data set ASD based on the category and genre currently set for a sample accompaniment sound.

[0073] In the embodiment mentioned above, during a period in which the mode for a real-time accompaniment sound is switched on, a pattern accompaniment sound is set to be muted with respect to musical performance parts other than the main drum part, and a pattern accompaniment sound continues to be generated only for the main drum part.

[0074] In another embodiment, the generation of a pattern accompaniment sound for one of the other musical performance parts can continue according to the main drum part. For example, the generation of a pattern accompaniment sound can continue for the main drum part and the bass part.

[0075] Furthermore, if the unison mode is changed to the other mode (the unison mode is turned off or changed to accent mode), the generation of a pattern accompaniment sound for an accompaniment part other than rhythm does not need to be restarted until an instruction to change a chord is received. (11) Characteristics of embodiments

[0076] The accompaniment sound generation device, the electronic musical instrument, the accompaniment sound generation method, and the non-volatile, computer-readable medium that stores the accompaniment sound generation program have the following characteristics.

[0077] An accompaniment sound generation device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a specification unit that specifies several musical performance parts for which accompaniment sounds are to be generated based on an input musical performance sound, an accompaniment sound generation unit that generates the accompaniment sounds belonging to the several specified musical performance parts for each musical performance sound, and an accompaniment sound output unit that outputs the accompaniment sounds generated for the several musical performance parts, wherein the timing for generating the accompaniment sounds is synchronized with the timing for generating musical performance sounds.

[0078] Multiple modes can be prepared as modes for generating an accompaniment sound based on the music performance sound, and the specification unit can refer to setting information in which the multiple music performance parts are registered for which the accompaniment sounds are to be generated in each mode, and can specify the multiple music performance parts that correspond to a set mode.

[0079] The setting information may include information relating to a generation rule for the accompaniment sound to be generated, based on the music performance sound in each mode, and the accompaniment sound generation unit may refer to the setting information and generate the accompaniment sounds based on the music performance sound according to the generation rule corresponding to a set mode.

[0080] Information that links characteristics of the music performance sound with characteristics of the accompaniment sound can be registered as a generation rule in the settings information.

[0081] An electronic musical instrument according to another aspect of the present disclosure, which includes the above-mentioned accompaniment sound generation device, comprises a pattern accompaniment sound generation unit that generates a pattern accompaniment sound for a predetermined musical performance part based on predetermined accompaniment pattern information, wherein the pattern accompaniment sound generation unit stops generating the pattern accompaniment sound with respect to the same musical performance part as a musical performance part for which the accompaniment sound is being generated during a period of time in which the accompaniment sound is being generated by the accompaniment sound generation unit.

[0082] The pattern accompaniment sound generation unit can stop generating the pattern accompaniment sound in relation to a first musical performance part and can resume generating the pattern accompaniment sound in relation to a second musical performance part when a mode is switched on in which the accompaniment sound is to be generated.

[0083] A method for generating accompaniment sounds according to a further aspect of the present disclosure for specifying several musical performance parts for which accompaniment sounds are to be generated based on an input musical performance sound, generating the accompaniment sounds belonging to the several specified musical performance parts for each musical performance sound, and outputting the accompaniment sounds generated for the several musical performance parts, wherein the timing for generating the accompaniment sounds is synchronized with the timing for generating musical performance sounds.

[0084] An accompaniment sound generation program according to another aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to perform the processes of specifying several musical performance parts for which accompaniment sounds are to be generated based on an input musical performance sound, generating the accompaniment sounds belonging to the several specified musical performance parts for each musical performance sound, and outputting the accompaniment sounds generated for the several musical performance parts, wherein the timing for generating the accompaniment sounds is synchronized with the timing for generating musical performance sounds.

[0085] While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it is understood that variations and modifications are obvious to the person skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is therefore to be determined exclusively by the following claims.

Claims

[1] Accompaniment sound generating device (10), comprising: a specification unit (13) that specifies multiple musical performance parts for which accompaniment sounds are generated based on an input musical performance sound; an accompaniment sound generation unit (14) that generates the accompaniment sounds belonging to the several specified musical performance parts for each musical performance sound; and an accompaniment sound output unit (17) that outputs the accompaniment sounds generated for the multiple musical performance parts, wherein the timing for generating the accompaniment sounds is synchronized with the timing for generating musical performance sounds. [2] Accompaniment sound generation device (10) according to claim 1, wherein several modes are prepared as modes for generating an accompaniment sound based on the music performance sound, and the indication unit (13) refers to setting information in which the several music performance parts are registered for which the accompaniment sounds are generated in each mode, and indicates the several music performance parts that correspond to a set mode. [3] Accompaniment sound generation device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the setting information includes information regarding a generation rule of the accompaniment sound that is generated based on the music performance sound in each mode, and the accompaniment sound generation unit (14) refers to the setting information and generates the accompaniment sounds based on the music performance sound according to the generation rule that corresponds to the set mode. [4] Accompaniment sound generation device (10) according to claim 3, wherein information linking properties of the music performance sound with properties of the accompaniment sound is registered as a generation rule in the setting information. [5] Electronic musical instrument (1) comprising the accompaniment sound generation device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a pattern accompaniment sound generation unit (16) which generates a pattern accompaniment sound for a predetermined musical performance part based on predetermined accompaniment pattern information, wherein the pattern accompaniment sound generation unit (16) stops the generation of the pattern accompaniment sound with respect to the same musical performance part as a musical performance part for which the accompaniment sound is generated during a period in which the accompaniment sound is generated by the accompaniment sound generation unit (14). [6] Electronic musical instrument (1) according to claim 5, wherein the pattern accompaniment sound generation unit (16) stops generating the pattern accompaniment sound with respect to a first musical performance part and resumes generating the pattern accompaniment sound with respect to a second musical performance part when a mode is switched on in which the accompaniment sound is generated. [7] Accompaniment sound generation methods for: Specifying multiple musical performance parts for which accompaniment sounds will be generated based on an entered musical performance sound; Generating the accompaniment sounds that belong to the several specified musical performance parts for each musical performance sound; and Outputting the accompaniment sounds generated for the multiple musical performance parts, with the timing for generating the accompaniment sounds being coordinated with the timing for generating musical performance sounds. [8] Accompaniment sound generation program that causes a computer to execute a process to: Specifying multiple musical performance parts for which accompaniment sounds will be generated based on an entered musical performance sound; Generating the accompaniment sounds that belong to the several specified musical performance parts for each musical performance sound; and Outputting the accompaniment sounds generated for the multiple musical performance parts, with the timing for generating the accompaniment sounds being coordinated with the timing for generating musical performance sounds.

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