Information processing apparatus, performance processing system, method, and program

The information processing device synchronizes arpeggio performance data with jazz swing accompaniment by delaying downbeats and shortening backbeats, addressing the monotonous rhythm issue in existing arpeggiators.

JP2026001757APending Publication Date: 2026-01-08CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024099242
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-06-20
Publication Date
2026-01-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing arpeggiators fail to produce arpeggios with a rhythm that mimics jazz swing, resulting in monotonous accompaniment when synchronized with background rhythms.

Method used

An information processing device that generates arpeggio performance data by setting the timing of downbeats slightly delayed and backbeats shorter than downbeats, synchronized with jazz swing accompaniment.

Benefits of technology

Enables arpeggios to be played with a rhythm similar to jazz swing, harmonizing the performance with the accompaniment.

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Abstract

To make a user play arpeggio in a rhythm like a jazz swing.SOLUTION: The information processing apparatus acquires an arpeggio pattern defining an order of a plurality of pitches to be sounded in a plurality of beats, outputs, as accompaniment data for a first beat, an accompaniment sound for a down-beat with a down-beat length set from a down-beat start timing, and then outputs an accompaniment sound for an up-beat with an up-beat length set from an up-beat start timing and shorter than the down-beat length. As performance data of arpeggio of a first beat, a first sound is output at a delay timing delayed from a down-beat start timing, and a second sound is output at an up-beat start timing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, a performance processing system, a method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Arpeggiators that play a plurality of notes, such as chords, in sequence in an arpeggio are known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a specific configuration of an electronic musical instrument equipped with an arpeggiator. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-37972 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, consider the case where an arpeggiator automatically plays arpeggios along with a background rhythm (such as swing jazz) as an accompaniment. If the arpeggiator simply synchronizes the arpeggio phrases with the upbeat and downbeat, the rhythm will be monotonous, and it will be difficult to achieve the performance desired by the user.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an embodiment of the present disclosure aims to provide an information processing device, a performance processing system, a method, and a program that enable a user to play arpeggios with a rhythm similar to jazz swing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure acquires an arpeggio pattern that specifies the order of multiple pitches to be sounded in multiple beats, outputs an accompaniment sound for the downbeat with a downbeat length set from the start of the downbeat as accompaniment data for the first beat, and then outputs an accompaniment sound for the backbeat with a backbeat length that is set from the start of the backbeat and is shorter than the downbeat length, and outputs a first sound with a delayed timing that is delayed from the start of the downbeat as arpeggio performance data for the first beat based on at least one pitch specified by the user and the acquired arpeggio pattern. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing device, a performance processing system, a method, and a program are provided that enable a user to play arpeggios with a rhythm similar to jazz swing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a musical instrument system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an information processing device, a performance processing system, a method, and a program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an information processing device, a performance processing system, a method, and a program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an information processing device, a performance processing system, a method, and a program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by a processor of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a subroutine of the step process (step S112) in FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram illustrating an arpeggio performance performed with a rhythm specific to jazz. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The following description relates to an information processing device, a performance processing system, a method, and a program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Common or corresponding elements are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be appropriately simplified or omitted.

[0010] 1, a performance processing system SYS according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an information processing device 1 and an electronic musical instrument 2. The information processing device 1 and the electronic musical instrument 2 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via wire or wirelessly.

[0011] The information processing device 1 is a general-purpose device, such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PC (Personal Computer). This type of general-purpose device can operate as the information processing device 1 by downloading and installing an application that executes various processes according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from an app store. A user can operate the information processing device 1 by, for example, performing a touch operation on a GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen on which various components are laid out. The information processing device 1 may also be a device dedicated to an electronic musical instrument.

[0012] In another embodiment, a musical instrument app that reproduces the electronic musical instrument 2 may be installed in the information processing device 1. In this case, the user can perform performance operations on the musical instrument app instead of the electronic musical instrument 2. In yet another embodiment, the information processing device 1 may be built into the electronic musical instrument 2. In other words, the information processing device 1 may be an element that constitutes the electronic musical instrument 2.

[0013] The electronic musical instrument 2 is an example of a performance device. The electronic musical instrument 2 is, for example, an electronic keyboard. The electronic musical instrument 2 may be an electronic keyboard instrument other than an electronic keyboard, such as an electronic piano. The electronic musical instrument 2 may also be another type of electronic musical instrument, such as an electronic percussion instrument, an electronic wind instrument, or an electronic string instrument.

[0014] The electronic musical instrument 2 outputs performance operation data in response to a user's performance operation to the information processing device 1. The performance operation data is, for example, MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) data, and includes various messages such as note-on, note-off, and control change.

[0015] The information processing device 1 is an example of a computer, which sets the order in which multiple pitches specified by the user are pronounced according to an arpeggio pattern, and outputs arpeggio performance data together with accompaniment data so that the musical notes of each pitch are pronounced in an arpeggio in accordance with the accompaniment in the set order.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 1, the information processing device 1 includes a processor 110, a memory 120, a storage 130, a communication interface 140, an input device 150, and a display device 160. The components of the information processing device 1 are connected via a bus 170. Note that Fig. 1 shows only one example of the configuration of the information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 may include other elements (e.g., a speaker) not shown in Fig. 1. The information processing device 1 may have a configuration that does not include some of the elements shown in Fig. 1.

[0017] The processor 110 reads out programs and data stored in the storage 130. The memory 120 is, for example, a random access memory (RAM). The processor 110 controls the information processing device 1 overall by using the memory 120 as a work area.

[0018] The processor 110 is, for example, a single processor or a multiprocessor, and includes at least one processor. When multiple processors are included, the processor 110 may be packaged as a single device, or may be configured as multiple devices that are physically separated within the information processing device 1. The processor 110 may be called, for example, a control unit, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), or an MCU (Micro Controller Unit).

[0019] The storage 130 is, for example, a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, an Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM), or an Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), or a Solid State Drive (SSD).

[0020] The storage 130 stores various programs and various data. For example, the storage 130 stores a performance processing program 132. The processor 110 executes the performance processing program 132 to perform various processes according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (such as generating arpeggio performance data). The performance processing program 132 is, for example, downloaded in advance from an app store and installed in the information processing device 1.

[0021] Various processes according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be executed by a cloud server. In this case, a performance processing program 132 is installed on the cloud server. The cloud server operates as the information processing device 1 by executing the performance processing program 132. A user operates a web browser, a thin client, or the like to cause the cloud server to execute various processes according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] The storage 130 stores accompaniment data 134 and arpeggio patterns 136. The storage 130 stores a plurality of pieces of accompaniment data 134 with different timbres, genres, rhythms, etc. The accompaniment data 134 is created in, for example, the SMF (Standard MIDI File) format. The storage 130 stores a plurality of types of arpeggio patterns 136. The arpeggio patterns 136 define patterns for sounding arpeggios of a plurality of pitches specified by performance operations.

[0023] The processor 110 can operate as an arpeggiator by executing the performance processing program 132. As will be described in detail later, when the processor 110 receives performance operation data including a note-on message from the electronic musical instrument 2, it generates arpeggio performance data based on an arpeggio pattern 136 in synchronization with the accompaniment based on accompaniment data 134.

[0024] The communication interface 140 is a communication interface with various media. The information processing device 1 is connected to the information processing device 1, external storage, a server on a network, and the like via the communication interface 140. The input device 150 includes, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, operation buttons, a microphone, various sensors, and the like. A user can operate the information processing device 1 by operating the input device 150.

[0025] The display device 160 includes a display and a driver. When the driver drives the display in accordance with a control signal from the processor 110, a screen corresponding to the control signal is displayed. The display may be a touch panel display. The display is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. Various information is displayed on the display. For example, a selection screen for the accompaniment data 134 or the arpeggio pattern 136 is displayed.

[0026] An overview of an information processing device, a performance processing system, a method, and a program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described using Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 shows an arpeggio performance set based on an arpeggio pattern 136 when a user simultaneously presses four keys corresponding to pitches C4, E4, G4, and B4 on an electronic musical instrument 2. In Figure 2, the numbers in the blocks indicate the number of ticks (tick(s)). The number of ticks indicates the length of time. In Figure 2, "accompaniment" indicates an example of accompaniment based on accompaniment data 134.

[0027] The user can operate the input device 150 to select an accompaniment (in other words, accompaniment data 134) (see symbol S1 in FIG. 3). In this embodiment, it is assumed that a drum sound with a jazz swing rhythm is selected as the accompaniment. For convenience, this accompaniment is referred to as "jazz accompaniment." The selected accompaniment data 134 is referred to as "accompaniment data D3."

[0028] The information processing device 1 selects an arpeggio pattern 136 corresponding to the accompaniment data D3 (i.e., the accompaniment data 134 specified by the user) from among a plurality of arpeggio patterns 136 stored in the storage 130 (see symbol S2 in FIG. 3). In this embodiment, an arpeggio pattern 136 suitable for jazz accompaniment is selected. The information processing device 1 may present a plurality of arpeggio patterns 136 recommended for the accompaniment data D3. The user can select a desired arpeggio pattern 136 from the presented plurality of arpeggio patterns 136.

[0029] The electronic musical instrument 2 outputs performance operation data D1 in response to the user's performance operation (key pressing). When the performance operation data D1 is input (see symbol S3 in FIG. 3), the information processing device 1 applies the selected arpeggio pattern 136 to the performance operation data D1 to generate arpeggio performance data D2 (see symbol S4 in FIG. 3). In other words, the information processing device 1 generates the arpeggio performance data D2 based on information on multiple pitches specified in the performance operation data D1 input from the electronic musical instrument 2.

[0030] The information processing device 1 outputs the generated arpeggio performance data D2 together with accompaniment data D3 to the electronic musical instrument 2 (see symbol S5 in FIG. 3). As will be described in detail later, the information processing device 1 outputs the arpeggio performance data D2 and the accompaniment data D3 to the electronic musical instrument 2 by synchronizing the timing of the backbeats of each data. As a result, the electronic musical instrument 2 produces an accompaniment based on the accompaniment data D3 input from the information processing device 1, while also producing arpeggios of multiple pitches based on the arpeggio performance data D2 input from the information processing device 1.

[0031] In FIG. 2, "arpeggio pattern" indicates an example of an arpeggio pattern 136. Each step constituting an arpeggio phrase based on the arpeggio pattern is represented by a block marked with the symbols L1 to L4. The symbols L1 to L4 indicate values ​​corresponding to each element constituting an arpeggio phrase based on the arpeggio pattern. The lower the number following the symbol L, the lower the pitch of the multiple pitches corresponding to the key depressions. A block marked with "8" indicates that the steps indicated by the block below it (the block marked with the symbol L1, etc.) are incorporated into the arpeggio pattern 136 in eighth-note intervals. A block marked with "8T" indicates that the steps indicated by the block below it are incorporated into the arpeggio pattern 136 as triplets.

[0032] The arpeggio pattern 136 defines the order of pitches to be sounded on multiple beats. In the example of FIG. 2, the downbeat of the first beat, the backbeat of the first beat, the downbeat of the second beat, and the backbeat of the second beat are associated with the symbols L1, L2, L3, and L4, respectively. The triplet of the third beat is associated with the symbols L1, L2, and L3. The downbeat of the fourth beat and the backbeat of the fourth beat are associated with the symbols L1 and L2, respectively. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 2, from the first beat to the second beat, musical tones of pitches C4, E4, G4, and B4 corresponding to the key presses are sounded in arpeggio order. In the third beat, musical tones of pitches C4, E4, and G4 (in other words, the lowest three pitches of the four pitches corresponding to the key presses) are sounded in arpeggio order. On the fourth beat, the musical notes of pitches C4 and E4 (in other words, the two lowest pitches of the four pitches corresponding to the key presses) are sounded in arpeggio order. Note that if five or more keys are pressed, in the example of Figure 2, musical notes of the fifth and subsequent lowest pitches will not be sounded, even on the first and second beats.

[0033] Furthermore, if three or fewer keys are pressed, an arpeggio is performed based on the three or fewer pitches corresponding to the key presses. For example, consider the case where the C4 and E4 keys are pressed. In this case, the C4 pitch corresponds to the notes L1 and L3, and the E4 pitch corresponds to the notes L2 and L4. Therefore, from the first beat to the second beat, the musical notes C4, E4, C4, and E4 are sounded in the arpeggio in sequence; from the third beat, the musical notes C4, E4, and C4 are sounded in the arpeggio in sequence; and from the fourth beat, the musical notes C4 and E4 are sounded in the arpeggio in sequence. Musical notes of different octaves may also be sounded. For example, from the first beat to the second beat, the musical notes C4, E4, C5, and E5 may be sounded in the arpeggio in sequence.

[0034] Simply trying to match arpeggio phrases to jazz accompaniment results in a monotonous rhythm, as mentioned above, making it difficult for the user to achieve the performance they desire. Therefore, in this embodiment, arpeggios are performed with a rhythm suited to jazz accompaniment, as shown in the "Jazz Pattern" in Figure 2.

[0035] Specifically, the information processing device 1 generates arpeggio performance data D2. The arpeggio performance data D2 sets the timing of sounding of a musical note on a down beat so that the musical note (an example of a first note) is sounded at a timing (delay timing) slightly delayed from the start of the down beat. That is, the arpeggio performance data D2 sets the musical note of the down beat (in other words, the step corresponding to the down beat) to be sounded at a timing slightly delayed from the start of the down beat. Furthermore, the arpeggio performance data D2 sets the length of the back beat (the length of the note corresponding to the down beat) to be shorter than the length of the down beat (the length of the note corresponding to the down beat).

[0036] More specifically, the arpeggio performance data D2 sets the delay timing of the next beat (second beat) (see symbol (c) in Figure 2) so that the length of time from the start of the backbeat of a certain beat (first beat) to the delay timing of the next beat (second beat) (see symbols (b) and (c) in Figure 2) is equal to the downbeat length of a certain beat (first beat) (the length of time from the delay timing of the first beat to the start of the backbeat of the first beat) (see symbol (a) in Figure 2).

[0037] For example, the delay timing is set so that the musical note corresponding to the downbeat is sounded 16 ticks after the start of the downbeat. The downbeat length is set to 48 ticks. The backbeat length is set to 32 ticks. Furthermore, the arpeggio performance data D2 and accompaniment data D3 are output so that the start timing of the backbeat of each beat in the arpeggio performance is synchronized with the start timing of the backbeat of each beat in the accompaniment.

[0038] In this way, the information processing device 1 outputs, as accompaniment data for a certain beat (first beat), accompaniment sounds for the downbeat with a downbeat length (for example, 48 ticks) set from the start timing of the downbeat, and then outputs accompaniment sounds for the backbeat with a backbeat length (for example, 32 ticks) that is set from the start timing of the backbeat and is shorter than the downbeat length, and based on the pitch (an example of at least one pitch specified by the user) corresponding to the key pressing operation and the arpeggio pattern 136, outputs, as arpeggio performance data for a certain beat (first beat), the musical sound of the note corresponding to the downbeat (an example of the first sound) with a delay timing delayed from the start timing of the downbeat, and outputs the musical sound of the note corresponding to the backbeat (an example of the second sound) at the start timing of the backbeat.

[0039] It should be noted that any reference to an element using a designation such as "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations are used for convenience to distinguish between two or more elements. Thus, reference to a first and a second element does not imply, for example, that only two elements are employed, that the first element must precede the second element, etc.

[0040] The electronic musical instrument 2 plays an arpeggio in accordance with the arpeggio performance data D2 while producing an accompaniment in accordance with the accompaniment data D3. In this embodiment, the electronic musical instrument 2 also plays the downbeats slightly delayed while maintaining the timing of the downbeats, recreating the laid-back style characteristic of jazz. Because the arpeggio and jazz accompaniment are synchronized at the start of the downbeat, the arpeggio and jazz accompaniment are musically harmonized.

[0041] In the jazz pattern shown in Figure 2, the downbeats and downbeats are repeated at a fixed cycle (48 ticks). In other words, the arpeggios played on jazz accompaniment proceed at a fixed rhythm and tempo.

[0042] 2, the arpeggio pattern 136 includes a triplet pattern. In order to synchronize with the rhythm of the jazz accompaniment, the arpeggio performance data D2 does not delay the timing of the start of the triplet beat from the start of the triplet beat (the start of the third beat in the example of FIG. 2).

[0043] Fig. 4 shows an arpeggio performance set based on an arpeggio pattern 136 different from that shown in Fig. 2. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the symbols L4, L3, L2, and L1 are associated with the downbeat of the first beat, the downbeat of the first beat, the downbeat of the second beat, and the backbeat of the second beat, respectively. Therefore, contrary to the example shown in Fig. 2 in which notes are played in order from low to high in the arpeggio, notes are played in order from high to low (specifically, pitches B4, G4, E4, and C4) in the arpeggio in time with the jazz accompaniment.

[0044] The symbols L2, L3, L2, and L1 are assigned to the third downbeat, third downbeat, fourth downbeat, and fourth downbeat, respectively. Therefore, the musical notes E4, G4, E4, and C4 are played in order in an arpeggio. In other words, from the third beat to the fourth beat, in line with the jazz accompaniment, the notes are played in order from low to high in an arpeggio, and then the notes are played in order from high to low in an arpeggio.

[0045] In this way, there are various patterns of arpeggio performance to jazz accompaniment in this embodiment. The user can enjoy arpeggio performance by selecting, for example, a favorite arpeggio pattern 136.

[0046] The processing executed by the processor 110 in one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described using the flowchart in Fig. 5. As a premise, it is assumed that accompaniment data D3 (i.e., accompaniment data 134 selected by a user operation) has been output to the electronic musical instrument 2 and the electronic musical instrument 2 is playing an accompaniment. In this state, for example, when the user simultaneously presses one or more keys, execution of the processing shown in Fig. 5 begins. For example, when the user releases their fingers from all the keys they have been pressing, execution of the processing shown in Fig. 5 ends.

[0047] The steps of the flowcharts shown in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be reordered to the extent that they are consistent. For example, although the processes of various steps are presented in an exemplary order in the embodiments of the present disclosure, they are not limited to the presented order. Furthermore, the steps of the flowcharts shown in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be performed in parallel or in a concurrent manner to the extent that they are consistent.

[0048] 5, processor 110 performs initial setting (step S101). Specifically, processor 110 resets each variable. The variables to be reset are gate time, step time, and delay note-on time.

[0049] Gate time indicates the time from a note to be processed to the next note when processor 110 operates as an arpeggiator. In step S101, gate time is reset to a value of 0. Step time indicates the step position in arpeggio pattern 136. In step S101, step time is reset to a value of 0. A step time value of 0 is assigned to the first step of arpeggio pattern 136. In the example of FIG. 2, there are a total of nine steps, so the maximum step time is a value of 8. Delay note on time is a variable for delaying the timing of the sounding of the musical sound of a note that falls on the downbeat. In step S101, delay note on time is reset to a value of -1.

[0050] The processor 110 incorporates note numbers corresponding to the multiple keys pressed simultaneously into the arpeggio pattern 136 (step S102). In the example shown in FIG. 2, note number 60 (C4) is incorporated into the step indicated by symbol L1. Note number 64 (E4) is incorporated into the step indicated by symbol L2. Note number 67 (G4) is incorporated into the step indicated by symbol L3. Note number 71 (B4) is incorporated into the step indicated by symbol L4.

[0051] The processor 110 determines whether it is note-off timing for a note that is incorporated into the arpeggio pattern 136 and is currently being sounded (step S103). If it is not note-off timing (step S103: NO), the processor 110 proceeds to step S105. If it is note-off timing (step S103: YES), the processor 110 instructs the electronic musical instrument 2 to perform note-off for the note that is currently being sounded (step S104). That is, the processor 110 outputs arpeggio performance data D2 including a note-off message to the electronic musical instrument 2. As a result, the electronic musical instrument 2 performs note-off processing for the note that is currently being sounded.

[0052] Processor 110 determines whether or not the delay note on time is equal to 0 (step S105). If the delay note on time is not equal to 0 (step S105: NO), processor 110 proceeds to step S108. If the delay note on time is equal to 0 (step S105: YES), this is the timing to sound a note incorporated into arpeggio pattern 136 (here, a note corresponding to a note on the downbeat whose sounding timing has been delayed). For convenience, the note number of this note is referred to as the "delay on note number."

[0053] The processor 110 instructs the electronic musical instrument 2 to perform a note-on of the corresponding delay-on note number (step S106). That is, the processor 110 outputs the arpeggio performance data D2 including the note-on message to the electronic musical instrument 2. As a result, the electronic musical instrument 2 performs note-on processing of the instructed delay-on note number.

[0054] Processor 110 resets delay note on time to its initial value of −1 (step S107) and proceeds to step S108. Processor 110 determines whether the gate time of the currently sounded note (in other words, the remaining time of the currently processed step) is equal to or less than 0 (step S108). If the gate time is greater than 0 (step S108: NO), processor 110 decrements the gate time by 1 (step S109). Processor 110 determines whether delay note on time is equal to or greater than 1 (step S110). If delay note on time is equal to or greater than 1 (step S110: YES), processor 110 decrements the delay note on time by 1 (step S111) and returns to the processing of step S103. If delay note on time is less than 1 (step S110: NO), processor 110 returns to the processing of step S103 without executing the processing of step S111.

[0055] If the gate time is equal to or less than 0 (step S108: YES), processor 110 performs step processing (step S112). In step processing (step S112), the next step is set and a note is generated. After completing step processing (step S112), processor 110 increments the value of the step time by 1 (step S113) and advances the step in arpeggio pattern 136.

[0056] By managing the step time (which may be replaced with "delay note on time") and gate time, the start timing of the backbeat of the arpeggio performance and the jazz accompaniment can be synchronized, resulting in musical harmony between the arpeggio performance and the jazz accompaniment.

[0057] Processor 110 determines whether the step time is the maximum value (step S114). If the step time is the maximum value (step S114: YES), processor 110 resets the step time to a value of 0 (step S115). Next, processor 110 proceeds to the process of step S109, and performs steps such as decrementing the gate time. If the step time is not the maximum value (step S114: NO), processor 110 proceeds to the process of step S109 without executing the process of step S115.

[0058] The subroutine of the step processing (step S112) in FIG. 5 will be described using FIG. 6. Processor 110 acquires information (step information) for the next step to be processed (step S201). The step information includes information indicated by the symbols "L1" to "L4," "8," and "8T." Processor 110 acquires a note number corresponding to the step information based on the processing result of step S102 in FIG. 5 (step S202). For example, when processor 110 acquires the information indicated by symbol L1, it acquires note number 60 (C4) to be incorporated into the step indicated by symbol L1.

[0059] Processor 110 resets delay note on time to an initial value of −1 (step S203). Processor 110 determines whether the next step is a triplet or not based on the step information acquired in step S201 (step S204). If the step information acquired in step S201 includes the symbol “8T”, processor 110 determines that the next step is a triplet (step S204: YES), and proceeds to processing in step S210. If the step information acquired in step S201 does not include the symbol “8T”, processor 110 determines that the next step is not a triplet (step S204: NO), and proceeds to processing in step S205.

[0060] In this embodiment, in order to perform arpeggios with a rhythm specific to jazz, the timing of sounding the musical sound of the note corresponding to the down beat is delayed relative to the timing of the start of the down beat. Therefore, processor 110 determines whether the current timing is the head of the beat (i.e., the timing of the start of the down beat) (step S205).

[0061] Here, an arpeggio performance performed with a rhythm unique to jazz will be described with reference to FIG. 7. The top diagram in FIG. 7 shows an arpeggio performance with an even rhythm, which does not have a bouncy rhythm. The middle diagram in FIG. 7 shows an arpeggio performance with a shuffle or swing rhythm, which has a bouncy rhythm. The bottom diagram in FIG. 7 shows an arpeggio performance that incorporates the laid-back style unique to jazz. For convenience, the arpeggio performance shown in the top diagram in FIG. 7 is referred to as "arpeggio performance (even)." The arpeggio performance shown in the middle diagram in FIG. 7 is referred to as "arpeggio performance (without laid-back)." The arpeggio performance shown in the bottom diagram in FIG. 7 is referred to as "arpeggio performance (with laid-back)." In this embodiment, the arpeggio performance (with laid-back) shown in the bottom diagram in FIG. 7 is performed by setting the steps in the step processing (step S112) in FIG. 5.

[0062] In Figure 7, "delay tick" indicates the delay time (or "delay timing") required to reproduce the laid-back sound. "backbeat start tick" indicates the timing of the transition from the downbeat to the downbeat within one beat (96 ticks).

[0063] As shown in the top diagram in Figure 7, in the case of arpeggio performance (even) with no rhythmic bounce, half (48 ticks) of one beat (96 ticks) are downbeats, and the other half (48 ticks) are backbeats. In other words, the gate time of the downbeat is 48 ticks, and the gate time of the backbeat is also 48 ticks. Therefore, the delay tick value is 0, and the start tick of the backbeat is 48 ticks. Therefore, the musical sound of the note that falls on the downbeat is sounded on tick 0, and the musical sound of the note that falls on the backbeat is sounded on tick 48. In the case of arpeggio performance (even), there is no delay for the downbeat, and the downbeat and backbeat are repeated in a 48-tick cycle.

[0064] As shown in the middle diagram in Figure 7, in the case of arpeggio performance with a bouncy rhythm (without laid-back), two-thirds (64 ticks) of one beat (96 ticks) are downbeats, and the remaining one-third (32 ticks) are backbeats. In other words, the gate time of the downbeat is 64 ticks, and the gate time of the backbeat is 32 ticks. Because there is no delay, the delay tick value is 0, and the start tick of the backbeat is 64 ticks. Therefore, the musical note that falls on the downbeat is sounded on tick 0, and the musical note that falls on the backbeat is sounded on tick 64. In the case of arpeggio performance (without laid-back), 64-tick downbeats and 32-tick backbeats are repeated, resulting in a bouncy rhythm.

[0065] As shown in the bottom diagram of Figure 7, in the case of an arpeggio performance (with laid-back) with a bouncy rhythm, the delay tick is 16, and the start tick of the backbeat is 64, just like the example in the middle diagram. Therefore, the note on the downbeat is sounded on the 16th tick, and the note on the backbeat is sounded on the 64th tick. In the case of an arpeggio performance (with laid-back), for each beat, the note on the downbeat is sounded after 16 ticks, and then after 48 ticks, the note transitions to the backbeat and the note on the backbeat is sounded. The length of the backbeat is 32 ticks, shorter than the length of the downbeat (48 ticks). This results in an arpeggio performance that incorporates the laid-back style that is unique to jazz.

[0066] In addition, arpeggio playing (without laid-back) produces a performance with a strong sense of bounce, whereas arpeggio playing (with laid-back) reproduces the rhythmic feel unique to jazz by delaying the timing of the notes on the downbeats to produce a more even performance.

[0067] Also, in arpeggio performances (with laid-back), the timing of the first triplet beats is not delayed in order to match the rhythm with the jazz accompaniment. The triplet beats are sounded at a 32-tick cycle (one-third of a beat).

[0068] Returning to the description of the subroutine in Fig. 6, if the current timing is the start of a beat (i.e., the start timing of the downbeat) (step S205: YES), since the backbeat start tick is 64 (i.e., the value obtained by adding the delay tick value (16 ticks) to 48 ticks in the even case), processor 110 sets the gate time to 64 (step S206). Also, since the delay tick is 16, processor 110 sets the delay note-on time to 16 (step S207). Furthermore, processor 110 sets the note number obtained in step S201 as the delay-on note number to be applied in the note-on processing of step S106 (step S208).

[0069] If the current timing is not the start of a beat (i.e., it is the start timing of a backbeat) (step S205: NO), processor 110 sets the gate time to 32, which is the value obtained by subtracting the start tick of the backbeat (64 ticks) from the gate length of one beat (96 ticks) (step S209).

[0070] If the next step is a triplet (step S204: YES), processor 110 sets the gate time to a value of 32, which corresponds to the rhythm of the triplet (step S210).

[0071] The processor 110 determines whether the delay note-on time is a predetermined value (value 0 or value -1) (step S211). If the delay note-on time is the predetermined value (step S211: YES), the current timing is the start of a backbeat or the sounding timing of a triplet. Therefore, the processor 110 instructs the electronic musical instrument 2 to perform a note-on for the note number acquired in step S201 (step S212). That is, the processor 110 outputs arpeggio performance data D2 including a note-on message to the electronic musical instrument 2. As a result, the electronic musical instrument 2 performs note-on processing for the instructed note number. The processor 110 resets the delay note-on time to its initial value, value -1 (step S213), and ends this subroutine.

[0072] If the delay note-on time is not the predetermined value (step S211: NO), the current timing is the start timing of the downbeat, so the processor 110 does not immediately instruct the electronic musical instrument 2 to perform a note-on, and ends this subroutine.

[0073] 7, when the delay tick is 16, the end timing of the first beat coincides with the end timing of the step indicated by reference symbol L2. As a variation, the end timing of the first beat does not have to coincide with the end timing of the step indicated by reference symbol L2. For example, the end timing of the step indicated by reference symbol L2 may be extended until just before the start timing of the step indicated by reference symbol L3.

[0074] The above is a description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure. For example, the embodiments of the present application also include appropriate combinations of embodiments explicitly shown in the specification or obvious embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1: Information processing device, 2: Electronic musical instrument, 110: Processor, 120: Memory, 130: Storage, 132: Performance processing program, 134: Accompaniment data, 136: Arpeggio pattern, 140: Communication interface, 150: Input device, 160: Display device, SYS: Performance processing system

Claims

1. obtaining an arpeggio pattern that defines the order of multiple pitches to be sounded on multiple beats; as accompaniment data for the first beat, an accompaniment sound for the downbeat is output with a downbeat length set from the timing of the start of the downbeat, and then an accompaniment sound for the backbeat is output with a backbeat length set from the timing of the start of the backbeat, the backbeat length being shorter than the downbeat length; outputting a first note at a delayed timing delayed from the start timing of the downbeat and a second note at the start timing of the downbeat as performance data of the arpeggio for the first beat, based on at least one pitch designated by a user and the acquired arpeggio pattern; A control unit is provided. Information processing device.

2. the control unit sets the delay timing of the second beat in the arpeggio performance data of the second beat following the first beat so that a time length from the backbeat start timing of the first beat to the delay timing of the second beat is equal to a time length from the delay timing of the first beat to the backbeat start timing of the first beat. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the control unit sets the delay timing so that the delay timing and the backbeat start timing are repeated at a constant cycle. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. the control unit applies, from among the plurality of arpeggio patterns, the arpeggio pattern corresponding to the accompaniment data designated by the user. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. the arpeggio pattern includes a triplet pattern, the control unit does not delay the timing of sounding the triplet notes in the performance data. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. an electronic musical instrument that outputs performance operation data in response to a user's performance operation; and the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The information processing device includes: generating the performance data based on information on at least one pitch specified by the performance operation data input from the electronic musical instrument; outputting the generated performance data and accompaniment data to the electronic musical instrument; The electronic musical instrument comprises: sounding the at least one pitch in an arpeggio based on the performance data input from the information processing device while sounding the accompaniment based on the accompaniment data input from the information processing device; Performance processing system.

7. obtaining an arpeggio pattern that defines the order of multiple pitches to be sounded on multiple beats; as accompaniment data for the first beat, an accompaniment sound for the downbeat is output with a downbeat length set from the timing of the start of the downbeat, and then an accompaniment sound for the backbeat is output with a backbeat length set from the timing of the start of the backbeat, the backbeat length being shorter than the downbeat length; outputting a first note at a delayed timing delayed from the start timing of the downbeat and a second note at the start timing of the downbeat as performance data of the arpeggio for the first beat, based on at least one pitch designated by a user and the acquired arpeggio pattern; Have a computer execute the process, method.

8. obtaining an arpeggio pattern that defines the order of multiple pitches to be sounded on multiple beats; as accompaniment data for the first beat, an accompaniment sound for the downbeat is output with a downbeat length set from the timing of the start of the downbeat, and then an accompaniment sound for the backbeat is output with a backbeat length set from the timing of the start of the backbeat, the backbeat length being shorter than the downbeat length; outputting a first note at a delayed timing delayed from the start timing of the downbeat and a second note at the start timing of the downbeat as performance data of the arpeggio for the first beat, based on at least one pitch designated by a user and the acquired arpeggio pattern; Have a computer execute the process, program.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Arpeggiator

    JP2005037972A