Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device that enables the proper publication of tracks produced within a group. [Solution] The information processing device 1 according to this disclosure comprises an acquisition unit 11 that acquires multiple tracks, a tree drawing unit 12 that draws a tree diagram with the tracks as nodes, and a group editing unit 13 that edits multiple tracks that are shared within a group including multiple users and derived from any track, without making them public to people outside the group. The group editing unit 13 selects one or more public tracks to be made public to people outside the group from among the multiple tracks that have been edited without making them public to people outside the group, and the tree drawing unit 12 draws a tree diagram based on the one or more public tracks selected by the group editing unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a music production system that produces one piece of music by overlapping a plurality of tracks. In such a music production system, a user posts a track created by himself / herself to a predetermined website via the Internet or the like. The posted track is drawn as, for example, one node in a tree diagram. When a track to be overlapped with the track is newly posted, a plurality of nodes are connected by branches, and a tree diagram is formed.

[0003] As a related technique, Patent Document 1 discloses a content production support system capable of grouping information on materials for content production or structuring it in a tree shape. The content production support system regards each node of the tree as one information basic unit, and stores each individual information basic unit in a recording unit as a composite of various data and means for handling those data.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the music production system as described above, there are cases where a plurality of users form one group and the members of the group jointly produce tracks. Each member can participate in track production within the group, for example, by soliciting opinions from other members about a track created by himself / herself or by stating opinions about a track created by other members.

[0006] Tracks produced by a group are posted to the website by one of the members (for example, the group's representative) in the same way as tracks produced by individuals. Therefore, it may not be possible to distinguish whether a track was produced by a group or by an individual in the tree diagram. Furthermore, it may be desirable to keep the track production process within the group private and not make it public to those outside the group.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that enable the appropriate publication of tracks produced within a group, in light of the aforementioned issues. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The information processing device relating to this disclosure is A unit that acquires multiple tracks, A tree drawing unit that draws a tree diagram using the aforementioned tracks as nodes, A group editing team that edits multiple tracks, which are shared within a group containing multiple users and derived from any given track, without making them public to anyone outside the group. Equipped with, The aforementioned group's editorial department selects one or more public tracks from among several tracks that were edited privately and not made public to the group, The tree drawing unit draws the tree diagram based on one or more public tracks selected by the group editorial department.

[0009] The information processing method relating to this disclosure is: Acquisition steps to acquire multiple tracks, A tree drawing step in which the aforementioned track is used as a node to draw a tree diagram, A group editing step that allows editing multiple tracks, which are shared within a group containing multiple users and derived from any track, privately outside of the group, Includes, In the group editing step, one or more public tracks are selected from among several tracks edited privately outside the group to be made public outside the group. In the tree drawing step, the tree diagram is drawn based on the one or more public tracks selected in the group editing step.

[0010] The program related to this disclosure is Acquisition steps to acquire multiple tracks, A tree drawing step in which the aforementioned track is used as a node to draw a tree diagram, A group editing step that allows editing multiple tracks, which are shared within a group containing multiple users and derived from any track, privately outside of the group, Have the computer run it, In the group editing step, one or more public tracks are selected from among several tracks edited privately outside the group to be made public outside the group. In the tree drawing step, the tree diagram is drawn based on the one or more public tracks selected in the group editing step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The information processing device, information processing method, and program described herein enable the appropriate publication of tracks produced within the group. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the music production system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the process from when a track is created until it is published on the tree diagram. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the tree diagram drawing process performed by the information processing apparatus. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an example of a basic tree diagram drawn by the tree diagram drawing process of the information processing apparatus. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the track disclosure process performed by the information processing apparatus. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an example of a tree diagram drawn in the tree drawing unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an example of a tree diagram when the disclosed track is disclosed as a group track. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an example of a tree diagram when the disclosed track is disclosed as an individual track within a group.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. For the sake of clarity of explanation, duplicate explanations are omitted as necessary.

[0014] (Overall Configuration of Music Production System 100) Referring to FIG. 1, the overall configuration of the music production system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the music production system 100.

[0015] The music production system 100 includes an information processing apparatus 1 and a plurality of terminal devices 2. In FIG. 1, one information processing apparatus 1 and three terminal devices 2 are shown, but the number of the information processing apparatus 1 and the number of the terminal devices 2 are not limited to those illustrated. That is, the number of the information processing apparatus 1 may be any number of one or more, and the number of the terminal devices 2 may be any number of one or more.

[0016] Music Production System 100 is a system that allows users to create music by layering tracks they have produced. A user is a person who uses Music Production System 100. For example, a user could be a professional, semi-professional, or amateur musician. A user could also be a music school student, or someone who enjoys creating music as a hobby. The user's attributes are not limited to these examples; they are arbitrary.

[0017] The information processing device 1 and the multiple terminal devices 2 are connected via a network N. Network N is a wireless or wired communication line. Network N can be, for example, an internet line, a mobile phone line, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), or a wired LAN; the type of communication is not limited. The information processing device 1 is a device that performs the information processing according to this embodiment. The information processing device 1 is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer). The information processing device 1 may be implemented by a server device or a cloud system.

[0018] Terminal device 2 is a terminal device used by the user. Terminal device 2 may be, for example, a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet, or PC. For example, terminal device 2 transmits a track created by the user to the information processing device 1 via a predetermined website that is made public to the user. Terminal device 2 may also transmit a track created by the user to the information processing device 1 via an application that is pre-installed on terminal device 2. For example, terminal device 2 transmits a track to the information processing device 1 by posting the track on a website.

[0019] Information processing device 1 accepts submissions of created tracks from multiple users and creates a song by connecting multiple tracks based on the derivation relationships between them. Information processing device 1 draws a tree diagram that visually shows the process of creating the song and displays the drawn tree diagram on the display unit of terminal device 2. The tree diagram is also called a tree structure diagram. The tree diagram includes at least nodes and branches as its components. Nodes represent one or more tracks created by the user. Branches represent line segments that connect nodes. Thus, branches indicate the derivation relationships between tracks.

[0020] In the following, two tracks in a derivative relationship may be referred to as the source track and the derived track, respectively. The source track is a track posted before the derived track in a derivative relationship. Similarly, the derived track is a track posted after the source track in a derivative relationship. The source track can also be said to be the track that the user who posted the derived track selected as the target track to be layered on. A source track may have a derivative relationship with multiple derived tracks. Furthermore, another track may be derived from a derived track. In this case, the derived track becomes the source track from the perspective of the further derived track.

[0021] When a track is posted, the information processing device 1 draws a node representing the posted track. Furthermore, when a new track is posted to be overlaid on the existing track, the information processing device 1 draws a node corresponding to the new track. The information processing device 1 connects the newly drawn node to the previously drawn node with a branch. This allows the tree diagram to represent a derivation relationship between the previously posted track (source track) and the newly posted track (destined track).

[0022] Information processing device 1 repeats the above process each time a track is posted, increasing the number of nodes and branches. When a predetermined stage is reached, information processing device 1 completes a song using multiple tracks and releases the completed song. In this way, the tree diagram can represent the process of creating a song by multiple users.

[0023] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 accepts submissions not only from individual users but also from groups. A group consists of multiple users who use the music production system 100. A group may consist of, for example, band members, students in the same class at a music school, or multiple users with similar musical tastes. However, the attributes of the users constituting the group are not limited to these examples and are arbitrary. The members of a group (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "members") may be determined in advance before the start of music production, or they may change between the start and end of music production. For example, the number of members may increase or decrease during music production.

[0024] Information processing device 1 performs different processing depending on whether it receives a post that does not utilize a group (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "regular post") or a post that utilizes a group (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "post to a group"). Specifically, when information processing device 1 receives a regular post, it makes the post content public to all users, and when it receives a post to a group, it makes the post content public only to members of that group. As a result, posts to a group remain private to non-members. When a post is made to a group, members can view the post in private and participate in track production within the group by giving opinions and feedback on the track.

[0025] Here, referring to Figure 2, we will outline the methods for publishing tracks in the music production system 100. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the flow from the creation of a track to its publication on the tree diagram. The inside of the circles indicates the state of the track at each stage. As will be explained below, there are three methods for publishing a created track on the tree diagram.

[0026] (Method 1) The first method is to make the posted track public as the user's personal track when the user makes a regular post.

[0027] (Second method) The second method is to make the track posted by a user publicly available as a track for the group.

[0028] (Third method) The third method is to make tracks posted by users to a group publicly available as individual tracks within that group.

[0029] The three publishing methods described above will be explained with reference to Figure 2. First, the user creates a track using a designated application or similar tool. As shown on the far left of Figure 2, at the stage when the track is created, it is in a pre-publication state. The user posts the track to a designated website provided by the information processing device 1 via terminal device 2. If the track is created by an individual user, proceed to the upper process; if the track is created by a group, proceed to the lower process.

[0030] In the process described above, the user posts a track individually (1). In this case, the information processing device 1 publishes the posted track on the website as the user's individual track. This publishing method corresponds to the first method described above. The information processing device 1 draws a node representing the posted track, draws a tree diagram using the drawn node, and displays the tree diagram on the website. The information processing device 1 may also draw the tree diagram by associating the node representing the track with user information about the user who created the track.

[0031] If a user belongs to a group, the user may post the track they have created to the group, as shown in the processing below (2). In this case, the information processing device 1 makes the posted track publicly available only within the group. Members can use the chat function provided by the information processing device 1 to converse with each other about the track posted to the group. The chat function may be, for example, text chat or voice chat. The user may revise the track based on the responses in the chat and repost the revised track.

[0032] Members select tracks to be made public on the tree diagram (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "public tracks") from among multiple tracks posted by members. Members select public tracks using the chat function or other means (3). Public tracks may be decided by a representative considering the content of chat conversations, for example, or by voting. Members may deselect a public track they have already selected (4). In this way, one or more public tracks are selected in the group.

[0033] Next, the members decide how to publish the selected public track. The information processing device 1 publishes the public track in different ways depending on the decided publication method. For example, a member decides to publish the public track as a group (5). In this case, the information processing device 1 publishes the public track as a group track. This publication method corresponds to the second method described above. The information processing device 1, for example, draws a tree diagram associating nodes representing tracks with group information relating to the group that created the track. This allows users viewing the tree diagram to easily understand that the public track was created as part of a group.

[0034] Members may also decide to publish a public track as an individual within the group (6). In this case, the information processing device 1 publishes the public track as an individual within the group. This publishing method corresponds to the third method described above. The information processing device 1, for example, associates the node representing the track with the user information and the group information and draws it in a tree diagram. This allows users who view the tree diagram to easily understand that the public track was created by a user belonging to the group.

[0035] (Configuration of Information Processing Device 1) Next, the configuration of the information processing device 1 will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 comprises an acquisition unit 11, a tree drawing unit 12, a group editing unit 13, a display control unit 16, a communication unit 17, and a storage unit 19.

[0036] The information processing device 1 includes a processor and memory, although these are not shown in the diagram. A storage unit 19, which is composed of a storage device, stores a computer program on which the processing according to this embodiment is implemented. The processor can load the computer program from the storage device into memory and execute the computer program. In this way, the processor realizes the functions of the acquisition unit 11, the tree drawing unit 12, the group editing unit 13, and the display control unit 16. The acquisition unit 11, the tree drawing unit 12, the group editing unit 13, and the display control unit 16 may each be implemented with dedicated hardware.

[0037] Furthermore, some or all of the components of the information processing device 1 may be implemented by general-purpose or dedicated circuits, processors, etc., or combinations thereof. These may be configured by a single chip or by multiple chips connected via a bus. Some or all of the components of each device may be implemented by a combination of the aforementioned circuits, etc., and programs. In addition, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), quantum processor (quantum computer control chip), etc., can be used as the processor.

[0038] Furthermore, if some or all of the components of the information processing device 1 are implemented by multiple information processing devices or circuits, these multiple information processing devices or circuits may be centrally located or distributed. For example, the information processing devices or circuits may be implemented in a form in which each is connected via a communication network, such as a client-server system or a cloud computing system. Also, the functions of the information processing device 1 may be provided in SaaS (Software as a Service) format.

[0039] The acquisition unit 11 acquires multiple tracks used in music production. For example, the acquisition unit 11 acquires tracks from each of multiple terminal devices 2 via the network N. The acquisition unit 11 acquires tracks corresponding to both regular posts and posts to groups. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire multiple tracks from a single terminal device 2. For example, if there are multiple posts from a single terminal device 2 to a single group, the acquisition unit 11 acquires a track corresponding to each post. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire tracks via a predetermined website.

[0040] A "track" refers to audio data created by a user or group. A track may be an audio data track, such as data recording the sound of an instrument or data recording a person's singing voice. A track may also be audio data generated by a computer. A track may be a MIDI track containing MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) data and MIDI sound source information, or a VOCALOID track generated using VOCALOID® technology. A track constitutes a part of a completed song. A track may consist of one section or multiple sections. If it consists of multiple sections, the track may include sections such as verse A, verse B, and chorus. A track may be shorter than one section.

[0041] The acquisition unit 11 stores the acquired data, including the track, as track data in the storage unit 19. In addition to audio data indicating the track, the track data may also include user information, group information, or track information.

[0042] User information is information about the user who created the track. User information may include, for example, the user's name or nickname. Group information is information about the group that created the track. Group information may include, for example, the group's name or abbreviation. Track information is information about the track that was created. Track information may include, for example, information about the instruments used in the performance. Track information may include various pieces of information such as the date and time the track was posted, the track's style, or the track's role in the completed song.

[0043] The tree drawing unit 12 draws a tree diagram using the tracks acquired by the acquisition unit 11 as nodes. For example, when publishing tracks using the first method described above, the tree drawing unit 12 draws a tree diagram using the tracks posted by users as nodes.

[0044] The tree drawing unit 12 also draws a tree diagram based on one or more public tracks selected by the group editorial unit 13. For example, when publishing tracks using the second method described above, the tree drawing unit 12 draws the one or more public tracks selected by the group editorial unit 13 together as a single node representing the group. Also, when publishing tracks using the third method described above, the tree drawing unit 12 draws the one or more public tracks selected by the group editorial unit 13 as one node for each public track.

[0045] Specifically, the tree drawing unit 12 generates display information to be displayed on the display unit 22 of the terminal device 2, and transmits the generated display information to the terminal device 2, thereby drawing a tree diagram on the display unit 22 of the terminal device 2. For example, the tree drawing unit 12 generates a tree diagram that includes, as its components, at least nodes representing tracks and branches that show the derivation relationships of multiple tracks by connecting multiple nodes. For example, the tree drawing unit 12 generates a tree diagram such that multiple nodes in a derivation relationship are linked together like a chain. The tree drawing unit 12 transmits the generated tree diagram to the terminal device 2 via the communication unit 17.

[0046] The components of the tree diagram are not limited to nodes and branches. Components may also include text, shapes, or images related to the track indicated by the node. For example, components may include user information about the user who created the track, or track information about the track. The tree drawing unit 12 may also generate various buttons for playing or downloading tracks. The tree drawing unit 12 transmits the generated display information to the terminal device 2.

[0047] Group Editorial Department 13 edits multiple tracks, shared within a group containing multiple users and derived from any given track, privately and without making them public to those outside the group. Track editing performed by Group Editorial Department 13 includes selecting one or more tracks from multiple tracks. Track editing also includes creating a single track by layering multiple tracks. In addition to these, track editing may include various types of track editing related to music production.

[0048] The group editorial team 13 selects one or more tracks to be made public from among several tracks that have been edited privately and are not accessible to the group. The public tracks may be selected manually or automatically. If the public tracks are selected manually, for example, the group editorial team 13 may accept input from group members regarding the tracks to be selected as public tracks.

[0049] For example, Group Editorial Department 13 selects public tracks using a chat function or similar. Group Editorial Department 13 selects tracks as public tracks that have been decided through conversations among members. For example, Group Editorial Department 13 may also select public tracks by receiving input for the decided public tracks from the group representative.

[0050] When automatically selecting tracks, the group editorial team 13 identifies tracks that meet predetermined conditions and selects the identified tracks as public tracks. The predetermined conditions can be set arbitrarily. The predetermined conditions may be, for example, that the number of votes in member voting is above a certain number, or that the number of votes is high. The group editorial team 13 may also use AI (Artificial Intelligence) or the like to select public tracks that are highly acceptable to members based on the content of chat conversations. The chat function and voting function may be provided only to members of the group.

[0051] To efficiently select tracks for publication, the group editorial unit 13 may have a function to overlay and synchronize playback any selected tracks from multiple tracks that are candidates for publication. For example, the group editorial unit 13 accepts the selection of any tracks from the terminal device 2 and outputs a melody created by overlaying these tracks from the audio output unit 23 of the terminal device 2. The group editorial unit 13 may also overlay and output tracks from outside the group. As a result, the group editorial unit 13 can play music by overlaying tracks from both inside and outside the group, allowing users to easily select tracks for publication while trying out various track combinations.

[0052] The group editorial team 13 may create a members-only page that can only be viewed by members and display it on terminal device 2. The group editorial team 13 may also perform tasks such as selecting public tracks on this members-only page. This allows the group editorial team 13 to keep the process of posting to the group and selecting public tracks private from non-members. In this way, members can listen to new tracks and view detailed information about tracks in private. Furthermore, although the example described so far has all members selecting tracks, the group editorial team 13 is not limited to this and may create a selection member-only page where only some users can select tracks.

[0053] The group editorial team 13 may store information regarding track production within the group in the memory unit 19. For example, the group editorial team 13 may store tracks in the production process in the memory unit 19. This allows the group editorial team 13 to keep a record of the group's production activities, including tracks that were not selected for public release.

[0054] The display control unit 16 controls the display of information on the terminal device 2. For example, the display control unit 16 causes a tree diagram to be displayed on the display unit 22 of the terminal device 2. The display control unit 16 also causes a member-only page to be displayed on the display unit 22.

[0055] The display control unit 16 may also display detailed information about a node when the node is selected on the tree diagram, for example, by a user's click operation. For example, when a node containing public tracks is selected, the display control unit 16 may display one or more tracks included in that node on the tree diagram. For example, the display control unit 16 may display the node and one or more tracks included in that node in association with each other, for example, by using a callout or the like. The display control unit 16 may display the node and its details in close proximity, or it may display them both on separate pages.

[0056] The communication unit 17 communicates with the terminal device 2. For example, the communication unit 17 receives tracks created by the user from the terminal device 2. Also, for example, the communication unit 17 transmits display information generated by the tree drawing unit 12 to the terminal device 2. The communication unit 17 may be configured with a communication interface for wired or wireless communication.

[0057] The storage unit 19 is composed of semiconductor memory or the like, and stores various types of data and programs. At least a portion of the storage unit 19 is composed of non-volatile memory so that data is retained even when the power to the information processing device 1 is turned off. For example, the storage unit 19 stores generated display information, etc.

[0058] (Configuration of terminal device 2) Next, the configuration of the terminal device 2 will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device 2. The terminal device 2 comprises an input unit 21, a display unit 22, an audio output unit 23, a communication unit 27, and a storage unit 29.

[0059] The input unit 21 accepts user input in response to user operations on the terminal device 2. For example, the input unit 21 creates a track in response to user operations. The input unit 21 also posts the tracks created by the user to a designated website via the communication unit 27. Users may create tracks using, for example, a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) application.

[0060] The input unit 21 may include, for example, a keyboard, mouse, trackball, or stylus pen. The input unit 21 may also include a microphone or camera. In other words, the input unit 21 may have voice input functionality or video input functionality. However, other input devices may be used as the input unit 21.

[0061] The display unit 22 displays information related to music production. The display unit 22 is a display device such as a display. The display unit 22 may be a touch panel or the like that has the functions of the input unit 21. That is, the input unit 21 and the display unit 22 may be configured as an integrated unit. The display unit 22 displays display information generated by the information processing device 1. The display unit 22 displays, for example, a tree diagram and a member-only page.

[0062] The audio output unit 23 outputs information related to music production in audio format. The audio output unit 23 is, for example, a speaker. The audio output unit 23 outputs audio corresponding to the component selected in the tree diagram. For example, if a node is selected, the audio output unit 23 plays the track corresponding to the node. Also, if a system indicating a song is selected, the audio output unit 23 plays the song corresponding to the system. The audio output unit 23 plays tracks and songs according to the visibility of the track. For example, the audio output unit 23 outputs audio of a track that is only visible within a group only to members of the group, and does not output audio to non-members.

[0063] The communication unit 27 communicates with the information processing device 1. For example, the communication unit 27 transmits a track created by the user to the information processing device 1. Also, for example, the communication unit 27 receives display information generated by the information processing device 1. The communication unit 27 may be configured with a communication interface for wired or wireless communication.

[0064] The memory unit 29 is composed of semiconductor memory or the like, and stores various data and programs. At least a portion of the memory unit 29 is composed of non-volatile memory so that data is retained even when the power to the terminal device 2 is turned off. The memory unit 29 may store produced tracks. The memory unit 29 may also store downloaded music, etc.

[0065] The configurations of the music production system 100 according to this embodiment have been described above. The configuration of the music production system 100 described above is merely an example and can be modified as appropriate. For example, in the above description, an example was described in which the information processing device 1 generates display information and transmits the generated display information to the terminal device 2, and the terminal device 2 displays the display information, but the system is not limited to this.

[0066] For example, the music production system 100 may perform the processing according to this embodiment via a web application. In this case, the information processing device 1 implements a web application that performs the processing according to this embodiment. The terminal device 2 also stores (installs) a web browser for displaying a predetermined website page in the storage unit 29. The terminal device 2 performs a part of the processing according to this embodiment via the web browser displayed on the display unit 22.

[0067] For example, terminal device 2 performs some of the processing of the acquisition unit 11, tree drawing unit 12, group editing unit 13, and display control unit 16 via a web browser. For example, terminal device 2 displays a tree diagram and plays music on a web browser using a web application stored in the storage unit 19 of the information processing device 1.

[0068] (Tree diagram drawing process) Next, the basic processing performed by the information processing device 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the tree diagram drawing process performed by the information processing device 1. Figure 6 is an example of a basic tree diagram T drawn by the tree diagram drawing process of the information processing device 1.

[0069] First, the acquisition unit 11 receives a track submission from the terminal device 2 (S1). Here, as an example, the acquisition unit 11 receives a submission of track TR101 created by user A. User A creates track TR101 using the terminal device 2 and submits the track by posting the created audio data as track TR101 to the website. The acquisition unit 11 associates track TR101 with track information and stores it as track data in the storage unit 19. The track data includes, for example, a node number, a track number, a user name, an instrument name, and audio data.

[0070] A node number is a number used to identify a node. Node numbers may be automatically assigned to the node representing a track when a track is added. A track number is a number used to identify a track. Track numbers may be automatically assigned to a track when a track is added.

[0071] The username is information indicating the user's name. The username may be the user's account name or nickname. Alternatively, the username may be an automatically assigned identification number. The instrument name is information indicating the name of the instrument used in the performance. The instrument name may be registered by the user from terminal device 2, for example, or it may be determined by information processing device 1 based on the melody of the track.

[0072] Audio data is data that indicates the content of a track. Audio data can be recordings of instrument sounds, human singing voices, etc. These are just examples, and track data may not include some of this information, or it may include other information. For example, track data may include the date and time the track was posted. Also, track data may include the name of the group to which the user belongs.

[0073] Next, the tree drawing unit 12 draws the tree diagram T (S2). At this stage, only user A's track TR101 has been posted. Therefore, the tree drawing unit 12 draws the tree diagram T, which consists only of the node representing track TR101. The tree drawing unit 12 may draw the tree diagram T after two or more tracks have been posted. The display control unit 16 displays the tree diagram T on the website (S3). As a result, the display unit 22 of the user's terminal device 2 displays the tree diagram T.

[0074] Figure 6 shows an example of a tree diagram T. Here, nodes representing other tracks that may be added later are also shown. The circles in Figure 6 represent nodes, and the arrows connecting them represent branches. The direction of the arrows indicates the derivation relationship. Although not shown, the tree diagram T may also include information about instruments. For example, text or graphics indicating "guitar" may be displayed near the nodes. The same applies to subsequent diagrams.

[0075] For example, suppose User A's node is selected by the user through a click or other means. The display control unit 16 plays track TR101 in response to User A's node being selected. This allows other users besides User A to listen to track TR101. Furthermore, users can create tracks to overlay on track TR101.

[0076] Return to Figure 5. The tree drawing unit 12 determines whether or not there is a new post (S4). If it determines that there is no new post (NO in S4), the tree drawing unit 12 waits until there is a new post. If it determines that there is a new post (YES in S4), the information processing device 1 returns to step S1 and repeats the subsequent processing.

[0077] For example, in the example in Figure 6, User B posts a piano track TR102 and User C posts a drum track TR103 to User A's track TR101. Furthermore, User D posts a bass track TR104 and User E posts a saxophone track TR105 to User C's track TR103. Additionally, User F posts a piano track TR106 to User D's track TR104. Finally, User G posts track TR107 by mixing tracks TR101, TR103, TR104, and TR106 posted by Users A, C, D, and F. The tree drawing unit 12 draws a tree diagram T by connecting the multiple posted tracks based on their derivation relationships.

[0078] For example, during the mixing phase, user G can communicate with users A, C, D, and F, who have posted tracks, using the chat function. For instance, user G can communicate with users A, C, D, and F regarding the mixing process, and users A, C, D, and F can replace or add tracks to complete the song. Finally, the song is completed when user G posts track TR107, which they have mixed. Track TR107 is a master track that combines tracks TR101, TR103, TR104, and TR106. In Figure 6, the dashed line representing system M indicates the system of the completed song.

[0079] (Track publishing process) Next, we will explain the track publishing process performed by the information processing device 1, referring to Figures 7 to 10. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the track publishing process performed by the information processing device 1. Figures 8 to 10 are examples of tree diagrams for explaining the track publishing process. In the following, we will explain the flow of the track publishing process using the flowchart in Figure 7, and explain specific examples of tree diagrams by referring to Figures 8 to 10 as appropriate. It should be assumed that the information processing device 1 is constantly performing the basic processing described in Figures 5 and 6.

[0080] First, the acquisition unit 11 receives a new track submission from the terminal device 2 (S11). Next, the acquisition unit 11 determines whether the received submission is a submission to a group (S12). If it is determined that it is not a submission to a group (NO in S12), the tree drawing unit 12 publishes the new track as an individual track (S13). This publishing method corresponds to the first method described above. Specifically, the tree drawing unit 12 connects the node corresponding to the new track and the track from which that node is derived with a branch and draws a tree diagram. In this way, the tree drawing unit 12 publishes the new track in the tree diagram.

[0081] Figure 8 shows an example of a tree diagram T1 drawn by the tree drawing unit 12. In the tree diagram T1 of Figure 8, the nodes representing tracks TR1-TR3, TR4-TR6, TR8-TR9, and TR12 are publicly available as individual tracks.

[0082] Return to Figure 7. If it is determined that the new track post is a post to a group (YES in S12), the group editorial department 13 publishes the track within the group (S14). The group editorial department 13 limits the scope of publication to only group members, so the information of the track remains private to non-members. For example, the group editorial department 13 generates a members-only page that can only be viewed by members, and displays this members-only page on the display unit 22 of the terminal device 2. This allows members to listen to the new track or view detailed information about the track in a private state.

[0083] In the tree diagram T1 shown in Figure 8, the group of tracks posted to the group is shown as track group G1. Track group G1 includes tracks TR7, TR10-TR11, and TR13-TR19. Track TR7 is a track derived from track TR3, which is not included in track group G1. Tracks TR3 and its parent track TR1 are publicly accessible to non-members, while tracks TR7 and the tracks derived from TR7, TR10-TR11 and TR13-TR19, are not publicly accessible to non-members.

[0084] Return to Figure 7. Next, the group editorial team 13 determines whether or not the post to the group has been completed (S15). For example, the group editorial team 13 displays a button on the terminal device 2 to indicate that the post to the group has been completed, and determines that the post to the group has been completed when the button is pressed. If it is determined that the post to the group has not been completed (NO in S15), the process returns to step S14 and is repeated. If it is determined that the post to the group has been completed (YES in S15), the group editorial team 13 selects a public track to make public outside the group (S16). For example, the group editorial team 13 selects a track using a chat function or the like. Note that "making public outside the group" may also correspond to posting the selected public track as a new track.

[0085] In the example in Figure 8, the publicly available track group selected from track group G1 is shown as track group G2. Track group G2 includes four tracks: TR10, TR11, TR15, and TR17.

[0086] Return to Figure 7. Next, the group editorial team 13 decides how to publish the public track (S17). Specifically, the group editorial team 13 decides whether to publish the public track as a group track or as an individual track within the group. The group editorial team 13 may, for example, have the members decide on the publication method using a chat function, or may have the user who created the public track or the group representative choose the publication method. If multiple public tracks are selected, the group editorial team 13 may decide on a different publication method for each public track.

[0087] The tree drawing unit 12 determines which publishing method has been decided (S18). The tree drawing unit 12 publishes the published track according to the decided publishing method. If it is decided to publish the published track as a group track (the "group" in S18), the tree drawing unit 12 publishes the published track as a group track (S19). This publishing method corresponds to the second method described above.

[0088] Figure 9 shows an example of a tree diagram T2 when public tracks are published as a group of tracks. Tree diagram T2 includes a track group G2 composed of public tracks, instead of the track group G1 in Figure 8. However, the tree drawing unit 12 draws the track group G2 selected by the group editing unit 13 as a single node. In Figure 9, this single node represents track TR50. Track TR50 is a track that combines the melodies of tracks TR10, TR11, TR15, and TR17 included in track group G2.

[0089] The tree drawing unit 12 may draw a tree diagram T2 by associating nodes representing public tracks with group information about the group that created the public track. The group information may be, for example, the group name. The tree drawing unit 12 may draw the tree diagram T2 such that, for example, clicking on track TR50 on the tree diagram T2 displays the detailed display D1 of track TR50. The tree drawing unit 12 may include text such as "Produced by: Group X" in the detailed display D1.

[0090] Note that track TR50 is treated as a single node, encompassing tracks TR10, TR11, TR15, and TR17. Therefore, when a user creates a new track derived from track TR50, track TR50 becomes the source track. Users are not required to be able to select a part of track TR50 (for example, track TR10) as the source track. However, this restriction is not limited to this and may be adjusted as needed.

[0091] Return to Figure 7. If it is decided to publish the public track as an individual track within the group (the "individual" in S18), the tree drawing unit 12 publishes the public track as an individual track within the group (S20). This publishing method corresponds to the third method described above.

[0092] Figure 10 is an example of a tree diagram T3 when public tracks are made public as individual tracks within a group. The tree drawing unit 12 draws the public tracks TR10, TR11, TR15, and TR17 as track group G3 in tree diagram T3. Track group G3 includes tracks TR10, TR11, TR15, and TR17, similar to track group G2.

[0093] The tree drawing unit 12 may draw tree diagram T3 while maintaining, to the extent possible, the arrangement of each node in tree diagram T1 shown in Figure 8. For example, as shown in Figure 10, in the track group G3 of tree diagram T3, the arrangement of public tracks TR10, TR11, TR15, and TR17 in the track group G1 of tree diagram T1 is maintained to some extent.

[0094] For example, the tree drawing unit 12 maintains the derivation relationships between public tracks and places nodes based on those derivation relationships. For example, in track group G3, track TR7, which has not been selected as a public track, is excluded. Therefore, the tree drawing unit 12 connects track TR3, which is the source of track TR7, to tracks TR10 and TR11, which are derived from track TR7. The arrows indicating the branches point from track TR3 to tracks TR10 and TR11, respectively. In this way, the tree drawing unit 12 maintains the derivation relationship that track TR3 is the source and track TR10 is the derived destination, even while excluding track TR7. Similarly, the tree drawing unit 12 maintains the derivation relationship between track TR3 and track TR11.

[0095] Furthermore, in track group G1, the tracks are derived in the order shown as tracks TR11, TR14, and TR17, but in track group G3, track TR14, which has not been selected as a public track, is excluded. Therefore, the tree drawing unit 12 connects tracks TR11 and TR17 in track group G3. The direction of the arrow indicating the branch is from track TR11 to track TR17. In this way, the tree drawing unit 12 maintains the derivation relationship between tracks TR11 and TR17.

[0096] Furthermore, in track group G1, tracks TR13, TR16, TR18, and TR19 are the endpoints in tree diagram T1, but in track group G3, tracks TR13, TR16, TR18, and TR19 have not been selected as public tracks. Therefore, the tree drawing unit 12 does not draw tracks TR13, TR16, TR18, and TR19 in track group G3, and tracks TR10, TR15, and TR17 are the endpoints in tree diagram T3.

[0097] Furthermore, the tree drawing unit 12 may maintain the left-right arrangement of nodes on the tree diagram T3. For example, tracks TR10 and TR11 maintain their arrangement and left-right positional relationship in track group G1. The tree drawing unit 12 may also draw the tree diagram T3 so that the appearance of track group G1 and track group G3 are similar.

[0098] In this way, the tree drawing unit 12 maintains the derivation relationships of each track before and after the selection of public tracks. The tree drawing unit 12 also maintains the vertical and horizontal arrangement of nodes on the tree diagram T3 to the extent possible before and after the selection of public tracks. This allows members to easily compare track group G1 and track group G3. As a result, members can easily understand on the tree diagram T3 which tracks from track group G1 have been selected as public tracks.

[0099] The tree drawing unit 12 may also draw a tree diagram T3 by associating nodes representing public tracks with user information and group information. For example, the tree drawing unit 12 may draw a tree diagram T3 that displays the group name and the username of the user who created each track in the vicinity of each of the tracks TR10, TR11, TR15, and TR17. The tree drawing unit 12 may also display this information according to the user's node selection, similar to the detailed display D1 in Figure 9. For example, the tree drawing unit 12 may display text such as "Created as user Y of group X".

[0100] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the tree drawing unit 12 may distinguish between track group G3 and nodes other than track group G3 by enclosing track group G3 in a frame. The tree drawing unit 12 may distinguish them using any display method other than a frame. For example, the tree drawing unit 12 may distinguish them using display methods such as color, text, or images. For example, the tree drawing unit 12 may make the background color around track group G3 different from other areas.

[0101] Unlike track TR50 in Figure 9, tracks TR10, TR11, TR15, and TR17 are all publicly available in tree diagram T3 in Figure 10. Therefore, users can select one of tracks TR10, TR11, TR15, or TR17 as a source track and post a new track to overlay on the selected track. This allows the tree drawing unit 12 to represent on tree diagram T3 that each of the track group G3 was created within the group, while also improving the degree of freedom in track creation for users both within and outside the group.

[0102] The tree diagrams shown in Figures 8 to 10 are examples, and the configuration of the tree diagram can be changed as appropriate. For example, in the above explanation, an example was used in which posting to the group starts from track TR7 located in the middle of tree diagram T1, but posting to the group may also start from the root node of tree diagram T1 (corresponding to track TR1).

[0103] Furthermore, while the track group G1 is publicly accessible only to the group, the tree drawing unit 12 may draw a node indicating that a track is being produced within the group, for example, near the track group G1. For example, the tree drawing unit 12 may draw a node containing text such as "Music in Production". The tree drawing unit 12 may also draw the node in a manner suitable for advertising. For example, the tree drawing unit 12 may make the appearance of the node resemble the album art for a song. The tree drawing unit 12 may also draw the node in a color or display manner that is easily noticeable on the tree diagram T1 in order to attract the user's interest.

[0104] As described above, according to the music production system 100 of this disclosure, the information processing device 1 acquires multiple tracks and draws a tree with the acquired tracks as nodes. The information processing device 1 edits multiple tracks that are shared within a group including multiple users and derived from any track, without making them public to those outside the group. For example, the information processing device 1 selects one or more public tracks to be made public to those outside the group from among the multiple tracks that have been edited without making them public to those outside the group. Based on this, the information processing device 1 draws a tree diagram based on the one or more public tracks that have been selected.

[0105] In this way, the information processing device 1 can select a public track that represents the group from among the tracks privately produced by the members, and post and publish the public track. As a result, in the service provided by the music production system 100, users can freely produce music within the group.

[0106] With this configuration, the music production system 100 disclosed herein can appropriately publish tracks produced within a group. Furthermore, users can publish only the completed tracks produced by the group, without showing tracks in the production process. Additionally, the information processing device 1 can record tracks in the production process, and these records can be utilized.

[0107] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from its intent. For example, although the above description uses a system for producing music, this disclosure is not limited to music production and can be applied to other subjects that can be produced in a chain-like manner. For example, this disclosure can be applied to fields such as digital art, video, or games.

[0108] Each functional component of the information processing device 1 and terminal device 2 described above may be implemented by hardware (e.g., hardwired electronic circuits) or by a combination of hardware and software (e.g., a combination of electronic circuits and programs that control them). For example, this disclosure can also be implemented by having a CPU execute a computer program.

[0109] The program, when loaded into a computer, includes a set of instructions (or software code) for causing the computer to perform one or more of the functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored in various types of non-transitory computer-readable medium or tangible storage medium. Examples, but not limited to, include RAM (Random-Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), flash memory, SSD (Solid-State Drive), or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), Blu-ray® disc, or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices. The program may also be transmitted over various types of transient computer-readable medium or communication medium. Examples, but not limited to, include transient computer-readable medium or communication medium, including electrically, optically, acoustically, or otherwise propagating signals. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1. Information Processing Device 2 Terminal devices 11 Acquisition Department 12. Tree Drawing Section 13 Group Editorial Department 16 Display Control Unit 17 Communications Department 19 Memory section 21 Input section 22 Display section 23 Audio output section 27 Communications Department 29 Memory section 100 Music Production Systems D1 Detail display G1-G3 Track Group M system N Network T, T1~T3 Tree Diagram TR1~TR107 Trucks

Claims

1. A unit that acquires multiple tracks, A tree drawing unit that draws a tree diagram using the aforementioned tracks as nodes, A group editing team that edits multiple tracks, which are shared within a group containing multiple users and derived from any given track, without making them public to anyone outside the group. Equipped with, The aforementioned group's editorial department selects one or more public tracks from among several tracks edited privately and made available to those outside the group, The tree drawing unit draws the tree diagram based on one or more public tracks selected by the group editorial department. Information processing device.

2. The tree drawing unit combines the one or more public tracks selected by the group editorial department and draws them as a single node representing the group. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The tree drawing unit draws the one or more public tracks selected by the group editorial department as one node for each public track. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Acquisition steps to acquire multiple tracks, A tree drawing step in which the aforementioned track is used as a node to draw a tree diagram, A group editing step that allows editing multiple tracks, which are shared within a group containing multiple users and derived from any track, privately outside of the group, Includes, In the group editing step, one or more public tracks are selected from among several tracks edited privately outside the group to be made public outside the group. In the tree drawing step, the tree diagram is drawn based on the one or more public tracks selected in the group editing step. Information processing methods.

5. Acquisition steps to acquire multiple tracks, A tree drawing step in which the aforementioned track is used as a node to draw a tree diagram, A group editing step that allows editing multiple tracks, which are shared within a group containing multiple users and derived from any track, privately outside of the group, Have the computer run it, In the group editing step, one or more public tracks are selected from among several tracks edited privately outside the group to be made public outside the group. In the tree drawing step, the tree diagram is drawn based on the one or more public tracks selected in the group editing step. program.

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