Abstract: An automatic accompaniment apparatus that enables an external electronic musical instrument connected thereto to exhibit its accompaniment information generating capability to the maximum. Control information for causing an accompaniment information generator of the external electronic musical instrument to generate accompaniment information is generated and transmitted to the accompaniment information generator of the external electronic musical instrument via a control interface that connects to the external electronic musical instrument and performs transmission and reception of information to and from the external electronic musical instrument.

Abstract: A music reproducing system includes a musical instrument for reproducing a music tune on the basis of the MIDI music data, a sound reproducer for reproducing a music tune and/or narration from audio data codes and a server computer for distributing programs, MIDI files and audio files to the musical instrument and sound reproducer, and a program contains plural music tunes and narration; while a program is being reproduced in collaboration between the musical instrument and the sound reproducer, the audio data codes are converted to an audio signal expressing the narration through the sound reproducer, and the music tunes are reproduced on the basis of the MIDI files through the musical instrument; and the duration data codes of audio file are supplied to the musical instrument so as to make the musical instrument and the sound reproducer synchronized with each other.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method for recording and compiling a music section, wherein multiple takes of the music section are recorded; and wherein the method uses a take folder to store the multiple takes. The take folder may belong to a single track. Sections of one or more takes can be selected to be part of a resulting compilation which is composed of the selected sections. In one embodiment, a method automatically ensures that selected sections do not overlap in time and that there are no breaks between adjacent selections. In addition, the present invention relates to programs, a storage media and data processing systems having the above features as well as to a storage medium containing the music produced thereby.

Abstract: A music production apparatus includes a melody data storage operative to store music data for a plurality of melody elements forming music, a condition storage operative to store a condition for combining melody elements and a condition related to an attribute applicable when playing the melody element, an element selector operative to determine, at a predetermined point of time, whether a melody element should be allocated to a track where no melody elements are allocated, and to select, when it is determined that a melody element should be allocated to the track, a melody element that should be allocated to the track by referring to the condition for combining melody elements stored in the condition storage, an attribute determination unit operative to determine an attribute applicable when playing the selected melody element, and a sound production unit operative to read music data for the selected melody element from the melody data storage, to apply the attribute determined by the attribute determination

Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying cues indicating input actions in a rhythm-action game may include: displaying, to a player of a rhythm-action game, a lane divided into at least two sub-lanes, each sub-lane containing cues indicating a drum input element; and displaying, to the player, an additional cue spanning a plurality of the sub-lanes, the additional cue indicating a foot pedal action. In some embodiments, the additional cue may span all the sub-lanes. In some embodiments, each sub-lane may contain cues indicating a drum input element of a set of linearly arranged drum input elements. In other embodiments, each sub-lanes may correspond to a fret button of a simulated guitar and the additional cue may correspond to an open strum.

Abstract: There is provided a music editing apparatus for remix reproducing a plurality of sound materials, each formed from part or the entirety of a music piece, in combination, including a reproduction pattern control section, a reproduction speed control section; and a pitch control section.

Abstract: A method for composing music by a non-musician is based on the use of pre-recorded melodies which are stored in banks and associated with orchestra accompaniments also stored in banks. The orchestra accompaniments are in advance embodied in the form of an entire devoid of melody part. A selected melody is associable, with the aid of a suitable software, with a selected accompaniment by a dictation process which makes it possible to select, with a tolerance range, the duration and position of each melody note in the accompaniment.

Abstract: In a voice synthesizer, an envelope acquisition portion obtains a spectral envelope of a reference frequency spectrum of a given voice. A spectrum acquisition portion obtains a collective frequency spectrum of a plurality of voices which are generated in parallel to one another. An envelope adjustment portion adjusts a spectral envelope of the collective frequency spectrum obtained by the spectrum acquisition portion so as to approximately match with the spectral envelope of the reference frequency spectrum obtained by the envelope acquisition portion. A voice generation portion generates an output voice signal from the collective frequency spectrum having the spectral envelope adjusted by the envelope adjustment portion.

Abstract: An electronic image visualization system, such as a music stand system and display, management and communications methodologies relating thereto are presented. The electronic music stand system is comprised of a performer subsystem comprising a processing subsystem, librarian logic, performance logic, and communications management logic. The communications management logic provides management of communication via the communications interface with external apparatus responsive to the performance logic and the librarian logic. The user input apparatus and the display apparatus can be integrated into a touch-screen input display. The user input apparatus can alternatively be at least one of a touch-tablet, a stylus-based writing tablet, a mouse, a keyboard, a joystick, a game controller, and a switch.

Abstract: A desktop application and supporting web site for recording voice-over or music sessions is introduced, wherein the production staff and talent may be in separate remote locations. The application includes providing a high quality data format for transferring audiovisual data, recordings and the like, and a lower-quality data format for intercommunicating verbal instructions that relate to, but are not part of, the recording session. The desktop application also provides mechanisms for playing back sound and video for talent's reference during a recording, timing the recording session or individual takes thereof, and calculating payments due based on such timing.

Abstract: An automatic accompanist produces tones for an accompaniment in synchronism with tones of melody produced through fingering of a human player; cue note data codes, which express tones produced in the melody, and cue time data codes, which express a lapse of time between the cue notes, are stored in a cue time track separately from an automatic accompanying track where key event data codes for the accompaniment and duration data codes each expressing a lapse of time between the key event codes; while the human player is fingering the melody, the automatic accompanist monitors the keys specified as the cue notes; if the human player does not depress the keys, the automatic accompanist stops the measurement of the lapse of time expressed by the duration data codes so as to make the accompaniment delayed.

Abstract: There are provided a mixing apparatus that enables a user who is mixing and the like to be positively engaged in the performance of a musical composition at a low cost by simple operations, a method of controlling the same, and a mixing control program. A plurality of first audio data are input, and the input plurality of first audio data are mixed. A storage device stores a plurality of second audio data. A plurality of operating members are each disposed to be depressed and have a sensor for detecting the depression. At least one of the plurality of second audio data stored in the storage device is assigned, respectively, to at least one of the plurality of operating members. The second audio data is reproduced when the at least one of the plurality of operating members to which the second audio data is assigned is detected as being depressed. The second audio data reproduced by the reproducing device is input, and the input second audio data and the input first audio data are mixed.

Abstract: A portable multimedia device stores multimedia content and sets of user preferences (“settings”) for one or more users (karaoke participants), on a title by title basis, that the one or more users may wish to apply upon playback of the content. The content and settings are initially stored in the portable device with the use of a practice playback system. Once this is done, the portable device may be transported and connected to any performance playback system. The portable device and the performance system may be operated to select and play back any title of content stored in the device, applying the corresponding stored set of user preferences for the user.

Abstract: There is provided a music accompaniment apparatus that is connected to at least one external device to reproduce an audio or video signal, the music accompaniment apparatus including: an audio input section for inputting an external audio signal; an audio signal processing section for processing an audio signal including an accompaniment signal internally provided and an external audio signal input through the audio input section, and externally outputting the processed audio signal; a video signal processing section for processing a video signal including a caption signal, and externally outputting the processed video signal; a time delay calculating section for calculating the difference between a transmission time of a check signal to the at least one external device and a reception time of the check signal from the at least one external device to compute a time delay representing a delay of the audio or video signal for the at least one external device; and a control section for controlling the whole oper

Abstract: A music application guides a user with some musical experience through the steps of creating and editing a musical enhancement file that enhances and plays in synchronicity with an audio signal of an original artist's recorded performance. This enables others, perhaps with lesser musical ability than the original artist, to play-along with the original artist by following melodic, chordal, rhythmic, and verbal prompts. The music application accounts for differences in the timing of the performance from a standard tempo by guiding the user through the process of creating a tempo map for the performance and by associating the tempo map with MIDI information of the enhancement file. Enhancements may contain MIDI information, audio signal information, and/or video signal information which may be played back in synchronicity with the recorded performance to provide an aural and visual aid to others playing-along who may have less musical experience.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for generating and storing a database that may be searched for music upon a user's request, and a method and apparatus for searching for music corresponding to the user's request. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of melodies are divided based on phrase breaks and are stored, and a number of melodies which are similar to the user's request are detected from the stored melodies.

Abstract: A music displaying apparatus stores in advance music piece related information concerning a music piece, and a plurality of comparison parameters which is associated with the music piece related information. The music displaying apparatus obtains voice data concerning singing of a user, analyzes the voice data to calculate a plurality of singing characteristic parameters which indicate a characteristic of the singing of the user. Next, the music displaying apparatus compares the plurality of singing characteristic parameters with the plurality of comparison parameters to calculate a similarity between the plurality of singing characteristic parameters and the plurality of comparison parameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing real-time feedback to karaoke users are provided. The systems and methods for providing users with real-time feedback while they are singing karaoke generally relate to receiving the user's vocals, determining whether the user is singing on key/pitch and providing real-time feedback to the user while the karaoke song is being sung. The feedback will be positive feedback if user is on key/pitch and it will be negative feedback if user is off key/pitch. For example, the feedback signal if the user is singing too low can be an exaggerated low signal of the user's own voice. This will encourage the user to sing at a higher pitch.

Abstract: An ensemble system enabling even performer unskilled in playing a musical instrument to easily grasp the difference in tempo from the performance of the facilitator. The circle corresponding to the performance terminal “Facilitator” is indicated fixedly on the center line of the vertical lines. The circle corresponding to the performance terminal (for example, piano (1)) of each user moves horizontally correspondingly to the difference from the performance terminal “Facilitator”. If the press of a key of performance terminal lags behind that of the performance terminal “Facilitator” by one bar, the circle moves left onto the vertical line next to the vertical center line. If the press of a key of the performance terminal lags behind that of the performance terminal “Facilitator” by half the bar (two beats), the circle moves left by half the interval between the vertical lines from the vertical center line.

Abstract: An ensemble system enabling easy, flexible assignment of performance parts to the facilitator and the performers. In “setting” field, performance terminals (facilitator and piano (1 to 5)) are displayed. A pull-down menu for selecting presence/absence of each performance terminal and radio buttons for assigning performance parts are displayed. According to the presence/absence of each student, the selection of a presence/absence menu is inputted. When song title data is selected, a controller (1) reads a part assignment table of the song data and assigns a performance part to each performance terminal for which presence is selected. A performance part can be manually assigned to each performance terminal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a finger musical instrument, including a first glove and a second glove, some performance keys distributed on a fingertip of each of the gloves, and a sound box positioned at each of the gloves. The finger musical instrument further includes a combination key positioned at palm heel of each of the gloves. Each of the sound boxes is connected with a controller. The performance key and the combination key on the same glove are all connected with the corresponding controller. Therein the performance key and the combination of the performance key and the combination key of one glove gives out one octave sound, while the performance key and the combination of the performance key and the combination key of the other glove gives out another octave sound. Each of the controllers is provided with a range regulation switch used for making a sound higher or lower by an octave on each of the gloves.

Abstract: To generate motion data of a motion in synchronization with a melody of music. As an embodiment of the present invention, when motion pattern data corresponding to a predetermined motion pattern is stored, music data is analyzed to detect a beat of music based on the music data, and the music data is divided into a plurality of bar intervals based on the detected beat, the motion pattern data is allocated to the bar intervals of the music data being divided to generate motion data. In this manner, when the motion data is reproduced together with the music data, the motion pattern can be switched in synchronization with switching of first bar intervals and second bar intervals corresponding to a bar when the music based on music data is expressed in a musical score.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention improves training efficiency, and monotonous repetition of training is avoided. A unit acceptance judgment section (4) judges whether all performance of the units in the current rank have reached an acceptable standard or not. When all performance is accepted, a unit in an upper rank is designated. The performance data in the designated unit is read from a performance data storage (7) to a key depression instruction generator (8), and a key depression instruction is displayed based on the performance data. When only a part of the unit in the current rank is acceptable, a unit updating instruction is output to a lesson menu display (14), to thereby display that the unit subsequent to the currently designated is the unit to be played next. When the unit is updated, the unit having the same note information as that already accepted is not designated.

Abstract: A karaoke system which displays and highlights musical notes and tablature, in addition to lyrics, as they are to be played or sung, with a view to helping an aspiring musician learn to play their instrument of choice. The system further utilizes a means to slow the tempo of the songs being played, so that the aspiring musician can master the notes and timing of the songs. The system can be patched to any TV system or displayed on the screen of the system itself The system contains an amp which allows for the plugging in of electric instruments and features a built in microphone. The system further allows a musician the option of a “full band” backup when the song is played, or the option of hearing only the selected instrument while playing along. Compact disks can be provided which would contain the songs, musical notes, lyrics and back up music thereon.

Abstract: A client device comprises a plurality of audio input ports, at least one audio output port, a MIDI input port, a MIDI output port, a video input port, a video output port, a processor and a network interface. The processor generates outgoing IP messages that carry at least one audio input signal received from the audio input ports, a first MIDI signal received from the MIDI input port and a first video signal received from the video input port. From incoming IP messages, the processor extracts a second MIDI signal for the MIDI output port, a second video signal for the video output port, and at least one audio output signal for the at least one audio output port. A network interface sends the outgoing IP messages within a VoIP call via a network and receives the incoming IP messages within the VoIP call via the network.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a system and method for playing music sequences, such as MIDI files in synchronization with a DVD. This system utilizes a preauthored music sequence and a controller that listens to the S/PDIF output of a DVD player. Further, this application discloses a method for creating MIDI files for use with the invention disclosed herein.

Abstract: An operational information obtaining section of a music reproduction device obtains operational information which corresponds to a user's operation and represents an instruction on an action of a reproduction section for reproducing data of a musical composition. A selection condition calculation section changes, during the musical composition being reproduced by the reproduction section, relative merits of attribute information relating to the data of the musical composition in accordance with details of the operational information obtained by the operational information obtaining section, and then calculates, based on the relative merits of the attribute information, a condition for selecting the data of the musical composition to be reproduced by the reproduction section.

Abstract: A karaoke system, comprising a plurality of electronic devices each configured to output karaoke content, at least one of the plurality of electronic devices configured to calculate a group karaoke score corresponding to respective users of the plurality of electronic devices.

Abstract: In a game played by a plurality of game machines through teamwork, an evaluation is performed according to the correlation among operation information obtained through communications with each of the game machines. A plurality of game machines communicate with one another to establish timing synchronization. After the game, input timings at which buttons are operated during the game are collected and then evaluated so as to determine an absolute and relative timing coincidence in a predetermined period (unison part). A predetermined number of points are added to its game score based on the evaluation.

Abstract: An audio input device and a karaoke apparatus to detect user's motion and position, and an accompaniment method adopting the same. According to the audio input device and the karaoke apparatus, at least one of user's motion information and position information is detected and transmitted to the karaoke apparatus through a USB interface. Accordingly, the user can use diverse functions of the karaoke apparatus more conveniently.

Abstract: A musical accompaniment system is described including a fretted, stringed electric musical instrument, a floor unit, interface units and connecting cables. Designated frets of the instrument are divided into sections that output to a switching component that sends MIDI note # data to a synthesizer when strings of instrument contact designated fret sections. The floor unit includes actuators that output to the synthesizer when tapped by the user. The user taps on the actuators with his or her feet and thereby actuates accompaniment notes that are generated in the rhythms in which they are tapped. Accompaniment notes generated by the process are designated by notes and chords being fingered on the instrument. Methods are described that facilitate the actuating and generating of accompaniment notes in the musical style of traditional bass accompaniment through the use of the system.

Abstract: A type of portable karaoke device includes a microphone, a twist knob control, several control buttons and a composite A/V output. There is an audio processor and a MPEG decoder inside the microphone. That audio processor is used to receive audio signals from the microphone and voice signals created by the MPEG decoder, and then conduct audio processing for these signals. On the other hand, that MPEG decoder is used to receive karaoke signals and control signals, and then conduct decoding and audio and video processing for these signals. The twist knob control is on the surface of the microphone, and can be used to adjust the volume or move the cursor by turning left or right. Several control buttons are on the surface of the microphone. Control signals can be generated by pressing. Audio and video output ports are set outside the microphone, it can transmit the video and audio signals from the karaoke device to another visual display device (e.g. TV).

Abstract: A system comprises a camera, a display, and logic coupled to the camera and display. The logic causes a video feed from the camera to be displayed on the display and lyrics to be superimposed on the displayed video feed.

Abstract: Describes a mobile communication device (1, 20, 55, 111, 150, 200, 220, 335) having musical instrument (percussion, keyboards, string and blow) function, which “can be scrapped onto the user's body through an adjustable elastic belt (151). It is also able to receive commands from a remote sensor (4, 70, 75, 160, 210, 257, 392,412), which has a musical instrument interface (percussion, keyboards, string and blow), preferably scrapped onto the user's body by means of an adjustable elastic belt (151). A sound system (6) or an audio/video equipment might receive audio and/or video from the mobile communication device (1, 20, 55, 111, 150, 200, 220, 335) through an adapter (5, 56, 63, 68). The use of this device is intended to be an occupational therapy, satisfying, entertaining and relaxing for the user, which will provide user's mental and physical health benefits. Its technical classification is under “electronics”.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to an automated method and system component for generating variations of one or more musical selections directed to particular students or to particular skill-levels into which students may be classified. The method and system component may be included in a wide variety of different music rendering, music display, and music instruction systems. In one embodiment, variations are generated by filtering each layer of a musical selection with respect to a number of common, musical elements, with the filtering chosen to reflect a selected or desired skill-level. In this embodiment, the layers of a musical selection include a melody line, a chord progression, and a bass line, and musical elements include key-signature, rhythm, pitch range, tempo and meter, and technique. Skill-level may be based on a numerically-encoded range of skill-levels, or may include a number of fixed skill-levels, such as beginning, easy, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for generating audio data automaticallly and a personal terminal and a recorded medium using the same. Disclosed method comprises the steps of: (a) detecting pitch of inputted sound source; (b) generating a unit tone data using detected pith varation information; (c) generating an interval code using ratio information of unit tones included in the unit tone data; (d) generating a harmony code based on the generated interval code; (e) generating an accompaniment template using the harmony code and pre-stored accompaniment related template; and (f) generating an audio data where main melody of the inputted sound source and the accompaniment data are merged. Users can generate polyphonic ringtone sound automatically through a personal terminal itself without downloading.

Abstract: A method for keying human voice audio frequency includes the steps of setting the human factor of the singer; recording the singing of the singer; calculating the audio frequency by an audio frequency counter; recording the maximum ground frequency by the recorder; estimating a maximum fundamental audio frequency thereof by the diapason estimator; and converting the maximum fundamental audio frequency into musical terminology, the best audio frequency of the singer being determined. The method for keying human voice audio frequency is very easy and fast.

Abstract: In an access controller provided for a musical sound signal generating system, a signal generating section operates when a readout of wave data of one block stored in a working memory is completed in a sound channel, for supplying a next waveform request signal to a CPU, which requests a next block of the wave data for the sound channel. First and second buffer memories are connected between a recording medium and the working memory respectively through first and second buses which are independent from each other. A first transmitting section operates when receiving block specifying information from the CPU, which specifies a block to be read next from the recording medium, for transmitting the wave data of the specified block to either of the first or second buffer memory while reading the specified block of the wave data from the recording medium.

Abstract: On the basis of performance event information, at least two notes to be sounded in succession or in an overlapping relation to each other are detected, and a tone pitch difference between the detected at least two notes is detected. Tone pitch difference limitation ranges are set in corresponding relation to various rendition styles. Rendition style to be imparted to the notes to be sounded in succession or in an overlapping relation is designated, and a comparison is made between a tone pitch difference limitation range corresponding to the designated rendition style and the detected tone pitch difference, so as determine whether the designated rendition style is applicable or not. In this way, whether the designated rendition style is to be applied or not is automatically controlled in accordance with the tone pitch difference of the at least two notes to be imparted with the rendition style.

Abstract: The invention is a method for transforming image into music, more particularly, is a method for transforming image into sound at first and then editing the sound into music. In the method, the dynamic image or static image is captured by using the image capture apparatus. An image datum is obtained from the dynamic image or the static image and the image datum is compared with a plurality of standards stored in the memory to obtain a first music, wherein the image datum may be a brightness value or a pixel value. Then, the first music is transferred into a plurality of the third music with various styles by performing a function transferring process and a randomly selecting music notes process. The third music is broadcasted.

Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and computer program products are provided for facilitating a group karaoke performance. The system generally comprises at least two devices, each of the at least two devices includes a memory and a display, both operatively coupled to a processor. The memory of each device is configured to at least temporarily store karaoke data including a visual lyric data stream corresponding to one of a plurality of vocal parts in a song. The processor of each device is configured to present the visual lyric information on the display based on the visual lyric data stream stored in the memory. The at least two devices are synchronized so that they can start presenting the visual lyric information essentially at the same time. One of the devices displays visual lyric information for one vocal part of a song and another one of the devices displays visual lyric information for a different vocal part of a song.

Abstract: A system and method of tele-karaoke that enables a user to perform and record karaoke using a terminal such as a cellular telephone. The karaoke performance is recorded as an MMS message which subsequently allows a user to send the recorded performance to others. The system allows users to record their karaoke performance is less public forums and without any specialized equipment other than a cellular telephone or a personal computer. Since the karaoke performance is recorded as an MMS message, it can be edited to incorporate various media and sent to others at subsequent times.

Abstract: A music ensemble system that enables changing the assignment of playing parts to performance terminals with a simpler operation. The music ensemble system comprising a plurality of performance terminals and a controller capable of communicating with the performance terminals to control playing of the performance terminals. Each of the performance terminals comprises a playing operation unit adapted to receive a player's playing operation and generates operation information, a terminal communication unit adapted to communicate with the controller to transmit the operation information to the controller, and a tone generator adapted to produce musical sounds based on sound instruction data received by the terminal communication unit.

Abstract: An automatic accompanist produces tones for an accompaniment in synchronism with tones of melody produced through fingering of a human player; cue note data codes, which express tones produced in the melody, and cue time data codes, which express a lapse of time between the cue notes, are stored in a cue time track separately from an automatic accompanying track where key event data codes for the accompaniment and duration data codes each expressing a lapse of time between the key event codes; while the human player is fingering the melody, the automatic accompanist monitors the keys specified as the cue notes; if the human player does not depress the keys, the automatic accompanist stops the measurement of the lapse of time expressed by the duration data codes so as to make the accompaniment delayed.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a machine and process that generates music given a set of simple user-specified criteria. The present invention enables music generation wherein a user may specify the duration and tempo of the music to be generated that may then be played or stored for retrieval and use at a later time and does not require the user to be a skilled composer of music. The present invention allows the user to generate music in a very short period of time wherein the music generated by also has beginnings and endings that occur in a manner that is esthetically appropriate. In addition, transitions within the generated music occur in a manner that is esthetically appropriate. Music generated by the present invention also has unique qualities that are desirable to users that use music in their own products or works.

Abstract: In an automatic performance system, song and style data DAi and DCj (i:1 through n, j:1 through m) contains tempo and meter data TPa, TMa; TPc, TMc, respectively, so that the style data DCj whose tempo and meter data matches with those of the song data DAi is reproduced concurrently with the song data DAi. On the basis of user's settings, furthermore, style setting data SS (DBi) indicating style data DCk (k: 1 through m) to be concurrently reproduced and tone color setting data VS (DBi) for setting a manual tone color are stored in association with the song data DAi. Based on the style setting data SS, the style data DCk associated with the song data DAi is reproduced concurrently with the song data DAi, or a manual performance is conducted, during the reproduction of the song data DAi, on the basis of tone color data derived from the tone color setting data VS. As described above, settings of a style and tone color for manual performance suitable for a song is achieved.

Abstract: A music search engine is invented to find a desired song in the database by comparing the melodies. This invention comprises two major parts: a client-end and a server-end. The client-end converts various input formats into a note sequence and sends it to the server-end engine. The server-end then compares the note sequence with the melodies in the database and finds the closest match. This invention enables us to search music by its melodic content instead of titles, lyrics or other annotated information. Moreover, this invention tolerates inaccurate inputs so that even less skilled people can hum to the system with inaccurate melody and find the target song.

Abstract: A karaoke apparatus and the method thereof are provided, which guarantees the pitch of the karaoke music conforms to the pitch of the user. The apparatus comprises an audio input unit, a scale detector, a memory unit, a processor and a scale control unit. The audio input unit receives a test sound. The scale detector analyzes at least one test step of the test sound. The memory unit stores a plurality of standard steps. The processor finds out the highest step among the test steps, compares the highest step with the standard steps, and obtains a target step from the comparison; wherein, the target step is the standard step closest to the highest step. Finally, the scale control unit adjusts the pitch of the karaoke music so that the pitch is lower than that of the target step.

Abstract: A time-series signal input section 205 inputs a time-series signal whose on state and off state are repeated alternately. A similar rhythm search section 206 searches a plurality of pieces of rhythm data stored in a data storage section for rhythm data having the same fluctuation pattern as or a similar fluctuation pattern to the time-series signal input to the time-series signal input section 205. A music-associated information storage section 204 stores music-associated information associated with the piece of music corresponding to the rhythm data in association with the rhythm data. A search result generation section 207 generates the search result using the music-associated information (information of title, etc.,) stored in association with the found rhythm data and outputs the search result through a search result output section 208.

Abstract: An automatic accompaniment apparatus includes: a storage unit for storing accompaniment style data including basic accompaniment data for automatic accompaniment and replacement accompaniment data to be reproduced in place of the basic accompaniment data; and a reproducing unit for reading the stored accompaniment style data and reproducing the read accompaniment style data, the reproducing unit reproducing the read accompaniment style data by replacing a portion thereof with the replacement accompaniment data. The automatic accompaniment apparatus can generate derivative accompaniment style data from original accompaniment data with ease.