Abstract: Performance interface system includes a motion detector provided for movement with a performer, and a control system for receiving detection data transmitted from the motion detector and controlling a performance of a tone in response to the received detection data. State of a performer's motion is detected via a sensor of the motion detector, and detection data representative of the detected motion state is transmitted to the control system. The control system receives the detection data from the motion detector, analyzes the performer's motion on the basis of the detection data, and then controls a tone performance in accordance with the analyzed data. With this arrangement, the performer can readily take part in the tone performance in the control system.

Abstract: The invention presents a rendition control apparatus that not only reduces processing so that processing is neither complicated nor complex, but also reduces the used storage region. The rendition control apparatus allows for differences in the timing over the passage of time when reproducing and rendering a continuous sound waveform, and renders sound waveforms naturally and with good rhythm, while making it possible to change the reproduction tempo freely.

Abstract: The apparatus stores a data base including a plurality of sets of composition parameter data for a plurality of numbers of measures, each set of composition parameter data defining characteristics of a music piece to be composed, the characteristics including music structures, and at least one set of composition parameter data being provided for each number of measures among the plurality of numbers of measures. The user inputs composition conditions such as a length of time, a tempo and a meter for a music piece to be composed. The apparatus calculates the number of measures of the music piece based on the inputted time length, tempo and meter. A plurality of candidate data sets of composition parameters are searched for in the data base and displayed for the user's selection. The user selects a desired one, and the apparatus generates a melody satisfying the inputted composition conditions.

Abstract: An automatic performance apparatus is constituted by a memory section, a performance section, and a control section. The memory section stores music sequence data used for carrying out an automatic performance of a music piece, and condition setting data used for setting a condition of the automatic performance. The performance section reads out the condition setting data from the memory section to set the condition of the automatic performance, and reads out the music sequence data from the memory section to carry out the automatic performance under the set condition. The control section controls a first rate of reading of the condition setting data faster than a second rate of reading of the music sequence data, thereby accelerating the setting of the condition prior to the automatic performance.

Abstract: An automatic performance apparatus that is responsive to a manual player of an input implement for producing either an arpeggio performance or a pattern performance in a modified form. Specifically, the present invention includes: a sequencer block that is responsive to manual play for generating a sequence of original note data representing either the arpeggio performance or the pattern performance; an input block to set control parameters; a play effector block to process the original note data according to the control parameters; a transposer block that shifts the altered note data by a predetermined interval to thereby generate shifted note data; a note effector block that generates additional note data in superposed relation to the shifted note data; a tone generator block that is receptive of the shifted note data and the additional note data for generating corresponding musical tones to thereby provide the modified form of either of the arpeggio performance and the pattern performance.

Abstract: A method is designed for displaying a visual image of a music system that is constructed to play at least one performance part with a particular timbre and that is applied with an acoustic effect, an accompaniment style and the like.

Abstract: As automatic performance data are sequentially supplied at a given tempo, a player sequentially depresses keyboard keys at appropriate timing. Comparison is made between timing of each manual key-on event and timing of key-on and key-off events of each automatic performance note in the performance data. If key-on timing of a given automatic performance note is within a predetermined allowable difference from given manual key-on timing, a tone based on the given automatic performance note is generated at a time corresponding to the manual key-on timing. If key-off timing of a given automatic performance note is within another predetermined allowable difference from given manual key-on timing and if a tone based on the note has not yet been generated, that tone is generated at timing corresponding to the manual key-on timing.

Abstract: An automatic music composing method automatically composes background music matching an atmosphere and a reproduction time of an input moving or changing image. A moving or changing image is inputted and divided into scenes, a feature of each scene is extracted, an automatic music composing parameter is obtained from the feature, background music is automatically composed using the parameter and scene reproduction time, and the composed background music is output along with the moving or changing image.

Abstract: Among the stored musical waveform in a data format, a waveform segment to be repetitively read out as a loop is designated by a user of the instrument. Upon designation of the waveform segment having a loop length LL anew, a loop time length TL is computed corresponding to the loop length LL, and the number of measures MN is determined corresponding to the loop time length TL (steps S11 and S12). Thus determined loop segment in the measure number MN is temporarily subdivided according to a sixteen-beat rhythm rate (steps S13 and S14), zero-cross points near the temporary subdivision points are then searched for, and the located zero-cross points are determined to be definitive division points (step 15). Each of the divided sub-segments are subject to time axis scaling at each scale factor such that the segment should be superimposed onto another intended musical phrase in a matched rhythm and tempo.

Abstract: An automatic performance apparatus with the concert magic function includes a memory for storing automatic performance data composed of a sequence of note data. Each note data includes a data of gate time and a data of step time. When it is detected that at least one of the keys corresponding to the sequence of note data is pushed, a current note data of the sequence is read out from the memory. Then, there are executed a sound generation stopping process for a previous note data and a sound generating process for the current note data. When it is detected that all of keys corresponding to the sequence of note data are released, a sound generation stopping instruction is issued and the sound generation for the current note data is stopped in the response to the sound generation stopping instruction. The sound generating process and the sound generation stopping process are executed using a reference time period which is determined based on a tempo.

Abstract: In a medley playback apparatus, a storage device stores a plurality of performance data corresponding to a plurality of music pieces. A generator device is fed with the performance data to generate musical tones to thereby play back the corresponding music piece. A designator device designates at least a first music piece and a second music piece among the plurality of the music pieces. An editor device mutilates first performance data corresponding to the first music piece so as to produce a preceding compact part thereof, also mutilates second performance data corresponding to the second music piece so as to produce a succeeding compact part thereof, and creates intermediate performance data based on the first performance data and the second performance data so as to produce a bridge part connecting between the preceding compact part and the succeeding compact part.

Abstract: In a method for automatically performing accompaniment in an automatic accompaniment apparatus, a plurality of system defining rhythm data patterns are provided. Each of the plurality of system rhythm data patterns is composed of a plurality of rhythm data for a plurality of parts. In a rhythm editing mode, one or more parts of the plurality of parts of the user rhythm data pattern is designated for a user defining rhythm data pattern, and the designated one or more parts are associated with the rhythm data of corresponding parts of one of the plurality of system defining rhythm data patterns so that the user defining rhythm data pattern can be produced. In an automatic accompaniment mode, accompaniment is automatically performed based on the user defining rhythm data pattern. Each of the plurality of rhythm data has a rhythm data identifier and a pattern identifier is allocated to each of the plurality of system defining rhythm data patterns.

Abstract: A system for interpreting the requests and performance of a vocal soloist, stated in the parlance of the musician and within the context of a specific published edition of music the soloist is using, to control the performance of a digitized musical accompaniment. Sound events and their associated attributes are extracted from the soloist vocal performance and are numerically encoded. The pitch, duration and event type of the encoded sound events are then compared to a desired sequence of the performance score to determine if a match exists between the soloist performance and the performance score. Variations in pitch due to vibrato are distinguished from changes in pitch due to the soloist moving from one note to another in the performance score. If a match exists between the soloist vocal performance and the performance score, the system instructs a music synthesizer module to provide an audible accompaniment for the vocal soloist.

Abstract: A tempo control signal is generated in response to operation of an operator. A plurality of kinds of tempo control data are stored for controlling tempo of automatic performance of a musical piece as the automatic performance of the musical piece proceeds when automatic performance data is reproduced. The tempo of the automatic performance of the musical piece is controlled based on a selected one of the plurality of kinds of tempo control data and the tempo control signal generated in response to the operation of the operator.

Abstract: An arrangement support apparatus for producing automatic accompaniment performance data for a musical tune. The musical tune is divided into a plurality of sections, and an arrangement condition is input for each of the sections. Utilizing the arrangement conditions, the apparatus selects an accompaniment pattern corresponding to at least one accompaniment performance part for each of the sections of the musical tune. The apparatus then produces automatic accompaniment performance data for the musical tune utilizing the selected accompaniment patterns.

Abstract: A pulsed-tone timing method. Pulsed audible guide tones are activated at an initial pulsing rate. The pulsing rate is manipulated so as to repeatable (i) increase the pulsing rate over a time span to an intermediate pulsing rate and (ii) abruptly drop the pulsing rate to a decreased rate between the intermediate pulsing rate and a previous rate, until a predetermined final pulsing rate is reached. The pulsing rate can be manipulated such that each subsequent intermediate pulsing rate pulses at a faster rate than previous intermediate pulsing rates. The method can be used in many activities. For example, a reader can read a line of text per each guide tone while keeping pace with the specifically timed rate increases, thereby increasing reading effort and reading speed.

Abstract: A tempo setting apparatus and a parameter setting apparatus for an electronic musical instrument. The tempo setting apparatus automatically plays out a rhythm based on a set of rhythm performance data selected from plural sets of rhythm performance data stored in storage means.

Abstract: An automatic performance control apparatus provides a hand controller which contains gyro sensors in X, Y directions. The gyro sensors are employed to accurately detect hand-swing motion applied to the hand controller without being affected by gravity. When the hand controller is swung by a human operator like a conductor's baton, angular velocity applied to the hand controller is detected based on detection values of the gyro sensors. The angular velocity becomes bottom at a change point of direction in a locus of the hand-swing motion of the hand controller; and a peak of the angular velocity appears between bottoms. So, peak detection process is performed on the angular velocity to determine a beat timing designated by the human operator. If the peak is detected, beat-timing detection data are automatically created and are transmitted to an electronic musical instrument having an automatic performance function.

Abstract: A karaoke apparatus operates according to a song data for presenting a karaoke performance composed of an instrumental accompaniment and a back chorus under a designated condition determined in terms of either of a tempo and a pitch. In the karaoke apparatus, a data source provides a song data which contains a musical tone data, a synthetic voice data and a real voice data. An input panel is operated for designating either of a regular condition and an irregular condition. A tone generator processes the musical tone data to generate an instrumental accompaniment, and concurrently processes the synthetic voice data to generate a false back chorus. A voice decoder decodes the real voice data to reproduce a natural back chorus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser disk player having a karaoke capability, and more particularly to a laser disk player karaoke apparatus that compares the tempo of a musical selection reproduced from a laser disk with the tempo at which a user is singing, in order to permit evaluation of singing ability. When the singer's tempo does not correspond with the tempo of the music, the apparatus can match the music's tempo reproduced from the laser disk to the user's singing tempo. Particularly, if an aural synchronizing signal is recorded on the laser disk to indicate where singing of a song should start, a time difference is obtained during playback, indicating the time between the aural synchronizing signal and an aural signal input by a user via an external microphone. The time difference is used to correct the playback tempo and to assess the user's singing ability.

Abstract: Disclosed is a karaoke authoring apparatus for mixing or authoring karaoke music data based on an electronic music sound source. The invention can analyze chronologically, in a sound reproduction block, the musical performance data expressed by a code such as MIDI code and has a pre-inserted event code, and will generate an interrupt in a timer circuit at a time interval based on the tempo instruction on the code. The invention can also acquire, as an individual file at the timing of the event code, an integrated value given by the timer circuit in accordance with the type of event, and combine and arrange these files in chronological order to calculate a time difference between consecutive event codes, for producing time data. The authored data allows color turning of the words of the music, page turning, presentation of the title of the music and a video image update which is performed accurately to the timing as planned, in synchronism with the musical performance.

Abstract: A composition conditioning system selects a music structure from a music structure database. The selected music structure specifies a first condition of music composition. A style input specifies a second condition of music composition. A melody rhythm composer retrieves, from a rhythm pattern database, an appropriate rhythm pattern for the composition condition. A chord progression composer retrieves, from a chord progression database, a suitable chord progression for the composition condition. A melody pitch composer generates a pitch candidate for a new melody note from an old melody note pitch and a current music progression (tonality and chord). A pattern recognizing module analyzes a melody up to the candidate into a melody pattern. A test module searches through a melody pattern rule base for the analyzed melody pattern.

Abstract: Tempo information representing a performance tempo set at start of an automatic performance is stored in a first register. A tempo restoration switch is provided for reading out the tempo information from the first register and setting the tempo of the automatic performance by this tempo information. Even when the performance tempo is changed freely during the automatic performance, the tempo at the start of the automatic performance can be restored automatically by operating the tempo restoration switch. Tempo information representing a performance tempo set before start of tempo changing may be stored in a second register. A second tempo restoration switch may be provided for reading out the tempo information from this second register and setting the tempo of the autoamtic performance by this tempo information.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument for realizing an easy selection of registration from a variety of registrations. First, a number from "1" to "10" is selected in an upper keyboard timbre select switch group, the numbers corresponding to various timbres, such as piano, organ, harpsichord, guitar, or the like respectively. Similarly, another number from "1" to "10" is selected in a rhythm selecting switch group, the numbers corresponding varies to rhythms, such as jazz, pops, mood music, children's songs, classical, or the like. According to this, a preferable registration group with respect to the music can be easily selected from a great number (i.e., 10.times.10=100) of registration groups.

Abstract: A desired rhythm instrument tone color can be assigned to a pad type performance operator. A desired type of repeated-tone mode, e.g., roll, flam or echo, can be selected by a switch operation or other suitable means. Upon operation of the performance operator, repeated tones having a rhythm instrument tone color assigned to the performance operator are generated with a stroke pattern having a characteristic peculiar to the tone color.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument has an automatic playing device which conducts an automatic musical performance at a tempo set by manually tapping of a pad before the beginning of the performance. The automatic playing device also starts the automatic performance based on the detection that the number of the tapping has coincided with the predetermined number. The tempo is set according to an interval between the successive tapping. The successive taps can be the latter two taps when the tapping is made for a number of time of music. Also, the electronic musical instrument is equipped with a tap voice output device that outputs counting voices, such as `one`, `two`, `three`, for each tapping.

Abstract: An automatic performance apparatus which easily changes the tempo and direction of automatic performance of a musical instrument, for example, to a rhythm of a rap music such that a disc jockey operates a scratch disc. Clock frequency SQCK of sequence counter 202 is changed in accordance with the speed and quantity of rotation of disc 102 and ball 1101 rotated with user's fingers, so that the timing of reading event data and event time data out of sequencer memory 206 is controlled and the tempo of the automatic performance is changed. When the user changes the rotational direction of disc 102, counter 202 performs a decrementing operation in accordance with a rotational direction signal output from rotational direction detector 110, thereby giving a reverse automatic performance.

Abstract: A playing musical data processor is provided with a specified punch-in/punch-out timing storage device and punch-in record device. During the period between the punch-in timing and the punch-out timing, the previously recorded musical playing data in that period is replaced with the musical playing data of the music played in real time. Also, the same recording operation can be done again as many times as desired. Also, the playing musical data processor is provided with a specified phrase timing storage device for storing timing data by clock number so as to more easily specify timing in music. During the period between the specified phrase timing and next phrase timing, the playing musical data in that period is reproduced repeatedly even if the phrase timings coincide with the timing of a bar end. Also the playing musical data processor is provided with a tempo data record device for recording tempo data in the midst of a musical time as a rate of change from an initial tempo value of the music.

Abstract: This invention discloses an electronic musical instrument incorporating an auto-accompaniment apparatus, which can desirably set a tempo of rhythm accompaniment tones (e.g., chord, bass, and drum accompaniment tones) using a tempo preset button or an increment/decrement button during a play operation. The read speed of an auto-accompaniment data memory is determined on the basis of the set tempo. A tempo controller for switching from the current tempo to a new tempo upon detection of a division of a bar of auto-accompaniment data is arranged, thereby eliminating uneasy feeling upon switching of tempo.

Abstract: A device for use in an electronic musical instrument, in which data representing musical factors such as a tempo, a pitch and a timbre are changed at each repetition of an automatic performance, to thereby automatically effect variable automatic performances. Further, data representing a chord type and a chord root are input by a character-data input device such as a ten-key pad, and thus a chord input operation is facilitated, and moreover, a complicated finger manipulation becomes unnecessary. Furthermore, data representing chord types is input by at least one of the pitch input devices, and data representing chord roots is input by at least one of the other pitch input devices, and thus a chord performance is facilitated.

Abstract: Header control data for setting various characteristics of an automatic performance tone such as tone color, tone volume, tempo, effect and the like are stored in a header portion of a memory. The header control data are loaded into a buffer register, and various characteristics of an automatic performance tone to be generated are established on the basis of the header control data stored in the buffer register. In response to activation of a changing operator, the header control data in the buffer register are changed and a hence various characteristics of the automatic performance tone to be generated are changed. When the data in the buffer register is changed during an automatic performance, the header control data stored in the memory is changed in correspondence to the change.

Abstract: A reference start point RPS and a reference end point RPE for detecting a beat position BP.sub.n are set as a BP.sub.n-1 +BT.+-.DR on the basis of a beat interval BT obtained by user's guide tapping for a predetermined time, a predetermined deviation value DR and the detected last beat position BP.sub.n-1. Thus, the crest value Lrp of an audio signal exceeding a predetermined threshold TH in the specified retrieval interval is obtained. Each beat position BP.sub.n is obtained on the basis of a reference point RS of the audio signal existing when the crest value is obtained. In reproduction of an audio signal by a DMTR, a MIDI clock is generated from the beat position and output to a MIDI sequencer, etc.

Abstract: A control value output apparatus for controlling a controllable value such as a tone volume value which can be continuously changed upon operation of an operation member of an operation unit for supplying a control value, comprises an output unit for holding a control value. A data source supplies a predetermined or preset control value to the output unit. The control value held in the output unit and the control value supplied from the operation unit are compared and when a coincidence output is generated, the output unit holds the control value from the operation unit in place of the presently held control value, and the output control value follows an operation position of the operation member.

Abstract: An automatic accompaniment playing device comprising a memory for storing various normal rhythm patterns, switching devices for selecting any one of said normal rhythm patterns from said memory to play the same at a predetermined tempo, a settable control unit for generating a first information regarding the magnitude of tempo variation of said predetermined tempo and for generating a second variation; the device furthermore comprises control registers for gradually changing the tempo of said rhythm patterns based upon said first and second informations provided by said control unit.

Abstract: An automatic play device generates a tempo signal at a frequency corresponding to a tempo setting value. When a tempo setting value is changed, the device changes the frequency of the tempo signal gradually from one frequency corresponding to the tempo setting value prior to the change to another frequency corresponding to a target tempo setting value posterior to the change, so that a smooth tempo change can be realized. It is also possible to automatically adjust the tempo in correspondence to a time interval between on-events of a tap switch, in which case the automatic play is controlled so as to stop when on-state of the tap switch continues for more than a predetermined time.

Abstract: An electronic metronome includes an adjustable oscillator driving a first frequency divider, a crystal time base driving a second frequency divider for generating a pair of audible frequencies, a standard pitch frequency and reference (time base) frequencies, a frequency counter coupled to the output of the adjustable oscillator for counting the output of the adjustable oscillator, a digital display and display stabilizer circuitry for displaying the count of the frequency counter, a gate driven by the first frequency divider for programmably serially selecting one of the pair of audible frequencies at a rate determined by the output of the frequency divider, a selector switch, three visual indicators, and a programmable counter coupled to the selector switch and visual indicators for providing various sequential time signature displays and an audio amplifier and speaker for providing an audible beat patterns.

Abstract: An interruption control apparatus for controlling interruptions of a performance information processor for processing performance information of a piece of music.

Abstract: A musical performance data reproduction appparatus for reproducing stored performance data compensated with a just-beat function. A clock generator generates a clock proportional to a given tempo. A clock counter counts the clock to output incremental clock data. A clock converter converts the incremental clock data into reproduction clock data with a nonuniform increasing rate. The performance data is then reproduced based on the nonuniform reproduction clock data and a time base of the reproduced performance data is expanded/compressed so that reproduced tones are just-beated with respect to a reference beat time.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument includes a performance operating member, a sound source unit, an assignment information memory, a control information register and a determining unit. The sound source unit generates a plurality of rhythm tones. The assignment information memory stores assignment information representing a type of rhythm tone assigned to the performance operating member. The control information register registers the assignment information in the assignment information memory in response to a manual operation of a performer. The determining unit determines a rhythm tone to be assigned to the performance operating member in accordance with a number of operation times of the performance operating member in relation to an operation of the control information register.

Abstract: There are provided a device for sampling a tone signal applied from outside, a built-in tone source, responsive to tone pitch information, a tone signal having tone pitch corresponding to the tone pitch of the tone pitch information, a memory capable of both writing and reading for storing waveform sampled data and a control circuit for selectively writing a tone signal sampled or a tone signal generated from the built-in tone source. The waveform sampled data in the memory is read out in accordance with designated tone pitch. A circuit is provided which, when input of a tone signal sampled has not been detected for a predetermined period, causes a tone signal generated from the built-in tone source and written in the memory. There is also provided a circuit which generates a tone of a reference pitch when a predetermined switch operation has been made with the tuning operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a programmable electronic metronome, capable of registering all meter and speed characteristics of any musical work and of producing, when the musical work is to be performed, substantially sharp, perceivable, e.g. acoustic, signals representing said characteristics in the appropriate succession. The metronome comprises a keyboard for producing signals associated with at least three variables, which are bar number, speed and meter, and defining digital values for said variables, which values are stored in at least one volatile electronic memory, comprising segments severally correlated to each of said variables, to define digital data sequences. The metronome further comprises a reader for the data sequences, whereby to associate to each bar number digital values of speed and meter, and a transducer for transforming said values into electric impulses, which produce a corresponding succession of perceivable signals.

Abstract: An automatic performance apparatus that can change the performance speed of desired sections in a piece of music automatically performed. The apparatus comprises a section designator for designating a specific section in the piece, a time evaluator for counting performance duration of the piece, a modifier for modifying either the duration of the specific section (or the duration of a section other than the specific section) by modifying the tempo of the automatic performance or duration of notes of the performance data so that the performance duration of the automatic performance becomes equal to the desired duration. Thus, the total duration of the piece is adjusted to the desired duration while maintaining the duration of the specified section (or the duration of the sections other than the specified section).

Abstract: An electronic tone generator generates a synthesized three tones signal of a main melody tone, a first accompaniment tone, and a second accompaniment tone. The electronic tone generator includes a main melody generation circuit, a first accompaniment circuit, and a second accompaniment circuit, each equipped with its own envelope circuit. A ROM is provided having stored therein information concerning key activation, tempo, melody, notes and timings. A mixing modulator synthesizes the signals output from the main melody generation circuit, the first accompaniment circuit, and the second accompaniment circuit.