Abstract: The device generates an audio signal from a sound source using a MIDI signal. The music data consists of many pieces of music stored in a memory device like a database in an on-line host computer or an external magneto-optical disc. The music generation processing operations are carried out by 2 microprocessors, each assigned a different set of functions to speed up the overall processing. The receipt and transfer of data to the sound source from the sequencer is carried out in parallel. The data is subsequently output in parallel and the contents of the buffer are monitored constantly to prevent overflow malfunctions. Clock time is divided to enable the generation of trigger signals to control tempo. By variation of the timing of the trigger signals in accordance with tempo data taken from the data stream, the tempo can be varied while reducing the reproduction time processing load.

Abstract: Data for reproducing music and displaying words are composed of binary-coded digital signals. Such signals are down-loaded via a public communication line, or data corresponding to a plurality of musical pieces or songs are previously stored in an apparatus, and the stored data are selectively processed by a CPU. In the instrumental music data, trigger signals are existent for progression of processing the words data, whereby the reproduction of music and the display of words are linked to each other. The music thus reproduced is utilized as background music or for enabling the user to sing to the accompaniment thereof while watching the words displayed synchronously with such music reproduction.