Abstract: In providing a music program, a personal music player displays personal activity choices. A user selects a personal activity and provides a time duration for the activity. The player sends a request to a music program server for a music program. The request includes the personal activity and the time duration. The music program server selects a music program record from a plurality of music program records that has an activity attribute which matches the personal activity and a program duration which matches or is less than the time duration. The server extracts location information for the music program from the program entry in the music program record, and sends this to the player. The player uses the location information to obtain the music program. In this manner, a music program is provided to a user based on the personal activity of the user.

Abstract: Compressed waveform data structure is proposed which is suited for segmentation of a plurality of samples of compressed waveform data into a plurality of frames and subsequent storage of each of the frames. The number of bits per sample of the compressed waveform data is variable between the frames, but uniform, i.e. the same among all of the samples, within each of the frames. Each of the frames has a same data storage size. Each of the frames includes, in a predetermined layout, an auxiliary information area for storing auxiliary information that includes compression-related information to be used for decompressing the compressed waveform data, and a data area for storing a plurality of samples of the compressed waveform data of the frame with each of the samples comprising a same number of bits. Thus, respective start positions of the frames and compressed waveform data in a memory can be fixed at predetermined positions common to the frames, so that readout control can be performed with ease.

Abstract: When the on-on time between Note 1 and Note 2 is shorter than the double stop judgment time JT, as shown in FIG. 3A, the mode is changed from Unison 1 to Unison 2. When note-on information of Note 1 is inputted at time t1, the parts 1-4 are assigned to Note 1, and simultaneously start sound generation at pitch n1, as shown in FIG. 3B. Next, when note-on information of Note 2 at pitch n2 lower than Note 1 is inputted at time t2, the mode is switched to Unison 2. Part 1 (with the timbre being trumpet) and Part 2 (with the timbre being clarinet) which are higher in the pitch order are assigned to Note 1, and continue generating the musical sound at pitch n1 of Note 1, and Part 3 (with the timbre being alto saxophone) and Part 4 (with the timbre being trombone) which are lower in the pitch order are assigned to Note 2, stop the sound generation at pitch n1, and start sound generation at pitch n2 of Note 2.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for programmatically generating interesting audio file playlists. A playlist generation mechanism may use an N-gram model of audio file ordering patterns found in a collection of human-generated playlists to automatically generate new playlists. Given play histories indicating one or more played audio files as input, statistical methods may be used to look for sequences of audio files that occur a statistically significant number of times in the N-gram model for inclusion in new, interesting playlists that incorporate the human element found in the collection of playlists. In some embodiments, one more backoff probability methods may be used to provide additional candidate audio files for playlists if there is insufficient coverage for an audio file in the N-gram model. In one embodiment, a class-based statistical model incorporating higher-level statistics for the audio files may be used to weight selection of audio file transitions from the N-gram model.

Abstract: A device and method for automatic tuning of a string Instrument, in particular, a guitar, comprising a recording device, for recording a tone generated by striking a string and for the output of a digital signal corresponding to the recorded tone, a memory device for storage of given digital signals which correspond to a desired tone, a comparator device for comparison of the digital signal output by the recording device with a digital signal corresponding to the desired tone stored in the memory device, an adjuster device for altering the tension of the strings, at least one actuator, for operating the adjuster device, a controller connected to the comparator device, which controls the at least one actuator using a bus line, by means of a difference determined in the comparator device between the signals representing the generated tone and the desired tone.

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: Generating a digital waveform for a Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) voice using a set of machine-code instructions that is specialized for the generation of digital waveforms for MIDI voices. For example, a processor may execute a software program that generates a digital waveform for a MIDI voice. The instructions of the software program may be machine code instructions from an instruction set that is specialized for the generation of digital waveforms for MIDI voices.

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 digital music player includes an audio file selector that selects a subsequent audio file to play from a collection of audio files based upon a desired relationship between an audio characteristic of a current audio file and an audio characteristic of the subsequent audio file. The audio selector digitally analyzes the audio files to determine their audio characteristics. A weighting procedure then assigns weights to the audio files in the collection based upon their audio characteristics and their relationship to the audio characteristics of the current audio file. A random selector then pseudo randomly selects the subsequent audio files from a weighted list of the files. The desired relationship can be a specified correspondence between a key or tempo of the current audio file and a key or tempo of the subsequent audio file. The audio selector is preferably implemented through a software macro which is downloaded into an existing digital music player.

Abstract: An audio formatting process identifies a musical score of audio information operable to be rendered by a rendering application. The audio formatting process enumerates aspects of the score such that the aspects are operable to define renderable features of the score. The aspects further define a duration modifiable by the rendering application to a predetermined duration that preserves the tempo of the score. Additionally, the audio formatting process stores the enumerated aspects according to a predetermined syntax operable to indicate to the rendering application the manner of accessing each of the aspects of the score.

Abstract: A method for organizing a wave sample in a memory comprises loading the wave in two parts, each of which is a continuous waveform, wherein a discontinuity is provided between said two parts.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument includes: an input device that inputs a sound generation instruction that instructs to start generating a musical sound and a stop instruction that instructs to stop the musical sound being generated by the sound generation instruction; a sound source that starts generation of a musical sound in response to the sound generation instruction, and stops generation of the musical sound in response to the stop instruction; an on-on time timer device that measures a time difference between a first sound generation instruction inputted by the input device and a second sound generation instruction inputted next to the first sound generation instruction; a gate time timer device that measures a time difference between the second sound generation instruction and a stop instruction that instructs to stop a musical sound generated in response to the second sound generation instruction; an attack characteristic setting device that sets an attack characteristic of the musical sound generate

Abstract: Electronic piano includes speakers arranged on its front side region and another speaker provided at a back position of the piano. Waveform memory provided in a tone generator section has prestored therein sets of four-channel waveform data, each of the sets corresponding to a tone. The four-channel waveform data are data recorded from a natural musical instrument via four microphones installed at sampling positions corresponding to the above-mentioned speakers. The microphones are installed with the on-microphone setting in which the microphones are positioned close to sounding members of the natural musical instrument. In response to depression of a key, any one of the sets of four-channel waveform data, corresponding to a tone pitch designated by the key depression, is read out from the waveform memory, so that the four-channel waveform data are supplied in parallel to the individual speakers.

Abstract: To compose a series of musical tones, a waveform generating device reads out a plurality of time axis segments of waveform data in optional order by compressing or expanding the segments of waveform data in conformance with performance data. With the waveform generating device of the present invention, first performance data are updated in conformance with tempo alterations of second performance data. Based on the updating, a time compression and expansion percentage of each waveform data segment is derived. In those cases where there have been performance tempo alterations, the waveform data can be generated in conformance with the tempo alterations.

Abstract: The present invention provides to generate musical sound data easily for people to enjoy playing. A musical sound generating apparatus 10 comprises a vibration recognizing means 12, a main control device 14, an acoustic device 16 and a display device 18. The vibration recognizing means 12 is a vibration sensor that generates vibration data by people clapping their hands or tapping on something. The vibration data processing unit 20 analyzes a waveform of the vibration data to extract a waveform component. Based on the waveform component, a musical sound data generating unit 22 generates musical sound data. The acoustic device 16 causes a musical sound according to a musical sound signal.

Abstract: A grand piano generates acoustic tones through vibrations of strings and sound board so that the acoustic tones are converted to analog audio signals at recording points over the sound board, and a group of waveform data sets are produced from the analog audio signal through sampling and analog-to-digital conversion; when electronic tones are generated, delay parameters and volume parameters are determined on the basis of differences between the recording points and tone radiating points occupied by loud speakers, the sets of waveform data series are sequentially read out from the group of waveform data sets and are modified with the delay parameters and volume parameters so that the electronic tones become close to the acoustic tones.

Abstract: A grand piano generates acoustic tones through vibrations of strings and sound board so that the acoustic tones are converted to analog audio signals at recording points over the sound board, and a group of waveform data sets are produced from the analog audio signal through sampling and analog-to-digital conversion; when electronic tones are generated, delay parameters and volume parameters are determined on the basis of differences between the recording points and tone radiating points occupied by loud speakers, the sets of waveform data series are sequentially read out from the group of waveform data sets and are modified with the delay parameters and volume parameters so that the electronic tones become close to the acoustic tones.

Abstract: In a storage section, there are stored special connecting waveform data for connecting between at least two notes to be generated in succession. The special connecting waveform data contain only a waveform of a succeeding-note region of a waveform connecting portion which is provided for a continuous transition between the at least two notes and which is divided into a preceding-note region and the succeeding-note region. When a connecting tone is to be generated for connecting between two notes in accordance with acquired performance information, a tone waveform connecting between waveforms of the two notes is generated using the special connecting waveform data. With such arrangements, the waveform data of the succeeding-note region are read out without waveform data of the preceding-note region being read out, so that it is possible to reduce a time required for transition from a preceding note to a succeeding note.

Abstract: Upon activation by a power-on operation, a CPU transfers part of waveform data items of predetermined tone colors from a waveform data storage to a waveform RAM, and after this, transfers data items including the remaining waveform data to be transferred. Thereby, a musical sound generating device assigns the transferred waveform data items to make it playable when the transfer of the part of the waveform data has been completed, and changes the assignment of the waveform data to make it playable in an ordinary state when the transfer of the remaining waveform data has been terminated.

Abstract: A plurality of tone generator devices include respective waveform data memories, and each of the waveform data memories is exclusively usable by the corresponding tone generator device, not sharable with the tone generator device. Once event information indicative of a tone to be generated is received, a selection is made, from among the plurality of tone generator devices, a particular tone generator device to be used for generating the tone corresponding to the event information. The selection can be made by determining, with reference to a table, in which of the memories of the tone generator waveform data to be used are stored. For example, first waveform data corresponding to a first pitch range and second waveform data, differing in waveform characteristic from the first waveform data and corresponding to a second pitch range, are stored in the waveform data memories corresponding to different ones of the tone generator devices.

Abstract: An audio management application includes a recombiner and aggregation rules to manipulate and recombine segments of a musical piece such that the resulting finished composition includes parts (segments) from the decomposed piece, typically a song, adjustable for length by selectively replicating particular parts and combining with other parts such that the finished composition provides a similar audio experience in the predetermined duration. The architecture defines the parts with part variations of independent length, identified as performing a function of starting, middle, (looping) or ending parts. Each of the parts provides a musical segment that is integratable with other parts in a seamless manner that avoids audible artifacts (e.g. “pops” and “crackles”) common with conventional mechanical switching and mixing.

Abstract: Compressed waveform data structure is proposed which is suited for segmentation of a plurality of samples of compressed waveform data into a plurality of frames and subsequent storage of each of the frames. The number of bits per sample of the compressed waveform data is variable between the frames, but uniform, i.e. the same among all of the samples, within each of the frames. Each of the frames has a same data storage size. Each of the frames includes, in a predetermined layout, an auxiliary information area for storing auxiliary information that includes compression-related information to be used for decompressing the compressed waveform data, and a data area for storing a plurality of samples of the compressed waveform data of the frame with each of the samples comprising a same number of bits.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument, which can easily select waveform data assigned to each key or each key range of a keyboard, is provided. When assignment of waveform data to a key range including one or more keys of a keyboard is edited, the assignment state of the waveform data is displayed, and a mode setting operation of an operating unit is allowed in response to display of the assignment state of the waveform data. Waveform selection mode is set in response to operation of the operating unit by the user. When a key of the keyboard is operated in waveform selection mode, waveform data assigned to the operated key is selected, and an assignment state of the selected waveform data is allowed to be editable.

Abstract: [Problems] To provide a system for promoting user-friendly distribution of music composition data while considering the benefit of an author. [Means for Solving Problems] When a user operates a mobile telephone (8) to give a reproduction instruction for reproducing music composition content downloaded, the mobile telephone (8) performs reproduction by converting the music content into waveform music composition data. Here, the mobile telephone (8) generates feature data indicating a feature of the converted waveform music composition data (object feature data). Furthermore, it is judged whether right feature data matched with the object feature data is recorded. If not recorded, the mobile telephone (8) interrupts reproduction. If recorded, the mobile telephone (8) continues reproduction. Thus, only the mobile telephone (8) having the right feature data can reproduce the music composition content.

Abstract: In a synthesizer 10, when a function of a tone generation module 312 provided by an external tone generation server 310 is usable, a tone generator control module 102 assigns a necessary number of sound generation channels among sound generation channels of an internal tone generation unit 17 and sound generation channels of the external tone generation module 312, for sound generation corresponding to MIDI data. When assigning the sound generation channel of the tone generation module 312, the tone generator control module 102 transmits, to the tone generation server 310, the MIDI data with identification information of the assigned sound generation channel, thereby causing the sound generation channel indicated by the identification information in the tone generation module 312 to generate waveform data according to the transmitted MIDI data.

Abstract: A synthesizer 10 is configured such that when a PC 30 is connected thereto, the synthesizer 10 accepts selection of a tone used for sound generation from among a tone included in an internal tone generation unit 16 and a tone included in a tone generation module 312 provided by the external PC 30, and causes the PC 30 to enable the function of the tone generation module 312, downloads an edit operation accepting program corresponding to the tone generation module 312 from a UI control program memory 315 of the PC 30, and executes the downloaded edit operation accepting program to thereby realize a function of editing data of the tone included in the tone generation module 312, the data being stored in the PC 30, when the tone included in the tone generation module 312 of the PC 30 is selected.

Abstract: Music piece data composed of audio waveform data are stored in a memory. Analysis section analyzes the music piece data stored in the memory to determine sudden change points of sound condition in the music piece data. Display device displays individual phoneme component data, obtained by dividing the music piece data at the sudden change points, in a menu format having the phoneme component data arranged therein in order of their complexity. Through user's operation via an operation section, desired phoneme component data is selected from the menu displayed on the display device, and a time-axial position where the selected phoneme component data is to be positioned is designated. New music piece data set is created by each user-selected phoneme component data being positioned at a user-designated time-axial position.

Abstract: An electronic music instrument includes a musical-tone control that generates operation information of keys and a damper pedal to serve as musical-tone control information; a musical-tone generator simultaneously generating a plurality of musical tones according to the musical-tone control information; a resonance-tone generator that includes resonant circuits equal in number to harmonic signals of musical-tone signals that can be generated, for generating a resonance tone with the resonance circuits using a musical tone generated by the musical-tone generator as an input signal to each resonance circuit; and a resonance-tone mixer that multiplies the resonance tone generated by the resonance-tone generator by a predetermined degree according to the musical-tone control information, for adding the product to a musical tone input from the musical-tone generator, and outputting the sum.

Abstract: Rendition style parameters for realizing various release rendition styles and/or attack rendition styles are stored in a memory. Operation-related time lengths are detected which pertain to turning-on and/or turning-off operation of a pedal operator. Any one of the release rendition style parameters is selected from the memory on the basis of the detected operation-related time length, and the release of a tone is controlled with a characteristic of the selected rendition style parameter. Alternatively, any one of the release or attack rendition style parameters is selected from the memory on the basis of a velocity of the turning-on and/or turning-off operation of the pedal operator detected operation-related time length, and the release or attack of a tone is controlled with a characteristic of the selected rendition style parameter.

Abstract: A structure for playing MIDI messages including a main-control element, a buffer memory, a MIDI synthesizer, and a pre-processor is provided. The main-control element receives tone colors and the MIDI messages, and loads at least part of the tone colors to the buffer memory. The main-control element transmits the MIDI messages to the pre-processor. The pre-processor coupled to the main-control element and the buffer memory, is used for analyzing the MIDI messages. In addition, the pre-processor dynamically determines at least part of the tone colors to be saved in the buffer memory based on the capacity of the buffer memory.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for generating one or more predetermined waveforms from one or more contiguous segments of at least one prototype waveform stored in one or more memory tables, the method and system comprising iterations of following sample processing steps: reading at least one sample of the stored prototype waveform at a predetermined address, modifying the sample according to a predetermined logic, and accumulating the modified sample, wherein through a predetermined number of iterations of above steps, a cycle of a new waveform is formed by the accumulated modified samples.

Abstract: There is provided a method of synthesizing a musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) having wave table support. The wave table sample information is modified based on the newly searched loop segment, the interval of the newly searched loop segment, and the fine tune data. Therefore, the size of the wave table can be reduced.

Abstract: The reproduction device comprises a decoding section, a threshold calculating section, and a musical data output section. The threshold calculating section calculates an average amplitude level in a predetermined section of an end portion of first musical data generated by the decoding section, and calculates a threshold for detecting a silent portion of the end portion of the first musical data on the basis of the calculated average amplitude level. The musical data output section removes a silent portion between the first musical data and the second musical data and reproduces them so that a position nearest to the end position of the first musical data at an amplitude level which is the threshold or more is a reproduction ending position and so that a position near the leading position of the second musical data at an amplitude level which is the threshold or more is a reproduction starting position.

Abstract: A plurality of template data files are provided, each designating a structure and conditions of a music piece, and having a plurality of tracks, each track being assigned to a particular instrument group and defining a time progression structure of music to be performed by the assigned instrument group by setting performance sections at time positions to be performed by the assigned instrument group along the time progression of music. A plurality of component data files are provided, each representing a length of musical phrase that constitutes a predetermined tone progression pattern of a predetermined tone color for a performance by a particular instrument group. When conditions such as a tempo for a music piece to be created are given, a template data file that satisfies the given conditions is selected. Then, component data files are picked up according to the conditions designated by the selected template data file and the musical phrases are placed on the tracks in the template data file.

Abstract: A device for synthesizing sound having sinusoidal components includes a selector for selecting a limited number of the sinusoidal components from each of a number of frequency bands using a perceptual relevance value. The device further includes a synthesizer for synthesizing the selected sinusoidal components only. The frequency bands may be ERE based. The perceptual relevance value may involve the amplitude of the respective sinusoidal component, and/or the envelope of the respective channel.

Abstract: A music sound generator imitates released key string vibration sounds (RKSV) and cabinet resonances of an acoustic piano. When a key is pressed, waveform is readout from a normal music sound waveform memory 15. The normal sound waveform is inputted into a filter 21, and inputted into a filter 22 through a band-pass filter 33. Output waveform of a cabinet resonance waveform memory 17 is inputted into a filter 23 when the key is pressed. Outputs of the filters are synthesized by an adder 27 through multipliers 24 through 26. When the key is pressed, a cut-off frequency of the filter 22 is sufficiently low and RKSV is not generated. If the damper is not on when key-releasing, the cut-off frequency is returned to normal and RKSV is generated. A level controller 32 attenuates the RKSV and the cabinet resonance for a longer time than the normal music sound.

Abstract: To compose a series of musical tones, a waveform generating device reads out a plurality of time axis segments of waveform data in optional order by compressing or expanding the segments of waveform data in conformance with performance data. With the waveform generating device of the present invention, first performance data are updated in conformance with tempo alterations of second performance data. Based on the updating, a time compression and expansion percentage of each waveform data segment is derived. In those cases where there have been performance tempo alterations, the waveform data can be generated in conformance with the tempo alterations.

Abstract: Dynamics value is acquired intermittently at predetermined time periods, and a waveform data set for a sustain tone, corresponding to the acquired dynamics value, is specified from among waveform data sets stored in a memory. To generate a tone waveform while switching to the specified waveform, a waveform switching time is used which is modified suitably in accordance with a dynamics value variation amount from a predetermined time earlier than the current dynamics value acquisition time to the current dynamics value acquisition time. Such arrangements not only can variably control a tone, having a tone-color-variation realizing characteristic, in accordance with the input dynamics value but also permits a tone color variation with an enhanced responsiveness without causing the tone color variation to impart a feeing of undesired step-like unsmoothness, thereby synthesizing a tone with a high quality faithfully reproducing a desired tone color variation.

Abstract: In a tone output device 100, an oscillator 102 outputs a clock 141 that is emitted by a crystal resonator. A multiplication circuit 103 outputs a clock 142 that is generated by multiplying the clock 141. A timing control circuit 104 outputs a timing signal 150 generated based on the clock 142 for operations of a CPU 105. The CPU 105 operates in sync with the timing signal 150. The DA converter 115 operates in sync with a signal generated based on the clock 141. The timing adjustment circuit 114 detects deviation of the clock 142 from the clock 141 resulting from frequency jitter of the clock 142, and prevents occurrence of clock racing.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument, which can easily select waveform data assigned to each key or each key range of a keyboard, is provided. When assignment of waveform data to a key range including one or more keys of a keyboard is edited, the assignment state of the waveform data is displayed, and a mode setting operation of an operating unit is allowed in response to display of the assignment state of the waveform data. Waveform selection mode is set in response to operation of the operating unit by the user. When a key of the keyboard is operated in waveform selection mode, waveform data assigned to the operated key is selected, and an assignment state of the selected waveform data is allowed to be editable.

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: A training apparatus for guiding and independently teaching a user to quickly play a guitar by interpreting stored encoded MIDI music data to guide the user's hands by illuminating sequences of desired finger positions on the frets of a guitar to play the music.

Abstract: To compose a series of musical tones, a waveform generating device reads out a plurality of time axis segments of waveform data in optional order by compressing or expanding the segments of waveform data in conformance with performance data. With the waveform generating device of the present invention, first performance data are updated in conformance with tempo alterations of second performance data. Based on the updating, a time compression and expansion percentage of each waveform data segment is derived. In those cases where there have been performance tempo alterations, the waveform data can be generated in conformance with the tempo alterations.

Abstract: A waveform data processing apparatus has a bus that transfers data signals representative of waveform data. A plurality of transmitting nodes transmit the data signals to the bus. A plurality of receiving nodes receive the data signals from the bus. A clock generator generates a word clock signal at each sampling period. A controller is responsive to the word clock signal for conducting a session of transferring the data signals within a sampling period, such that the transmitting nodes sequentially transmit the data signals in an order predetermined by the controller so as to avoid collision of the data signals within the sampling period, and each of the receiving nodes selectively admits a necessary one of the data signals outputted from the transmitting nodes and processes the admitted data signal within the sampling period.

Abstract: With a decimal-fraction address representing a position between two continuous sample values and input from a decimal-fraction address calculation block (5-2) assumed as x, a product-sum block (5-5) calculates the value of x(1?x) as the sum of exclusive logical sums by approximating the value of (1?x) with a value obtained by inverting the values of all the bits representing x. With the use of the thusly obtained value, the waveform sample value (the waveform value) at a waveform position designated by the decimal-fraction address x is calculated, and time-divided DCO outputs are generated by using the calculation result and output to an accumulation block (5-6).

Abstract: To store main information with associated additional information incorporated therein, data constituting the additional information is divided into a plurality of small-size data pieces of, e.g., one bit. Then, the respective values of particular ones of predetermined data units (e.g., bytes) constituting the main information are subjected to arithmetic operations in accordance with a predetermined algorithm containing the value of each of the data pieces as a parameter. In this way, the respective values of the particular data units in the main information are modulated in accordance with the values of the individual data pieces in the additional information; at that time, only some of the data unit values are altered with the others left unaltered. The thus-arithmetically-operated main information is stored into a storage.

Abstract: In a sound waveform synthesizer, a waveform data supplying section reads the waveform data from a storage medium for supplying the waveform data to a waveform buffer in response to a first transfer request. A waveform data processing section retrieves the waveform data from the waveform buffer in response to a second transfer request. The waveform data processing section performs sound waveform synthesis based on the retrieved waveform data and given control parameters, while notifying a state and progress of the sound waveform synthesis to a control data processing section. The control data processing section issues the first transfer request based on the notified progress of the sound waveform synthesis. The control data processing section receives waveform control information from an outside and creates the control parameters based on the waveform control information and the notified state of the sound waveform synthesis.

Abstract: Compressed waveform data structure is proposed which is suited for segmentation of a plurality of samples of compressed waveform data into a plurality of frames and subsequent storage of each of the frames. The number of bits per sample of the compressed waveform data is variable between the frames, but uniform, i.e. the same among all of the samples, within each of the frames. Each of the frames has a same data storage size. Each of the frames includes, in a predetermined layout, an auxiliary information area for storing auxiliary information that includes compression-related information to be used for decompressing the compressed waveform data, and a data area for storing a plurality of samples of the compressed waveform data of the frame with each of the samples comprising a same number of bits.

Abstract: A plurality of key switches are disposed in a predetermined arrangement, such as a matrix arrangement, and a tone generator includes a memory for storing tone (waveform) data corresponding to the key switches. Sampling section acquires an audio signal from an external source, cuts out tone data from the acquired audio signal and writes the cut-out tone data into the memory in association with the key switches. Any one of the key switches is designated on the basis of switch operation by a user or on the basis of automatic performance information, so that, of the tone data stored in the memory, the tone data corresponding to the designated key switch is sounded, i.e. audibly reproduced.

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.