Musical composition information distributing device, its method and recording medium

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to a music information distribution device, and more particularly to a music information distribution device that converts music information and distributes it to an externally connected device via a network.

【0002】

[Conventional technology]

In recent years, when purchasing music information such as MIDI (MUSICAL INSTRUMENT DIGITAL INTERFACE) format data that can be played on electronic musical instruments and computers, and MP3 (MPEG LAYER 3) format data, it is recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM. There is an information distribution system that allows you to download the data from a server for a fee via a network such as the Internet instead of purchasing it at a store.

【0003】

In such an information distribution system, in many cases, only one type of quality music information is prepared for one music. Therefore, for a user who wishes to purchase music information, it may be necessary to pay a high fee to purchase high-quality music information even though low-quality music information is sufficient.

【0004】

Here, the quality of the music information includes not only the sound quality when the music information is played back, but also the amount of information added to the music information. The information added to the music information includes the score data of the music corresponding to the music information, the data for controlling the sound source in the music information, and the like. In this specification, high-quality data is defined as data having a large amount of information added to music information.

【0005】

In addition, music information for mobile phones and music information for electronic musical instruments are often sold separately. Generally, music information for mobile phones and music information for electronic musical instruments are recorded in different file formats, and one device cannot play music information in a file format corresponding to the other device.

【0006】

Therefore, the user needs to recognize and purchase the music information recorded in a file format that can be played by the device owned by the user, and the work of searching for the music information that can be played from a large amount of music information is required. You will need it. It is also necessary to access the homepage that sells music information that can be played on the user device according to the device.

【0007】

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

If you want to sell music information in various file formats with various qualities corresponding to various devices on one homepage, you have to prepare a large number of files for each music, and it is necessary to increase the storage capacity of the server.

【0008】

Furthermore, as the types of music information (quality and file format) handled on one homepage increase, it becomes more difficult to select music information that can be played on the device owned by the user, and the purchase motivation becomes more motivated. There is a risk of reducing it.

【0009】

An object of the present invention is to provide a music information distribution device capable of creating music information corresponding to a plurality of types of qualities and presenting it to a user by converting the content or amount of information of music information prepared in advance. That is.

【0010】

Another object of the present invention is to provide a music information distribution device capable of distributing music information of quality according to the type of user terminal and reception environment at an appropriate charge amount according to quality.

【0011】

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a music information distribution device capable of creating music information in a file format that can be played on a plurality of types of devices by converting a file format of music information prepared in advance. That is.

【0012】

[Means for solving problems]

According to one aspect of the present invention, the music information distribution device is a music information distribution device that distributes music information to an external device connected to the network, and serves as a storage means for storing the first music information. , A receiving means for receiving at least music identification information from an external device connected to the network and a music distribution request including the device identification information, and reading the first music information from the storage means based on the music identification information. The reading means, the format conversion means capable of converting the first music information into the second music information in a file format reproducible by the external device based on the device identification information, and the content of the music distribution request. It has a transmission means for transmitting music information to the external device according to the above.

【0013】

Further, according to another viewpoint of the present invention, the music information distribution device is a music information distribution device that distributes music information to an external device connected on the network, and stores the first music information. Based on the storage means, the receiving means for receiving the music distribution request including at least the music identification information and the music quality information from the external device connected on the network, and the music identification information, the first music from the storage means. A reading means for reading information, a quality conversion means for converting into second music information having different qualities by reducing the amount of information of the first music information based on the music quality information, and the music distribution request. A music information distribution device having a transmission means for transmitting music information to the external device according to the content.

【0014】

Further, according to still another viewpoint of the present invention, the music information distribution device is a music information distribution device that distributes music information to an external device connected on the network, and stores the first music information. From the storage means to receive the music distribution request including at least the music identification information, the device identification information and the music quality information from the external device connected to the network, and the storage means based on the music identification information. A reading means for reading out the first music information, a quality conversion means for converting into second music information having different qualities by reducing the amount of information of the first music information based on the music quality information, and the above. Based on the device identification information, the format conversion means capable of converting the second music information into the third music information in a file format that can be played by the external device, and the music information according to the content of the music distribution request. It has a transmission means for transmitting to an external device.

【0015】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the music information distribution system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Connect a user terminal 4 consisting of an information distribution device (management server) 2, an information communication terminal 4a for wired communication or a mobile communication terminal (mobile information terminal) 4b for wireless communication via a communication network 3 such as the Internet or a communication line. It is composed by

【0016】

The information distribution device 2 is, for example, a world wide web (WWW) server on the Internet composed of a computer PC or the like, and stores a large amount of music information or the like as described later. The information distribution device 2 provides a paid service that distributes the stored music information to the user terminal 4 according to the user's request.

【0017】

The user terminal 4 is composed of an information communication terminal 4a and a mobile information terminal 4b, and can be connected to a communication network 3 such as a LAN (local area network), the Internet, and a telephone line. In addition, it is possible to connect to the management server 2 via the communication network 3 and download desired music information from the management server 2. When the mobile information terminal 4b is used, the wireless communication line 5 is used to connect to the wireless base station 6, and then the management server 2 is connected via the communication network 3.

【0018】

The user terminal 4 serving as a client transmits a command (music request information) requesting download of music information or the like to the management server 2 via the communication network 3. The management server 2 receives the music request information and distributes the requested music information and the like to the user terminal 4 via the communication network 3. When the user terminal 4 receives the music information and the like and stores the music information in the external storage device 16 or the RAM 13 shown in FIG. 2 to be described later, the music information download is completed.

【0019】

When downloading the music information, the management server 2 converts the stored music information file format according to the file format that can be played by the connected user terminal, as will be described in detail later. Further, the content or the amount of information (quality) of the music information can be changed according to the user's wishes.

【0020】

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific hardware configuration of a computer PC constituting the user terminal 4 or the management server 2. Hereinafter, the case where the computer PC is used as the information communication terminal 4a (user terminal 4) will be mainly described.

【0021】

A detection circuit 17, a display circuit 19, a RAM 13, a ROM 12, a CPU 14, an external storage device 16, a communication interface 25, a MIDI interface 23, a timer 15, and a sound source circuit 21 are connected to the bus 11.

【0022】

The user can input the music name, the singer name, and other necessary information to be downloaded by using the operator (input means) 18 connected to the detection circuit 17. The operator 18 may be any device such as a mouse, a keyboard, a keyboard, a joystick, a switch, etc., as long as it can output a signal according to a user's input. Moreover, a plurality of input means may be connected.

【0023】

The display circuit 19 is connected to the display 20 and can display various information on the display 20.

【0024】

The external storage device 16 includes an interface for the external storage device, and is connected to the bus 11 via the interface. The external storage device 16 is, for example, a floppy disk drive (FDD), a hard disk drive (HDD), an optical magnetic disk (MO) drive, a CD-ROM (compact disk-read only memory) drive, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) drive, or the like. is there. The external storage device 16 can store a plurality of music information, a program for realizing the present embodiment, and the like.

【0025】

The RAM 13 has a working area for the CPU 14 that stores music information such as flags, registers or buffers, and MIDI performance data. Various parameters and control programs, programs for realizing this embodiment, and the like can be stored in the ROM 12. In this case, it is not necessary to stack programs and the like and store them in the external storage device 16. The CPU 14 performs calculations or controls according to a control program or the like stored in the ROM 12 or the external storage device 16.

【0026】

The timer 15 is connected to the CPU 14 and the bus 11, and instructs the CPU 14 of the basic clock signal, interrupt processing timing, and the like.

【0027】

Music information and the like are stored in the external recording device 16, RAM 13, or ROM 12. Music information can be input / output to the outside via the communication interface 25.

【0028】

The MIDI interface 23 can be connected to other musical instruments, audio equipment, computers, etc., and can at least transmit and receive MIDI signals. The MIDI interface 23 is not limited to the dedicated MIDI interface, and may be configured by using a general-purpose interface such as RS-232C, USB (universal serial bus), IEEE1394 (itriple e1394). In this case, data other than MIDI messages may be transmitted and received at the same time.

【0029】

The electronic musical instrument 24 is an audio device, a musical instrument, or the like connected to the MIDI interface 23. The form of the electronic musical instrument is not limited to the keyboard instrument, and may be a string instrument type, a wind instrument type, a percussion instrument type, or the like. In addition, the sound source device, automatic performance device, etc. are not limited to those built into one electronic musical instrument body, but each is a separate device, and each device is connected using communication means such as MIDI or various networks. There may be.

【0030】

The sound source circuit 21 generates a musical tone signal according to the supplied MIDI signal and the like, and supplies it to the sound system 22. The sound system 22, including a D / A converter and a speaker, converts a supplied digital musical tone signal into an analog format and pronounces it.

【0031】

The sound source circuit 21 is an analog synthesizer of waveform memory method, FM method, physical model method, harmonic synthesis method, formant synthesis method, VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) + VCF (Voltage Controlled Filter) + VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier). Any method such as a method may be used.

【0032】

Further, the sound source circuit 21 is not limited to the one configured by using dedicated hardware, and may be configured by using a DSP (Degital Signal Processor) + microprogram, or may be configured by a CPU + software program. It can be something like a sound card.

【0033】

Further, a plurality of sound source circuits may be formed by using one sound source circuit in a time-divided manner, or a plurality of sound source circuits may be used, and one sound source circuit may be used for a plurality of sound source circuits. It may be configured.

【0034】

A control program, a program for realizing this embodiment, or the like can be stored in the hard disk (HDD) in the external storage device 16. By reading the control program or the like from the hard disk to the RAM 13, the CPU 14 can perform the same operation as when the control program or the like is stored in the ROM 12. In this way, it is possible to easily add a control program or the like or upgrade the version.

【0035】

Further, the control program or the program for realizing the present embodiment can be stored in the CD-ROM. The control program and the program for realizing this embodiment can be copied from the CD-ROM to the hard disk. New installations and version upgrades of control programs, etc. can be easily performed.

【0036】

The communication interface 25 can be connected to a communication network 3 such as a LAN (local area network), the Internet, or a telephone line, and is connected to a server via the communication network 3, and is connected to an external storage device 16 such as an HDD, RAM 13, etc. Music information, a control program, a program for realizing this embodiment, and the like can be downloaded from the server.

【0037】

When the computer PC is used as a mobile information terminal 4b, the MIDI interface 23 and the external storage device are not always necessary. Further, at this time, the communication interface 25 needs to be able to wirelessly connect to the communication line. For example, the communication interface 25 can be connected to a wireless communication line for a mobile phone. Further, the mobile information terminal 4b is not limited to a mobile phone, and may be any mobile information terminal 4b as long as it can be wirelessly connected to the communication network 3.

【0038】

When the computer PC is used as the management server 2 (information distribution device), the sound source circuit 21 and the like are not always necessary. The hardware configuration is almost the same as that of the user terminal 4. Further, in that case, as shown in FIG. 6A, a plurality of original music data (music information) MOs are stored in the external storage device 16 of the management server 2.

【0039】

The original music data MO is data for playing music, for example, information created and recorded in a file format that can be played by an electronic musical instrument. The original music data MO is the highest quality data having multiple parts. The highest quality data referred to here has playback parts for the maximum number of parts (for example, 128 parts) that can be played by a high-performance music playback device, has detailed pitch changes due to pitch bend information, and has tone number data. There is a timbre change due to (timbre information), and it has score data for displaying detailed scores for all parts. Further, it may have detailed setting of timbre content by parameter setting, detailed tempo change by tempo data, chord progression specification by chord sequence, detailed velocity (volume) change by velocity data, and the like.

【0040】

In this embodiment, music information MDs of various qualities are created by deleting specific information from the original music information MO of the highest quality for this electronic musical instrument. It also converts to a file format that can be played on a mobile phone or the like.

【0041】

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a process performed by the CPU 14 of the management server 2 and the user terminal 4 in the music information distribution system according to the embodiment of the present invention. The left side of the figure is the processing performed by the CPU 14 of the user terminal 4, and the right side is the processing performed by the CPU 14 of the management server 2. The dotted arrow indicates the flow of data and the like exchanged via the communication network 3 (Fig. 1).

【0042】

First, the processing on the user terminal side performed by the CPU 14 of the user terminal 4 on the left side will be described.

【0043】

In step SA1, the processing on the user terminal side is started. Then proceed to the next step SA2.

【0044】

In step SA2, the user inputs the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the management server 2 to connect to the management server 2 via the Internet 3 (communication network 3) and manages the file for displaying the music information purchase homepage. Download from server 2. After downloading the file for displaying the music information purchase homepage, the music information purchase homepage including the music information input screen as shown in Fig. 4 (A) described later is displayed on the display 20 (Fig. 2). Then proceed to the next step SA3.

【0045】

The music information purchase homepage display file is, for example, an HTML format file that can be displayed with a normal Internet browser. The music information input screen as shown in Fig. 4 (A) is displayed to display the music information. The user is urged to purchase the music, and the user is urged to input the music request information RI (Fig. 5) necessary for selecting the music information. The details of the music information input screen shown in FIG. 4 (A) will be described later.

【0046】

In step SA3, the music request information RI input by the user is transmitted to the management server 2 together with the terminal information TI stored in advance in the ROM 12 of the user terminal 4 or the external storage device 16. Then proceed to the next step SA4.

【0047】

The music request information RI and the terminal information TI are grouped together as shown in FIG. The music request information RI includes information for specifying music information such as a music name and a singer name of the music information that the user wants to download. The terminal information TI is stored in advance in the ROM 12 of the user terminal 4 or the external storage device 16, and includes information for identifying the model of the user terminal 4 such as the terminal model name unique to the terminal.

【0048】

The terminal information TI is preferably stored in advance in the ROM 12 of the user terminal 4 or the external storage device 16 as described above, but may be input by the user.

【0049】

The music request information RI is input using the music information input screen of the music information purchase homepage displayed in step SA2.

【0050】

In step SA4, the music-related information transmitted by the management server 2 in step SB9, which will be described later, is received. A list of purchaseable qualities of the music information requested in step SA3 (hereinafter referred to as a quality list) based on the received music-related information is displayed on the display 20. Then proceed to the next step SA5. The list displayed here is, for example, a list as shown in FIG. 4 (B) or FIG. 4 (C) described later.

【0051】

In step SA5, the user is urged to refer to the quality list displayed in step SA4 to determine the music information (purchased item) to be purchased. After the user selects and inputs the purchased item, the purchased item information is sent to the management server 2 and the process proceeds to the next step SA6.

【0052】

In step SA6, a billing information input screen as shown in FIG. 4D, which will be described later, is displayed on the display 20, and the user is urged to input the information necessary for the purchase. When the billing information is entered, that information is sent to the management server 2. Then proceed to the next step SA7.

【0053】

The information required for purchase is at least information including billing information. Further, in the present embodiment, the purchased product is to be downloaded immediately, but the purchased product recorded on a recording medium may be mailed. In that case, you will be asked to enter information related to shipping such as the mailing method of the purchased item and the shipping date when mailing, together with the billing information. Further, one of download and mail may be selected, and both may be selected.

【0054】

The billing information is, for example, the credit card number, the expiration date of the credit card, the name of the credit card, etc. when billing by credit card, and, for example, the address to which the transfer form is sent in the case of bank transfer or postal transfer. Or the email address to send. Further, in the case of billing by electronic money, user information for using electronic money and the like are input as billing information.

【0055】

In step SA7, the purchased music information is downloaded from the management server 2. When the download is complete, proceed to the next step SA8.

【0056】

In step SA8, the processing on the user terminal side is terminated.

【0057】

Next, the processing on the management server side performed by CPU 14 of the management server 2 on the right side of FIG. 3 will be described.

【0058】

In step SB1, processing on the management server side is started. Then proceed to the next step SB2.

【0059】

In step SB2, the music information purchase homepage display file received by the user terminal 4 is transmitted to the Internet 3 (communication network 3) in response to the connection request from the user terminal in step SA2 of the user terminal side processing. .. Then proceed to the next step SB3.

【0060】

In step SB3, in step SA3 of the user terminal side processing, the music request information RI and the terminal information TI transmitted by the user terminal 4 are received, and the original music corresponding to the music information requested by the user based on the music request information RI. Search whether the information MO is stored in the external storage device 16 (Fig. 2). Then proceed to the next step SB4.

【0061】

In step SB4, if the original music information MO requested by the user is stored in the external storage device 16 (FIG. 2) based on the search result of step SB3, the process proceeds to step SB7 indicated by the YES arrow. If the original music information MO requested by the user is not stored in the external storage device 16 (Fig. 2), the process proceeds to the next step SB5 indicated by the arrow of NO.

【0062】

In step SB5, the user terminal 4 is notified via the Internet 3 (communication network 3) that there is no music requested by the user. Then proceed to the next step SB6.

【0063】

In step SB6, the management server processing is reset, the process returns to step SB1, and the management server processing is restarted.

【0064】

In step SB7, the file format and quality of the music information MD that can be played on the user terminal 4 that requested the music are determined by referring to the corresponding table in FIG. 6B and the terminal information TI received in step SB3. Then proceed to the next step SB8.

【0065】

As shown in Fig. 6 (B), the corresponding tables include two types of tables, one for mobile phones and one for electronic musical instruments (provided for each playable device and file format), and refer to the terminal information TI. Decide to use the table corresponding to the user terminal. For example, if the user terminal is a mobile phone (confirmed by the terminal information TI), the corresponding table for the mobile phone is used. Reproducible quality is recorded for each mobile terminal model of "mobile phone AA01", "mobile phone AB01" to "mobile phone ZZ99" on the compatible table for mobile phones. In the figure, "" indicates that the music information of the quality can be reproduced, and "x" indicates that the music information of the quality cannot be reproduced.

【0066】

For example, in the "mobile phone AB01", high-quality music information cannot be reproduced, but medium-quality and low-quality music information can be reproduced. Based on this information, the list DL shown in Fig. 4 (C) is displayed.

【0067】

The file format conversion is determined depending on whether the user terminal device (model) indicated by the terminal information TI belongs (recorded) to the table for mobile phones or electronic musical instruments. For example, if it is recorded on a mobile phone table, it is converted into a file format that can be played on a mobile phone.

【0068】

In this embodiment, the corresponding table is provided for each playable file format. The corresponding table does not necessarily have to be provided for each file format, but in that case, it is necessary to record the reproducible file format for each model.

【0069】

In step SB8, the price for each quality of the music information that can be played on the user terminal 4 that requested the music, which is determined in step SB7, is set. Then proceed to the next step SB9. This price may be set by using a table of prices for each quality, or by setting a standard price and calculating based on it by a predetermined performance method prepared for each quality. You may do it. In this embodiment, the price for each quality is recorded in the conversion table of FIG. 6 (C) described later.

【0070】

In step SB9, music-related information indicating the quality of the music information determined in step SB7 and the price of the music information of each quality set in step SB8, which can be purchased by the user, is transmitted to the user terminal 4 via the Internet 3. , Encourage the purchase of music information. The music-related information transmitted here is information for causing the user terminal 4 to display the quality list screen shown in FIG. 4 (B) or FIG. 4 (C) described later. Then proceed to the next step SB10.

【0071】

In step SB10, in response to the input of the purchase item determination from the user terminal 4 (step SA5), a file for displaying the billing information input screen as shown in FIG. 4 (D) described later is transmitted to the user terminal 4. And prompts you to enter billing information. Then proceed to the next step SB11.

【0072】

In step SB11, the billing information transmitted by the user terminal 4 in step SA6 of the user terminal side processing is received, and the billing process is performed according to the received billing information. Then proceed to the next step SB12.

【0073】

In step SB12, the user terminal refers to the conversion table shown in FIG. 6 (C) based on the information of the purchased item determined in step SA5 of the user terminal side processing from the user terminal 4 received in the above step SB10. The music information of the quality determined in step SA5 of the side processing is generated from the original music information MO stored in the external storage device 16 (Fig. 2). Then proceed to the next step SB13.

【0074】

As shown in FIG. 6C, the conversion table includes two types of tables, one for mobile phones and one for electronic musical instruments, and it is determined to use the table corresponding to the user terminal as well as the corresponding table. For example, in the conversion table for mobile phones, the quality of music such as the number of playback parts, the presence / absence of pitch bend information, the presence / absence of information on tone color, and the presence / absence of score information for each type of high-quality, medium-quality, and low-quality conversion information. Information about and the price for each quality is recorded. In the figure, "" indicates that the information is not deleted, and "x" indicates that the information is deleted.

【0075】

For example, when converting the original music information to medium-quality music information for mobile phones, the number of playback parts is reduced to 2 channels based on the conversion table for mobile phones in Fig. 6 (C), and the original music information is included. The pitch bend information is deleted and the score information is deleted. The information about the timbre remains the original music information. The price is 120 yen.

【0076】

The conversion table is not limited to that for mobile phones and electronic musical instruments, and a table for other devices capable of reproducing musical sounds may be prepared. Further, the price of the music information may be included in the corresponding table shown in FIG. 6 (B), or another table may be prepared.

【0077】

In step SB13, the generated music information is converted into a file format that can be played on the user terminal 4 by referring to the corresponding table shown in FIG. 6 (B). After that, the process proceeds to the next step SB14.

【0078】

In step SB14, the user decides to purchase, generates in step SB12, and converts the music information MD having the quality desired by the user into a file format that can be played on the user terminal 4 in step SB13 via the Internet 3. Send to terminal 4. When the transmission is completed, the process proceeds to the next step SB15.

【0079】

In step SB15, the process on the management server side is reset and the process returns to step SB1.

【0080】

FIG. 4 shows examples of various screen displays for purchasing music information.

【0081】

FIG. 4A is an example of a music information input screen transmitted from the management server 2 to the user terminal 4 in step SB2 of FIG. 3 and displayed on the music information purchase homepage on the display 20 of the user terminal 4. The music information input screen does not necessarily have to be displayed on the music information purchase homepage, and may be displayed in a separate window.

【0082】

On the music information input screen, as shown in Fig. 4 (A), for example, a message MG1 for prompting the user to input the music request information RI such as "Please specify the music" is displayed, and the music name is input. A music name input field 26a for inputting a music name and a singer name input field 26b for inputting a singer name are provided.

【0083】

In addition, a switch SW1 marked "OK" to confirm the input and a switch SW2 marked "CANCEL" to discard the input are provided. These switches SW1 and SW2 are operated by the cursor 38. If the user is required to input the model name or the like, a model name input field may be further provided.

【0084】

The user inputs a song in the song name input field 26a, or at the same time, inputs the singer name in the singer name input field 26b, and then moves the cursor 38 onto the switch SW1 marked "OK". , The music request information RI is transmitted to the management server 2 together with the terminal information TI by clicking with an operator such as a mouse.

【0085】

FIG. 4B is an example of a quality list transmitted from the management server 2 to the user terminal 4 in step SB9 of FIG. 3 and displayed in the music information purchase homepage in steps SA4 and SA5. The case where there are three types of quality that can be purchased of the music information requested in step SA3 is high quality, medium quality, and low quality is shown. In this embodiment, the quality list is displayed on the music information purchase homepage instead of the music information input screen, but it may be displayed in another window.

【0086】

In the quality list, as shown in Fig. 4 (B), a message MG2 is displayed to prompt the user to select the purchased item, for example, "Please specify the purchased item" so that the user can confirm it. , Music name, user terminal name are displayed, and a list DL of purchased items available on the user terminal is displayed.

【0087】

In addition, radio buttons SW3a to SW3c are displayed to the left of each available quality of high quality, medium quality and low quality. In addition, a switch SW1 marked "OK" for confirming the input and a switch SW2 marked "CANCEL" for discarding the input are provided. These switches SW1 and SW2 and SW3a to SW3c are operated by the cursor 38.

【0088】

The user clicks any one of the radio buttons SW3a to SW3c and the switch SW1 marked "OK" with an operator such as a mouse to determine the purchased item.

【0089】

The display example of FIG. 4B is an example when the user terminal has high performance, and in that case, all the information from high quality to low quality is displayed in a list so that it can be purchased. If the user terminal has medium performance, the terminal can handle only medium quality and low quality information. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4C, a list DL without a high quality product name display is displayed. Other display items are common.

【0090】

FIG. 4D is an example of a billing information input screen transmitted from the management server 2 to the user terminal 4 in step SB10 of FIG. 3 and displayed on the music information purchase homepage in step SA6. The billing information input screen does not necessarily have to be displayed on the music information purchase homepage, and may be displayed in a separate window.

【0091】

On the billing information input screen, as shown in Fig. 4 (D), for example, a message MG3 for prompting the user to enter the billing information such as "Please enter the billing information" is displayed, and the billing information is entered. A billing information input field 26c is provided for this purpose. In addition, the music name, quality, and price are displayed for user confirmation. In addition, a switch SW1 marked "OK" to confirm the input and a switch SW2 marked "CANCEL" to discard the input are provided. These switches SW1 and SW2 are operated by the cursor 38.

【0092】

After entering the information required for purchase in the billing information input field 26c, click the switch SW1 marked "OK" with an operator such as a mouse to send the billing information to the management server 2.

【0093】

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic function of the music information distribution system 1 composed of the management server 2, the network 3, and the user terminal 4.

【0094】

The management server 2 includes a music information storage unit 32 that stores at least the original music information MO, a music request receiving unit 33 that receives music request information from the user terminal 4, a billing processing unit 34 that charges the user, and a music information MD. It has a transmission unit 35 that transmits the original music information MO to the user terminal 4 via the network 3, and a music information conversion unit 36 that converts the original music information MO into the music information MD according to the user's request or the model of the user terminal 4. ..

【0095】

The user terminal 4 is an input unit 26 for inputting at least user requests, instructions, and various information for downloading music information MD, and terminal information for the management server 2 to recognize the model of the user terminal 4. Terminal information storage unit 27 for storing information, music request unit 28 for transmitting music request information RI and terminal information TI, purchase setting unit 29 for transmitting and receiving information necessary for billing processing, management server 2 via network 3. It has a receiving unit 30 for receiving the music information MD, and a music information storage unit 31 for storing the music information MD received by the receiving unit 30.

【0096】

The user inputs the music request information RI into the input unit 26 of the user terminal 4. The music request information RI input to the input unit 26 is sent to the music request unit 28. The music request unit 28 reads the terminal-specific terminal information TI stored in advance from the terminal information storage unit 27, and transmits the input music request information RI together with the input music request information RI to the management server 2 via the network 3.

【0097】

On the management server 2 side, the music request receiving unit 33 receives the transmitted music request information RI and terminal information TI. The music request receiving unit 33 searches based on the music request information RI whether or not the original music information MO corresponding to the music request information RI is stored in the music storage unit 32. If the original music information MO corresponding to the music request information RI is not stored, the user terminal 4 is notified to that effect.

【0098】

If the original music information MO corresponding to the music request information RI is stored, the music request receiving unit 33 refers to the terminal information TI and the corresponding table in FIG. 6 (B), and the quality that can be reproduced on the user terminal 4. The music information that can be played on the user terminal 4 and its price are determined by referring to the price for each quality recorded in the conversion table or the like in FIG. 6 (C). The determined quality and price are sent to the billing processing department.

【0099】

The billing processing unit 34 transmits a list DL (FIG. 4 (C)) of the quality and price of the music information to the user terminal 4 based on the instruction and information from the music request receiving unit 33, and asks the user to purchase the music information. prompt.

【0100】

The purchase setting unit of the user terminal 4 receives the list DL of the quality and price of the music information and displays it on the display 20 (FIG. 2). The user refers to the list DL and selects the purchased item by operating the input unit 26. The input unit 26 transmits the purchased item selected by the user to the purchase setting unit 29. The purchase setting unit 29 transmits the quality of the music information to be purchased to the billing processing unit 34 via the network 3.

【0101】

When the billing processing unit 34 receives the quality of the music information to be purchased from the purchase setting unit 29, the billing processing unit 34 urges the purchase setting unit 29 to transmit the billing information, and also causes the music information conversion unit 36 to transmit the music information. Instruct to prepare MD. At this time, information on the original music information MO to be converted, the file format of the music information MD to be converted, the quality, and the like are also transmitted to the music information conversion unit 36.

【0102】

The music information conversion unit 36 reads the original music information MO from the music information storage unit 32 based on the instruction of the billing processing unit 34. The read original music information MO is converted based on the conversion table shown in FIG. 6 (C) to have the quality required by the user, and can be played back on the user terminal 4 in the corresponding table shown in FIG. 6 (B) (adapted to the user terminal environment). ) It becomes the music information MD of the file format. The music information MD converted by the music information conversion unit 36 is sent to the transmission unit 35.

【0103】

A music information selection unit may be provided instead of the music information conversion unit 33. The music information selection unit selects and reads the requested music and the music information that can be played on the user terminal from the music information storage unit 32. In this case, the music information storage unit 32 stores music information corresponding to a plurality of types of qualities, which can be reproduced by a plurality of types of user terminals for each of the plurality of music.

【0104】

The purchase setting unit 29, which is requested by the billing processing unit 34 to transmit the billing information, prompts the user to input the billing information, and the user inputs the billing information by the input unit 26. The input billing information is transmitted to the billing processing unit 34 via the network 3.

【0105】

The billing processing unit 34 performs processing necessary for billing based on the received billing information, and instructs the transmitting unit 35 to transmit the music information MD to the user terminal 4.

【0106】

Upon receiving the instruction from the billing processing unit 34, the transmitting unit 35 transmits the music information MD to the user terminal 4 via the network 3.

【0107】

The receiving unit 30 on the user terminal 4 side receives the music information MD and sequentially stores the music information MD in the music information storage unit 31.

【0108】

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, music information recorded based on one file format is converted into a file format (for example, for electronic musical instruments, for mobile phones) that can be played by various devices. It can be delivered.

【0109】

Further, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the corresponding music information can be easily purchased regardless of whether the device owned by the user is an electronic musical instrument or a mobile phone.

【0110】

Further, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the music information can be converted into various qualities (music information having various data amounts) and distributed.

【0111】

Further, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the user can purchase music data of desired quality at an appropriate price.

【0112】

In the embodiment, the user selects one of the types of quality data prepared in advance, but the user may freely select the details of the quality change. For example, the details of the conversion contents can be determined within the range that can be supported (played) by the user terminal, such as eliminating the tone color change data but leaving the pitch bend and volume. Charge only the amount according to the setting contents.

【0113】

In this way, the user can easily obtain the music information of the quality desired by the user.

【0114】

In the embodiment, the quality of the music information is converted depending on the presence or absence of the information, but the music information can also be converted by converting the information content.

【0115】

FIG. 8 is an example of a conversion table for an electronic musical instrument when converting information contents. As shown in the figure, the details of the information content are recorded in the table for each quality of the conversion information.

【0116】

For example, when converting the original music information MO to medium-quality music information MD, although the resolution of the sounding timing is limited, it is converted to data with a glue, and in the case of low quality, it is quantized to eliminate the glue. Convert to the data.

【0117】

Also, regarding the length of the song, when converting to medium quality music information MD, the intro, interlude, and ending parts are shortened, and when the quality is low, it is shortened to only one chorus or chorus part of the song. To do.

【0118】

In this way, as the quality decreases, the amount of data is reduced. That is, since the amount of low-quality data is smaller than that of high-quality data, the time required for downloading can be saved.

【0119】

Further, in the embodiment, the quality and price of the music information are set to three, but any number of types may be prepared as long as the price suitable for each quality is set. For example, it is possible to set the quality type more finely instead of three, and set the price more finely correspondingly.

【0120】

Further, in the embodiment, the original music information MO was prepared with the highest quality, and the amount of data was reduced to convert the quality. However, low quality or medium quality data was prepared as the original music information MO. High quality information may be created by improving the quality by adding some information to this. In this way, the capacity of the external storage device of the management server 2 can be saved.

【0121】

Further, a listening function may be provided so that the user can audition the music information of each quality before purchasing the music information. By doing so, the user can confirm the content and quality of the music information that he / she needs, so that it becomes easier to select an appropriate quality.

【0122】

In this case, steps SB12 and SB13 in FIG. 3 may be performed between steps SB9 and SB10 to convert the quality and / or format required for auditioning so that the user can audition. Further, for viewing, it is not necessary to convert all of the music information, and only a part of the music information may be converted.

【0123】

Further, in the embodiment, a computer or a mobile information terminal is shown as a user terminal (information communication terminal), but any device may be used as long as it has a function of downloading music information, an automatic performance, and a display. .. For example, it may be applied to an electronic musical instrument having a keyboard, a mobile phone having a sound source, a karaoke device, a game device, or a player piano. When taking the form of an electronic musical instrument, the form is not limited to a keyboard instrument, and may be a stringed instrument type, a wind instrument type, a percussion instrument type, or the like. In addition, the sound source device, automatic performance device, etc. are not limited to those built into one electronic musical instrument body, but each is a separate device, and each device is connected using communication means such as MIDI or various networks. There may be.

【0124】

Further, this embodiment may be carried out by a commercially available general-purpose computer or a computer or the like in which a computer program or the like corresponding to the present embodiment is installed.

【0125】

In that case, the computer program or the like corresponding to this embodiment may be provided to the user in a state of being stored in a storage medium that can be read by a computer such as a CD-ROM or a floppy (registered trademark) disk. Good.

【0126】

When the general-purpose computer or computer is connected to a communication network such as a LAN, the Internet, or a telephone line, the computer program or various data may be provided to the general-purpose computer or computer via the communication network. Good.

【0127】

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to Examples, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes, improvements, combinations, etc. are possible.

【0128】

[Effect of the invention]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to create music information corresponding to a plurality of types of qualities and present it to the user by converting the contents of the music information prepared in advance.

【0129】

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to distribute music information of quality according to the type of user terminal and reception environment at an appropriate charge amount according to quality.

【0130】

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to create music information in a file format that can be played by a plurality of types of devices by converting a file format of music information prepared in advance.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the structure of the music information distribution system 1 by the Example of this invention.

[Figure 2]

It is a block diagram which shows the specific hardware configuration of the computer PC which constitutes the user terminal 4 or the management server 2.

[Fig. 3]

It is a flowchart which shows the process performed by the CPU 14 of the management server 2 and the user terminal 4 in the music information distribution system according to the embodiment of this invention.

[Fig. 4]

This is an example of various screen displays for purchasing music information.

[Fig. 5]

It is a diagram showing request information and terminal information.

[Fig. 6]

It is a diagram which shows the example of music data, correspondence table and conversion table.

[Fig. 7]

It is a block diagram which shows the schematic function of the music information distribution system 1 which consists of a management server 2, a network 3, and a user terminal 4.

[Fig. 8]

It is a diagram showing an example of a conversion table.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... information distribution system, 2 ... information distribution device, 3 ... communication network, 5 ... information communication terminal, 6 ... wireless receiver, 11 ... bus, 12 ... ROM , 13 ... RAM, 14 ... CPU, 15 ... Timer, 16 ... External storage, 17 ... Detection circuit, 18 ... Operator, 19 ... Display circuit, 20. .. Display, 21 ... Sound circuit, 22 ... Sound system, 23 ... MIDI interface, 24 ... Electronic instrument, 25 ... Communication interface, 26 ... Input section, 27 ... Terminal information storage unit, 28 ... music request unit, 29 ... purchase setting unit, 30 ... receiver unit, 31,32 ... music information storage unit, 33 ... music request reception unit, 34. .. Billing processing unit, 35 ... transmission unit, 36 ... music information conversion unit, 38 ... cursor