JP4815494B2 - Time limit notification device, time limit notification method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a time limit notification apparatus, a time limit notification method, and a program for realizing these on a computer, which are suitable for notifying a user that the time limit is reached while reproducing audio data such as music.

  Conventionally, music players that output audio data such as music have been widely used. Some of these music players function as a simple computer, or have a real-time clock and an alarm function. Some music players can play back favorite music as the sound of an alarm clock.

  On the other hand, various technologies for reproducing audio data such as music have been proposed. Patent Document 1 listed later discloses a technology for interlocking audio pitches when changing the audio reproduction speed. Document 2 discloses a technique for keeping the voice pitch constant when the voice playback speed is changed.

JP-A-6-167999 Japanese Patent No. 2532731

  Here, there is a great demand not only to use the alarm function of the music player as an alarm clock but also to inform the user that the desired time will be reached while providing music to the user.

  At this time, even when the time limit is reached, there is a demand for maintaining the user's satisfaction by preventing the music from being interrupted in the middle of the music.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-described problems, and provides a time limit notification device, a time limit notification method, and a computer that are suitable for notifying a user that the time limit is reached while reproducing audio data such as music. The purpose is to provide a program that can be realized by.

  In order to achieve the above object, the following invention is disclosed in accordance with the principle of the present invention.

  The time limit notification device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a time limit setting unit, a sound reproduction unit, and a sound control unit, and is configured as follows.

  That is, the time limit setting unit causes the user to set a time limit.

  This time notification device warns the user when the current time reaches the time limit. For specifying the time limit, an absolute time may be used like an alarm clock, or an elapsed time from the current time may be designated like a kitchen timer.

  On the other hand, the audio reproduction unit reproduces one or a plurality of audio data in a predetermined order until the current time reaches the set time limit.

  In other words, the time limit notification device has a function as a music player, and plays back the songs included in the playlist in that order.

  When the interval from the time when playback of the playlist is started to the time limit is shorter than the time required to play back the entire playlist, the playlist is played back only once, and the user When repeat playback is selected or when it is desired to enter a music playback state when the power is turned on, the current playlist is repeatedly played back.

  In addition, the “predetermined order” of reproduction is typically the order set in the playlist as it is, but a technique such as randomly selecting and playing music included in the playlist is adopted. May be.

  Furthermore, when the current time reaches a time earlier than the time limit by a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as “grace time”), the audio control unit has not yet reproduced the audio data currently reproduced by the audio reproduction unit. The reproduction speed of the audio data in the audio reproduction unit is changed so that the reproduction of the non-existing portion (hereinafter referred to as “residual portion”) is completed at the time limit.

  In the alarm clock or kitchen timer, when the time limit is reached, a warning sound is emitted to notify the user, but the time limit notification device of the present invention is a music player, and when the warning sound is superimposed on the music, There is a risk of discomfort to the user.

  Therefore, in the present invention, by changing the playback speed of the music to several times, it is notified that the time will be reached in a short time, and when the time reaches the time, the playback of the music is just finished, The user is notified of the moment when the time is reached.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to notify the user that the time limit is reached while reproducing audio data such as music.

  Further, in the time limit notification device according to the present invention, the audio reproduction unit is configured to reproduce the audio data at the same pitch as before the reproduction speed is changed even if the reproduction speed is changed by the audio control unit. Can do.

  As described above, the time limit notification device of the present invention also functions as a music player. Therefore, even if the playback speed becomes many times faster, the pitch is adjusted in conjunction with it, even if the playback speed changes from the original song, the level of the reproduced sound is the same as the original song . As the pitch adjustment technique, those disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 can be applied.

  According to the present invention, when audio data is reproduced, even if the reproduction speed changes, the same pitch as the original audio data is maintained, so that the listening user does not feel uncomfortable at the time limit. You can let them know you ’re reaching.

  In the time limit notification device according to the present invention, the audio control unit gradually increases the reproduction speed when the time required for reproducing the remaining portion (hereinafter referred to as “original reproduction time”) is longer than the grace period. When the time is shorter than the time, the reproduction speed can be gradually decreased.

  In the simplest case, the ratio of the original reproduction time to the grace time may be obtained and the obtained ratio may be adopted as the double speed value. However, in the present invention, if the ratio is larger than 1, the reproduction speed is gradually increased, If the ratio is smaller than 1, the playback speed is gradually decreased.

  Here, when the value of the double speed of the playback speed at a certain time is v (t), if the integrated value of v (t) within the grace time is made equal to the original playback time, the audio will be heard at the end of the grace time. Data reproduction is just completed.

  According to the present invention, not only the playback speed changes before the grace time of the time limit, but also the playback speed changes with the passage of time until the time of the time lapse thereafter. It becomes easy to notice that is approaching.

In the time limit notification device according to the present invention, when the reproduction of each of the one or more pieces of audio data is completed, the sound reproduction unit includes a time P required to reproduce the sound data among the one or more pieces of sound data. The time R from the current time to the set time limit, the grace time S, and the predetermined positive constants A and B that satisfy (A-1) (B-1)> 0, The grace time S is a predetermined constant,
R + (A-1) S ≤ P ≤ R + (B-1) S
If there is audio data that satisfies the above, the reproduction of the audio data can be started instead of the reproduction of the audio data to be reproduced next.

  According to the present invention, at the moment when the reproduction of each piece of music is to be started, the reproduction of the piece of music is prevented from occurring as much as possible at the time limit. The conditional expression is for reproducing the music just at the time limit when it is played back at the A time or B speed within the grace period, and both A and B are less than 1 or both are 1 Configured to be larger.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to avoid the coincidence between the time RP required to reproduce the remaining portion of the music and the grace time S as much as possible, so in most cases, the speed of the music changes as the time limit approaches. To be able to set.

  In the time limit notification device of the present invention, the constant A can be configured to be 1.1 or more and the constant B can be 1.5 or less.

  In order to make the user know that the time is approaching, it may be desirable to produce “busy”. The condition according to the present invention produces this “busyness”.

  According to the present invention, when the time limit approaches, the music playback speed increases, so that the user's psychology can be motivated to start preparation.

In the time limit notification device of the present invention, the sound control unit includes a time P required for playing back the sound data to be played back, a time R from the current time to the set time limit, and greater than a predetermined one. For the constant A,
(PR) / (A-1) ≤ R <P
Is established, the grace period S is
S = (PR) / (A-1)
The average magnification of the playback speed of the remaining part is A times,
R <P and R <(PR) / (A-1)
Is established, the grace period S is
S = R
The average magnification of the reproduction speed of the remaining part can be configured to be P / R times.

  In the above invention, the grace time S is a constant, but in the present invention, the grace time S is changed with the average magnification of the reproduction speed as a constant.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to avoid the coincidence between the time RP required to reproduce the remaining portion of the music and the grace time S as much as possible, so in most cases, the speed of the music changes as the time limit approaches. To be able to set.

  In the time limit notification device of the present invention, the constant A can be configured to be 1.1 or more and 1.5 or less.

  In order to make the user know that the time is approaching, it may be desirable to produce “busy”. The condition according to the present invention produces this “busyness”.

  According to the present invention, when the time limit approaches, the music playback speed increases, so that the user's psychology can be motivated to start preparation.

  Further, in the time limit notification device of the present invention, the voice control unit may replace the above configuration, or in addition to the above configuration, after the current time reaches a time earlier than the time limit by the grace time, the current time is the time limit. From this point, it is possible to configure so that the reproduction volume of the audio data in the audio reproduction unit is gradually reduced.

  That is, when the time limit approaches, the audio output is faded out. Typically, when the time reaches the time limit, the playback volume of the audio data is set to zero, and the time limit is notified by making the sound inaudible. .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to notify the user that the time limit has arrived by changing the volume at which music is played.

  In the time notification device according to the present invention, the sound reproduction unit can be configured to reproduce a predetermined warning sound when the current time reaches the time limit.

  As described above, the reproduction of the audio data is completed at the time point when the time limit is reached. Therefore, it further emphasizes that the time limit has been reached by further issuing a predetermined warning sound.

  According to the present invention, it is more clearly notified to the user that the time limit has been reached, and a warning sound is not interrupted during the reproduction of audio data, so that the user's satisfaction can be increased.

  The time limit notification method according to another aspect of the present invention is executed by a time limit notification device having a time limit setting unit, a sound reproduction unit, and a sound control unit, and includes a time limit setting step, a sound reproduction step, and a sound control step. Configure.

  That is, in the time limit setting process, the time limit setting unit causes the user to set a time limit.

  On the other hand, in the audio reproduction process, the audio reproduction unit repeatedly reproduces one or a plurality of audio data in a predetermined order until the current time reaches the set time limit.

  Furthermore, in the voice control step, when the voice control unit reaches a time earlier than the time limit by a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as “grace time”), the voice control unit The reproduction speed of the audio data in the audio reproduction unit is changed so that the reproduction of the part that has not been reproduced yet (hereinafter referred to as “residual part”) is completed at the time limit.

  A program according to another aspect of the present invention is configured to cause a computer to function as a time limit notification device.

  The program of the present invention can be recorded on a computer-readable information storage medium such as a compact disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, digital video disk, magnetic tape, and semiconductor memory.

  The above program can be distributed and sold via a computer communication network independently of the computer on which the program is executed. The information storage medium can be distributed and sold independently from the computer.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a time limit notification device, a time limit notification method, and a program for realizing these on a computer, which are suitable for notifying a user that the time limit is reached while reproducing audio data such as music. Can do.

It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of a typical information processing apparatus. It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of the time limit notification apparatus which concerns on one of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control flow of the time limit notification process which the time limit notification apparatus which concerns on this embodiment performs. It is a graph which shows the mode of the reproduction | regeneration speed by which audio | voice data are reproduced | regenerated until it reaches a time limit. It is a graph which shows the mode of the reproduction | regeneration speed by which audio | voice data are reproduced | regenerated until it reaches a time limit. It is a graph which shows the mode of the reproduction | regeneration speed by which audio | voice data are reproduced | regenerated until it reaches a time limit. It is a graph which shows the mode of the reproduction | regeneration volume by which audio | voice data are reproduced | regenerated until it reaches a time limit.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In the following, for ease of understanding, an embodiment in which the present invention is realized using a game information processing device will be described. However, the embodiment described below is for explanation, and the present invention is described. It does not limit the range.

  Therefore, those skilled in the art can employ embodiments in which each or all of these elements are replaced with equivalent ones, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a typical information processing apparatus that can function as the time limit notification apparatus according to the present embodiment by executing a program. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  An information processing apparatus 101 shown in the figure is a portable multimedia terminal, and includes a central processing unit (CPU) 102, a random access memory (RAM) 103, a read only memory (ROM) 104, an input device 105, and an image processing unit. 106, a liquid crystal display 107, an audio processing unit 108, headphones 109, a cassette reader 110, a ROM cassette 111, an external memory 112, an RTC (Real Time Clock) 113, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) interface 114, and a camera 115.

  Here, the CPU 102 controls each unit of the information processing apparatus 101 and performs various arithmetic processes and determination processes.

  When the information processing apparatus 101 is turned on, the CPU 102 executes an IPL (Initial Program Loader) recorded in the ROM 104, and the ROM cassette 111 connected via the cassette reader 110 in the course of the processing. The process is transferred to the program recorded in

  The game program and multimedia information reproduction program executed by the information processing apparatus 101 are generally provided by the ROM cassette 111, but can be prepared in the ROM 104 in advance.

  Further, a program group called BIOS (Basic Input Output System) is prepared in the ROM 104, and the input device 105, the image processing unit 106, and the audio processing unit 108 can be controlled.

  The RAM 103 is an area for storing temporary information, and the external memory 112 is an area for storing nonvolatile information. As the external memory 112, a hard disk or the like that is mainly built in the information processing apparatus 101, or various memory cards or the like that are inserted into or removed from the information processing apparatus 101 may be used.

  The input device 105 is generally realized by various buttons, a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, or the like, but a touch screen formed integrally with the liquid crystal display 107 can also be used as the input device 105. .

  The image processing unit 106 displays various character information and image information on the liquid crystal display 107 under the control of the CPU 102. In general, the image processing unit 106 has a vertical synchronization interrupt period (typically 1/30 second). And the pixel information stored in the frame buffer prepared in the RAM 103 is reflected on each pixel of the liquid crystal display 107 every time.

  In general, an instruction input from the user is performed by moving the cursor displayed on the liquid crystal display 107 by operating the move button of the input device 105, moving the cursor to a desired menu item, and selecting the menu item by operating the enter button. The cursor is not necessary when using a touch screen. Further, when the function assigned to each button of the input device 105 is determined in advance, the display on the liquid crystal display 107 is not necessarily required.

  The audio processing unit 108 outputs audio data prepared in the RAM 103, the ROM 104, the ROM cassette 111, and the external memory 112 to the headphones 109. As audio data, it is possible to use PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) data obtained by digitizing audio waveform data, MP3 (MPeg audio layer-3) data obtained by compressing PCM data to reduce the size, and the like. In addition, data such as MIDI (Music Instruction Data Interface) data that defines the pitch, tone length, volume, and timbre type is prepared, and the sound source waveform data prepared in advance is selected and transformed accordingly. It is also possible to adopt a method for reproducing the image.

  The RTC 113 measures the current date and time, and generally adjusts the time when the information processing apparatus 101 is used for the first time. The RTC 113 is connected to an NTP (Network Time Protocol) server via the wireless LAN interface 114. It is also possible to adopt a mode in which the time is automatically adjusted by connecting.

  There is also an RTC 113 having a function for generating an alarm interrupt. When the set time comes, an alarm interrupt occurs, and the CPU 102 temporarily suspends the currently executing program, executes a preset interrupt handler, and then resumes the interrupted program.

  The wireless LAN interface 114 is connected to the Internet via a wireless LAN access point prepared at home, company, or street corner, and establishes a communication path ad hoc with another information processing apparatus 101 disposed in the vicinity. It is possible to communicate one-on-one.

  The camera 115 realizes the function of a digital camera by the information processing apparatus 101, and a technique such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor can be applied. The captured image is temporarily expanded in the RAM 103 and then stored in the external memory 112 or the like.

  In addition, the time notification device of the present invention is realized for business computers, mobile phones, PDAs (Personal Data Assistant), portable game devices, multi-function television devices, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) players, portable music players, and the like. It can also be employed as an information processing apparatus.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the time limit notification device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  This time notification device 201 warns the user when the current time reaches the time limit, but also functions as a music player capable of reproducing a plurality of music pieces by a playlist.

  The time limit notification device 201 according to the present embodiment includes a time limit setting unit 202, a sound reproduction unit 203, and a sound control unit 204.

  The time limit setting unit 202 allows the user to set a time limit. Typically, the CPU 102 acquires the current time from the RTC 113, controls the image processing unit 106 to display the current time on the liquid crystal display 107, and accepts a user instruction operation via the input device 105. Realized.

  To specify the time limit, an absolute time (for example, “10:05”) may be used like an alarm clock, or an elapsed time (for example, a kitchen timer) It may be specified by specifying “45 minutes later”.

  On the other hand, the audio reproducing unit 203 repeatedly reproduces one or a plurality of audio data in a predetermined order until the current time reaches the set time limit.

  Typically, the playback order of the sound data of the music prepared in the external memory 112 is determined as a playlist, and is repeated in that order. The sound processing unit 108 acquires the sound data and outputs the waveform signal to the headphones 109.

  When the interval from the time when playback of the playlist is started to the time limit is shorter than the time required to play back the entire playlist, the playlist is played back only once, and the user When repeat playback is selected or when it is desired to enter the music playback state when the power is turned on, the current playlist is repeatedly played back.

  In addition, the “predetermined order” of reproduction is typically the order set in the playlist as it is, but a technique such as randomly selecting and playing music included in the playlist is adopted. May be.

  In addition, the CPU 102 displays music information stored in the external memory 112 on the liquid crystal display 107 via the image processing unit 106, and any one or more of them are displayed on the user via the input device 105. It is typical to set a playlist by letting the user select. A playlist is also stored in the external memory 112.

  Furthermore, when the current time reaches a time earlier than the time limit by a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as “grace time S”), the voice control unit 204 is still out of the voice data currently played by the voice playback unit 203. The reproduction speed of the audio data in the audio reproduction unit 203 is changed so that the reproduction of the portion that has not been reproduced (hereinafter referred to as “residual portion”) is completed at the time limit.

  For example, when the time limit is set to 10:05 and the grace time S is set to 30 seconds, when the current time is 10:04:30, the CPU 102 causes the voice processing unit 108 to To change the playback speed of the currently playing music.

  For example, in order to complete the reproduction of the remaining part at the time limit, when the normal reproduction of the remaining part takes 60 seconds, it is reproduced at an average double speed, and when it takes 15 seconds, it is 0.5. Playing back at double speed is sufficient.

  Typically, the audio reproduction unit 203 reproduces the audio data at the same pitch as before the reproduction speed is changed even if the reproduction speed is changed by the audio control unit 204.

  That is, at the time of double speed reproduction, it is preferable to use the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 so that the pitch of the audio does not change from that in the case of normal reproduction.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the time limit approaches, the music playback speed is changed to notify the user, and when the time limit is reached, the music playback is completed. Tell the user.

  In this embodiment, a warning sound used in an alarm clock or a kitchen timer is not necessary. Therefore, the user who is listening to music is less likely to feel uncomfortable by being disturbed. In addition, because the user concentrates on listening to music, the warning sound is not missed.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a control flow of the time limit notification process executed by the time limit notification device 201 according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  When the time limit notification process is started, first, the time limit setting unit 202 of the time limit notification device 201 causes the user to set a time limit (step S301).

  Next, the audio reproduction unit 203 of the time limit notification device 201 causes the user to set a playlist (step S302).

  And the audio | voice reproduction | regeneration part 203 acquires one audio | voice data which should be reproduced | regenerated from a play list (step S303). Here, P is a reproduction time length necessary for reproducing the entire audio data at a normal speed.

  Then, the voice control unit 204 acquires the current time (step S304), and calculates the time difference R between the time limit and the current time (step S305).

  Note that the order in which the audio data is acquired normally follows the order in which the audio data is arranged in the playlist, but as will be described later, a method of appropriately changing according to the difference R between the time limit and the current time may be employed.

  Then, it is determined whether or not R <P (step S306). If R <P is not satisfied (step S306; No), the audio reproduction unit 203 starts reproduction of the audio data (step S307), and waits until the time R has elapsed (step S308).

  During the standby time of step S308, in addition to the parallel processing of audio data reproduction performed by the audio processing unit 108, other processes such as the current time, the performance time of the music, and the remaining time until the time limit are displayed on the screen. Various processes such as displaying time and the like can be executed.

  When the time R elapses, the reproduction of the audio data is completed at the normal speed, so the process returns to step S303 to process the next song.

  On the other hand, if R <P (step S306; Yes), the grace period S is acquired (step S309), the audio reproduction unit 203 is started to reproduce the audio data (step S310), and the time from the start of reproduction is obtained. Wait until (RS) has elapsed (step S311).

  As will be described later, the grace period S acquired here is a length of time during which reproduction is performed at a different speed in order to complete reproduction of audio data at the time limit. As the grace time S, for example, a constant such as 10 seconds or 30 seconds is typically adopted. As will be described later, there may be a method of appropriately adjusting the grace period S.

  During the standby time of step S311, the audio data is reproduced in parallel. For example, when playing back audio data with a performance time R = 3 minutes 23 seconds, if the grace time S = 30 seconds is adopted, the reproduction of the audio data is started in step S310, and the time (RS) = Until 2 minutes and 53 seconds have elapsed, the process waits in step S311. During this time (R-S) = 2 minutes 53 seconds, the reproduction of the audio data is continued by the parallel processing.

  In addition, during the standby time of step S311, various processes can be executed in parallel as in step S308.

  When the time (R-S) has elapsed, the voice control unit 204 acquires a difference D obtained by subtracting the current time from the time limit, that is, the remaining time until the time limit (step S312).

  If D> 0 (step S313; Yes), the playback speed and / or playback volume by the audio playback unit 203 is set (step S314), and an appropriate minute time is waited (step S315). Return to S312. The adjustment of the playback speed and playback volume will be described later.

  On the other hand, if D ≦ 0, that is, if the current time is after the time limit (step S313; No), the reproduction of the audio data is completed or the reproduction volume of the audio data is zero. The reproducing unit 203 reproduces a predetermined warning sound (step S316) and ends this process. This warning sound corresponds to an alarm sound in an alarm clock or kitchen timer, and the volume adjustment performed in step S314 is invalidated, and the warning sound is emitted after returning to the original volume.

  FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, and FIG. 4C are graphs showing the state of the reproduction speed at which the audio data is reproduced until the time limit is reached. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  In this figure, the horizontal axis represents time t after the start of the reproduction of the audio data, and the vertical axis represents the multiple speed and the double speed reproduction. Also shown is the D-axis opposite to the horizontal axis t. This indicates the remaining time D acquired in step S312.

  In addition, the case of R <P is illustrated in accordance with the above embodiment.

  At the beginning of playback, playback is performed at 1 × speed. However, when time (R-S) elapses after playback is started, the playback speed increases.

  This is because between the elapsed time (RS) and the elapsed time R, by playing the original playback time (P-R + S) required to play the remaining part of the audio data at normal speed, This is to complete the reproduction of all audio data. If the original playback time (P-R + S) is divided by the actual playback time S, it can be determined how many times the average playback speed should be achieved.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4A, playback is performed at a constant [(PR) / S + 1] double speed between the elapsed time (RS) and the elapsed time R, and the playback speed is suddenly near the time limit. It will be faster. However, the area of the region sandwiched between the graph and the horizontal axis during the elapsed time 0 to R is equal to P.

  In general, when the graph of the double speed value of the playback speed is integrated in the time direction, “the length of time required for playback when all the music is played back at normal speed” can be obtained.

  That is, from this graph, although the playback speed changes between the elapsed time 0 and the elapsed time R, all the audio data with the original playback time length P is played within the shorter time R. I understand that.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4B, the playback speed increases stepwise between the elapsed time (R−S) and the elapsed time R. In this case, however, the area of the region sandwiched between the graph and the horizontal axis during the elapsed time 0 to R is equal to P.

  That is, from this graph as well, although the playback speed changes from the elapsed time 0 to the elapsed time R, all the audio data of the original playback time length P is played within the shorter time R. I understand that.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4C, the playback speed is increased at a constant increase rate between the elapsed time (R-S) and the elapsed time R. In this case, however, the area of the region sandwiched between the graph and the horizontal axis during the elapsed time 0 to R is equal to P.

  Also in this graph, although the playback speed changes from elapsed time 0 to elapsed time R, all the audio data of the original playback time length P is played within the shorter time R than this. The same as in the above case.

  In any case, the average reproduction speed during the elapsed time (R−S) to R is [(P−R) / S + 1] times faster.

  In this way, the user is notified that the time limit is approaching due to the change in the playback speed. In particular, since it is determined in step S306 that R <P, when the time limit approaches, the music playback speed increases, so that the user feels “busy” and starts the preparation. Can do.

  In the present embodiment, R <P is always established for the audio data to be reproduced by making a determination in step S306, but even if R> P, the time limit is reached. The user may be informed that the time limit is approaching by slowing down the playback speed in the vicinity.

  In this case, corresponding to each of FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, and FIG. 4C, playback is performed at a constant delay, playback is performed in a stepwise manner, and playback is performed at a constant reduction rate so that the playback speed is reduced. However, the condition that the area of the region sandwiched between the graph and the horizontal axis during the elapsed time 0 to R is equal to P is the same.

  FIG. 5 is a graph showing the state of the playback volume at which the audio data is played up to the time limit. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  In this figure, the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time t from the start of reproduction of audio data, and the vertical axis represents the reproduction volume, that is, the so-called volume. Also shown is the D-axis opposite to the horizontal axis t. This indicates the remaining time D acquired in step S312.

  As shown in this figure, the audio data is played at the volume V set by the user from the start of playback until the time (RS) elapses, but the volume gradually decreases when the time (RS) elapses, It becomes zero at time R.

  In this way, the user is notified that the time limit is approaching due to the change in the playback volume.

  As the method for determining the grace time S, the simplest method employs a constant such as 10 seconds or 30 seconds as the grace time S.

  There may be a method of appropriately adjusting the grace period S in order to keep the double speed reproduction value perceived by the time limit within a certain range that is easily perceivable by the user.

  Here, a constant A greater than a predetermined 1 is considered. This constant is a numerical value representing the average of double speed reproduction within the grace period S, and is preferably about 1.1 to 1.5.

In the case of R <P, if playback is performed at A speed within the grace period S, typically,
A = (PR) / S + 1
Is established. If you organize this,
S = (PR) / (A-1)
It becomes.

  Note that if R <(PR) / (A-1) is satisfied, that is, the time R is shorter than the time P, and only the A-speed playback is performed at the grace time S calculated as described above, all songs are May not complete.

In this case, the grace time S is
S = R
The average magnification of the playback speed of the remaining part may be set to P / R times. This is equivalent to reproducing the entire audio data at P / R double speed.

  However, time P and time R are of the same length, and if there is a difference between them, speed and volume change only at the end of the music, which increases user preference. it can.

  Therefore, when acquiring audio data in step S303, a method of selecting audio data suitable for the time R from the playlist and switching the order set by the user may be employed.

That is, predetermined positive constants A and B are considered. A and B are
A <B <1
Or
1 <A <B
The constant A is typically about 1.1, and the constant B is about 1.5.

In step S303, for each piece of audio data in the playlist, the time P required to reproduce the audio data and the time R from the current time to the time limit,
R + (A-1) S ≤ P ≤ R + (B-1) S
Search for audio data that satisfies. This conditional expression is for reproducing the music just at the time limit when the reproduction is performed at the A-speed or B-times speed within the grace period S.

  If such audio data is found, the playlist order set by the user is ignored at that time, and audio data satisfying the above conditions is acquired.

  In this way, by switching the audio data, it is possible to prevent the music from being played back at the exact time of the moment as soon as the playback of each music is started. The change is easier for the user to understand.

  In the above embodiment, when the time limit approaches, a change in playback speed or a change in playback volume is caused, and when the time limit is reached, a warning sound is emitted, but any of these may be omitted as appropriate. It is also good.

  In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a music player, but the present invention can also be applied to a rhythm game.

  Here, a rhythm game typically involves competing for accuracy by operating buttons and switches on game devices in accordance with the notes and marks displayed on the screen according to the rhythm of the music data to be played. A nasty game.

  In a rhythm game, the notes and marks displayed on the screen generally move in the same direction at a constant speed in the same way as the score scrolls, and the notes and marks are fixed on the screen. When the button or switch associated with the note or mark is operated at the moment when the position is reached, it is determined that the operation is successful.

  As a method of not displaying a note or a mark on the screen, there is a method in which the game apparatus first presents a sample operation as a voice or a moving image, and then causes the player to perform the same operation.

  In such a rhythm game, when music data is selected, a time arrangement of notes and marks corresponding to the music data is acquired, and play is started.

  When applying the present invention to a rhythm game, the same technique as in the above aspect can be adopted.

  In other words, one or a plurality of pieces of music data to be played, the game device allows the player to select, the game device randomly selects, or the player selects a desired one with reference to the player's past play history, etc. The music data information selected here is adopted as the playlist in the embodiment.

  Then, as in the above embodiment, when the time before the time limit is reached by the grace time S, the playback speed of the music data changes and the player is notified that the time limit is approaching.

  In the process on the rhythm game side, the time at which the user should operate the buttons and switches is also changed in response to the change in the music data playback speed. In accordance with this, the moving speed when a note or mark is displayed is also double-speed playback.

  In this way, typically, when the time limit approaches and the rhythm game is last, the music data playback speed is increased, and the user is required to perform the operation at high speed and accurately.

  Even in various games, it is common that the task presented to the user becomes difficult at the end of the game, and the operation to be performed by the user becomes difficult.

  Therefore, this mode determines the end of the game based on the time limit, and notifies the player of the end of the game due to the difficulty of the operation to be performed, and informs the player that the time limit will be reached at the same time as the game ends. You will be able to know.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the time limit notification device, the time limit notification method, and the like that are suitable for notifying the user that the time limit is reached while reproducing sound data such as music are realized by the computer. A program can be provided.

101 Information processing apparatus 102 CPU
103 RAM
104 ROM
105 Input Device 106 Image Processing Unit 107 Liquid Crystal Display 108 Audio Processing Unit 109 Headphone 110 Cassette Reader 111 ROM Cassette 112 External Memory 113 RTC
114 wireless LAN interface 115 camera 201 time limit notification device 202 time limit setting unit 203 sound reproduction unit 204 sound control unit

Claims (11)

A time limit setting unit that allows the user to set a future time (hereinafter referred to as “time limit time”),
An audio reproducing unit that reproduces one or more audio data in a predetermined order until the current time reaches the time limit;
When the current time reaches a time earlier than the time limit by a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as “grace time”), the portion of the audio data currently reproduced by the audio reproduction unit (hereinafter “ An audio control unit that changes the reproduction speed of the audio data in the audio reproduction unit so that the reproduction of the “remaining part” is completed at the time limit ,
When the reproduction of each of the one or more pieces of audio data is completed before the time limit, the audio reproducing unit, among the one or more pieces of audio data, a time P required for reproducing the audio data, For the time R from the current time to the time limit, the grace time S, and predetermined positive constants A and B that satisfy (A-1) (B-1)> 0, Time S is a predetermined constant,
R + (A-1) S ≤ P ≤ R + (B-1) S
If there is audio data satisfying the above, the reproduction of the audio data is started in place of the reproduction of the audio data to be reproduced next . The time limit notification device according to claim 1,
The said audio | voice reproduction | regeneration part reproduces | regenerates the said audio | voice data with the same pitch as before the reproduction speed was changed even if the reproduction speed was changed by the said audio | voice control part. The time limit notification apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. The time limit notification device according to claim 2 ,
The audio control unit has a time required to reproduce the remaining portion (hereinafter referred to as “original reproduction time”).
(A) If it is longer than the grace time, gradually increase the playback speed,
(B) The time limit notification device characterized by gradually reducing the reproduction speed when the time is shorter than the grace period. The time limit notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The constant A is 1.1 or more, and the constant B is 1.5 or less. The time limit notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The audio control unit gradually decreases the reproduction volume of audio data in the audio reproduction unit until the current time reaches the time limit after the current time reaches a time before the time limit. An on-time notification device. A time limit setting unit that allows the user to set a future time (hereinafter referred to as “time limit time”),
An audio reproducing unit that reproduces one or more audio data in a predetermined order until the current time reaches the time limit;
After the current time reaches a time earlier than the time limit by a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as “grace time”), the sound volume of the audio data is gradually reduced until the current time reaches the time limit. With voice control ,
When the reproduction of each of the one or more pieces of audio data is completed before the time limit, the audio reproducing unit, among the one or more pieces of audio data, a time P required for reproducing the audio data, For the time R from the current time to the time limit, the grace time S, and predetermined positive constants A and B that satisfy (A-1) (B-1)> 0, Time S is a predetermined constant,
R + (A-1) S ≤ P ≤ R + (B-1) S
If there is audio data satisfying the above, the reproduction of the audio data is started in place of the reproduction of the audio data to be reproduced next . The time limit notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
The sound reproduction unit reproduces a predetermined warning sound when the current time reaches the time limit. A time limit notification method executed by a time limit notification device having a time limit setting unit, a sound reproduction unit, and a sound control unit,
The time limit setting unit allows the user to set a future time (hereinafter referred to as “time limit time”).
An audio reproduction step in which the audio reproduction unit reproduces one or a plurality of audio data in a predetermined order until the current time reaches the time limit;
When the current time reaches a time that is a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as “grace time”) before the time limit, the voice control unit is still playing the voice data currently played by the voice playing unit. A voice control step of changing the playback speed of the voice data in the voice playback section so that the playback of the part that is not (hereinafter referred to as “residual part”) is completed at the time limit ,
In the audio reproduction step, when the reproduction of each of the one or more audio data is completed before the time limit, a time P required for reproducing the audio data among the one or more audio data, and For the time R from the current time to the time limit, the grace time S, and predetermined positive constants A and B that satisfy (A-1) (B-1)> 0, Time S is a predetermined constant,
R + (A-1) S ≤ P ≤ R + (B-1) S
If there is audio data that satisfies the above, the reproduction of the audio data is started in place of the reproduction of the audio data to be reproduced next . A time limit notification method executed by a time limit notification device having a time limit setting unit, a sound reproduction unit, and a sound control unit,
The time limit setting unit allows the user to set a future time (hereinafter referred to as “time limit time”).
An audio reproduction step in which the audio reproduction unit reproduces one or a plurality of audio data in a predetermined order until the current time reaches the time limit;
After the audio control unit has reached the time before the predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as “grace time”) before the current time, the audio control unit continues to transmit the audio data in the audio reproduction unit until the current time reaches the predetermined time. It has a voice control process that gradually reduces the playback volume ,
In the audio reproduction step, when the reproduction of each of the one or more audio data is completed before the time limit, a time P required for reproducing the audio data among the one or more audio data, and For the time R from the current time to the time limit, the grace time S, and predetermined positive constants A and B that satisfy (A-1) (B-1)> 0, Time S is a predetermined constant,
R + (A-1) S ≤ P ≤ R + (B-1) S
If there is audio data that satisfies the above, the reproduction of the audio data is started in place of the reproduction of the audio data to be reproduced next . Computer
A time limit setting unit that allows the user to set a future time (hereinafter referred to as “time limit time”),
An audio reproducing unit that reproduces one or more audio data in a predetermined order until the current time reaches the time limit;
When the current time reaches a time earlier than the time limit by a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as “grace time”), the portion of the audio data currently reproduced by the audio reproduction unit (hereinafter “ The remaining portion is referred to as a voice control unit that changes the playback speed of the voice data in the voice playback unit so that the playback of the remaining part is completed at the time limit ,
When the reproduction of each of the one or more pieces of audio data is completed before the time limit, the audio reproducing unit, among the one or more pieces of audio data, a time P required for reproducing the audio data, For the time R from the current time to the time limit, the grace time S, and predetermined positive constants A and B that satisfy (A-1) (B-1)> 0, Time S is a predetermined constant,
R + (A-1) S ≤ P ≤ R + (B-1) S
If there is audio data that satisfies the condition, playback of the audio data is started instead of playback of the audio data to be reproduced next.
A program characterized by functioning as follows. Computer
A time limit setting unit that allows the user to set a future time (hereinafter referred to as “time limit time”),
An audio reproducing unit that reproduces one or more audio data in a predetermined order until the current time reaches the time limit;
After the current time reaches a time earlier than the time limit by a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as “grace time”), the sound volume of the audio data is gradually reduced until the current time reaches the time limit. Function as a voice control unit ,
When the reproduction of each of the one or more pieces of audio data is completed before the time limit, the audio reproducing unit, among the one or more pieces of audio data, a time P required for reproducing the audio data, For the time R from the current time to the time limit, the grace time S, and predetermined positive constants A and B that satisfy (A-1) (B-1)> 0, Time S is a predetermined constant,
R + (A-1) S ≤ P ≤ R + (B-1) S
If there is audio data that satisfies the condition, playback of the audio data is started instead of playback of the audio data to be reproduced next.
A program characterized by functioning as follows.

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