JP4394338B2 - Karaoke equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a karaoke apparatus that receives karaoke content via a communication network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the karaoke field, communication karaoke devices are widely used as commercial karaoke devices. The communication karaoke apparatus is a karaoke apparatus having a function of receiving and storing karaoke contents for reproducing karaoke music and displaying a corresponding background image from a center station via an ISDN line or the like. Thus, the currently widely used online karaoke system is composed of a center station for storing various karaoke contents and a plurality of online karaoke apparatuses connected to the center station via ISDN lines or the like ( For example, see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-127966 (first page, FIG. 1)
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in recent years, communication lines (so-called broadband) such as CATV and FTTH that realize high-speed communication than the above-described communication using the ISDN line (so-called narrow band) are rapidly spreading due to remarkable development of communication technology. . If the above karaoke content can be distributed using such broadband, it will be realized in conventional distribution services, such as making use of high-speed communication speed and distributing background image data with higher quality in karaoke content. A new distribution service that cannot be performed can be realized, but a communication karaoke apparatus corresponding to broadband distribution has not yet been provided.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and can receive and store karaoke content distributed via a plurality of distribution systems, and easily maintain and manage each stored karaoke content. An object of the present invention is to provide a karaoke apparatus capable of performing the above.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problem, the karaoke apparatus according to the present invention is: Using Internet VPN network Through the distribution system high speed Receive karaoke content to be distributed First receiving means; Second receiving means for receiving karaoke content distributed at low speed via a distribution system using a public network, and a different storage area are allocated to each distribution system And a ledger storage area for storing, for each karaoke content, type information indicating the type of karaoke content distribution system stored in each storage area. Store storage means and karaoke content distributed via each distribution system in a corresponding storage area At the same time, the type information of the karaoke content is stored in the ledger storage area. Control means and Read control for determining whether or not the karaoke content stored in the storage means can be used according to the type information stored in the ledger storage area and performing read control of the karaoke content according to the determination result Means and It is characterized by comprising.
According to this configuration, karaoke content distributed via a plurality of distribution systems is stored in different storage areas set in the storage means. As described above, since the karaoke content distributed via each distribution system is aggregated and stored in a predetermined storage area of the storage unit for each distribution system, maintenance and management are easily and accurately performed for each distribution system. be able to.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.
[0008]
A. This embodiment
(1) Configuration of the embodiment
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication karaoke system 100 according to the present embodiment.
The communication karaoke system 100 includes a first content server 200 for high-speed distribution (broadband distribution) of various karaoke contents and the like via an Internet VPN network 300 such as CATV, and various karaoke contents via a public network 500 such as ISDN. The second content server 400 that distributes the content at a low speed (narrowband distribution) and the karaoke content and the like distributed from the first content server 200 via the broadband router 601 and the like, while the second content server 400 A plurality of communication karaoke apparatuses 600-k (1 ≦ k ≦ n) that receive and store via the terminal adapter 602 and the like.
[0009]
In the following description, when there is no need to particularly distinguish the plurality of karaoke apparatuses 600-k, they are simply referred to as karaoke apparatuses 600. For convenience of explanation, a distribution system such as the first content server 200 → the Internet VPN network 300 → the broadband router 601 is called a BB distribution system, and a distribution system such as the second content server 400 → the public network 500 → the terminal adapter 602 is called an NB. This is called a distribution system.
[0010]
Here, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the communication karaoke apparatus 600.
The controller 610 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and centrally controls each unit of the communication karaoke apparatus 600 by executing various control programs stored in the ROM.
The communication interface 620 is means for exchanging karaoke content, various data, and the like between the first content server 200 and the second content server 400. The first communication interface 621, the second communication interface 622, It has.
The first communication interface 621 is connected to the broadband router 601 via a cable or the like, and distributes the karaoke content distributed via the BB distribution system and the history of the karaoke content distributed so far via the BB distribution system. While receiving the history file, various data and the like are transmitted to the first content server 200 via the Internet VPN network 300 or the like.
The second communication interface 622 is connected to the terminal adapter 602 via a cable or the like, and distributes the karaoke content distributed through the NB distribution system and the history of the karaoke content distributed through the NB distribution system so far. While receiving the history file, various data and the like are transmitted to the second content server 400 via the public network 500 or the like.
[0011]
When each communication interface receives the karaoke content and the distribution history file distributed via each distribution system, each communication interface supplies the karaoke content and the distribution history file to the controller 610. When the controller 610 receives the karaoke content and the distribution history file supplied via each communication interface, the controller 610 determines through which distribution system the received karaoke content and the distribution history file are distributed. Then, the controller 610 stores the karaoke content and the distribution history file received based on the determination in a predetermined area of the hard disk 630 (details will be described later). Note that the controller 610 determines the communication interface that is the supply source of the karaoke content and the distribution history file (or determines the communication protocol), so that the karaoke content and the distribution history file are in the BB distribution system and the NB distribution system. It is determined through which distribution system the distribution is made.
[0012]
Here, FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the storage contents and the like of the hard disk 630, and FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a database ledger DL stored in the hard disk 630.
The hard disk 630 is a means for storing karaoke content distributed via the BB distribution system and the NB distribution system, and includes a BB distribution system KC storage area 631, an NB distribution system KC storage area 632, and a DB ledger storage area 633. ing. Karaoke content and distribution history files distributed through the BB distribution system are stored in the BB distribution system KC storage area 631, and karaoke content distributed through the NB distribution system in the NB distribution system KC storage area 632 The distribution history file is stored. The distribution history file is a file that is distributed every time distribution is performed (for example, when 30 karaoke files are distributed at a time, one is distributed per 30 songs).
The DB ledger storage area 633 stores a database ledger DL in which file identification information for identifying each file included in each karaoke content, directory information indicating the storage location of each file, and the like are registered (FIG. 4). reference). Thus, information regarding all karaoke contents stored in the hard disk 630 is registered in the database ledger DL according to the present embodiment.
[0013]
Here, FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of karaoke content distributed via each distribution system.
Karaoke content distributed via the NB distribution system includes performance data (for example, MIDI data) for generating musical sounds, lyrics data for displaying lyrics telop corresponding to karaoke performance, and back chorus corresponding to karaoke performance. Is composed of a music file MF including chorus data converted from digital data. Note that video data corresponding to such karaoke content is stored in a predetermined area of the hard disk 630 in advance, and is basically not distributed via the NB distribution system. The video data stored in the predetermined area of the hard disk 630 is not unique to each piece of music, but is common to a plurality of pieces of music (that is, video that is reused and used when playing back a plurality of pieces of music). Data), for example, data obtained from a storage medium such as a DVD.
[0014]
On the other hand, in addition to the music file MF, the karaoke content distributed via the BB distribution system is chorus data (hereinafter referred to as “extended chorus”) that enables a thicker back chorus than the back chorus realized by the chorus data. Data ”) and video data (hereinafter referred to as“ one-to-one video data ”) for displaying a unique video (for example, the video of the singer) corresponding only to the music. When the controller 610 receives the extended chorus data and the one-to-one video data distributed via the BB distribution system, the controller 610 selects the extended chorus data and the one-to-one video data when the corresponding music is played. Then, the database ledger DL is rewritten.
[0015]
Returning to FIG. 2, the remote control device 640 includes various operation keys, an infrared communication function, and the like, and transmits a signal corresponding to a karaoke request number input by a key operation as an infrared signal.
The remote control receiving unit 650 restores the infrared signal transmitted from the remote control device 640 to data representing a request number and supplies the data to the controller 610. The controller 610 searches the database ledger DL based on the request number received via the remote control receiving unit 650, and corresponding performance data, lyrics data, chorus data (extended chorus data if the BB distribution system), video data ( In the case of the BB distribution system, 1-to-1 video data) is read from the hard disk 630. Then, the controller 610 supplies each read data to the musical sound generator 660 and the video decoder 670.
[0016]
The tone generator 660 decodes waveform data of a sound source that generates an electronic tone signal based on performance data supplied from the controller 610 and chorus data (or extended chorus data if a BB distribution system), and generates an audio signal. And a musical instrument performance sound, back chorus, etc. (collectively referred to as karaoke performance sound).
The audio circuit 661 mixes the karaoke performance sound and the singing sound signal of the user or the like input from the microphone 662 and emits the sound to the outside through an amplifier and a speaker 663 (not shown).
[0017]
The video decoder 670 decodes the lyric data and video data supplied from the controller 610 (one-to-one video data in the case of BB distribution data) to generate an internal image such as a lyrics telop and a background image. It supplies to the display control part 671.
The display control unit 671 combines the internal image and the background image supplied from the video decoder 670 and displays this on the monitor 672.
An operation unit 680 is an operation display panel 681 for displaying a karaoke request number input via the remote control receiving unit 650, and a panel switch for inputting a karaoke request number and adjusting a pitch, a playback tempo, and the like. 682 and the like. The above is the detailed configuration of the online karaoke apparatus 600 according to the present embodiment.
[0018]
(2) Operation of the embodiment
<Karaoke contents distribution contract operation>
A store owner of a karaoke store that has purchased a plurality of online karaoke apparatuses 600 determines whether distribution by NB distribution system or distribution by NB distribution system is desired only for distribution of karaoke content. Here, for example, when distribution by the NB distribution system and the BB distribution system is desired, the store owner of the karaoke store distributes with the maintenance company of the karaoke apparatus 600 described later via the NB distribution system and the BB distribution system. Make a contract to make karaoke content available. When the maintenance contractor concludes such a contract, the operator operates the operation unit 680 and the like of the communication karaoke apparatus 600 as appropriate, and performs settings for making the karaoke content distributed via the NB distribution system and the BB distribution system available. .
[0019]
On the other hand, when only the distribution by the NB distribution system is desired, the store owner of the karaoke shop makes a contract with a maintenance company or the like to make available only the karaoke content distributed through the NB distribution system. When the maintenance contractor concludes such a contract, the operator operates the operation unit 680 of the communication karaoke apparatus 600 as appropriate, and performs settings for using only the karaoke content distributed via the NB distribution system. When such a setting is made, the BB distribution system KC storage area 631 of the hard disk 630 is masked and the like, and thereafter, the BB distribution system is used unless a contract that allows the use of karaoke content distributed via the BB distribution system is concluded. The karaoke content distributed through the communication karaoke apparatus 600 cannot be used.
[0021]
<Operations when downloading karaoke content>
When karaoke content is distributed via the BB distribution system, the controller 610 stores the first karaoke content in the BB distribution system KC storage area 631 (see FIG. 3). The distribution of karaoke content by the BB distribution system is periodically performed, for example, at a frequency of about several times a month. When the delivered karaoke content is stored in the BB delivery system KC storage area 631, the controller 610 registers the file identification information and directory information of each file included in the karaoke content in the database ledger DL (see FIG. 4). On the other hand, when karaoke content is distributed via the NB distribution system, the controller 610 stores the karaoke content in the NB distribution system KC storage area 632 (see FIG. 3). Since the subsequent operation can be described in substantially the same manner as described above, it will be omitted. By performing the operation described above, new karaoke contents for each distribution are sequentially stored in the corresponding storage area, while the database ledger DL stores all karaoke contents stored in each storage area at that time. File information and directory information are registered.
[0022]
Here, please refer to FIG. 5 again. As shown in FIG. 5, the karaoke content distributed via the BB distribution system includes the same music file MF as the karaoke content distributed via the NB distribution system, as well as extended chorus data and one-to-one video data. Is included. Here, the reason why the data included in each karaoke content is different is as follows.
[0023]
In other words, in the NB distribution system, it is difficult to distribute karaoke content with a large amount of data because the distribution speed is low, but in the BB distribution system, a sufficiently high distribution speed is guaranteed. Therefore, even karaoke content including extended chorus data and one-to-one video data having a relatively large amount of data can be quickly distributed.
[0024]
In practice, as shown in FIG. 5, BB distribution karaoke content and NB distribution karaoke content corresponding to a certain piece of music may be stored in the hard disk 630 in some cases. Assuming such a case, for example, performance data is preferentially selected from the NB distribution system, and chorus data and video data are from the BB distribution system (ie, extended chorus data and one-to-one video data). Priorities are set in advance so as to preferentially select. Thereby, while selecting music data by the NB distribution system, it is possible to realize a thicker chorus, a realistic video display, and the like compared to the case of selecting chorus data and video data by the NB distribution system. .
[0025]
Also, depending on the karaoke content distribution contract, for example, until September, the NB distribution system and the karaoke content distributed via the BB distribution system can be used, and thereafter (after October) NB distribution It is also assumed that a contract is made to use only karaoke content distributed via the system. Assuming such a case, for example, after October when the distribution contract by the BB distribution system can be completed, measures such as making the karaoke contents distributed via the BB distribution system completely unavailable may be taken.
[0026]
<Hard disk maintenance operation>
A maintenance company or the like performs maintenance work on the communication karaoke apparatus 600 based on the distribution contract described above. For example, when a contract is made that the karaoke content distributed via the NB distribution system and the BB distribution system can be used, the maintenance company or the like appropriately operates the communication karaoke apparatus 600 or the like to operate the BB distribution system. Inputs that diagnosis of the KC storage area 631 (hereinafter referred to as BB distribution system database diagnosis) and diagnosis of the NB distribution system KC storage area 632 (hereinafter referred to as NB distribution system database diagnosis) should be executed.
[0027]
When such an input is made, the controller 610 first executes a BB distribution system database diagnosis. Specifically, the controller 610 compares the above-described distribution history file stored in the BB distribution system KC storage area 631 with the database register DL stored in the DB register storage area 633. If the controller 610 determines that there is a difference between the file identification information described in the distribution history file and the file identification information recorded in the database ledger DL as a result of the comparison, the controller 610 determines that there is a difference. The file identification information and the like are displayed on the monitor 672, and the BB distribution system database diagnosis is terminated. When the BB delivery system database diagnosis is completed, the controller 610 executes the NB delivery system database diagnosis. As for the operation of the NB delivery system database diagnosis, the operation of the BB delivery system database diagnosis is performed except that the object to be compared with the database ledger DL is a delivery history file stored in the NB delivery system KC storage area 632. Because it is almost the same as the above, the explanation is omitted.
[0028]
When the above-described BB distribution system and NB distribution system database diagnosis is completed, the maintenance company or the like connects the communication karaoke apparatus 600 and the maintenance terminal 700 for maintenance (see FIG. 7). Here, the maintenance terminal 700 for maintenance stores all the karaoke contents distributed through the BB distribution system and all the karaoke contents distributed through the NB distribution system up to the time point. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that all karaoke contents distributed via each distribution system are stored in one maintenance terminal 700. For example, karaoke contents distributed via the BB distribution system are A first maintenance terminal that is stored and a second maintenance terminal that stores karaoke content distributed via the NB distribution system may be provided separately.
[0029]
The maintenance company or the like appropriately operates the maintenance terminal 700 to copy the BB distribution system karaoke content stored in the maintenance terminal 700 to the communication karaoke apparatus 600 (hereinafter referred to as BB distribution system maintenance terminal copy). It is input that NB distribution system karaoke content should be copied to communication karaoke apparatus 600 (hereinafter referred to as NB distribution system maintenance terminal copy).
[0030]
When such an operation is performed, the controller 610 of the communication karaoke apparatus 600 first performs a BB distribution system maintenance terminal copy for the difference between the distribution history file discovered in the above-described BB distribution system database diagnosis and the database ledger DL. For example, if there is file identification information or the like that is not described in the database ledger DL and is registered only in the distribution history file stored in the BB distribution system KC storage area 631, the controller 610 Acquires the karaoke content corresponding to the file identification information from the maintenance terminal 700 and copies it to the BB distribution system KC storage area 631 of the hard disk 630. When the copying is finished, the controller 610 updates the contents described in the database ledger DL, and finishes the BB distribution system maintenance terminal copy. When the BB distribution system maintenance terminal copy is completed, the controller 610 executes the NB distribution system maintenance terminal copy. Note that the operation of the NB distribution system maintenance terminal copy can be described in substantially the same manner as the operation of the BB distribution system maintenance terminal copy, and is therefore omitted.
[0031]
As described above, in this embodiment, when there is file identification information or the like that is not described in the database ledger DL and is registered only in the distribution history file, the karaoke content corresponding to the file identification information or the like However, for example, all copies may be made. To explain an example of all copies of the BB distribution system maintenance terminal copy, first, the controller 610 deletes all karaoke contents stored in the BB distribution system KC storage area 631. Next, the controller 610 acquires all karaoke contents distributed from the maintenance terminal 700 through the BB distribution system up to the time point, and stores all the karaoke contents in the BB distribution system KC storage area 631. Finally, the controller 610 updates the contents described in the database ledger DL, and ends the BB distribution system maintenance terminal copy. It should be noted that all copies of the NB distribution system maintenance terminal copy can be almost explained as all copies of the BB distribution system maintenance terminal copy, and are therefore omitted.
[0032]
As described above, the case has been described in which a contract for using karaoke content distributed via the NB distribution system and the BB distribution system has been concluded, but actually, karaoke distributed via the NB distribution system. In some cases, a contract has been concluded that only the content can be used. In such a case, database diagnosis and maintenance terminal copy corresponding to the contract may be executed. More specifically, when a contract is concluded that only karaoke content distributed via the NB distribution system is available, only the NB distribution system database diagnosis and the NB distribution system maintenance terminal copy are executed. Here, since the karaoke content distributed via the NB distribution system is stored only in the NB distribution system KC storage area 632 of the hard disk 630, the NB distribution system database diagnosis and the NB distribution system maintenance terminal copy can be performed quickly and accurately. Can be executed.
[0033]
As described above, according to the communication karaoke apparatus according to the present embodiment, the karaoke content distributed via the BB distribution system and the karaoke content distributed via the NB distribution system have different storage areas on the hard disk 630, respectively. That is, it is stored in the BB distribution system KC storage area 631 and the NB distribution system KC storage area 632. Thereby, maintenance and management of karaoke content distributed via each distribution system can be performed easily and accurately.
[0034]
In addition, the communication karaoke apparatus 600 is a file that is distributed every time distribution is performed (for example, when 30 karaoke files are distributed at one time, one for every 30 songs). Since the distribution history file representing the history of the karaoke content distributed via the distribution system is distributed, the controller 610 of the communication karaoke apparatus 600 refers to this distribution history file, so that the karaoke content of each distribution system is updated. The distribution history can be grasped quickly and accurately.
[0035]
(3) Modification
In the above-described embodiment, the description has been made assuming the karaoke content having the configuration shown in FIG. 5, but the present invention can also be applied to karaoke content having another configuration. Here, FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of another karaoke content distributed via each distribution system. The karaoke content distributed via the NB distribution system includes, for example, a game program for karaoke activated at the end of the karaoke performance, while the karaoke content distributed via the BB distribution system includes the above karaoke content In addition to the game program, the promotion video data (including data corresponding to the video and audio to be played back) to be played back during the karaoke performance (free time until the next karaoke song is selected by the user) include. Thus, the present invention can also be applied to karaoke content having a configuration different from the configuration shown in FIG. The promotion video data may be played in accordance with an instruction input from the operation unit 380, in addition to being played back during the song.
[0036]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the communication speeds of the respective distribution systems are different has been described as an example. Even in such a case, it is possible to enjoy the effect that maintenance and management of karaoke content distributed via each distribution system can be performed easily and accurately.
Moreover, although this embodiment mentioned above demonstrated the case where karaoke content was delivered via two delivery systems, BB delivery system and NB delivery system, karaoke content was delivered via three or more delivery systems. Of course, the present invention can also be applied.
[0037]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, karaoke content distributed via a plurality of distribution systems can be received and stored, and each stored karaoke content can be easily maintained and managed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a communication karaoke system in the present embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the communication karaoke apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining storage contents of a hard disk according to the embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a database ledger according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a diagram comparing karaoke contents distributed via each distribution system according to the embodiment;
FIG. 6 is a diagram comparing karaoke contents distributed via each distribution system according to a modification.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of connection between a communication karaoke apparatus and a maintenance terminal.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Communication karaoke system, 200 ... 1st content server, 300 ... Internet VPN network, 400 ... 2nd content server, 500 ... Public network, 600 ... Communication karaoke apparatus 610 ... Controller, 620 ... Communication interface, 621 ... First communication interface, 622 ... Second communication interface, 630 ... Hard disk, 631 ... BB distribution system KC storage area, 632 ... NB distribution system KC storage area, 633 ... DB ledger storage area, 660 ... Music sound generating section, 670 ... Video decoder, 680 ... Operating section, DL ... Database ledger, MF・ ・ Music files.

Claims (2)

First receiving means for receiving karaoke content distributed at high speed via a distribution system using an Internet VPN network ;
Second receiving means for receiving karaoke content distributed at low speed via a distribution system using a public network;
Storage means having a ledger storage area for storing, for each karaoke content, type information indicating the type of distribution system of karaoke content stored in each storage area, with different storage areas assigned to each distribution system;
Control means for storing karaoke content distributed via each distribution system in a corresponding storage area and storing type information of the karaoke content in the ledger storage area ;
Read control means for determining whether or not the karaoke content stored in the storage means can be used according to the type information stored in the ledger storage area, and performing read control of the karaoke content according to the determination result karaoke apparatus characterized by comprising and. Each receiving means receives a distribution history file representing a history of karaoke content distributed through each distribution system so far, in addition to karaoke content distributed through each distribution system,
The said control means memorize | stores the distribution history file distributed via each said delivery system in the corresponding storage area other than the karaoke content delivered via each said delivery system. The karaoke device described.

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