JP5759402B2 - Online karaoke system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication karaoke system using a karaoke apparatus that outputs a performance tune selected from a large number of performance tunes, and more particularly to an improvement in a communication system between users using the communication karaoke system.

  2. Description of the Related Art Music playback apparatuses that output a performance song selected from a large number of performance songs are known. For example, a karaoke device used in a karaoke box or the like. According to such a karaoke apparatus, music information of a karaoke performance song selected from a large number of karaoke performance songs stored in advance in a storage device is output, and an image including lyrics information of the karaoke performance song is synchronized with the output. By displaying it on the screen, it is possible to enjoy karaoke performance of a desired song.

  In the karaoke system using the karaoke apparatus, not only individuals can enjoy karaoke performance, but also users can communicate with each other, such as performing karaoke performance together with friends or recruiting new karaoke friends. It becomes important. Then, the karaoke apparatus described in patent document 1 is proposed. According to this technology, a period can be set arbitrarily, and by holding a karaoke tournament that statistically evaluates the evaluation results of each user's karaoke performance within that period, solidarity among friends who perform karaoke performance in the karaoke device can be established. Can strengthen.

JP 2010-78880 A

  However, since the conventional technology does not assume a communication system, and is related to a karaoke tournament in a single karaoke device installed in a pub or snack, for example, it is difficult to recruit participants and there is a limit to the spread of communication. there were. In addition, when a plurality of karaoke competitions are planned at the same time, the participants may not know which karaoke competition may be participated, which may result in lack of excitement. Such a problem has been newly found in the process of the inventor's continuing research on the possibility of a communication karaoke system as a communication tool, not just performing karaoke performances.

  The present invention has been made against the background of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a communication karaoke system that realizes a service that widens the circle of exchange related to karaoke performance.

In order to achieve such an object, the gist of the first invention is to provide a plurality of karaoke apparatuses for outputting a performance tune selected from a large number of performance tunes, and the plurality of karaokes via a communication line. A communication karaoke system comprising a server device that transmits and receives information to and from the device, wherein a plurality of users who perform karaoke performance using the karaoke device participate in the karaoke by the plurality of users. One or more karaokes determined based on predetermined location information among a plurality of karaoke tournaments for which the registration is accepted by the registration accepting means and a registration accepting means for accepting the registration of the karaoke competition for performance. Distribution control means for distributing a tournament holding notice, and the server device associates location information corresponding to each user with identification information of the user. The registration receiving means stores the location information stored in the storage device corresponding to the user who is the registration subject of the registration of the karaoke tournament. The distribution control means stores the location information stored in correspondence with the karaoke tournament among the plurality of karaoke tournaments, and the storage corresponding to the user who can be a participant. the holding notification singular or plural karaoke tournament is determined based on the stored location information to the device, it is characterized in that distributed to the user. In order to achieve the above object, the gist of the second invention is to provide a plurality of karaoke apparatuses for outputting a performance tune selected from a large number of performance tunes, and the plurality of karaoke apparatuses via a communication line. A communication karaoke system comprising a server device that transmits and receives information to and from a plurality of users who perform karaoke performances using the karaoke device, and karaoke performances by the plurality of users Registration acceptance means for accepting the registration of a karaoke tournament for a person, and one or a plurality of karaoke competitions determined based on predetermined place information among a plurality of karaoke competitions accepted for registration by the registration acceptance means A distribution control means for distributing a notification of the holding of the artist, and the birthplace of the artist associated with the subject song of the karaoke tournament A storage device that stores the location information corresponding to the competition, and the distribution control means includes one or more karaoke competitions determined based on the location information stored in the storage device among the plurality of karaoke competitions. Is delivered to users who can be participants.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, registration acceptance means for accepting registration of a karaoke tournament for karaoke performances by a plurality of users who participate in karaoke performances using the karaoke device. A distribution control means for delivering a notification of holding one or more karaoke tournaments determined based on predetermined location information among a plurality of karaoke tournaments whose registration is accepted by the registration accepting means, and The server device includes a storage device that stores location information corresponding to each user in association with the identification information of the user, and the registration receiving means is a registration entity of the registration of the karaoke tournament. The location information stored in the storage device corresponding to a certain user is stored in association with the karaoke tournament, and the distribution control means Among the plurality of karaoke competitions, and location information stored in correspondence with the karaoke competition, singular or plural is determined based on the location information stored in the storage device in response to the user that may be Partner Since the notification of the karaoke tournament is delivered to the user, the event is distributed according to geographical conditions while targeting users in the wide-area online karaoke system. Thus, participants can be recruited as appropriate and a lively karaoke tournament can be realized. That is, the communication karaoke system which implement | achieves the service which expands the ring of exchange concerning karaoke performance can be provided.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, registration acceptance means for accepting a registration of a karaoke tournament for karaoke performances by a plurality of users who participate in karaoke performances using the karaoke apparatus, , among the plurality of karaoke tournament held registration is accepted by the registration accepting unit, and a distribution control means for distributing the holding notification singular or plural karaoke tournament is determined based on the place information, wherein said A storage device for storing the place of birth of the artist associated with the tune of the karaoke tournament as location information corresponding to the karaoke tournament, wherein the distribution control means includes the storage device among the plurality of karaoke tournaments; Notifications of one or more karaoke tournaments determined based on the stored location information are sent to users who can be participants. Since it is intended to deliver Te, while the user in a wide area communication karaoke system subject participation, by distributing the holding notification in accordance with geographical conditions, swells it is possible to recruit appropriate participants A karaoke tournament can be realized. That is, the communication karaoke system which implement | achieves the service which expands the ring of exchange concerning karaoke performance can be provided.

In the first invention or the second invention , preferably, the distribution control means provides the location information stored in association with the karaoke tournament among the plurality of karaoke tournaments and a user who can be a participant. Correspondingly, when any of the location information stored in the storage device is included in a predetermined geographical area, the notification of the karaoke tournament is distributed to the user. If it does in this way, while holding the user in a wide area communication karaoke system as an object of participation, the notice of holding can be suitably distributed to the user who can become a participant according to geographical conditions.

  In addition, preferably, it comprises authentication control means for performing login authentication of the user related to the use of the communication karaoke system in accordance with identification information input by a predetermined input device, and the distribution control means includes the authentication control. When the login authentication of the user is normally performed by the means, the notification of holding the karaoke tournament distributed to the user is displayed. If it does in this way, the user who received delivery of an opening notice can check the opening notice suitably.

It is a figure explaining the structure of the communication karaoke system which is one Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which illustrates the structure of the karaoke apparatus with which the communication karaoke system of FIG. 1 was equipped. It is a block diagram which illustrates the structure of the personal computer with which the communication karaoke system of FIG. 1 was equipped. It is a block diagram which illustrates the structure of the mobile telephone with which the communication karaoke system of FIG. 1 was equipped. It is a block diagram which illustrates the structure of the home karaoke apparatus with which the communication karaoke system of FIG. 1 was equipped. It is a block diagram which illustrates the structure of the server apparatus with which the communication karaoke system of FIG. 1 was equipped. It is a perspective view which shows roughly the external appearance of the electronic quick sample apparatus with which the communication karaoke system of FIG. 1 was equipped. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the electronic sample device of FIG. 7. It is a functional block diagram explaining the principal part of the control function with which CPU of the server apparatus of FIG. 6 and CPU of the electronic quick sample apparatus of FIG. 8 were equipped. It is a figure which illustrates the top screen displayed on the touchscreen display in the electronic quick sample apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which illustrates the karaoke tournament setting screen displayed on the touchscreen display in the electronic quick sample apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which illustrates the top screen displayed on the touchscreen display in the electronic quick sample apparatus of FIG. 8, and has shown the state by which the notification of an event was delivered. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an event notification screen displayed on a touch panel display in the electronic sample device of FIG. 8. It is a flowchart explaining the principal part of the control at the time of login / logout by CPU of the electronic quick sample apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the principal part of karaoke tournament registration control by CPU of the electronic quick sample apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the principal part of the karaoke tournament management control by CPU of the server apparatus of FIG.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication karaoke system 10 that is an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, in the communication karaoke system 10 of this embodiment, a plurality of private rooms 14a, 14b, 14c,... In a store 12 such as a karaoke box, a snack, an inn, etc. Is simply referred to as a private room 14), each of which is one or more (one in FIG. 1) karaoke apparatuses 16a, 16b, 16c,... ) Is installed. The plurality of karaoke apparatuses 16 are connected to the communication line 18 via the router 28. Similarly, information is exchanged between the server apparatus 20 and the like connected to the communication line 18 via the communication line 18. Communication is possible. Here, the plurality of stores 12 preferably each have a store ID as unique identification information, and each store 12 is identified by the store ID. The plurality of karaoke devices 16 preferably have device IDs (serial numbers or the like) as unique identification information, and each karaoke device 16 is identified by the device ID.

  The online karaoke system 10 includes a plurality of electronic quick sample devices 22a, 22b, 22c,... (Hereinafter simply referred to as the electronic quick sample device 22 unless otherwise distinguished). When using 16, one or several electronic quick sample devices 22 are lent for each user (group), and as will be described later in each private room 14, an association process is performed with the karaoke device 16. By being performed, the karaoke device 16 is used as a remote control device. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a LAN 24 for connecting the plurality of karaoke devices 16 to each other is laid in the store 12, and an input to the karaoke device 16 from the electronic quick sample device 22 is predetermined. The access point 26 and the LAN 24 are used for LAN communication.

  The communication line 18 is a wide area information communication network connected to the Internet such as a WWW (World Wide Web) constituted by, for example, a public telephone line, an ADSL line, or an optical fiber line. The server device 20 is a server operated by, for example, an information distribution service provider that manages the communication karaoke system 10, and karaoke information (music data), background video information, and music between the communication karaoke system 10. It functions as a center device that performs basic control of storage and input / output management of digital contents such as information. Moreover, the SNS database 178 which stores the information regarding the karaoke performance using the karaoke apparatus 16 for each user who uses the communication karaoke system 10 in association with the identification information (user ID) of the user is managed. At the same time, it functions as a database server that manages a karaoke tournament database 180 that stores information related to the karaoke tournament described later. In the present embodiment, the configuration including the single server device 20 having both the function as the center device of the online karaoke system 10 and the function as the database server will be described. May be configured as an individual server device. In addition, a mode in which various controls by the server device 20 described later are executed in a distributed manner by a plurality of server devices is also conceivable.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the communication karaoke system 10 according to the present embodiment can transmit and receive information to and from a plurality of systems or communication terminal devices via the communication line 18. That is, a personal computer 30 that is a communication terminal device is connected to the communication line 18, and a mobile phone 32 that is also a communication terminal device is connected to the communication line 18 via a relay base station 34. In addition, information can be transmitted and received between the mobile phone 32 and the karaoke device 16 or the server device 20. Further, a home karaoke device 36 which is a karaoke device having a different form from the karaoke device 16 is connected to the communication line 18, and the home karaoke device 36 and the karaoke device 16, the server device 20, etc. It is possible to send and receive information. Preferably, the mobile phone 32 functions as a karaoke device having a different form from the karaoke device 16.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the karaoke apparatus 16. As shown in FIG. 2, the karaoke device 16 includes a video display device 40 such as a TFT (Thin Film Transistor Liquid Crystal) or a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), and a video output control unit such as a video board (graphics board). 42, a video information decoder 44, a video mixer 46, a synthesizer 48 as a sound source, a microphone 50 as an audio input device, an amplifier mixer 52, a speaker 54, an operation panel 56, an operation panel 56, and the like. An input / output interface 58 for processing an input signal, a CPU 60 as a central processing unit, a ROM 62 as a read-only memory, a RAM 64 as a write / read memory as needed, a hard disk 66 as a storage device, a modem 68, From the LAN port 70 and input devices such as the electronic sample device 22 and the remote control device 74 The remote control receiving unit 72 for receiving the remote control signal is provided.

  The video output control unit 42 functions as a character video output device that outputs a character video (telop) such as a lyric character video generated by the CPU 60, and displays various video displays by the video display device 40. It is a control device. The video information decoder 44 is a background video playback device that plays back (decodes) a predetermined background video based on background video information stored in the hard disk 66 when a user sings while referring to lyrics. . The background video information is, for example, MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) format data, and the background video reproduced by the video information decoder 44 based on the MPEG data is sent to the video mixer 46. The video mixer 46 combines the character video generated by the CPU 60 and output from the video output control unit 42 with the background video reproduced by the video information decoder 44 to the video display device 40. This is a video composition device to be displayed.

  The synthesizer 48 is a sound source that generates a music signal such as a musical instrument performance signal based on performance information of a karaoke performance song read from the hard disk 66 and sent. The performance information is, for example, data in MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) format, and the music signal generated by the synthesizer 48 based on the MIDI data is converted into an analog signal and sent to the amplifier mixer 52. The amplifier mixer 52 mixes the transmitted music signal and the singing voice of the user (player) input via the microphone 50, and those signals are electrically amplified and output from the speaker 54. The

  The operation panel 56 allows the user of the karaoke apparatus 16 to select a karaoke performance piece that the user wants to sing, adjust the pitch of the performance piece, adjust the volume balance between the performance and the song, and perform echo and volume. , An input device provided with operation buttons (switches) or knobs for performing various adjustments such as tone. Further, the karaoke device 16 is provided with a remote control device 74 that functions as an input device for remotely executing a part of the function of the operation panel 56, and the remote control receiving unit 72 is connected to the remote control device 74. A remote control signal to be transmitted is received and supplied to the CPU 60. In addition, the association (sticking) processing between the karaoke device 16 and the electronic quick sample device 22 is also performed via the remote control receiving unit 72, and the electronic quick sample device associated with the karaoke device 16 in this way. 22 also functions as an input device. In the present embodiment, an input device such as the remote control device 74 provided in the karaoke device 16 or the electronic quick sample device 22 subjected to the associating process also constitutes a part of the karaoke device 16. The following will be described.

  The CPU 60 is a so-called microcomputer that processes and controls electronic information based on a predetermined program stored in advance in the ROM 62 using the temporary storage function of the RAM 64, and executes various controls related to the karaoke device 16. To do. That is, when a predetermined karaoke performance song is selected by the electronic quick sample device 22, the remote control device 74, etc., a song selection reservation control for registering the selected karaoke performance song in a reserved song table provided in the RAM 64, Music data read control for reading performance information and lyrics information (music data) of the karaoke performance music selected from the hard disk 66 in the RAM 64 in accordance with the performance order of the reserved music table, as the performance of the karaoke performance music progresses. A performance output control for transmitting performance information from the RAM 64 to the synthesizer 48, and a lyric character image generated based on the lyric information developed in the RAM 64 and transmitted to the video output control unit 42 during the performance output control. The video information decoder 44 is controlled during output control and performance output control. Background video output control for reproducing a predetermined background video, inter-song information output control for outputting inter-song information such as new music information, music selection ranking, store advertisement, etc. while karaoke performance is not performed, that is, between the songs, and Basic control such as information communication control with the server device 20 and the like via the communication line 18 is executed.

  The modem 68 is a device for connecting the karaoke device 16 to the communication line 18, converts a digital signal output from the CPU 60 into an analog signal and sends the analog signal to the communication line 18. An analog signal transmitted via the digital signal is converted into a digital signal and supplied to the CPU 60. In addition, the aspect by which any karaoke apparatus 16 is equipped with the function of the said router 28 among the several karaoke apparatuses 16 with which the said store 12 was equipped, and is connected to the said communication line 18 as a master commander is also considered, In that case, The modem 68 is required for the karaoke device 16 that functions as the master commander, but is not necessarily provided for other karaoke devices 16 that communicate information with the server device 20 and the like via the master commander. It doesn't have to be done.

  The LAN port 70 is a connector for connecting the karaoke device 16 to another device such as the other karaoke device 16 or the electronic quick sample device 22 via the LAN 24, and the karaoke device 16 is connected as such. By being connected via the LAN 24, information can be transmitted / received to / from other devices such as the other karaoke apparatus 16 and the electronic quick sample apparatus 22. For example, the music selection input from the electronic quick sample device 22 received through the access point 26 is received and stored in a reserved music table provided in the RAM 64, or the karaoke device 16 through the access point 26. Thus, mutual exchange of information between the karaoke device 16 and the electronic quick sample device 22 is performed via radio waves, such as transmitting predetermined information to the electronic quick sample device 22. Communication between the electronic sample device 22 and the server device 20 via the communication line 18 is also performed via the karaoke device 16 provided with the LAN 24 or the router 28.

  The hard disk 66 is provided with various databases including a karaoke database for storing a large number of karaoke information (music data) for outputting karaoke performance music. Among a plurality of karaoke devices 16 provided in a store such as a karaoke box, a predetermined karaoke device 16, for example, the karaoke device 16 a is connected to the communication line 18 via the modem 68, and the plurality of karaoke devices New karaoke information or the like is distributed from the server device 20 via the communication line 18 and stored in the karaoke database or the like of the hard disk 66 so that new songs can always be played by the server 16. In addition, communication is performed via the LAN 24 between the karaoke device 16a that has acquired information from the server device 20 in this way and the other karaoke devices 16, and is stored in the hard disk 66 of each karaoke device 16. Information is shared, and the contents of the karaoke database and the like are equivalent.

  The karaoke database stores a large number (for example, tens of thousands of songs) of music data (karaoke data) corresponding to performance songs that can be output by the karaoke device 16. The music data includes performance information for generating a performance sound of a predetermined instrument by the synthesizer 48, lyrics information for generating a lyrics character image (lyric telop), and lyrics generated based on the lyrics information. It includes lyrics color change information for sequentially changing the color of the character image in accordance with the progress of the performance, and is identified by a music selection number unique to each performance song as the content ID. In addition, the song data includes the song title, artist name (singer name), date of publication, genre, tone, artist (singer) birthplace, concert information (concerts of the song will be performed in the near future) Information related to the venue, etc.), tie-up information (for example, the day of the week, the time zone, and the CM song on which the drama whose performance song was used as the theme song) are stored in association with each other.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the personal computer 30. As shown in FIG. 3, the personal computer 30 is a program stored in advance in a ROM 82 which is a read-only memory while using a temporary storage function of a RAM 84 which is a read / write memory by a CPU 80 which is a central processing unit. Is a so-called Neumann computer that performs signal processing according to the above, and is a home personal computer generally called a desktop personal computer or a notebook personal computer. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a video display device 86 such as a TFT or PDP that functions as a video display unit, and a video board 88 that is a video display control unit for controlling display of video by the video display device 86, , An input device such as a keyboard 90 and a mouse 92, an input interface 94 for processing input by the input devices, a modem 96 for connecting the CPU 80 and the like to the communication line 18, and a hard disk 98 as a storage device. And is configured.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the mobile phone 32. As shown in FIG. 4, the mobile phone 32 includes a CPU 100 that is a central processing unit, a ROM 102 that is a read-only memory, a RAM 104 that is a write / read memory as needed, a storage unit 106 such as a flash ROM, An operation unit 108 for performing an auxiliary operation of a touch panel display 124, which will be described later, an antenna 110, a transmission / reception unit 112, a modem unit 114, a voice codec unit 116, an analog front end 118, a speaker 120, and a microphone 122 and a touch panel display 124 are provided.

  The CPU 100 is a so-called microcomputer that performs signal processing in accordance with a program stored in advance in the ROM 102 that is a read-only memory while using the temporary storage function of the RAM 104 that is a write / read memory as needed. The CPU 100 is displayed on the touch panel display 124. So that character input is executed according to the input operation to the character input button, or communication or a call channel is established according to the telephone number input by such input operation, and mutual communication or communication is enabled. Basic control such as controlling, accessing a predetermined website according to the URL input by the input operation, and controlling creation and transmission / reception of mail is executed. For example, in the call state of the mobile phone 32, a call signal received by the transmission / reception unit 112 via the antenna 110 is converted from a digital code signal to a voice signal by the voice codec unit 116 via the modem unit 114. The speaker 120 is driven by the front end 118 to output sound. At the same time, an audio signal converted from audio by the microphone 122 is sent to the audio codec unit 116 via the analog front end 118 and converted into a digital signal there, and the modem unit 114, the transmission / reception unit 112, and the antenna 110 are converted. Sent through.

  The mobile phone 32 includes a display device 126 that displays a predetermined image on the touch panel display 124, a display control unit 128 that controls display by the display device 126, a touch panel using a user's finger, a pen that is not shown, or the like. A touch panel 130 that performs input by touching the display 124 and an input control unit 132 that controls input by the touch panel 130 are provided. In addition, the server device 20 connected to the communication line 18 via the transmission / reception unit 112 or the like, and connected to the Internet such as WWW composed of a public telephone line, an ADSL line, an optical fiber line, etc. Information can be communicated with various communication devices. In a communication state via the communication line 18, the CPU 100 transmits a signal input from the touch panel display 124 or the like to the communication destination, and simultaneously displays a signal received from the communication destination on the touch panel display 124. To control. That is, the mobile phone 32 is a so-called smartphone having the touch panel display 124 and various functions including an access function to the Internet according to an operation through the touch panel display 124.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the home karaoke apparatus 36. The home karaoke device 36 shown in FIG. 5 preferably corresponds to an embodiment of a second karaoke device that performs karaoke performance based on karaoke information common to the communication karaoke system 10. That is, the home karaoke device 36 is selected from a part or all of the large number of karaoke information (music data) that can be output by the karaoke device 16 included in the communication karaoke system 10 of this embodiment. Of the second karaoke system (home karaoke system for home use) together with the server device 20 connected so that information can be communicated via the communication line 18. Part of it.

  Here, the home karaoke device 36 is a simple communication karaoke terminal generally used in a home (individual house), for example, and the home karaoke device 36 is clarified for distinction from the karaoke device 16. However, it is not necessarily used at home. That is, for example, it may be used in a store such as a snack, or may be used as an in-vehicle karaoke device provided as an accessory for car navigation of an automobile. Further, karaoke performance may be executed as one piece of software (game software) in a so-called consumer game machine that executes game software. The home karaoke device 36 is a consumer game machine (home game machine). It does not matter. Further, in such an aspect, in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 5, a configuration for reading or writing data to a medium such as a CD (Compact Disk) or a DVD (Digital Video Disk) is the home karaoke apparatus 36. Prepared for.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the home karaoke device 36 includes a CPU 134 as a central processing unit, a ROM 136 as a read-only memory, a RAM 138 as a write / read memory as needed, a video board (graphics board), and the like. The video output control unit 140, the sound output control unit 142 such as a sound board (sound chip), and the output from the video output control unit 140 and the audio output control unit 142 are input to an external device such as the television 156. Remote control reception for receiving an interface 144, a modem 146 for connecting the CPU 134 and the like to the communication line 18, a hard disk 148 as a storage device, an input device such as the remote control device 152 and a remote control signal from the microphone 154. Unit 150 and a microphone as a voice input device And 54 is configured to include. The microphone 154 is preferably used to input the input audio information as an infrared signal (remote control signal) and input it to the home karaoke apparatus 36. For example, Bluetooth (Blue Tooth: registered trademark) communication is used. It may be connected to the home karaoke device 36 through the like, and the input voice information may be transmitted to the home karaoke device 36 as a radio wave signal.

  The CPU 134 is a so-called microcomputer that performs signal processing in accordance with a program stored in advance in the ROM 136 using the temporary storage function of the RAM 138. The CPU 134 performs video output control by the video output control unit 140 and the audio output control unit 142. Various controls such as voice output control by the are executed. The video output control unit 140 functions as a character video output device that outputs a character video (telop) such as a lyrics character video generated by the CPU 134, and controls various video displays in the home karaoke device 36. This is a display control device. The sound output control unit 142 is a sound control device that controls various sound outputs in the home karaoke device 36, and includes at least a MIDI sound source that reproduces performance information in the karaoke information, for example, MIDI data. ing. The hard disk 148 is provided with various databases such as a karaoke database for storing a large number of karaoke information (music data) for outputting karaoke performance music. New karaoke information and the like are distributed from the server device 20 via the communication line 18 and stored in the karaoke database of the hard disk 148 as needed so that the music can be played.

  The home karaoke device 36 is preferably connected to an external device such as the television 156, for example, and outputs video and audio related to karaoke performance using the external device as an output device. That is, in karaoke performance by the home karaoke device 36, for example, when a music selection number corresponding to predetermined karaoke information (music data) is input by the remote controller 152, the karaoke information corresponding to the music selection number is displayed. It is read from the hard disk 148 and developed in the RAM 138 and the like. Here, a mode in which karaoke information corresponding to such a music selection input operation is downloaded from the server device 20 is also conceivable. When the target karaoke information is read in response to the music selection input operation, karaoke performance control is started, and the video output control unit 140 uses the lyric characters based on the lyric information included in the karaoke information (music data). The video is output, and the lyric character video is color-changed and displayed as the performance song progresses. The sound output control unit 142 outputs a performance sound based on performance information (MIDI data) included in the target karaoke information, and the performance sound is output from the microphone 154 via the remote control reception unit 150. The input user's voice (singing voice) is mixed and output. Then, the video information including the lyric character video output by the video output control unit 140 and the audio information including the performance sound and the user's singing voice output by the audio output control unit 142 are connected to the interface 144. To the external device such as the television 156, and the external device is output as an output device. As described above, in the home karaoke device 36, karaoke performance equivalent to the karaoke device 16 in the communication karaoke system 10 is realized with a simple configuration not including an output device.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the server device 20. As shown in FIG. 6, the server device 20 includes a CPU 160 that is a central processing unit, a ROM 162 that is a read-only memory, and a RAM 164 that is a read / write memory as needed. The CPU 160 provides a temporary storage function of the RAM 164. This is a so-called Neumann computer that performs signal processing in accordance with a program stored in advance in the ROM 162 while being used. Also, a video display device 166 such as TFT or PDP, a video board (graphics chip) 168 for controlling display of video by the video display device 166, an input device 170 such as a keyboard, and the input device 170 An interface 172 for processing input and a modem 174 for connecting the CPU 160 and the like to the communication line 18 are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the server device 20 includes various databases including a karaoke database 176, an SNS database 178, and a karaoke tournament database 180. The karaoke database 176 stores a large amount of karaoke information (music data) to be distributed to the karaoke device 16 in the communication karaoke system 10 to the home karaoke device 36 in the second karaoke system. The newly created karaoke information is stored in the karaoke database 176. Then, new karaoke information is updated from the karaoke database 176 of the server device 20 to the communication line 18 periodically or in response to a distribution request from the karaoke device 16 or the home karaoke device 36 by a predetermined distribution control program. And is stored in the hard disks 66 to 148 or the like so as to be playable by the karaoke device 16 or the home karaoke device 36.

  The SNS database 178 stores various types of information related to a social network service for users of the online karaoke system 10. This social network service refers to, for example, a member-based community-type website that provides services such as information browsing only between members who are registered in advance. In the following description, the social network service is abbreviated as SNS. The SNS database 178 includes information related to karaoke performance using the karaoke device 16 to the home karaoke device 36 for each user who uses the communication karaoke system 10, and identification information (user ID) of the user. Is stored in association with each other. This SNS database 178 corresponds to each user identified by the user ID, for example, the user's name (nickname), date of birth, actual age, sex, e-mail address, user address or residence Area, blood type, constellation, password used for login authentication to SNS, questions and answers for forgotten passwords, information on avatars (humanoid images that symbolize users on the net), and users Is stored in association with the user ID of the user. The song age is virtual age information indicating how much age (how many years) the user's favorite tendency of the performance music corresponds to. This value is determined based on a performance song that has been selected (performed) in the past by the home karaoke apparatus 36 or the like.

  Further, in the SNS database 178, for example, the store 12 corresponding to the karaoke device 16 used by the user in the past as information related to the karaoke performance using the karaoke device 16 or the home karaoke device 36 of each user. Store visit history, which is information related to (the store 12 in which the karaoke device 16 is installed), a performance song that the user has registered as the eighteenth song in the karaoke performance by the karaoke device 16 or the home karaoke device 36 (by a simple operation) Information related to the performance music set to be able to perform music selection input, and the user's past music selection history (karaoke device 16 to home karaoke device) in karaoke performance by the karaoke device 16 to home karaoke device 36, etc. Information on the history of performances previously selected at 36 etc.) , Information related to evaluation results of performance evaluation performed by the user in the past in the karaoke performance by the karaoke device 16 to the home karaoke device 36, etc., and information related to other users registered by the user as friends, etc. Each user is stored in association with the user ID of the user. Here, the store visit history may store store IDs of stores 12 used (visited) by each user in the past, or the karaoke apparatus 16 used (used) by each user in the past. The device ID may be stored.

  In the present embodiment, the SNS database 178 functions as a storage device that stores location information corresponding to each user in association with the identification information of the user. This location information is preferably information related to karaoke performances that each user has performed in the past using the karaoke device 16 to the home karaoke device 36 or the like. For example, in the initial registration in the SNS database 178 Information registered (input) as an area corresponding to each user, the location of the store 12 that each user has used (visited) in the past, and the location (installation) of the karaoke device 16 that each user has used (used) in the past Information about the location of the home karaoke device 36 relating to the use of each user, the location of the personal computer 30, the location of the mobile phone 32, the location of the relay base station 34, and the like. That is, the location information is preferably a location corresponding to each user of the communication karaoke system 10 or the karaoke device 16 as a communication terminal device provided in the communication karaoke system 10, the personal computer 30, This is information related to the location of the mobile phone 32, the home karaoke device 36, and the like. The information on the location may correspond to the address of the location where each communication terminal device is located, the name of the building, the room, etc., or may correspond to an area such as a municipality. Good. Furthermore, it may correspond to a region of a level such as prefectures, Kanto, Tokai, Koshinetsu and the like.

  The karaoke tournament database 180 includes a plurality of users who perform karaoke performances using the karaoke device 16 through the home karaoke device 36, etc., and karaoke performances for karaoke performances within a predetermined period by those users. Memorize information about the tournament. Preferably, as information about a plurality of karaoke tournaments, information such as the name of each karaoke tournament, the duration, participation qualifications, organizers, participants, corresponding location information, and tournament explanations, etc. The identification information is stored in association with the tournament ID. The contents stored in the karaoke tournament database 180 will be described later together with the description of the karaoke tournament management control by the server device 20. Further, in addition to the databases, for each of a plurality of stores 12 where the karaoke devices 16 constituting the communication karaoke system 10 are installed, information relating to the stores 12 is associated with identification information (store ID) of the stores. The store database to memorize | store may be provided. In the database for each store, for example, as information about each store 12, for example, the store name, address, telephone number of the store 12, the floor plan (first floor, second floor) of each of the plurality of private rooms 14 in the store 12, for example. , Etc.), map information (geographical location information) of the location (location) where the store 12 is located, information on business hours, information on the nearest public transport, information on equipment, etc., introduction text, Information on the period service, etc., information on the model of the installed karaoke device 16, device ID of each installed karaoke device 16, information on the presence or absence of the electronic quick sample device 22, etc. It is stored in association with the ID.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of the electronic quick sample device 22. As shown in FIG. 7, the electronic quick sample device 22 is provided with a touch panel display 184 for displaying a predetermined image (video) and inputting according to a user's contact. Further, it is a stand-type connection stand (docking table) that performs operations such as transmission / reception and synchronization of data with the karaoke device 16 and charging of a battery built in the electronic quick sample device 22. A cradle 182 is provided. The electronic quick sample device 22 is used in a state attached to the cradle 182 or removed from the cradle 182, and in the attached state, the electronic quick sample device 22 is wired to the karaoke device 16 via the cradle 182 and the LAN 24. Connected. Further, when the cradle 182 is removed, the karaoke device 16 is wirelessly connected via the access point 26 and the LAN 24.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the electronic quick sample device 22. As shown in FIG. 8, the electronic quick sample device 22 includes a display device 186 that displays a predetermined image on the touch panel display 184, a display control unit 188 that controls display by the display device 186, and a user's A touch panel 190 that performs input by touching the touch panel display 184 with a finger or an attached pen (not shown), an input control unit 192 that controls input by the touch panel 190, a CPU 194 that is a central processing unit, and a read-only memory Possible to be electrically connected to a certain ROM 196, a RAM 198 which is a read / write memory as needed, a storage unit 200 such as a flash ROM, an interface 202, a remote control transmission unit 204, a wireless LAN communication unit 206, and the cradle 182. A connector 208a for It is configured Te. The cradle 182 is provided with a connector 208b for enabling electrical connection with the electronic quick sample device 22, and the electronic quick sample device 22 is placed on the cradle 182 and connected to the connector. By bringing 208a and 208b into contact with each other, the cradle 182 or the LAN 24 is connected via the interface 202.

  The CPU 194 is a so-called microcomputer that executes information processing based on the information stored in the ROM 196 while using the temporary storage function of the RAM 198, and the touch panel display 184 (display device) via the display control unit 188. 186) to display a predetermined video, process an input signal input via the input control unit 192 by touching the touch panel display 184 (touch panel 190) based on the video, or based on the input signal Input transmission such as music selection input to the karaoke device 16 through the wireless LAN communication unit 206 or the like, or communication of information with the server device 20 through the karaoke device 16a which is a master commander. In addition to basic controls such as performing To perform various control of the invitation display control of emissions information transmission control and karaoke competitions. In addition, the storage unit 200 preferably has a song selection guide, such as a song title, artist name, attribute information, and lyrics singing portion, corresponding to each of a lot of karaoke information stored in the karaoke database of the karaoke device 16. Information, remarks, etc. are stored for each music selection number.

  FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram for explaining a main part of control functions provided in the CPU 160 of the server device 20 and the CPU 194 of the electronic quick sample device 22. The SNS management control unit 210, registration receiving unit 214, distribution control unit 216, and karaoke tournament management unit 222 shown in FIG. 9 are preferably functionally provided in the CPU 160 of the server device 20, The login authentication control unit 212, the invitation display control unit 218, and the participation announcement transmission unit 220 are preferably functionally provided in the CPU 194 of the electronic sample device 22. That is, in the following embodiments, the electronic quick sample device 22 in the communication karaoke system 10 is used as a communication terminal device, and karaoke is performed by transmitting and receiving information between the electronic quick sample device 22 and the server device 20. The tournament registration control or the karaoke tournament management control will be described. The karaoke tournament registration control or the karaoke tournament described in detail below using the karaoke device 16, the personal computer 30, the mobile phone 32, or the home karaoke device 36 as a communication terminal device. A mode of executing management control is also conceivable. That is, the login authentication control means 212, the invitation display control means 218, and the participation announcement transmission means 220 are the CPU 60 of the karaoke device 16, the CPU 80 of the personal computer 30, the CPU 100 of the mobile phone 32, or the home karaoke device 36. The CPU 134 may be functionally provided. The SNS management control unit 210, registration receiving unit 214, distribution control unit 216, and karaoke tournament management unit 222 are all or part of the CPU 60 of the karaoke apparatus 16, the CPU 80 of the personal computer 30, and the CPU 100 of the mobile phone 32. The CPU 134 of the home karaoke apparatus 36 or the CPU of another server apparatus may be provided in a distributed manner.

  The SNS management control means 210 performs information management control regarding SNS in the communication karaoke system 10. For example, information registration control regarding the SNS is performed. Specifically, a new user (user) is registered in the SNS database 178 in response to an input operation by an external device such as the electronic sample device 22, the personal computer 30, or the mobile phone 32, or the SNS The SNS in the communication karaoke system 10 such as changing (updating) the registered content stored in the database 178 or registering a plurality of users stored in the SNS database 178 as being associated with each other. Perform overall management control.

  The SNS management control means 210 can preferably set a browsing level of information related to karaoke performance using the karaoke device 16 of each user. This browsing level relates to browsing to other users of information related to karaoke performance using the karaoke device 16 to the home karaoke device 36 etc. stored in the SNS database 178 corresponding to the user. For example, the first level “can be viewed by anyone”, the second level “can be viewed by friends of friends”, the third level “friends can browse”, and the fourth level “cannot be viewed by anyone” The browsing level can be set step by step. The browsing level may be set individually for each of the items such as the eighteenth song, performance evaluation, music selection history, etc., or may be set in a lump. Moreover, it may be as simple as “public” or “private” regardless of whether it is a friend or not. In the following description, a mode in which the browsing level is set in two stages of “public” or “non-public” for each item collectively will be described.

  In addition, the SNS management control unit 210 performs friend registration control in which a plurality of users stored (registered) in the SNS database 178 are registered in association with each other as friends. For example, in response to an input operation by the electronic quick sample device 22 or the personal computer 30, the target user stored in the SNS database 178 and other uses for which the target user desires friend registration Are registered (stored) in association with each other as friends. The information related to friend registration may be stored in the SNS database 178 as information related to each user. For example, the user ID of each user registered as a friend is registered separately. It may be stored in a database different from the SNS database 178. Also, preferably, when a friend registration application is made, the friend registration is not performed uniformly, but the friend registration relating to the application is performed after waiting for the permission of the applied user.

  The login authentication control means 212 shown in FIG. 9 authenticates the user of the SNS in the communication karaoke system 10 according to the identification information (user ID) input from the touch panel display 184, and the authentication was normally performed. In that case, the user is permitted to log in to the SNS with the identification information. Specifically, when a user ID and password, which are identification information, are input from the touch panel display 184, does the password match the user ID and the password stored in the SNS database 178? The server device 20 is inquired of whether or not, and if they match, normal authentication is performed, whereas if they do not match, an error is assumed. The login authentication control means 212 may transmit a user ID and a password to the server device 20 by the touch panel display 184, and substantial authentication is performed on the server device 20 side. It doesn't matter.

  The SNS management control means 210 can browse the touch panel display 184 for information related to the karaoke performance corresponding to the user authenticated by the login authentication control means 212 among the information related to the karaoke performance stored in the SNS database 178. To display. Preferably, such information is displayed on the touch panel display 184 so as to allow touch input based on the information stored in the performance song database in the storage unit 200. Specifically, the performance music included in the eighteenth music corresponding to the user authenticated by the login authentication control means 212 is displayed on the touch panel display 184 so that music selection input is possible. In addition, the performance music or the like included in the music selection history corresponding to the user is displayed on the touch panel display 184 so that music selection can be input.

  The SNS management control unit 210 preferably corresponds to a user who is registered as a friend of the user who is authenticated by the login authentication control unit 212 among the information regarding the karaoke performance stored in the SNS database 178. Information on the karaoke performance to be performed is displayed on the touch panel display 184 so as to be browseable. In the SNS of the present embodiment, this friend is an identity indicating that it has a relationship that is different from a large number of unspecified users who are not friends. For example, the user authenticated by the login authentication control unit 212 Can browse information related to karaoke performance corresponding to a user registered as a friend of the user, but cannot browse information related to karaoke performance corresponding to a user not registered as a friend. In addition, the SNS management control unit 210 preferably sets information related to the karaoke performance corresponding to the user registered as the friend of the user authenticated by the login authentication control unit 212 to the browsing level of the friend. Accordingly, the touch panel display 184 is displayed so as to allow browsing. For example, even if the information is related to a user who is registered as a friend of the user who is authenticated by the login authentication control means 212, if the browsing level of the information is “private”, the information is Viewing is restricted or prohibited.

  The registration accepting unit 214 shown in FIG. 9 accepts registration of a karaoke tournament for karaoke performances within a predetermined period by a plurality of users who use the communication karaoke system 10 as participants. . This karaoke tournament is to manage karaoke performances performed by a plurality of participants within a predetermined period of time, and all the participants are not necessarily in a predetermined place (for example, a predetermined private room 14 in the store 12). The karaoke performance may not be performed in a single meeting, but the karaoke performance is performed by the separate karaoke device 16 to the home karaoke device 36 or the like within a predetermined period, and information related to the performance is uploaded to the server device 20. By doing so, a karaoke tournament by a plurality of users may be realized via the communication line 18. The karaoke tournament preferably performs performance evaluation based on the pitch, tempo, volume, and the like by the karaoke device 16 and the home karaoke device 36 with respect to the karaoke performance of each participant, and ranks the evaluation results in order from the top. Statistical processing is performed. Preferably, each user accepts posting, that is, uploading of audio information that records how the user performs a karaoke performance using the karaoke device 16 or the home karaoke device 36, or video information (video information including audio) that has been recorded. Only the fact that a predetermined performance music (task music) is played by the karaoke device 16 or the home karaoke device 36 may be disclosed. Moreover, only the held information that a karaoke tournament will be held at a predetermined place during a predetermined period may be disclosed, and no particular processing may be performed on the result of the karaoke tournament.

  In the registration of the karaoke tournament, the registration receiving unit 214 associates at least information regarding the period of the event and location information described later with the tournament ID, which is identification information unique to each karaoke tournament, as information related to each karaoke tournament. Store in the karaoke tournament database 180. Preferably, as information about each karaoke tournament, the name of each karaoke tournament, participation qualifications, the user ID of the user (organizer) who is the registration subject, the user ID of the user (participant) who announced participation, and corresponding Information such as location information and tournament description is stored in association with the tournament ID of each karaoke tournament. In other words, the registration receiving means 214 preferably stores the user ID of the user who is the registration subject (organizer) in association with the tournament ID of each karaoke tournament. It may also be possible to accept host registrations from users who are not registered with the SNS. That is, it is possible to accept registration of a karaoke tournament in which a guest user who does not have a user ID is a registration subject.

  The registration receiving means 214 stores location information corresponding to each karaoke competition in association with the registration of the karaoke competition. This location information does not necessarily correspond to the geographical range where the karaoke tournament is held, and is information used as a criterion or reference for recruiting participants to the karaoke tournament. Specific examples of the location information include the store ID or telephone number of the store 12, the device ID of the karaoke device 16, the region stored in the SNS database 178 corresponding to each user, the store visit history (especially well The store 12), the global address (IP address) of the communication terminal device related to the connection (Internet access) via the communication line 18, or information on the area directly input by the touch panel display 184, etc. . The registration receiving means 214 preferably associates the location information stored in the SNS database 178 with the karaoke tournament corresponding to the user (organizer) who is the registration subject of the registration of the karaoke tournament. And stored in the karaoke tournament database 180. For example, the location information such as the area stored in the SNS database 178 corresponding to the organizer, the store ID in the store visit history (preferably, the store ID of the store 12 with the most stores), the location of the store, etc. , It is stored in association with the tournament ID of each karaoke tournament. Further, in the event registration from the user who is not registered in the SNS in the communication karaoke system 10, preferably the location information related to the communication terminal device used for the event registration, for example, the karaoke device 16 that has performed the event registration. The karaoke tournament database 180 associates store ID of the store 12 in which the store is installed, device ID of the karaoke device 16 or location information derived from the store ID or device ID with the tournament ID of each karaoke tournament. To remember.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a top screen 234 displayed on the touch panel display 184 corresponding to each user when normal authentication is performed by the login authentication control unit 212. As shown in FIG. 10, on the top screen 234, a user switching button 236 for switching a user who is an operation subject of the electronic quick sample device 22, a music selection start button 238 for starting a music selection operation, the SNS My room button 240 for accessing My Room which is a website provided for each user in database 178, Volume button 242 for adjusting the volume of karaoke device 16 (output volume from speaker 54), A performance stop button 244 for stopping the output of the performance tune outputted by the karaoke device 16 at that time, and the pitch (key) or output speed of the performance tune outputted by the karaoke device 16 at that time is adjusted. Performance adjustment button 246 for performing the karaoke device at that time 6, the original music key button 248 for returning the pitch of the performance music outputted by 6 to the original key (default value), and the operation of re-singing the performance music outputted by the karaoke device 16 at that time from the beginning. A re-start / start button 250, a fast-forward button 252 for fast-forwarding a performance song output by the karaoke device 16 at that time, and a performance song reserved as a performance-waiting song by the karaoke device 16 at that time A reservation confirmation button 254 for performing registration, a new registration button 256 for newly registering a new user in the SNS, a login button 258 for logging in to the SNS related to the SNS database 178, and a logout for logging out from the SNS. Button 260 and the latest on the SNS Various operation buttons such as an annunciation display button 262 including a display field for displaying information etc. are displayed, and an input operation by the touch panel 190 (a part corresponding to each operation button by a finger or an attached pen) is applied to each operation button. By performing the touching operation), the processing related to each operation button is executed.

  On the top screen 234 shown in FIG. 10, character information “Would you like to host a karaoke tournament?” Is displayed in the display field of the notice display button 262. In other words, the news display button 262 displays character information (text) for encouraging registration of a new karaoke tournament. When an input operation using the touch panel 190 is performed on the notification display button 262 on the top screen 234, a karaoke tournament setting screen 264 as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the touch panel display 184. The karaoke tournament setting screen 264 is a screen for inputting various information related to the registration of a new karaoke tournament through an input operation via the touch panel 190 or the like, and a name input field for entering the name of the karaoke tournament. 266, a period input field 268 for inputting the period of the event, an explanation input field 270 for inputting the description of the tournament, a qualification radio button 272 for setting the eligibility for participation, and a registration of the karaoke tournament is entered and entered. A decision registration button 274 for transmitting information to the server device 20 and a cancel button 276 for canceling registration of the karaoke tournament and returning to the original screen are displayed, and the touch panel 190 or the like is displayed according to such display. All input operations are performed. When the input to the various input fields and the selection of the radio button are performed, an input operation to the decision registration button 274 is performed, so that the name of the karaoke tournament input in the name input field 266 and the period input field 268 Corresponding to the event period entered in the description, the description of the karaoke tournament entered in the description input field 270, the selection result of the qualification radio button 272, the user ID of the user (organizer) who is the registration subject, and the user The location information such as the area to be used, the store ID, or the device ID of the karaoke device 16 associated with the electronic quick sample device 22 that has been input is transmitted to the server device 20 via the communication line 18, The ID is attached and stored (registered) in the karaoke tournament database 180.

  The distribution control means 216 shown in FIG. 9 distributes an event notification via the communication line 18 for notifying a user who can be a participant of the karaoke competition whose event registration has been accepted by the registration accepting unit 214. To do. Preferably, one or more karaoke tournament notifications determined based on predetermined location information among a plurality of karaoke tournaments whose registration is accepted by the registration accepting unit 214 are distributed. That is, from a plurality of karaoke tournaments stored (registered) in the karaoke tournament database 180, one or more karaoke tournaments are selected (extracted) based on predetermined location information from a predetermined relationship, and the selected ones are selected. Karaoke tournament information is distributed to users who can be participants through the communication line 18. For example, in a mode in which a user who can be a participant is not registered in the SNS, that is, a mode in which the holding information is distributed to a guest user who does not have a user ID, it is preferably stored in association with a karaoke tournament. The karaoke tournament holding information is distributed to the karaoke device 16 or the home karaoke device 36 located in the same geographical area as the location information. Alternatively, the area directly input by a user who can be a participant through the communication terminal device such as the karaoke device 16 to the home karaoke device 36 is the same geographical information as the location information stored in association with the karaoke tournament. If it is included in the area, information about the karaoke tournament will be distributed to the user. The geographical area is predetermined so that each area includes a plurality of the karaoke devices 16 to the home karaoke devices 36 and a plurality of stores 12, and more preferably, a municipality ward. And other areas such as prefectures, Kanto, Tokai, and Koshinetsu. The distribution timing of the holding information by the distribution control means 216 may be every predetermined time, for example, every hour, or may be distributed when a new karaoke tournament is registered. Furthermore, distribution may be performed when the karaoke device 16 to the home karaoke device 36 is activated or when login authentication of each user is normally performed.

  The distribution control means 216 is preferably a location stored in the SNS database 178 corresponding to a user who can be a participant (participating entity) among a plurality of karaoke tournaments stored in the karaoke tournament database 180. A notification of holding one or more karaoke competitions determined based on the information is distributed to the user. For example, among the plurality of karaoke tournaments stored in the karaoke tournament database 180, the location information stored in association with the karaoke tournament and the user who can be a participant may be stored in the SNS database 178. When the location information is included in the same geographical area, the notification of the karaoke tournament is distributed to the user. For example, the location information stored in the karaoke tournament database 180 in association with the target karaoke tournament, the area stored in the SNS database 178 corresponding to the user who can be a participant, and the store visit history (preferably Is the store 12) with the largest number of store visits in the store visit history, the global address (IP address) of the communication terminal device related to the connection via the communication line 18, or the region directly input by the touch panel display 184, etc. If it is included in the same geographical area, the notification of the karaoke tournament is delivered to the user.

  Preferably, the distribution control means 216 provides karaoke to a user who satisfies the participation qualification stored in association with the karaoke tournament among the karaoke tournaments stored in the karaoke tournament database 180. Deliver event notices. For example, if the participation qualification associated with the target karaoke competition and stored in the karaoke competition database 180 is “only female”, the user who satisfies the participation qualification, that is, the gender stored in the SNS database 178 is “ The notification of the karaoke tournament is distributed only to users who are “female”. Alternatively, when the participation qualification associated with the target karaoke tournament and stored in the karaoke tournament database 180 is “friends only”, it corresponds to the user who satisfies the participation qualification, that is, the host of the target karaoke tournament. The karaoke tournament notification is distributed only to the users who are friends stored in the SNS database 178. That is, the distribution control means 216 preferably stores the location information stored in association with the target karaoke tournament and the location information stored in the SNS database 178 corresponding to the user who can be a participant. When both are included in the same geographical area and the user satisfies the qualification for participation in the target karaoke tournament, a notice of the karaoke tournament is distributed to the user.

  The invitation display control means 218 shown in FIG. 9 causes the touch panel display 184 or the like to display the notification of the karaoke tournament distributed by the distribution control means 216. Preferably, when the login authentication of the user is normally performed by the login authentication control unit 212, an opening notice distributed to the user is displayed on the touch panel display 184 or the like. FIG. 12 is an example of the top screen 234 displayed on the touch panel display 184 corresponding to each user when normal authentication is performed by the login authentication control unit 212. For the login authenticated user, FIG. On the other hand, the case where the notification of holding a predetermined karaoke tournament is distributed is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 12, the invitation display control means 218 preferably has a top screen displayed on the touch panel display 184 when the delivery control means 216 delivers a notification of a karaoke tournament. In the display column of the notification display button 262 in 234, the fact that the event notice has arrived is displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the text information “Invitation for Karaoke Tournament has arrived” is displayed in the display field of the notice display button 262. When an input operation is performed on the news display button 262 via the touch panel display 184, the invitation display control means 218 includes an invitation (invitation video) 280 as an event notification as shown in FIG. An event notification screen 278 is displayed on the touch panel display 184. The invitation display control means 218 does not display the top screen 234 as shown in FIG. 12 when the login authentication control means 212 performs the login authentication of the user normally. An event notification screen 278 including an invitation 280 as shown in FIG. 6 may be displayed on the touch panel display 184. Further, the invitation 280 may be displayed in the top screen 234 by so-called pop-up.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an event notification screen 278 including an invitation 280 as an event notification for a predetermined karaoke tournament displayed on the touch panel display 184. As shown in FIG. 13, an invitation 280 including information such as the name of the karaoke tournament, the duration, participation qualification, organizer, and explanation of the tournament is displayed on the event notification screen 278. Further, a participation expression button 282 for expressing participation in the karaoke competition corresponding to the invitation 280 and a participation rejection button 284 for rejecting participation in the karaoke competition are preferably included in the invitation 280. Displayed on the front layer. The participation expression transmission means 220 shown in FIG. 9 transmits the participation expression to the target karaoke tournament to the server device 20. For example, in the event notification screen 278 shown in FIG. 13, when an input operation is performed on the participation expression button 282 by the touch panel display 184, the user who is the input subject, that is, the operating subject of the electronic quick sample device 22 at that time Is sent to the server device 20 via the communication line 18 through the communication line 18. The server device 20 transmits a statement of participation in the karaoke competition corresponding to the invitation 280 displayed on the event notification screen 278. When an input operation is performed on the participation refusal button 284 using the touch panel display 184, the display is returned to the original screen, for example, the top screen 234 without transmitting a participation expression.

  The karaoke tournament management means 222 shown in FIG. 9 has a plurality of users who perform karaoke performance using karaoke devices such as the karaoke device 16 to the home karaoke device 36 provided in the communication karaoke system 10 as participants. A karaoke tournament for karaoke performances within a predetermined period by these multiple users is managed. Specifically, registration of a new karaoke tournament is received by the registration receiving means 214 and stored (registered) in the karaoke tournament database 180. Also, the distribution control means 216 distributes the notification of the karaoke tournament held in the karaoke tournament database 180. In addition, when a user's participation expression for a predetermined karaoke tournament is transmitted (received) by the participation expression transmitting means 220, the participation karaoke tournament is stored in the karaoke tournament database 180 as a participant of the target karaoke tournament. Register additional users for the statement.

  The karaoke tournament management means 222 manages the karaoke tournaments stored in the karaoke tournament database 180 in an integrated manner. That is, various controls related to a karaoke tournament for karaoke performances within a predetermined period by a plurality of users are performed. For example, the karaoke of the aspect which performs the performance evaluation based on a pitch, a tempo, a sound volume, etc. regarding the karaoke performance by each participant's said karaoke apparatus 16 or home karaoke apparatus 36, etc., and performs the statistical processing which ranks the evaluation result in order. In the tournament, the karaoke tournament management means 222 preferably performs the statistical processing on the performance evaluation results of each user stored in the SNS database 178 during the target karaoke tournament. That is, when a karaoke performance is performed by each participant's karaoke device 16 or home karaoke device 36 during the target karaoke tournament, the performance evaluation result of the karaoke performance is uploaded to the server device 20. And stored in the SNS database 178 for each user by the SNS management control means 210. The karaoke tournament management means 222 reads the performance evaluation results of each user stored in the SNS database 178 during such a holding period at a predetermined statistical processing timing (preferably at the end of the holding period). Statistical processing is performed to rank the evaluation results in higher order, and the statistical results are disclosed. For example, when login authentication of each participant is normally performed by the login authentication control unit 212, a result announcement screen of a karaoke tournament including the statistical result is displayed on the touch panel display 184 or the like. Here, the statistical processing, and thus the release of the statistical results, may be performed only once at the end of the target karaoke tournament period, or may be repeated several times during the event period. The statistical processing may be extended and the statistical results may be disclosed.

  In addition, each user accepts posting and uploading of voice information recording how the karaoke performance is performed by the karaoke device 16 or the home karaoke device 36, and video information (video information including sound) taken and publishing it. In the karaoke tournament, the karaoke tournament management means 222 preferably transmits the voice information or video information of each user posted to the SNS database 178 during the target karaoke tournament at a predetermined release timing. Publish. That is, the moving image information posted by each user is disclosed so that it can be viewed by the communication terminal device such as the personal computer 30 or the mobile phone 32 via the communication line 18. Preferably, at the end of the target period of the target karaoke tournament, video information and the like posted by the participants during the target period are released simultaneously. Preferably, during the period of the target karaoke tournament, video information posted by each user is disclosed as needed, and communication via the communication line 18 such as the personal computer 30 or the mobile phone 32 is performed. It is good also as browsing is possible with a terminal device. Moreover, in such an aspect, the vote with respect to the moving image information etc. corresponding to each participant may be received, and the moving image information etc. posted based on the voting result may be ranked.

  In a karaoke tournament in which only the fact that each participant performed a predetermined performance piece (task tune) by the karaoke device 16 or the home karaoke device 36 is disclosed, the karaoke tournament management means 222 is preferably Determining whether or not each user performed the predetermined performance based on the music selection history of each user stored in the SNS database 178 during the target karaoke tournament, The judgment result is disclosed. That is, when a karaoke performance is performed by each participant's karaoke device 16 or home karaoke device 36 during the target karaoke tournament, the music selection history related to the karaoke performance (the karaoke device 16 to the home karaoke device). The history of performance songs selected in the past in the karaoke device 36 or the like is uploaded to the server device 20 and stored in the SNS database 178 by the SNS management control unit 210 for each user. The karaoke tournament management unit 222 determines whether or not the predetermined performance music is included in the music selection history of each user stored in the SNS database 178 during the holding period, and based on the determination result. As a result of the karaoke tournament, it is disclosed whether each participant performed the predetermined performance music. For example, when login authentication of each participant is normally performed by the login authentication control unit 212, a result announcement screen of a karaoke tournament including such a determination result is displayed on the touch panel display 184 or the like. In such an aspect, the birthplace of the artist associated with the subject song is stored in the karaoke tournament database 180 as location information corresponding to the karaoke tournament related to the subject song, and the location information is based on the location information. You may deliver a notification of a holding | maintenance with respect to the user who can become a participant. Further, when concert information held by the artist of the subject song is stored in association with the subject song, location information (such as a location where the concert is held) related to the concert information is stored in the karaoke tournament database 180. It is also possible to store the event notification to a user who can be a participant based on the location information.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a main part of the login / logout control by the CPU 194 of the electronic quick sample apparatus 22, which is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle.

  First, in step (hereinafter, step is omitted) SA1, it is determined whether or not login information, that is, identification information (user ID) and a login password have been input via the electronic sample device 22 or the like. When the determination of SA1 is negative, the processing after SA11 is executed. When the determination of SA1 is positive, the identification information and the login password input at SA1 are stored in the server at SA2. Transmitted to the device 20. Next, in SA3, it is determined whether or not a response indicating that the server apparatus 20 has successfully logged in is returned. If the determination at SA3 is negative, an error message is displayed at SA4 on the electronic quick sample device 22, etc., and then the processing after SA11 is executed, but the determination at SA3 is affirmed. In SA5, login processing is normally performed in SA5, and in SA6, information such as the user's name (nickname) is downloaded from the SNS database 178 of the server device 20 via the communication line 18, and the electronic preview After being stored in the karaoke device 16 or the like so that it can be displayed on the device 22 or the like, whether or not an invitation corresponding to a notification of holding a predetermined karaoke tournament has been delivered to the user who has been logged in at SA7 Is judged. If the determination at SA7 is negative, the processing from SA11 is executed, but if the determination at SA7 is affirmative, an invitation corresponding to the delivered notification of the karaoke tournament is issued at SA8. After the event notification screen including the event is displayed on the touch panel display 184, an input operation for expressing participation in the karaoke competition corresponding to the invitation displayed in SA8 is performed via the touch panel display 184 or the like in SA9. It is determined whether or not it has been received. When the determination of SA9 is negative, the processing after SA11 is executed, but when the determination of SA9 is affirmative, it is displayed at SA8 of the user who performed login authentication in SA10. After a declaration of participation in the karaoke competition corresponding to the invitation is transmitted to the server device 20 via the communication line 18, the electronic quick sample device 22 or the like performs logout processing of a predetermined user in SA11. It is determined whether or not there is an input for the purpose. If the determination at SA11 is negative, the routine is terminated. If the determination at SA11 is affirmative, after the logout process of the target user is performed at SA12, This routine is terminated.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining a main part of the karaoke tournament registration control by the CPU 194 of the electronic sample device 22, and is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle.

  First, in SB1, it is determined whether or not input of information related to karaoke tournament holding registration has been started by an input operation or the like via the touch panel display 184. If the determination at SB1 is negative, the routine is terminated. If the determination at SB1 is affirmative, input of information related to the registration of the karaoke tournament is received at SB2. A karaoke tournament setting screen (karaoke tournament registration input screen) as shown is displayed on the touch panel display 184. Next, in SB3, information input of each item on the karaoke tournament setting screen is accepted by an input operation or the like via the touch panel display 184. Next, in SB4, it is determined whether or not a decision registration operation by an input operation or the like via the touch panel display 184, for example, an input operation to the decision registration button 274 on the karaoke tournament setting screen 264 shown in FIG. . When the determination at SB4 is negative, the processing after SB3 is executed again. However, when the determination at SB4 is affirmative, the log information of the user who is the registrant (input subject) at SB5. For example, the area associated with the user, the information regarding the store 12 in the store visit history, or the location information such as the device ID of the karaoke device 16 associated with the electronic quick sample device 22 is obtained from the SNS database 178 or the like. To be acquired. Next, in SB6, information related to the karaoke tournament input in SB3 is transmitted to the server device 20 in association with the location information read out in SB5 and the user ID of the registrant, and the karaoke tournament. After being registered in the database 180, this routine is terminated.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining a main part of the karaoke tournament management control by the CPU 160 of the server device 20, and is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle.

  First, at SC1, it is determined whether or not information related to registration of a new karaoke tournament has been received from a communication terminal device such as the electronic quick sample device 22 via the communication line 18. If the determination of SC1 is negative, the processing after SC3 is executed, but if the determination of SC1 is affirmative, the received information regarding the registration of the new karaoke tournament is received at SC2. After being stored (registered) in the tournament database 180, in SC3, information relating to an expression of participation in a predetermined karaoke tournament stored in the karaoke tournament database 180 is transmitted from the communication terminal device such as the electronic quick sample device 22 or the like. It is determined whether or not it has been received via the line 18. When the determination of SC3 is negative, the processing after SC5 is executed. However, when the determination of SC3 is affirmative, the information regarding the user related to the received participation expression is received at SC4. The target karaoke tournament stored in the karaoke tournament database 180 is associated (stored) as a new participant.

  Next, in SC5, it is determined whether or not it is the distribution timing of the notification of the event corresponding to each karaoke tournament stored in the karaoke tournament database 180. When the determination of SC5 is denied, the processing below SC7 is executed. When the determination of SC5 is affirmed, at SC6, the use notification for the event corresponding to the karaoke competition is targeted. For example, the location information stored in association with the karaoke tournament and the location information stored in the SNS database 178 corresponding to the user are both included in the predetermined geographical area. It is delivered to. Next, in SC7, it is determined whether or not it is within the holding period of each karaoke tournament stored in the karaoke tournament database 180. If the determination of SC7 is negative, the processing below SC10 is executed, but if the determination of SC7 is affirmative, in SC8, a plurality of participants in the karaoke tournament within the holding period are handled. As the karaoke performance log to be performed, for example, information such as performance evaluation results within the period is read from the SNS database 178 and totaled (statistics) is performed.

  Next, in SC9, the total result of SC8 is reflected in the progress of the target karaoke tournament stored in the karaoke tournament database 180. Next, in SC10, it is determined whether or not it is at the end of the holding period of each karaoke tournament stored in the karaoke tournament database 180. If the determination at SC10 is negative, this routine is terminated. If the determination at SC10 is affirmative, at SC11, a plurality of participants in the karaoke tournament related to the end of the event period are handled. As the karaoke performance log to be played, for example, information such as a performance evaluation result within the holding period is read from the SNS database 178 and totaled (statistics) is performed. Next, in SC12, the result of the target karaoke tournament is determined based on the counting result of SC11, and is distributed to each participant via the communication line 18, for example, and then this routine is terminated.

  In the above control, SA1 to SA6 are the operations of the login authentication control means 212, SC1 and SC2 are the operations of the registration receiving means 214, SC5 and SC6 are the operations of the distribution control means 216, and SA7 and SA8 are the operations of the above. SA9 and SA10 correspond to the operation of the invitation display control means 218, and the operations SC1 to SC10 correspond to the operation of the karaoke tournament management means 222, respectively.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a plurality of users who perform karaoke performance using the karaoke device 16 to the home karaoke device 36 and the like are used as participants, and karaoke performances by the plurality of users are targeted. A registration reception unit 214 (SC1 and SC2) that accepts the registration of a karaoke tournament, and a singular number or a plurality that are determined based on predetermined location information among a plurality of karaoke tournaments for which the registration registration is accepted by the registration reception unit 214 The distribution control means 216 (SC5 and SC6) for distributing the notification of the karaoke tournament of the user is provided, so that the geographical conditions can be met while targeting users in the wide-area online karaoke system 10 By delivering event notifications according to the situation, participants can be recruited as appropriate and a lively karaoke tournament will be realized. Door can be. That is, it is possible to provide the communication karaoke system 10 that realizes a service that widens the circle of exchange related to karaoke performance.

  The server device 20 includes an SNS database 178 as a storage device that stores location information corresponding to each user in association with the identification information of the user, and the distribution control means 216 includes: Among the plurality of karaoke tournaments, notification of holding of one or more karaoke tournaments determined based on the location information stored in the SNS database 178 corresponding to the user who can be a participant is given to the user. Therefore, the event notification can be appropriately distributed to users who can be participants, according to geographical conditions, while targeting users in the wide-area online karaoke system 10.

  The registration receiving means 214 stores the location information stored in the SNS database 178 in association with the karaoke tournament in association with the user who is the registration subject of the karaoke tournament registration. Therefore, the event notification can be appropriately distributed to the users who can be participants while appropriately targeting the users in the wide-area online karaoke system 10 according to geographical conditions.

  In addition, the distribution control unit 216 includes the location information stored in association with the karaoke tournament and the locations stored in the SNS database 178 corresponding to users who can be participants. When all of the information is included in a predetermined geographical area, the notification of the karaoke tournament is delivered to the user, so the user in the wide area communication karaoke system 10 participates. It is possible to distribute the event notice appropriately to users who can be participants according to geographical conditions.

  Further, the apparatus includes login authentication control means 212 (SA1 to SA6) that performs login authentication of the user related to use of the communication karaoke system 10 according to identification information input by the touch panel 190 or the like that is an input device, The distribution control unit 216 displays an invitation 280 that is a notification of the karaoke tournament distributed to the user when the user's login authentication is normally performed by the authentication control unit 212. Therefore, the user who has received the notification of the event can suitably confirm the event notification.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and may be implemented in other modes.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, registration of a new karaoke tournament and an announcement of participation in a predetermined karaoke tournament are performed by an input operation of the electronic quick sample device 22 as a communication terminal device provided in the communication karaoke system 10. Although the technology has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, registration of a new karaoke tournament and a predetermined karaoke tournament by input operations of the personal computer 30, the mobile phone 32, the home karaoke device 36, etc. A mode of performing an expression of participation in the event is also conceivable.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, a plurality of users who perform karaoke performance using the karaoke device 16 to the home karaoke device 36 provided in the communication karaoke system 10 are used as participants, and predetermined by the plurality of users. Although the karaoke tournament for karaoke performance within the period has been described, for example, the karaoke tournament of the present invention may use the mobile phone 32 as a karaoke device. In a mode in which the mobile phone 32 is used as a karaoke device, when the mobile phone 32 is provided with a GPS (Global Positioning System) function, the location information acquired by the GPS is used as the location information for the karaoke tournament. Various controls may be performed. For example, when both the location information stored in association with the target karaoke tournament and the location information corresponding to the location information acquired by the GPS are included in a predetermined geographical area, A mode in which the notification of the karaoke tournament is delivered to the mobile phone 32 is conceivable.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the server device 20 and the plurality of karaoke devices 16 are connected to the Internet such as a WWW (World Wide Web) composed of, for example, a public telephone line, an ADSL line, or an optical fiber line. Although the example in which the present invention is applied to the communication karaoke system 10 configured to be connected to each other by the communication line 18 that is a wide area information communication network has been described, for example, a closed network in a predetermined store 12, for example, one unit The present invention is also suitably applied to a communication karaoke system as a so-called intranet including the server device and several karaoke devices. In such an aspect, when a plurality of groups are performing karaoke performances in separate private rooms 14 in a predetermined store 12, a notification of a karaoke tournament is performed from the karaoke device 16 in any private room 14, A form such as soliciting participation in the karaoke competition can be considered.

  Further, the karaoke apparatus provided in the communication karaoke system of the present invention may be a commander main body storing the CPU 60, the synthesizer 48, etc. provided with a touch panel display, and the electronic quick sample apparatus via the touch panel display. The same input control or display control as in the case of 22 or the like may be performed. The touch panel display displays an image (video) and inputs to the karaoke device in response to a user's contact. Preferably, the touch panel display is installed on the front side flat portion (karaoke box or the like) of the commander body. If it is done, it will be provided on the user side).

  In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the present invention is implemented with various modifications within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

  10: Communication karaoke system, 16: Karaoke device, 18: Communication line, 20: Server device, 32: Mobile phone (karaoke device), 36: Home karaoke device, 190: Touch panel (input device), 178: SNS database ( Storage device), 212: login authentication control means, 214: registration acceptance means, 216: distribution control means, 280: invitation (notification of holding)

Claims (4)

A communication karaoke system comprising: a plurality of karaoke apparatuses that output a performance tune selected from a large number of performance tunes; and a server apparatus that transmits and receives information to and from the plurality of karaoke apparatuses via a communication line. Because
Registration accepting means for accepting registration of holding a karaoke tournament for karaoke performances by a plurality of users, with a plurality of users performing karaoke performances using the karaoke apparatus,
A delivery control means for delivering a notification of holding one or more karaoke tournaments determined based on predetermined place information among a plurality of karaoke tournaments whose registration is accepted by the registration accepting means;
The server device includes a storage device that stores location information corresponding to each user in association with identification information of the user,
The registration receiving means stores the location information stored in the storage device corresponding to the user who is the registration subject of the registration of the karaoke tournament in association with the karaoke tournament,
Wherein the distribution control means, the plurality of karaoke competitions, based and location information stored in correspondence with the karaoke competition, to the location information stored in the storage device in response to the user that may be Partner A communication karaoke system characterized in that a notification of holding one or more karaoke tournaments determined by the above is distributed to the user. A communication karaoke system comprising: a plurality of karaoke apparatuses that output a performance tune selected from a large number of performance tunes; and a server apparatus that transmits and receives information to and from the plurality of karaoke apparatuses via a communication line. Because
Registration accepting means for accepting registration of holding a karaoke tournament for karaoke performances by a plurality of users, with a plurality of users performing karaoke performances using the karaoke apparatus,
A delivery control means for delivering a notification of holding one or more karaoke tournaments determined based on predetermined place information among a plurality of karaoke tournaments whose registration is accepted by the registration accepting means;
A storage device for storing the place of birth of the artist associated with the tune of the karaoke tournament as location information corresponding to the karaoke tournament;
The distribution control means is configured to notify one or more karaoke tournament notifications determined based on location information stored in the storage device among the plurality of karaoke tournaments to a user who can be a participant. A communication karaoke system characterized by being distributed. Among the plurality of karaoke tournaments, the distribution control means includes location information stored in association with the karaoke tournament and location information stored in the storage device corresponding to a user who can be a participant. 3. The communication karaoke system according to claim 1, wherein a notification of holding the karaoke tournament is distributed to the user when the karaoke tournament is included in a predetermined geographical area. An authentication control means for performing login authentication of the user according to the use of the communication karaoke system according to identification information input by a predetermined input device;
2. The distribution control unit is configured to display a notification of the karaoke tournament distributed to the user when the user login authentication is normally performed by the authentication control unit. The communication karaoke system according to any one of 1 to 3.