GB2484084A

GB2484084A - Portable karaoke system for use with a motor vehicles sound system

Info

Publication number: GB2484084A
Application number: GB201016303A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Edward Hartley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-09-28
Filing date: 2010-09-28
Publication date: 2012-04-04
Also published as: GB201016303D0

Abstract

A karaoke system 10 and a method of providing that karaoke system 10 within a motor vehicle is described. The karaoke system 10 is a portable karaoke system for use with a motor vehicle having an integrated sound system 2. The karaoke system 10 comprises one or more microphone inputs 18, 19 and a backing music input 16; uni-directional headset microphones 8, 9 are ideally used with the karaoke system 10. An electronic mixing module (315) is provided for mixing together signals received at the microphone 18, 19 and backing music 16 inputs to generate an output mixed sound signal. The karaoke system 10 may powered via the vehicles cigarette lighter socket, and comprises an interface 12 which is preferably wireless and is arranged to be connected with the integrated sound system of the vehicle, to enable amplified playback of the mixed sound signal thereon.

Description

t V.' INTELLECTUAL ..* PROPERTY OFFICE Application No. GB 1016303.8 RTM Date:12 January 2011 The following terms are registered trademarks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Bluetooth Intellectual Properly Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.ipo.gov.uk Vehicle Karaoke System

FIELD OF INVENTION

This present invention relates to a karaoke system for use in a vehicle such as a car.

BACKGROUND

Karaoke systems, as are well known in the art, are used to mix together the singing voice of one or more users with backing music. The backing music is usually based on an original music track that has been professionally edited to remove the original vocals from it, therefore allowing the users of the karaoke system to sing the vocal part of the track instead. The voice of the singers are passed into the karaoke system via one or more microphone inputs, and can then be amplified, adjusted and mixed in as appropriate with the backing music. Karaoke systems may also have a display to present singers with the lyrics of the song, usually displayed in time with the backing track. The controls of a karaoke system can allow the inputs from microphones and the backing music to be adjusted in terms of volume and tone, and can also be used to control the application of sound effects such as reverb. The controls may be used in conjunction with the display to select and cue the desired music tracks.

As will be appreciated, the enjoyment of a karaoke session is significantly influenced by the sound quality of the mixed vocal and backing music. However, high fidelity sound can significantly increase the cost and complexity of the karaoke system.

Furthermore, the components of many karaoke systems such as the display, controls, amplifier and speakers tend to be heavy and occupy a large space. This is not normally considered to be problematic as karaoke systems tend to be fixed installations occupying a relatively small area of a room. In fact, heavy components may even be preferable where the karaoke system is installed in a publicly accessible karaoke bar, as this reduces the chance of theft. However, such karaoke systems are not inexpensive or small enough to be considered portable.

It is preferred that karaoke systems are installed in specific sound-insulated karaoke rooms so that a karaoke session does not disturb others not wishing to participate. However, there is a desire for karaoke to be experienced in other places whilst still containing the sound of the karaoke session to avoid disturbance.

It is against this background that the present invention has been devised.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a portable karaoke system for use with a motor vehicle, the karaoke system comprising: one or more microphone inputs; a backing music input; an electronic mixing module for mixing together signals received at the microphone and backing music inputs to generate an output mixed sound signal; and an interface arranged to be connected with a sound system to enable amplified playback of the mixed sound signal thereon.

Advantageously, the interface of the karaoke system allows karaoke to be experienced within a motor vehicle such a car. Motor vehicles are, by design, adapted to be sound insulated to prevent the occupants of the motor vehicle from being subjected to excessive exterior traffic and motor noise. Thus, it can be seen that sound generated within the vehicle will be, on the whole, confined to the interior of the vehicle. The inventor of the present invention has realised that this presents a private environment in which karaoke can be enjoyed, thereby obviating the need to provide a sound-insulated room dedicated to the purpose of karaoke. This further reduces the cost of providing a karaoke experience.

Preferably, the karaoke system is arranged for use with a motor vehicle having an integrated sound system, the interface being arranged to be connected to the integrated sound system.

Advantageously, a vast majority of motor vehicles already have integrated sound systems. Therefore, the karaoke system does not need to have its own amplifier and speaker arrangement, thereby reducing the size, complexity and cost of the karaoke system. Instead, the karaoke system comprises an interface thereby enabling an existing sound system integrated with the motor vehicle to be utilised for karaoke. As such, the present invention can easily be retrofitted to a vehicle.

Furthermore, as a significant proportion of the sound components needed to amplify and generate the sound are already installed in the vehicle, the karaoke system can do without such components. This increases the karaoke systems portability, further facilitating a retrofit.

Preferably, the karaoke system comprises user-operable controls for controlling at least one of the microphone inputs and the backing music input. Preferably, the user-operable controls are arranged to control at least one of volume, tone, balance and reverb of the at least one of the microphone inputs.

Advantageously, the control of the different sound inputs can enhance the user karaoke experience. For example, the relative volumes of different singers can be changed so that one singer's voice is promoted over the other, or that sound inputs can be balanced according to the user's preferences. Furthermore, reverb applied to the microphone inputs may improve the perceived quality of the singer's voices when played back over the vehicle sound system.

Preferably, the karaoke system comprises a feedback suppression module for suppressing feedback noise. The feedback suppression module may be selectively enabled and disabled by a user.

As will be appreciated, the interior of a motor vehicle such as the average car is far more confined than a room in which a karaoke system is usually found. As a result of this, the placement of the speakers of the sound system tend to be in closer proximity to the occupants of the car, and so to the microphones used by the users of the karaoke system. This can particularly exacerbate the occurrence of feedback in which a tone emitted by a speaker is picked up by a microphone, amplified and reemitted in a self-reinforcing closed loop. This is particularly an issue within a car in which the sound setup may not be originally intended for use in a karaoke context. In addition, a user of the karaoke system may not be familiar with how sound systems should be configured to minimise the occurrence of feedback. Such a user may select components that are more conducive to feedback. For example, omni-directional microphones may be selected for use with the karaoke system where in fact uni-directional microphones are better suited to minimise feedback. Thus, a feedback suppression module can make it far easier for a typical user who is not technically knowledgeable in sound system set ups to effectively operate the karaoke system.

Preferably, the karaoke system comprises a vocal reduction module arranged to reduce the vocal sound components in the signal received at the backing music input. The vocal reduction module may be selectively enabled and disabled by a user.

The vocal reduction module may be controllable to select the level of attenuation of the vocal sound components present in the backing music.

It will be understood that the karaoke system is particularly suited for use with sound sources such as MP3 players that can be connected to the backing music input.

Such sound sources may be loaded with original music tracks that may not have been professionally edited to remove the vocal components, therefore not necessarily suited for karaoke. To allow the effective use of such sound sources in a karaoke context, a vocal reduction module advantageously permits filtering of the original music tracks to reduce or remove vocal components. It can also be advantageous to attenuate the vocal components in the backing music -but not necessarily completely suppress those vocal components. This is because if a sound source/backing music is used that is not dedicated to the purposes of karaoke, it is likely that the karaoke system will not have the means capable of displaying lyrics in time with the music. Indeed, if a driver of the vehicle is participating in a karaoke session, the driver cannot safely have his or her attention diverted to a lyric display. As such, it can be helpful to be able to hear the original lyrics of the backing music, albeit in attenuated form, to aid a user's lyric recollection.

The karaoke system may comprise a user-controllable equaliser, such as a graphic equaliser, for boosting or attenuating different frequency ranges of the microphone, backing music and/or output mixed sound signals.

Preferably, the karaoke system comprises a pitch-shift module arranged to change the pitch of backing music. Advantageously, the pitch-shift module can enable real-time modification of the pitch of the backing music to suit the vocal range of the user.

Preferably, the karaoke system comprises a power adapter to allow the karaoke system to be connected to and powered by a power source such as the motor vehicle power supply. Preferably, the power adapter is arranged to interface with a standard cigarette-lighter socket of the motor vehicle.

Preferably, the power adapter comprises a cable. The power adapter may comprise a cable reel arranged to controllably extend the cable from, or retract the cable about the reel. The cable reel may at least in part be integrated with a housing of the karaoke system. The cable reel may be biased to wind the cable around the reel when retracting the cable about the reel.

Preferably, the karaoke system comprises a power-regulation circuit arranged to regulate the power received from the motor vehicle power supply. Preferably, the power adapter and the karaoke system form an integral housing.

Advantageously, the power adapter removes the need for the karaoke system to accommodate an integral power source, for example via a battery compartment.

This reduces the overall size of the karaoke system, increasing its portability and reducing material cost. This is especially true where the power adapter and the karaoke system form an integral housing. Furthermore, where the power adapter is arranged to interface with a standard cigarette-lighter socket and the power adapter forms an integral housing with the karaoke system there is an added advantage in that the karaoke system can be held securely in place. In this case, the act of plugging in the karaoke system into the cigarette lighter socket allows a simultaneous electrical and mechanical connection to be made. As well as receiving electrical power, the karaoke system is secured in a manner preventing it from moving around with the movement of the vehicle. This can eliminate the possibility of the karaoke system dangerously interfering with the controls of the vehicle. It will be understood that when the power adapter and the karaoke system form an integral housing, the housing may be arranged so that a portion of the housing extends into a standard cigarette-lighter socket and another portion is exterior to the socket.

The karaoke system may comprise a power module. The power module may be separate from the motor vehicle power supply. The power module may be in the form of a battery. Advantageously, a self-contained battery allows operation of the karaoke system without needing to be connected to the motor vehicle power supply.

This reduces the complexity and initial cost of the karaoke system, and can also reduce the wiring required to enable operation of the karaoke system.

Preferably, the interface comprises a radio transmitter arranged to transmit the mixed sound signal to a radio receiver of the motor vehicle sound system. The radio transmitter may be a medium wave and/or FM radio transmitter.

Preferably, the karaoke system comprises an electromagnetic inference reduction module for reducing the influence of electromagnetic interference generated by the motor vehicle's electrical systems on the generated mixed sound signal.

Preferably, the karaoke system comprises a music player, such as an MP3 player, for providing the backing music input signal. The integrated music player may comprise a music transfer interface for transferring music file to the music player.

The integrated music player may comprise a display output module. The display output module may be connected to a display module such as an LCD screen.

The display output module may be arranged to output display information. The display information may comprise lyrics associated with and timed with the backing music.

The display information may comprise music videos corresponding to the backing music.

Preferably, the karaoke system may comprise a score tracking system.

Advantageously, the score tracking system can increase the enjoyment of a karaoke session by encouraging the users of the system to rate one another's performance and introducing a competitive element into a karaoke experience.

Preferably, the karaoke system comprises one or more microphones arranged to be connected to the corresponding one or more microphone inputs. Preferably, the one or more microphones are wireless microphones.

Advantageously, wireless microphones do not require the wires to be routed from the karaoke system to the occupants of a vehicle incorporating the karaoke system. Wireless microphones are particularly suited for use within a vehicle where wires could otherwise dangerously interfere with the controls of the vehicle.

Furthermore, if the microphones need to be passed between a number of users (for example in the front and rear of a car), this can be more easily achieved with wireless microphones. The one or more wireless microphones may be arranged to be in communication with the karaoke system by way of a short-range wireless communication system. The short-range wireless communication system may use electromagnetic waves over frequencies such as UHF, VHF, FM, AM and/or employ a digital modulation system such as that used by the Bluetooth standard.

Preferably, the one or more microphones are substantially uni-directional.

Advantageously, the use of microphones sensitive primarily to sound originating from one direction -i.e. the singers -means that interference from other sound sources can be minimised. This is particularly a consideration when attempting to minimise feedback.

Preferably, the one or more microphones are hands-free microphones.

Advantageously, a hands-free microphone, for example a head-set microphone can allow the hands-free participation. This is particularly useful if a driver of the vehicle would like to participate in a karaoke session.

Preferably, the karaoke system comprises a microprocessor for processing the signals received at the microphone and backing music inputs. The microprocessor may be an audio signal processor. The microprocessor may comprise one or more modules of the karaoke system. For example, the microprocessor may comprise one or more volume control modules, the feedback suppression module, the vocal reduction module, an equaliser module, a pitch-shift module and/or the electromagnetic interference reduction module.

Preferably, the karaoke system comprises an image signal input for receiving an image signal from an image capture device such a camera. The karaoke system may have a storage module arranged to store the received image signal. The storage module may comprise a storage access interface to allow access to the contents of the storage module.

The image signal input may comprise a video signal input for receiving a video signal from a video capture device such as a video camera. The storage module may be arranged to store the received video signal. The storage module may be arranged to store the output mixed sound signal, thereby permitting recording of a karaoke session. The storage module may be arranged to store the image signal and/or the video signal in association with the output mixed sound signal.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a motor vehicle having an integrated sound system and further comprising the karaoke system according to the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of providing a karaoke system within a motor vehicle, the method comprising mixing together signals received from one or more microphones and a backing music source to generate an output mixed sound signal; and interfacing with a vehicle sound system to enable amplified playback of the mixed sound signal thereon.

It will be appreciated that features of the different aspects of the invention may be combined or substituted where context allows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an exterior schematic diagram of a karaoke system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the electronic components of the karaoke system 10 of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the electronic components of a karaoke system according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 shows an exterior schematic diagram of the karaoke system of Figure 3; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a karaoke system according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 6 shows an exterior schematic diagram of a karaoke system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 shows an exterior schematic diagram of a karaoke system 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The karaoke system 10 comprises a housing 100 accommodating a first microphone input 18 arranged to be connected to a first microphone 8, a second microphone input 19 arranged to be connected to a second microphone 9, a backing music input 16 arranged to be connected to a sound source in the form of an MP3 player 6 and an interface 12 arranged to be connected with a vehicle sound system 2. In alternatives, it will be appreciated that other sound sources such as a CD player may be used in place of the MP3 player.

Briefly, in use, the karaoke system 10 mixes together the signals received at the microphone inputs 18, 19 and the backing music input 16 to generate an output mixed sound signal. The output mixed sound signal is transmitted via the interface 12 to the vehicle sound system 2, where the output mixed sound signal can be amplified and played over the vehicle loudspeakers 4.

The karaoke system 10 also comprises a power input 17 connected via a coiled cable to a power connector 7. The coiled cable minimises cable tangling. The power connector 7 is shaped to be received into a standard vehicle cigarette lighter socket, as is known in the art, and thus enables the karaoke system 10 to be powered by the vehicle's electrical power supply. A power indicator LED 27 illuminates when the karaoke system 10 is being powered by the vehicle power supply. A power regulation circuit (not shown) regulates the power received from the vehicle power supply.

The karaoke system 10 also comprises a set of user-operable controls. The user-operable controls comprise a backing music volume control 26, a first microphone volume control 28, a second microphone volume control 29, a tone control 30, an echo control 31 and a powerswitch 17. Each of the controls, apartfrom the powerswitch 17 are in the form of a rotatable dial.

Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a schematic diagram of the electronic components of the karaoke system 10 of Figure 1. The components include a first microphone volume control module 280, a second microphone volume control module 290, a backing music volume control module 260, a tone control module 300, an echo control module 310, and an electronic mixing module 315. A sound signal received at the first microphone input 18 is passed to the first microphone volume control module 280, where the signal is controllably pre-amplified. Similarly, a sound signal received at the second microphone input 19 is passed to the second microphone volume control module 290, where the signal is also controllably pre-amplified. The two pre-amplified microphone sound signals are combined and passed to the tone control module 300, the echo control module 310 and then the electronic mixing module 315. A sound signal received at the backing music input 16 is passed via the backing music volume control module 260 without pre-amplification, and is passed directly to the electronic mixing module 315. The electronic mixing module 315 combines the received sound signals to form a mixed sound signal, which is then passed to the interface 12.

Referring to Figure 1, a user operating the controls of the karaoke system 10 can control how certain sound signals are treated as they pass through the various electronic components as shown in Figure 2. In particular, the backing music volume control 26 can allow user control of the extent to which a sound signal from the MP3 player is attenuated by the backing music volume control module 260. The first microphone volume control 28 allows user control of the extent of the pie-amplification of the first microphone volume control module 280. The second microphone volume control 29 allows user control of the extent of the pre-amplification of the second microphone volume control module 290. The tone control 30 allows user control of the tone of the combined pre-amplified microphone signals as applied by the tone control module 300. The echo control 31 allows user control of the reverb applied to the sound signal by the echo control module 310 as it passes from the tone control module 300 to the electronic mixing module 315. The power switch 17 is user-operable to control the supply of power to the karaoke system 10.

The first and second microphone 8, 9 are head-set style microphones that are worn around the head, and so permit hands-free use during a karaoke session. The use of such hands-free microphones may therefore even safely enable the participation of the driver of a vehicle in which the karaoke system 10 is installed.

The first and second microphones 8, 9 are also substantially uni-directional, being sensitive to sound originating from the wearer of the microphones, and being relatively insensitive to sound from other sound sources, such as the loudspeakers 4 of the vehicle sound system 2. This is useful to minimise the occurrence of feedback, in which a tone emitted by the loudspeakers 4 is picked up by a microphone, amplified and reemitted in a self-reinforcing closed loop.

The first and second microphones 8, 9 are wired by respective microphone cables to the first and second microphone inputs 18, 19 of the karaoke system. The cables are of a coiled variety to minimise tangling. The connections made to the first and second microphone inputs 18, 19 are via standard microphone jacks and so the microphones 8, 9 can be easily disconnected from the rest of the karaoke system 10.

This is useful the purposes of storage, when the use of only one microphone is required, or when it is desired to substitute the microphones 8, 9 with those of other types.

In a similar way, the MP3 player 6 is connected to the backing music input 16 by way of a standard audio jack. This enables the karaoke system 10 to be compatible with virtually any MP3 player having a suitable output. Thus, users are able to use their existing MP3 players, loaded with their own song collection, with the karaoke system 10. This has the advantage of reducing the cost and complexity of the karaoke system 10. In addition, as a user is likely to be familiar with his or her own MP3 player, this reduces the amount of time that the user needs to spend learning how to correctly operate the karaoke system 10.

As mentioned, the karaoke system 10 comprises an interface 12 which allows connection to the vehicle sound system 2. In the present embodiment, the interface 12 comes in the form of a pair of standard audio phono sockets, the pair being for left and right audio channels. The sockets are arranged to receive a connector which at one end comprises a pair of standard audio phono jacks. At the other end, the connector terminates at a standard 3.5mm stereo jack, which can be readily plugged into an auxiliary input commonplace in most vehicle sound systems. Converters may be used to adapt the interface 12 to allow connection to different vehicle sound systems.

It will be appreciated that the arrangement of the electronic components of the karaoke system 10 shown in Figure 2 -in particular the sequential ordering of the different modules -is purely illustrative. When fabricated on a circuit board, the components may be connected to one another in a manner not necessarily represented as shown in Figure 2. Furthermore, instead of there being independent modules dedicated to independent functions, the functions may be fulfilled by a single component, for example an audio signal microprocessor. An example of this arrangement is shown in Figure 3.

In particular, Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the electronic components of a karaoke system 10' according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Here, the majority of audio signal processing functions are carried out by an audio signal microprocessor 20.

The karaoke system 10' of Figure 3 also comprises a first wireless microphone receiver 180, a second wireless microphone receiver 190, an FM transmitter 120, a backing music input 16 and a backing music volume control module 260.

The first and second wireless microphone receivers 180, 190 take on the role of the first and second microphone inputs 18, 19 as described in relation to the first embodiment in that they receive a sound input from first and second microphones.

Furthermore, the FM transmitter 120 takes on the role of the interface 12, as described in relation to the first embodiment in that it provides a connection to the vehicle sound system. However, these connections are provided wirelessly.

Advantageously, the reduced number of wired connections to the karaoke system 10' means there are fewer wires to become tangled -which is an important consideration when there is a danger of the wires interfering with the controls of the vehicle in which the karaoke system lOis installed.

Referring to Figure 4, there is shown an exterior schematic diagram of the karaoke system 10' according to the second embodiment. First and second microphones 8', 9', are in the form of wireless headset microphones 8', 9'. The wireless connection between the first and second microphones 8', 9' and the karaoke system 10' is denoted by a dashed line. Also denoted by a dashed line is the connection provided by the FM transmitter 120 from the karaoke system 10' to the vehicle sound system 2. The FM transmitter 120 transmits to an FM radio signal receiver integrated with the vehicle sound system 2, as is commonplace in the vast majority of vehicle sound systems. The first and second wireless microphone receivers 180, 190, the FM transmitter and the other component of the karaoke system 10' are accommodated within a housing 100. An MP3 player 6 is connected in the manner described in relation to the first embodiment to a backing music input 16.

Referring back to Figure 3, information received from the wireless microphones 8', 9' is processed by the first and second wireless microphone receivers 180, 190 into a format suitable for the audio signal processor 20. The signal at the backing music input 16, the amplitude of which is controlled by the backing music volume control module 260, is also passed to the audio signal processor 20. These audio signals are mixed, processed and the resulting output mixed sound signal is passed to the FM transmitter 120.

The audio signal processor 20 comprises a first microphone volume control module 280, a second microphone volume control module 290, a tone control module 300, an echo control module 210, a vocal reduction module 320, a pitch-shift module 330, an equaliser module 340, a feedback suppression module 350 and an electromagnetic inference reduction module 360. Each of the modules is implemented as a software module running on the audio signal processor 20. However, it will be appreciated that a hardware implementation of each of the modules is also possible in alternatives to the present embodiment.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, additional hardware may be associated with the audio signal processor 20. For example, the karaoke system 10' may have a separate memory (not shown) to store the processing instructions that enable the audio signal processor to perform the functions of the different modules.

Advantageously, the use a microprocessor and memory allows upgrades to be made more easily that enable or improve the audio signal processing functionality of the karaoke system 10'.

The first and second microphone volume control modules 280, 290 are arranged to control the respective volumes of the audio signals received from the first and second microphones 8', 9'. The tone control module 300 is arranged to control the tone of the received microphone audio signals. The echo control module 310 is arranged to control the amount of reverb applied to the received microphone audio signals.

The vocal reduction module 320 is arranged to reduce the vocal sound components in the audio signals received from the backing music input 16. The vocal reduction module 320 may comprise a series of algorithms to determine and remove the vocal components of the backing music. This enables singers voices to be mixed in place of the original vocal part of a music track.

The pitch shift module 330 is arranged to change the pitch of the backing music, enabling real-time modification of the pitch of the backing music to suit the vocal range ofa singer.

The equaliser module 340 is arranged to control the power of different frequency ranges of the audio signals from the backing music input.

The feedback suppression module 350 is arranged to suppress feedback noise.

In particular, the feedback suppression module 350 is arranged to analyse the audio signals received from the microphones, and determine whether there is a sound component caused by feedback and then process the microphone audio signals to subsequently eliminate that sound component from the output mixed sound signal.

The electromagnetic inference reduction module 360 is arranged to reduce the influence of electromagnetic interference generated by the motor vehicle's electrical systems on the generated mixed sound signal. The electromagnetic interference reduction module 360 may comprise an interface with an electromagnetic sensor (not shown) to detect the nature of the electromagnetic interference. On detection, the microphone and backing music input signals are processed to reduce the effects of the interference on the output mixed sound signal.

The electronic mixing module 315 is arranged to combine the post-processed sound signals from the other modules to form the mixed sound signal.

Referring to Figure 4, the karaoke system 10' comprises a series of user operable controls to allow the selection and/or adjustment of a set of the modules described in relation to Figure 3.

In particular, the karaoke system 10' comprises user controls such as a first microphone volume control 28, a second microphone volume control 29, a tone control 30, an echo control 31. These operate in the same way as already described in relation to the first embodiment, and so in the interest of brevity will not be further described The karaoke system 10' also comprises user controls such as a vocal reduction control 32, a pitch shifter control 33, a graphic equaliser 34, and a feedback suppression control 35.

The vocal reduction control 32 allows a user to control whether and how the vocal reduction module 320 reduces vocal components in a signal from the backing music input. For example, the vocal reduction control 32 can be switched off, or can be operated to control attenuation of the vocal components by varying amounts.

The pitch shifter control 33 allows a user to control whether and how the pitch-shift module 330 shifts the pitch of the backing music. For example, the user may choose to leave the backing music at the original pitch, or may choose to raise or lower the pitch by preset intervals.

The graphic equaliser 34 is in the form of a series of sliders, each representing a different frequency range. The position of the sliders controls the action of the equaliser module 340. Moving a slider to one extreme of its movement causes boosting of the presence of audio components in the designated frequency range within the backing music. Moving the slider toward the other extreme causes attenuation within that frequency range. Thus, depending on the position of the sliders of the graphic equaliser, the equaliser module 340 modifies the frequency profile of the backing music.

The feedback suppression control 35 is user operable to vary the extent to which the feedback suppression module 350 takes effect.

The karaoke system 10' also comprises a power adapter 7 and a cable reel mechanism 170. The cable reel mechanism 170 is integrated with the housing 100 of the karaoke system 10' and comprises a cable which at one end is attached to the power adapter 7 and at the other is electrically connected to the electrical components of the karaoke system 10'. The cable is wound onto a reel of the cable reel mechanism 170.

The cable reel mechanism 170 is biased to wind the cable onto the reel but also provides a latching mechanism to allow the cable to be selectively locked and unlocked by a user. Respectively, this prevents or permits retraction of the cable onto the reel. Advantageously, this maximises the compactness of the device and serves to minimise the amount of loose wire that may dangerously interfere with the controls of the vehicle in which the karaoke system 10' may be installed.

Although the present embodiment has reduced the number of wires or cables, it will be appreciated that the necessity for two cables remain -one for connection to the MP3 player 6, and another for connection to a power source via a power adapter 7. It is possible to advantageously further minimise the number of cables required to implement a karaoke system according to the present invention, as will be described in relation to Figure 5.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a karaoke system 10" according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The majority of the components of this third embodiment are the same as the second embodiment, and so in the interests of brevity will not be described.

In this third embodiment, the power adapter is integrated with the housing of the karaoke system 10". In particular, a lower portion 107 of the housing 100 of the karaoke system is shaped like a power adapter 7 according to the first or second embodiments of the present invention. Thus the lower portion 107 is shaped to interface with a standard cigarette-lighter socket of a motor vehicle. The rest of the housing accommodates the electrical components of the karaoke system 10" which are the same as that described in relation to the second embodiment.

Figure 5 shows that the housing 100 of the karaoke system 10" supports user-operable controls on one of its faces. In particular, dials relating to a first microphone volume control 28, a second microphone volume control 29, a tone control 30 and an echo control 31 are shown. However, it will be appreciated that on other faces of the housing 100 not shown in Figure 5 are additional user controls described in relation to the second embodiment along with a backing music input.

Advantageously, when the lower portion 107 is plugged into a standard cigarette lighter socket, the karaoke system 10" is simultaneously electrically connected to the vehicle power supply, and also is securely held in place. This reduces the chance of the karaoke system 10" moving around with the movement of a vehicle and potentially interfering with the controls of the car. Additionally, the secure connection of the karaoke system 10" in one position ensures that the controls of the karaoke system 10" are provided at a regular location within a vehicle. Therefore, it will be appreciated that a driver of a vehicle wanting to operate the controls of the karaoke system 10" may therefore eventually be able to do so by feel alone, and without necessarily needing to look away from the road.

In alternatives, the housing 100 may not necessarily be one single rigid structure, but may comprise a plurality of portions that are movably connected to one another. For example, the power adapter portion 107 of the housing may be able to hinge relative to portion accommodating the electrical components.

Figure 6 shows an exterior schematic diagram of a karaoke system 10" according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The karaoke system 10" is able to receive the inputs from wireless microphones 8', 9', and also transmit the output mixed sound signal wirelessly to a vehicle sound system 2 in a manner already described in relation to the second embodiment. Furthermore, the karaoke system 10" can perform all the audio signal processing functions (e.g. vocal reduction control) already described in relation to the second embodiment. Therefore, in the interest of brevity, these features will not be further described.

The karaoke system 10" further comprises a music transfer interface 13, a video signal input 15, a display module 50 in the form of a touch-screen liquid crystal display (LCD), an MP3 player module 60, a power module 70 in the form of a battery compartment, a first score button 80, and a second score button 90. These are all integrated with a housing 100 of the karaoke system 10".

The music transfer interface 13 is arranged to interface with a computer 3 to allow music files to be transferred to an internal memory of the karaoke system 10".

These music files can be selected using the MP3 player module 60 to enable cueing and playback of those music files. Therefore, those music files can be used to provide the backing music for a karaoke session. The music files may also comprise lyric components that may be processed so that lyrics to appropriate songs are displayed in time on the display module 50 during song playback.

The video signal input 15 is arranged to allow the karaoke system 10" to be connected to a video capture device such as a camcorder 5. The video signal input 15 therefore allows a video signal to be transmitted to and stored on the internal memory of the karaoke system 10". It will be understood that other devices may also be connected to the karaoke system 10". For example, an image capture device such as a digital camera may be connected to the karaoke system 10".

The karaoke system 10" also provides a facility to record the output mixed sound signal to the internal memory. The recording of sounds and storing of images or video can be combined and synch ronised. Therefore, users have the option of recording the audio together with images or video from a karaoke session.

The display module 50 is able to provide information to a user about which music is playing, or has been cued. As the display module 50 is in the form of a touch screen it also capable of providing a graphical user interface to allow the display and selection of different functions of the karaoke system 10" -for example, controlling different audio processing modules, enabling video and audio recording and so forth.

The display module 50 can also be used to retrieve stored audio, video and image recordings and play them back, with the video or images being displayed on the display module 50, and the audio being transmitted via the vehicle sound system 2 to its associated loudspeakers 4.

The power module 70 allows the karaoke system 10" to operate without needing to be connected to the vehicle power supply. In particular, the power module 70 contains a compartment housing a rechargeable battery that supplies power to the electrical components of the karaoke system 10". It will be appreciated that as the battery does not need to also provide power for audio amplification, it can last significantly longer than other karaoke systems that do have to provide power for audio amplification. As will be appreciated, in the present embodiment, the power for audio amplification is provided by the electrical power supply of the vehicle.

The first score button 80 and the second score button 90 form part of a score tracking system in which users can rate one another's performances. In particular, a score for a singer using the first microphone 8', and another score for a singer using the second microphone 9' is displayed on the display module 50. Pressing the first score button 80 increments the first score and the pressing the second score button 90 increments the second score. The score tracking system therefore increases enjoyment by introducing a competitive element to a karaoke session.

It will be appreciated that, in alternatives, user controls such as the score buttons 80, 90 may instead be displayed as part of the graphical user interface on the display module 50, and can be selected by users via the touch-screen.

It will be appreciated that features and concepts relating to different embodiments of the present invention may be combined or substituted where context allows. For example, wired and wireless connections can be interchanged.