JP2007017527A - Communication karaoke device and communication karaoke system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication karaoke device and a communication karaoke system which can securely identify a piece of music to be performed stored in a storage medium at the first opportunity. <P>SOLUTION: There are provided a CD reproducing part 42 individually outputting a plurality of pieces of music to be performed stored in a CD 22; an extraction means 90 for extracting information on the piece of music to be performed from the storage content of the CD 22; an inquiry means 92 for inquiring a performance package collecting the piece of music to be performed on the basis of information extracted by the extraction means 90; an acquisition means 94 for acquiring lyric information of each of the plurality of pieces of music to be performed collected in the performance package inquired by the inquiry means 92; and a display means 96 for displaying lyric character picture based on the lyric information corresponding to the piece of music to be performed in synchronization with the output of the piece of music to be performed by the CD reproducing part 42. Thus, the plurality of pieces of music to be performed stored in the storage medium can be collectively recognized by extracting necessary and sufficient information for inquiring the performance package. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication karaoke apparatus capable of acquiring information related to a performance song via a communication line and an improvement of a communication karaoke system using the communication karaoke apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Music playback apparatuses that output a predetermined 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 predetermined 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 output. Karaoke performance of a desired song can be enjoyed by displaying it on the screen in synchronization with.

  As one aspect of such a karaoke apparatus, a communication karaoke apparatus capable of acquiring information related to a performance song via a communication line has been put into practical use. This communication karaoke device is connected to a server (center device) of a predetermined karaoke service providing company via a public telephone line or the like, so that information can be exchanged with the server, and new songs can be exchanged. Karaoke information and the like are downloaded as appropriate.

  By the way, recent progress in information communication technology has been remarkable, and it has become possible to transmit and receive large amounts of information in a relatively short time. Against this background, a new communication karaoke apparatus has been proposed in which information communication via the communication line is the main axis of control. For example, this is the recording medium playback device described in Patent Document 1. According to this technique, a recording information acquisition unit that acquires information related to recording of a musical piece from a recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), and the information acquired by the recording information acquisition unit are transmitted to the predetermined information via the communication line. A transmitting means for transmitting to the server; a receiving means for acquiring the lyrics information of the musical composition corresponding to the information transmitted by the transmitting means inquired by the server; and the reproduction status of the musical composition. Accordingly, a lyric character image display means for displaying a predetermined lyric character image based on the lyric information received by the receiving means is included, so that a simple karaoke performance can be performed using a commercially available CD or the like not including the lyric information. It can be realized.

JP 2005-70472 A

  However, in the conventional technique, for example, it is necessary to query the server for each piece of performance music stored in a storage medium such as a CD based on information such as TOC (Table of Contents). Or, there is a problem that it takes a relatively long time to acquire the lyrics information. In addition, even if the performance songs are stored on the same CD, the TOC may be slightly different depending on the production lot or the press factory. It was not suitable for practical use. For this reason, development of the communication karaoke apparatus and communication karaoke system which can identify the performance music memorize | stored in the storage medium reliably and as quickly as possible was calculated | required.

  The present invention has been made in the background of the above circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to provide a communication karaoke apparatus and a communication karaoke system capable of reliably and quickly identifying a performance song stored in a storage medium. Is to provide.

  In order to achieve such an object, the gist of the first aspect of the present invention is to output a predetermined musical piece selected from a large number of musical pieces and to provide information on those musical pieces via a communication line. A communication karaoke apparatus that can be obtained, wherein a performance means that individually outputs a plurality of performance songs recorded in a performance package that is a storage content of a predetermined storage medium, and information related to the performance music from the storage content of the storage medium Extracting means for extracting, inquiry means for inquiring a performance package in which the performance music is recorded based on information on the performance music extracted by the extraction means, and a plurality of performances recorded in the performance package inquired by the inquiry means The acquisition means for acquiring the lyric information of each of the performance songs via the communication line, and the acquisition means in synchronization with the output of the performance music by the performance means The acquired display means for displaying the lyric character image based on the lyric information corresponding to the musical piece Ri, it is characterized in that it has.

  In order to achieve the above object, the gist of the second invention is to output a predetermined performance song selected from a large number of performance songs and to provide information on the performance songs via a communication line. A communication karaoke system using a communication karaoke apparatus capable of acquiring a performance package database for storing a large number of pieces of information about performance packages each recording a plurality of pieces of performance pieces, and at least lyrics of the pieces of performance pieces as information about the pieces of performance pieces A performance song database for storing information, and the communication karaoke apparatus outputs a plurality of performance songs recorded in a performance package as storage contents of a predetermined storage medium individually; and Extraction means for extracting information related to the performance music from the stored contents, and performance music extracted by the extraction means. Inquiry means for referring to the performance package database via the communication line for the performance package in which the performance music is recorded based on the information to be recorded, and each of the plurality of performance music recorded in the performance package inquired by the inquiry means The acquisition means for acquiring the lyric information from the performance song database via the communication line, and the lyrics information corresponding to the performance song acquired by the acquisition means in synchronization with the output of the performance song by the performance means And a display means for displaying a lyric text image based thereon.

  As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, performance means for individually outputting a plurality of performance songs recorded in a performance package that is the storage content of a predetermined storage medium, and the performance music from the storage content of the storage medium. Extraction means for extracting information on the music, inquiry means for inquiring a performance package in which the performance music is recorded based on information on the performance music extracted by the extraction means, and recording in the performance package inquired by the inquiry means The acquisition means for acquiring the lyric information of each of the plurality of performed musical pieces via the communication line, and the lyrics corresponding to the musical performance pieces acquired by the acquisition means in synchronization with the output of the musical piece by the performance means Display means for displaying a lyric character image based on the information, so that the performance package of the plurality of performance songs recorded in the performance package is included. It can be recognized collectively a plurality of musical piece stored in the storage medium by extracting the information about the necessary and sufficient music piece to query. That is, it is possible to provide a communication karaoke apparatus that can reliably and quickly identify a performance tune stored in a storage medium.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, a performance package database that stores a large amount of information about performance packages each recording a plurality of performance songs, and a performance song that stores at least lyrics information of the performance songs as information related to a large number of performance songs. A database, and the communication karaoke apparatus outputs a plurality of performance pieces recorded in a performance package, which is a storage content of a predetermined storage medium, and a performance piece from the storage content of the storage medium. Extraction means for extracting information about, and inquiry means for referring to the performance package database via the communication line for a performance package containing the performance music based on information about the performance music extracted by the extraction means; Songs of multiple performance songs recorded in the performance package inquired by the inquiry means Acquiring means for acquiring information from the performance song database via the communication line, and lyrics based on the lyrics information corresponding to the performance song acquired by the acquisition means in synchronization with the output of the performance song by the performance means And a display means for displaying a character image. Therefore, the storage medium is extracted by extracting information about a performance song necessary and sufficient for referring to the performance package among a plurality of performance songs recorded in the performance package. It is possible to recognize a plurality of performance songs stored in a batch. That is, it is possible to provide a communication karaoke system that can reliably and quickly identify a performance tune stored in a storage medium.

  Here, in the first or second aspect of the invention, preferably, the inquiry means selects a performance package in which the performance songs are recorded based on information on two or more performance songs extracted by the extraction means. Inquire. In this way, there is an advantage that the performance package which is the storage content of the storage medium can be recognized more reliably.

  Preferably, the extracting means extracts the characteristic information of the waveform included in the performance tune as information related to the performance tune. In this way, there is an advantage that the performance package which is the storage content of the storage medium can be recognized in a practical manner by using a technique such as FP (Finger Print).

  In the second invention, it is preferable that the performance package database and the performance music database are respectively provided in separate servers. In this way, there is an advantage that a communication karaoke system with excellent processing speed can be realized by distributing the load.

  Preferably, the performance package database and the performance song database are provided in the same server. In this way, there is an advantage that a highly convenient communication karaoke system can be realized by centrally managing the performance package database and the performance song database.

  Preferably, the musical composition database stores performance information of the musical performances as information on a large number of musical performances, and the acquisition means transmits performance information and lyrics information of predetermined musical performances in the communication. It can be acquired from the performance music database via the line. In this way, in addition to being able to perform the karaoke performance by the communication karaoke apparatus even if the performance tune is not recorded in the performance package, the vocal part of the performance tune stored in the storage medium is sufficient. Therefore, there is an advantage that a comfortable karaoke performance can be realized by using the performance information acquired through the communication line instead.

  Preferably, the communication karaoke apparatus registers information on a performance package in which the performance music is recorded on the performance package database via the communication line based on information on the performance music extracted by the extraction unit. It has a registration means to do. In this way, by registering information on a new performance package in the performance package database at any time via the online karaoke device, the contents of the performance package database can be enhanced, and more performances can be obtained. There is an advantage that an online karaoke system capable of inquiring packages can be realized.

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

  FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a communication karaoke system 10 according to an embodiment of the second invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a communication karaoke system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a communication karaoke apparatus 12 according to an embodiment of the first invention and a first server that is an information processing apparatus managed by, for example, a karaoke service providing company. 14 and the second server 16 are connected to a communication line 18. The communication line 18 is a broadband network such as an asymmetric digital communication line using a public telephone line, for example, and the communication karaoke apparatus 12, the first server 14, and the second server 16 are connected to each other via the communication line 18. Electronic information can be transmitted and received. Here, preferably, in addition to the communication line 18, a dedicated line for connecting the first server 14 and the second server 16 is provided, and the second server 16 directly connects to the first server 14. It is possible to upload information.

  The communication karaoke apparatus 12 of this embodiment is connected to an output apparatus 20 having a video display function and an audio output function, such as a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) or a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), for example, by wire or wirelessly. A plurality of performance tunes recorded in a performance package, which is a storage content of a storage medium such as a CD (Compact Disc) 22 or an MP3 player (MP3 Music Player) 24, are individually output as an audio output device 20, and the output device By using the video output device 20 as a video output device and displaying a lyric character image corresponding to the performance music, the performance music stored in the CD 22 or the MP3 player 24 can be karaoke. In the present embodiment, description will be given of a mode in which both performance output and video display are performed via the output device 20, but only video display is performed via the output device 20, and the performance karaoke device 12 is related to performance output. A mode in which the above processing is performed is also conceivable. In such an aspect, a speaker or the like as an audio output device is provided in the communication karaoke device 12 in addition to the configuration described in detail below.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the communication karaoke apparatus 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the communication karaoke apparatus 12 of the present embodiment includes a CPU 26 that is a central processing unit, a ROM 28 that is a read-only memory, a RAM 30 that is a write / read memory as needed, an operation panel 32, and a remote controller. A receiving unit 34, a CD slot 36 for accommodating the CD 22, a CD driving unit 38, a CD reading unit 40, a CD reproducing unit 42, a USB interface 44, a USB connecting unit 46, an MP3 decoder 48, , Vocal canceller 50, modem 52, MIDI sound source 54, performance adjustment unit 56, microphone 58 as an audio input device, A / D converter 60, amplifier mixer 62, video board 64, and output device 20. And an interface 66 for connection to the network.

  The CPU 26 is a so-called computer that processes and controls electronic information based on a predetermined program stored in advance in the ROM 28 using the temporary storage function of the RAM 30, and reproduces the CD 22 accommodated in the CD slot 36. Or the MP3 data stored in the MP3 player 24 connected to the USB connection unit 46, or the lyric character image (based on the lyric information of the performance song in synchronization with the playback of the performance song) Lyric telop), the performance and video are output via the output device 20, information communication control with the first server 14 and the second server 16 via the communication line 18, etc. In addition to the basic control of the above, the figure includes the extraction control of the waveform characteristic information of the performance tune described later, the inquiry control of the performance package, and those controls Executing the communication karaoke performance control shown in the flowchart of.

  The operation panel 32 adjusts the pitch of the performance music played by the CD playback unit 42, the MP3 decoder 48, etc., adjusts the volume balance between the performance and the song, and other functions such as echo, volume, tone, etc. An input device having operation buttons (switches) or knobs for performing various operations related to karaoke performance by the communication karaoke device 12, such as performing various performance adjustments and inputting a music selection number of a performance tune desired to be played. It is. Further, the communication karaoke apparatus 12 is provided with a remote control device 68 that functions as an input device for remotely executing a part of the function of the operation panel 32, and the remote control reception unit 34 is provided with the remote control device 68. The remote control signal transmitted from is received and supplied to the CPU.

  The CD drive unit 38 is mainly composed of a spindle motor that rotates a spindle (drive shaft) in order to rotate the CD 22 accommodated in the CD slot 36 around its axis, and in accordance with a command from the CPU 26. The CD 22 is rotated at a predetermined rotation speed. The CD reading unit 40 irradiates the CD 22 with laser light and receives reflected light to read the stored contents of the CD 22, and the optical head in the radial direction of the CD 22. A reciprocating slider motor. The CD playback section 42 is a performance means for playing (playing back) music based on the performance data read by the CD reading section 40. The performance of the music recorded on the CD 22 is stored in the CD slot 36. The CD 22 is rotated by the CD drive unit 38, the performance data that is stored in the CD 22 is read by the CD reading unit 40, and the performance based on the performance data is reproduced by the CD reproduction unit 42. .

  The USB connection unit 46 connects an external device having a USB module, such as the MP3 player 24, to the CPU 26 and the like via the USB interface 44, and a connection terminal (square type) provided in the external device. Terminal) is a connection terminal (flat terminal) for connecting directly or via a USB cable. The MP3 decoder 48 is a playing means for playing (reproducing) music based on MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer-III) data. When playing a song recorded in the MP3 player 24, the MP3 player 24 MP3 data stored in a storage device such as a built-in flash memory is read through the USB connection unit 46 and the USB interface 44, and a performance based on the MP3 data is reproduced by the MP3 decoder 48.

  The vocal canceller 50 removes (cancels) the vocal part included in the performance reproduced by the CD reproducing unit 42 or the MP3 decoder 48. Specifically, a predetermined frequency band at the center of the frequency band of the input music data is removed and output. By such processing, the original artist's singing is removed from the performance reproduced by the CD reproducing unit 42 or the MP3 decoder 48, and a performance composed only of performance sounds such as musical instruments is output from the vocal canceller 50.

  The modem 52 is a device for connecting the communication karaoke apparatus 12 to the communication line 18, converts a digital signal output from the CPU 26 into an analog signal and sends the analog signal to the communication line 18. An analog signal transmitted through the CPU 18 is converted into a digital signal and supplied to the CPU 26. The performance package inquiry and the lyrics information acquisition, which will be described later, are performed via the modem 52. When a predetermined music selection number is input via the operation panel 32, the remote control device 68, etc., the MIDI (Musical Instrument) of the musical composition corresponding to the music selection number from the second server 16 via the modem 52 is provided. Digital Interface) data and lyrics information are downloaded. The MIDI sound source 54 is a performance means for playing (reproducing) music based on the MIDI data thus acquired.

  The performance adjustment unit 56 performs various adjustments regarding the performance output from the vocal canceller 50 or the MIDI sound source 54. Specifically, various adjustments such as the pitch, volume, performance speed, echo, tone, etc. of the musical composition are performed in accordance with operations via the operation panel 32, the remote control device 68, and the like. The amplifier mixer 62 synthesizes (mixes) the performance (music data) adjusted by the performance adjustment unit 56 and the audio information input from the microphone 58 via the A / D converter 60. The user's singing (singing voice) input by the microphone 58 in the karaoke performance by the communication karaoke device 12 is synthesized with the performance by the amplifier mixer 62 and is sent to the output device 22 through the interface 44. And output from a speaker or the like in the output device 22. Note that the microphone 58 is preferably provided so as to be detachable from the communication karaoke apparatus 12, or may be wirelessly connected by infrared rays or the like.

  The video board 64 performs processing related to video display (drawing) in response to a command from the CPU 26. Specifically, a predetermined image is displayed on the screen of the output device 22 through the interface 66. For example, the lyric character image generated by the CPU 26 is displayed, and the lyric character image display process such as changing the color of the lyric character image over time, or a predetermined background on the back layer of the lyric character image. Various video displays during karaoke performance by the communication karaoke apparatus 12 such as background video display processing such as video display are controlled.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the first server 14, and FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the second server 16. As shown in these drawings, in this embodiment, for the sake of convenience of explanation, a mode will be described in which the first server 14 and the second server 16 are the same type database server in which elements such as a central processing unit are equal. That is, the first server 14 and the second server 16 include a so-called microcomputer system that performs signal processing in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 72 in advance using the temporary storage function of the RAM 74 by the CPU 70 that is a central processing unit. Yes. Also, a video display device 76 such as a CRT, a CRT controller 78 for controlling display of video by the video display device 78, an input device 80 such as a keyboard, and an interface for processing input by the input device 80. 82 and a modem 84 for connecting the CPU 70 and the like to the communication line 18.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the first server 14 includes a performance package database 86 for storing a large number of pieces of information related to performance packages each recording a plurality of performance songs in a storage device such as a hard disk. This performance package refers to a plurality of performance songs stored on a storage medium such as a commercially available album CD or single CD as a group. For example, 14 performance songs “To Tomorrow's Sea”, The album “Mars Lander”, which includes “Last Dance”, “Sad Lie”,… “Marbled Thief” and the artist CD “Nanami Honjo”, is titled “Mars Lander”. Fourteen performance songs recorded on the album CD to be bundled correspond to one performance package. Preferably, the performance package database 86 stores the waveform characteristic information of each performance song included in each performance package as information related to the performance package, and the waveform characteristic information is stored as will be described later. By referring to the performance package including the performance music, it is possible to inquire. The performance packages stored in the performance package database 86 are not limited to those stored on a commercially available CD, for example, those recorded on a self-produced CD that is not commercially available, or MO (Magneto Optical Disk). ), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), and other performance packages stored in various storage media such as a flash memory built in the MP3 player 24 can be stored in the performance package database 86.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the second server 16 includes a performance song database 88 for storing karaoke information of the performance songs as information relating to a large number of performance songs in a storage device such as a hard disk. Karaoke information including header information including a name (singer name), MIDI data as performance information, and lyrics information is stored for each performance song with the music selection number as an index. This lyric information includes text information corresponding to the lyrics of the musical composition, lyrics output timing information, color change timing information, and the like, and is separate as electronic information independent of the karaoke information (each musical composition) Can be downloaded. The MIDI data can also be downloaded separately as electronic information independent of the karaoke information.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram for explaining the main part of the control function provided in the CPU 26 of the communication karaoke apparatus 12. The extracting means 90 shown in FIG. 5 extracts information related to the performance music from the storage contents of a storage medium such as the CD 22 or the MP3 player 24. Preferably, performance data to be processed such as performance data stored in the CD 22 read by the CD reading unit 40 or MP3 data read from the MP3 player 24 via the USB interface 44 and the USB connection unit 46. The characteristic information of the waveform included in the is extracted as information on the performance music. The characteristic information of the waveform is specifically information extracted by a technique such as FP (Finger Print). For example, a part or all of the waveform (preferably, the performance is included in the performance music). This is a hash value obtained by applying a hash function to a waveform having a predetermined length from the start position). FIG. 6 shows information directly read from the storage contents of the storage medium such as the CD 22 or the MP3 player 24, that is, the performance package first track music (first performance music) and second track music (second music) stored in those storage media. FIG. 7 shows waveform data for several seconds in each of the performance music) and the third track music (third performance music). FIG. 7 shows information extracted from the waveform data read out in this way, that is, the first data. The characteristic information of the waveform for several seconds in each of the track tune, the second track tune, and the third track tune is shown. As shown in these drawings, the extracting means 90 preferably relates to two or more performance songs among a plurality of performance songs included in a performance package stored in a storage medium such as the CD 22 or the MP3 player 24. Information, more preferably, the characteristic information of the waveforms included in the performance songs of the three performance songs from the beginning is extracted.

  The inquiry means 92 inquires the performance package database 86 of the first server 14 via the communication line for the performance package in which the performance music is recorded based on the information related to the performance music extracted by the extraction means 90. Preferably, the performance characteristic in which the performance music is recorded based on the waveform characteristic information on the two or more performance music pieces extracted by the extraction means 90, more preferably on the basis of the waveform characteristic information on the 3 performance music pieces from the top. Query packages. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating contents stored in the performance package database 86 of the first server 14. As shown in FIG. 8, the performance package database 86 includes, for each performance package, the waveform characteristics of the performance package title, artist name, package number (identification number), and first track music (first performance music). Information and identification number, waveform feature information and identification number of the second track song (second performance song), waveform feature information and identification number of the third track song (third performance song), fourth track song (fourth performance song) ) Waveform characteristic information and identification numbers,. The inquiry means 92 includes waveform characteristic information of each of the first track tune, the second track tune, and the third track tune of the target performance package extracted by the extraction means 90 as shown in FIG. The performance package database 86 compares the waveform feature information of the first track song, the second track song, and the third track song of each performance package stored in the performance package database 86, and the performance package database 86 selects the performance package that matches them. Search from a number of performance packages stored in. Information such as the package number of the performance package searched in this way, the identification number of each performance tune included in the performance package, or the title and artist name of the performance package is acquired as a query result.

  The acquisition means 94 acquires the lyric information of each of the plurality of performance songs recorded in the performance package inquired by the inquiry means 92 from the performance music database 88 of the second server 16 via the communication line 18, and It memorize | stores in RAM30 grade | etc.,. Here, the performance package inquiry processing by the inquiry means 92 and the lyric information acquisition processing by the acquisition means 94 include some of the correspondence between the storage contents of the performance package database 86 and the storage contents of the performance song database 88. Embodiments are possible.

  First, in the first mode, the identification number of each performance music stored in the performance package database 86 matches the music selection number of each performance music stored in the performance music database 88. That is, a music selection number used for music selection by the communication karaoke apparatus 12 is stored as an identification number of each performance music stored in the performance package database 86. In this aspect, the inquiry means 92 acquires the music selection numbers of each of a plurality of performance songs included in the target performance package as an inquiry result, and the acquisition means 94 acquires the plurality of music selection numbers thus acquired. Lyric information corresponding to each is acquired from the performance song database 88. In this aspect, the music selection number of the new music is uploaded from the performance music database 88 of the second server 16 to the performance package database 86 of the first server 14 in association with the performance music at any time, and the identification number of the performance music Is remembered as

  In the second mode, the identification number of each performance music stored in the performance package database 86 is stored separately from the music selection number for each performance music in the performance music database 88. In this aspect, the inquiry means 92 acquires the identification numbers of the plurality of performance songs included in the target performance package as an inquiry result, and the acquisition means 94 acquires the plurality of identification numbers thus acquired. Lyric information corresponding to each is acquired from the performance song database 88. In this aspect, the music selection number of the new song is uploaded from the performance song database 88 of the second server 16 to the performance package database 86 of the first server 14 at any time in association with the performance song. It is stored in association with the performance song.

  In the third aspect, the identification number of each performance song stored in the performance package database 86 in the RAM 30 or the like of the communication karaoke apparatus 12 and the music selection number of each performance song stored in the performance music database 88. The correspondence is stored. In this aspect, the inquiry means 92 acquires the identification numbers of the plurality of performance songs included in the target performance package as an inquiry result, and the acquisition means 94 acquires the plurality of identification numbers thus acquired. A music selection number corresponding to each of the music selection numbers is determined, and lyrics information corresponding to each of the plurality of music selection numbers is acquired from the performance music database 88. In this aspect, the correspondence between the identification number of each performance song stored in the latest performance package database 86 and the music selection number of each performance song stored in the performance music database 88 is the second server 16. Is uploaded to the communication karaoke apparatus 12 and stored in the RAM 30 of the communication karaoke apparatus 12.

  In the fourth aspect, the correspondence between the package number of each performance package stored in the performance package database 86 in the RAM 30 or the like of the online karaoke apparatus 12 and the music selection number of each of the plurality of performance songs included in the performance package. The relationship is remembered. In this aspect, the inquiry means 92 acquires the package number of the target performance package as an inquiry result, and the acquisition means 94 determines the performance package corresponding to the package number thus acquired, The lyric information corresponding to each of the music selection numbers of the plurality of performance songs included in the performance package is acquired from the performance music database 88. Further, in this aspect, the correspondence relationship between the package number of each performance package stored in the latest performance package database 86 and the music selection number of each of the plurality of performance songs included in the performance package is obtained from the second server 16 as needed. The data is uploaded to the communication karaoke apparatus 12 and stored in the RAM 30 or the like of the communication karaoke apparatus 12.

  In the fifth mode, the identification number of each performance song stored in the performance package database 86 on the hard disk or the like of the second server 16 and the music selection number of each performance song stored in the performance music database 88 are used. The correspondence is stored. In this aspect, the inquiry means 92 acquires the identification numbers of the plurality of performance songs included in the target performance package as an inquiry result, and the acquisition means 94 acquires the plurality of identification numbers thus acquired. The performance music database 88 is requested for lyric information corresponding to each. Then, on the side of the second server 16 that has received such a request, the music selection number corresponding to each of the plurality of requested identification numbers is determined, and the lyric information corresponding to each of the plurality of music selection numbers is stored in the performance music database. The data is read from 88 and transmitted to the communication karaoke apparatus 12.

  In the sixth aspect, the correspondence between the package number of each performance package stored in the performance package database 86 on the hard disk or the like of the second server 16 and the music selection number of each of the plurality of performance songs included in the performance package. The relationship is remembered. In this aspect, the inquiry means 92 acquires the package number of the target performance package as an inquiry result, and the acquisition means 94 obtains the lyrics information corresponding to the package number thus acquired as the performance song database. Request to 88. Then, the second server 16 that has received such a request determines the performance package corresponding to the requested package number, and the lyric information corresponding to each of the plurality of music selection numbers included in the performance package is determined. The data is read from the music database 88 and transmitted to the communication karaoke apparatus 12.

  As described above, in any aspect, the lyric information of all the performance songs included in the predetermined performance package is acquired from the performance music database 88 based on the wave feature information of several songs extracted by the extraction means 90. Can do. That is, by extracting information about necessary and sufficient performance songs, the lyrics information of all the performance songs recorded in the performance package including the performance songs can be downloaded in a lump and stored in the CD 22 or the MP3 player 24. When performing a karaoke performance while playing a song recorded in a performance package, the time required to acquire lyrics information can be reduced as much as possible. In addition, in the present Example, although the said 6 aspect was demonstrated, this is an illustration to the last and other aspects are also considered naturally. For example, the inquiry means 92 may acquire the title and artist name of the target performance package as an inquiry result and download lyrics information based on the title and artist name. Various aspects are appropriately selected and applied according to the design.

  Further, the acquisition means 94 obtains MIDI data and lyric information of a predetermined performance song via the communication line 18 in accordance with an input operation by the operation panel 32, the remote control device 68 or the like, and the performance song database of the second server 16. 88. Specifically, when a predetermined music selection number is input from the operation panel 32, the remote control device 68, or the like, the MIDI data and the lyrics information of the performance music corresponding to the music selection number are sent to the second line via the communication line 18. It is acquired from the performance music database 88 of the server 16 and stored in the RAM 30 or the like. The MIDI sound source 54 is a performance means for outputting the performance tune based on the MIDI data thus obtained, and the communication karaoke apparatus 12 can store the storage medium such as the CD 22 or the MP3 player 24 by such processing. Musical performances that are not stored in can also be output as karaoke performances. Further, in the communication karaoke apparatus 12 of the present embodiment, the performance music reproduced by the CD reproducing unit 42 and the MP3 decoder 48 is output after the vocal part is removed by the vocal canceller 50. If the vocal has an effect such as echo or reverb, it may not be removed sufficiently. Furthermore, when a drum part exists near the center of the frequency band of the performance music, the vocal part 50 may also remove the drum part. Even in such a case, a performance using the MIDI data is useful, and a comfortable karaoke performance can be realized by downloading the MIDI data only for the corresponding performance music and using it instead of the performance by the CD22 or MP3 player 24. it can.

  The display means 96 displays the lyrics information corresponding to the performance song acquired by the acquisition means 94 in synchronization with the output of the performance music by the performance means such as the CD playback unit 42, the MP3 decoder 48, or the MIDI sound source 54. Display lyric text images based. As described above, the lyrics information downloaded from the performance song database 88 includes text information corresponding to the lyrics of the performance song, output timing information of the lyrics, color change timing information, and the like. Based on the output timing information of the lyrics, a corresponding lyric character image is generated, output by the video board 64 and displayed on the output device 20, and the lyric character image is colored based on the color change timing information. Let me replace it. Preferably, in addition to such a lyric character image, a predetermined background image is displayed on the back layer of the lyric character image. Further, when the output speed of the performance music is changed by the performance adjustment unit 56, the output timing and color change timing of the lyrics character image are adjusted accordingly.

  The registration means 98 stores information on the performance package in which the performance music is recorded on the performance package database 86 of the first server 14 via the communication line 18 based on the information on the performance music extracted by the extraction means 90. sign up. Preferably, the extraction means 90 extracts the waveform feature information about all the performance songs recorded in the target performance package, and the waveform feature information is input by the operation panel 32, the remote control device 68 or the like. It is registered in the performance package database 86 in association with the package title and artist name. By such processing, information on a new performance package can be registered in the performance package database 86 at any time via the communication karaoke apparatus 12, and information on the performance package thus registered will be described later. Not only the communication karaoke apparatus 12 in which the package is registered but also other communication karaoke apparatuses 12 can be used for karaoke performance processing.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the communication karaoke performance control by the CPU 26 of the communication karaoke apparatus 12, and is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle.

  First, in step (hereinafter, step is omitted) SA1, it is determined whether or not the performance music stored in the CD 22 or MP3 player 24 is a karaoke performance. If the determination of SA1 is negative, the processing from SA11 onward is executed. If the determination of SA1 is positive, the CD22 or MP3 player is determined in SA2 corresponding to the operation of the extraction means 90. Among the plurality of performance songs included in the performance package stored in 24, the feature information of the waveforms included in the performance songs is extracted for the three performance songs from the beginning. Next, in SA3 corresponding to the operation of the inquiry means 92, the waveform feature information extracted in SA2 is transmitted for inquiry to the performance package database 86 of the first server 14 via the communication line 18. . Next, in SA4, it is determined whether or not a query result has been received from the first server 14. If the determination of SA4 is negative, the system waits by repeating the determination of SA4. However, if the determination of SA4 is positive, the performance stored in the CD 22 or MP3 player 24 in SA5. It is determined whether or not the karaoke performance is performed using the data.

  If the determination at SA5 is affirmative, at SA6, the lyrics information of a plurality of performance songs included in the performance package is downloaded from the performance music database 88 of the second server 16 based on the inquired performance package information. Is done. Next, in SA7, in synchronism with the output of the performance music by the CD playback unit 42 or the MP3 decoder 48, a lyric character image is generated at any time based on the lyric information acquired in SA6 and output by the video board 64. And displayed on the output device 20. In addition, the lyric text image is changed color at any time. Next, in SA8, it is determined whether or not the performance of all the performance songs included in the inquired performance package has been completed. When the determination at SA8 is negative, the processing after SA5 is executed again. When the determination at SA8 is affirmative, the routine is terminated.

  If the determination in SA5 is negative, in SA9, based on the inquired performance package information, MIDI data and lyrics information of a plurality of performance songs included in the performance package are stored in the performance song database of the second server 16. 88 is downloaded. As described above, the performance music that should use MIDI data is a music that may not be able to be sufficiently removed by the vocal canceller 50, and is stored in advance in the RAM 30 or the like, for example. Next, in SA10, in synchronism with the output of the performance song by the MIDI sound source 54 based on the MIDI data acquired in SA9, a lyric character image is generated at any time based on the lyric information acquired in SA9. After being output by the video board 64 and displayed on the output device 20, the processing of SA8 and below is executed.

  If the determination in SA1 is negative, it is determined in SA11 whether or not a predetermined music selection number has been input by the operation panel 32, the remote control device 68, or the like. If the determination at SA11 is negative, the routine is terminated accordingly. If the determination at SA11 is affirmative, at step SA12, the MIDI data of the musical composition corresponding to the input music selection number and Lyric information is downloaded from the performance music database 88 of the second server 16. Next, in SA13, in synchronism with the output of the performance song by the MIDI sound source 54 based on the MIDI data acquired in SA12, a lyric character video is generated as needed based on the lyric information acquired in SA12. The video is output from the video board 64 and displayed on the output device 20. Next, in SA14, it is determined whether or not the performance of the performance music corresponding to the input music selection number is finished. When the determination at SA14 is negative, the processing after SA13 is executed again. When the determination at SA14 is affirmative, the routine is terminated. In the above control, SA6, SA9, and SA12 are the operations of the acquisition means 94, and SA7, SA10, and SA13 are the display means 96 and the performance means, the CD playback unit 42, the MP3 decoder 48, or the MIDI sound source 54. Correspond to each of the operations.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining performance package registration control by the CPU 26 of the communication karaoke apparatus 12 that is executed in parallel with or before or after the communication karaoke performance control described above with reference to FIG. Is to be executed.

  First, in SB1, it is determined whether or not a new performance package registration operation has been performed by the operation panel 32, the remote control device 68, or the like. If the determination of SB1 is negative, the routine is terminated accordingly. If the determination of SB1 is affirmative, the CD22 or MP3 player is determined in SB2 corresponding to the operation of the extraction means 90. The characteristic information of the waveforms included in the performance tunes is extracted with respect to all the performance tunes included in the performance package stored in 24. Next, in SB3, information such as the title of the performance package, the artist name, and the name of each recorded performance song is input by the operation panel 32, the remote control device 68 or the like. Next, in SB 4 corresponding to the operation of the registration means 98, the waveform feature information extracted in SB 2 and various information related to the performance package input in SB 3 are sent to the performance package database 86 via the communication line 18. Is uploaded to the first server 14 for registration. Next, at SB5, it is determined whether or not a registration confirmation in the performance package database 86 has been received from the first server 14. While the determination of SB5 is denied, the process waits by repeating the determination of SB5. However, when the determination of SB5 is affirmed, this routine is terminated.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the CD playback unit 42, which is a performance means for individually outputting a plurality of performance songs recorded in the performance package, which is the storage content of the storage medium such as the CD 22 or the MP3 player 24, and the like. MP3 decoder 48 (SA7), extraction means 90 (SA2 and SB2) for extracting information related to the performance music from the storage contents of the storage medium, and the performance based on the information related to the performance music extracted by the extraction means 90 The inquiry means 92 (SA3) for inquiring the performance package in which the song is recorded, and the lyrics information of each of the plurality of performance songs recorded in the performance package inquired by the inquiry means 92 are acquired via the communication line 18. The acquisition means 94 (SA6, SA9, and SA12) and the acquisition means 94 are synchronized with the output of the performance tune by the performance means. Display means 96 (SA7, SA10, and SA13) for displaying lyric text images based on the lyric information corresponding to the acquired musical piece, so that a plurality of musical pieces recorded in the musical performance package are displayed. Among them, by extracting information related to performance music necessary and sufficient for inquiring about the performance package, a plurality of performance music stored in the storage medium can be collectively recognized. That is, it is possible to provide the communication karaoke apparatus 12 that can reliably and quickly identify the performance tune stored in the storage medium.

  And a performance package database 86 for storing a large number of pieces of information related to performance packages each recording a plurality of performance pieces, and a performance piece database 88 for storing at least lyrics information of the pieces of performance pieces as information about the pieces of performance pieces. The communication karaoke apparatus 12 includes a CD playback unit 42 and an MP3 decoder 48 which are performance means for individually outputting a plurality of performance tunes recorded in a performance package which is a storage content of a predetermined storage medium, and storage of the storage medium. Extracting means 90 for extracting information related to the performance music from the contents, and a performance package containing the performance music based on the information related to the performance music extracted by the extraction means 90 via the communication line 18 Query means 92 for querying the database 86 and query by the query means 92 In synchronism with the output of the performance music by the performance means, the acquisition means 94 for acquiring the lyric information of each of the plurality of performance music recorded in the performance package from the performance music database 88 via the communication line 18, Since it has display means 96 for displaying a lyric character image based on lyric information corresponding to the performance song acquired by the acquisition means 94, the performance package among the plurality of performance songs recorded in the performance package. By extracting the information related to the performance music necessary and sufficient for inquiring, it is possible to collectively recognize a plurality of performance music stored in the storage medium. That is, it is possible to provide the communication karaoke system 10 that can reliably and quickly identify the performance music stored in the storage medium.

  Further, since the inquiry means 92 inquires a performance package in which the performance music is recorded based on information on two or more performance music extracted by the extraction means 90, the stored contents of the storage medium There is an advantage that the performance package can be recognized more reliably.

  Further, since the extraction means 90 extracts the characteristic information of the waveform included in the performance music as information related to the performance music, the contents stored in the storage medium can be obtained by using a technique such as FP (Finger Print). The performance package can be recognized in a practical manner.

  Further, the performance package database 86 and the performance music database 88 are respectively provided in the first server 14 and the second server 16 which are individual servers, respectively, and thus the processing speed is excellent by distributing the load. There is an advantage that the communication karaoke system 10 can be realized.

  The performance music database 88 stores performance information of the performance music as information on a large number of performance music, and the acquisition means 94 stores performance information and lyrics information of a predetermined performance music in the communication line 18. In addition to being able to be obtained from the performance music database 88 via the music karaoke device 12 even if it is a performance music not recorded in the performance package, the memory There is an advantage that a comfortable karaoke performance can be realized by using the performance information obtained via the communication line 18 in the case where the vocal part of the performance music stored in the medium cannot be sufficiently removed.

  Further, the communication karaoke apparatus 12 registers information on the performance package in which the performance music is recorded in the performance package database 86 via the communication line 18 based on the information on the performance music extracted by the extraction means 90. Therefore, the contents of the performance package database 86 are enhanced by registering information about new performance packages in the performance package database 86 as needed through the communication karaoke apparatus 12. There is an advantage that it is possible to realize the communication karaoke system 10 that can be used and that can inquire more performance packages.

  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, the communication karaoke device 12 does not include a video display device and an audio output device, and is connected to the output device 20 to output video and audio from the output device 20. However, this is merely an example of the communication karaoke apparatus 12 having a simple and practical configuration, and the present invention can naturally be applied to a karaoke apparatus including a video display device and an audio output device.

  In the above-described embodiment, the performance package database 86 and the performance music database 88 are respectively provided in the first server 14 and the second server 16 which are separate servers. It may be what was made. In this way, there is an advantage that a highly convenient communication karaoke system 10 can be realized by centrally managing the performance package database 86 and the performance song database 88. Further, any one of the performance package database 86 and the performance song database 88 may be provided in the communication karaoke apparatus 12.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the inquiry means 92 is a performance in which the performance songs are recorded based on the waveform feature information on the first three performance songs in the target performance package extracted by the extraction means 90. The package is inquired. For example, first, the performance package in which the performance music is recorded is inquired based on the waveform characteristic information regarding the first performance music in the performance package extracted by the extraction means 90. If the performance package cannot be narrowed down, the inquiry based on the waveform feature information about the second performance song is made. If the performance package still cannot be narrowed, the inquiry based on the waveform feature information about the third performance song is made. Thus, the performance package may be inquired. Even in this case, the performance package stored in the storage medium can be identified reliably and as quickly as possible.

  In the above-described embodiment, the characteristic information of the waveform included in the performance music is extracted as information on the performance music by a technique such as FP (Finger Print). It is also possible to extract information such as “Contents” as information related to the performance music and inquire the performance package based on the extracted information. Since the present invention inquires a performance package including the performance music pieces based on information about a plurality of performance music pieces, even if the TOC differs from the registration contents for some music pieces, it matches the registration contents. It is possible to inquire the performance package including the performance music from the TOC of the performance music.

  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.

It is a figure which illustrates the communication karaoke system which is one Example of this 2nd invention. It is a figure which illustrates the structure of the communication karaoke apparatus which is one Example of this 1st invention. It is a figure which illustrates the structure of the 1st server which has the performance package database with which the communication karaoke system of FIG. 1 was equipped. It is a figure which illustrates the structure of the 2nd server which has the performance music database with which the communication karaoke system of FIG. 1 was equipped. It is a functional block diagram explaining the principal part of the control function with which CPU of the communication karaoke apparatus of FIG. 2 was equipped. The information directly read from the storage content of storage media, such as CD and MP3 player, by the communication karaoke apparatus of FIG. 2 is shown. FIG. 7 shows waveform characteristic information that is information for performing package inquiry extracted from the information of FIG. It is a figure which illustrates the memory content of the performance package database with which the 1st server of FIG. 3 was equipped. It is a flowchart explaining the communication karaoke performance control by CPU of the communication karaoke apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the performance package registration control by CPU of the communication karaoke apparatus of FIG. 2 performed in parallel with the control of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10: online karaoke system 12: online karaoke device 14: first server 16: second server 18: communication line 22: CD (storage medium)
24: MP3 player (storage medium)
42: CD playback section (performance means)
48: MP3 decoder (performance means)
54: MIDI sound source (performance means)
86: performance package database 88: performance song database 90: extraction means 92: inquiry means 94: acquisition means 96: display means 98: registration means

Claims (10)

A communication karaoke apparatus capable of outputting a predetermined performance tune selected from a large number of performance tunes and acquiring information on the performance tunes via a communication line,
Performance means for individually outputting a plurality of performance songs recorded in a performance package that is the storage content of a predetermined storage medium;
Extraction means for extracting information related to the performance music from the storage content of the storage medium;
Inquiry means for referring to a performance package in which the performance music is recorded on the basis of information on the performance music extracted by the extraction means;
Obtaining means for obtaining lyrics information of each of a plurality of performance songs recorded in the performance package inquired by the inquiry means, via the communication line;
A communication karaoke apparatus comprising: display means for displaying lyric character images based on lyric information corresponding to the performance tune acquired by the acquisition means in synchronization with output of the performance tune by the performance means .   2. The communication karaoke apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inquiry means inquires a performance package in which the performance music is recorded based on information on two or more performance music extracted by the extraction means.   The communication karaoke apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the extraction unit extracts characteristic information of a waveform included in the performance tune as information related to the performance tune. A communication karaoke system using a communication karaoke apparatus that can output a predetermined performance tune selected from a large number of performance tunes and obtain information on the performance tunes via a communication line,
A performance package database that stores a large amount of information about performance packages each containing multiple performance songs;
A performance song database storing at least lyrics information of the performance songs as information on a large number of performance songs,
The communication karaoke device is
Performance means for individually outputting a plurality of performance songs recorded in a performance package, which is the storage content of a predetermined storage medium,
Extracting means for extracting information related to the performance song from the storage content of the storage medium;
Inquiry means for referring to the performance package database via the communication line for a performance package in which the performance music is recorded based on information on the performance music extracted by the extraction means;
Acquisition means for acquiring lyrics information of each of a plurality of performance songs recorded in the performance package inquired by the inquiry means from the performance music database via the communication line;
And display means for displaying a lyric character image based on lyric information corresponding to the performance tune acquired by the acquisition means in synchronization with the output of the performance tune by the performance means. Online karaoke system.   5. The communication karaoke system according to claim 4, wherein the inquiry means inquires a performance package in which the performance songs are recorded based on information on two or more performance songs extracted by the extraction means.   6. The communication karaoke system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the extraction means extracts waveform characteristic information included in the performance tune as information related to the performance tune.   The communication karaoke system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein each of the performance package database and the performance music database is provided in an individual server.   The communication karaoke system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the performance package database and the performance music database are provided in the same server.   The performance music database stores performance information of the performance music as information on a large number of performance music, and the acquisition means obtains performance information and lyric information of a predetermined performance music via the communication line. The communication karaoke system according to any one of claims 4 to 8, which can be obtained from a song database.   The communication karaoke apparatus has registration means for registering information on a performance package in which the performance music is recorded in the performance package database via the communication line based on information on the performance music extracted by the extraction means. The communication karaoke system according to any one of claims 4 to 9.

Images