JP2007078770A - Communication karaoke system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an communication KARAOKE system which rationalizes a music entry request. <P>SOLUTION: The communication KARAOKE system 12 has a CD reading part 40 which reads information stored in a CD 24, an extraction means 112 for extracting information regarding a music to be played from content to be read by the CD reading part 40, a reference means 114 for referring to the CD 24 to a playing music data base 88 on the basis of the information extracted by the extraction means 112 and an acquisition means 116 for acquiring information regarding presence/absence of KARAOKE information corresponding to each music recorded in the CD 24 concerning reference by the reference means 114 based on association information between the predetermined stored content of a playing music data base 88 and the stored content of a KARAOKE data base 90. Thus, the music to be played which can be an object for the entry request and is not created as KARAOKE is promptly and surely grasped among the music to be played stored in the CD 24. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication karaoke system using a communication karaoke apparatus capable of acquiring information related to a performance song via a communication line, and more particularly to an improvement for rationalizing a music input request.

  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. In such a communication karaoke system, karaoke information corresponding to a new performance song is created as needed, and is downloaded (registered) into the server so that it can be downloaded. With regard to this music composition, karaoke service providers generally accept music requests from users via postcards or the Internet. However, on the part of the user who requests the music composition, the melody of the performance music that he wishes to enter is I knew it, but I didn't know the name, and there were many problems such as requesting duplicate songs that had already been entered. Therefore, a technique for rationalizing the music input request by the online karaoke system has been proposed. For example, this is the karaoke performance device described in Patent Document 1. According to this technique, karaoke information is searched using a character string extracted from program-related data of digital broadcasting as a search key, and if the corresponding performance music is not entered as karaoke information, the information on the performance music is stored in the server. It is said that a reasonable music input request can be received by sending to.

JP 2005-215304 A

  However, the conventional technique is based on a request for a song that has flowed in a digital broadcast program, and cannot be used for an incoming song request in a general communication karaoke apparatus that does not have a digital broadcast reception function. There was no. That is, the current situation is that a communication karaoke system that streamlines input requests has not yet been developed.

  The present invention has been made against the background of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a communication karaoke system that rationalizes music input requests.

  In order to achieve such an object, the gist of the present invention is that a predetermined performance song selected from a large number of performance songs can be output and information about the performance songs can be acquired via a communication line. A communication karaoke system using a communication karaoke apparatus, which stores a performance song database for storing information for identifying a large number of performance songs and a plurality of karaoke information for outputting the performance songs by the communication karaoke device. And a communication terminal device capable of communicating information between the performance song database and the karaoke database via the communication line, and the communication terminal device is stored in a predetermined storage medium. Reading means for reading information, and information related to the performance music is extracted from the storage contents of the storage medium read by the reading means Extraction means, reference means for referring to the performance music database based on the information about the performance music extracted by the extraction means, and predetermined in synchronization with or before or after the inquiry by the inquiry means. It has an acquisition means for acquiring information about the presence or absence of karaoke information corresponding to the performance song related to the inquiry based on the association information between the storage content of the performance music database and the storage content of the karaoke database. It is.

  If it does in this way, the performance music database which memorize | stores the information for identifying many performance music, The karaoke database which memorize | stores many karaoke information for outputting the said performance music by the said communication karaoke apparatus, The said communication A communication terminal device capable of communicating information between the performance song database and the karaoke database via a line, the communication terminal device reading means for reading information stored in a predetermined storage medium; Extraction means for extracting information relating to a performance song from the storage contents of the storage medium read by the reading means, and an inquiry for referring to the performance song database based on the information relating to the performance song extracted by the extraction means Means, and in synchronism with or before the inquiry by the inquiry means, Since there is an acquisition means for acquiring information on the presence or absence of karaoke information corresponding to the performance song related to the inquiry based on the association information between the stored contents and the stored contents of the karaoke database, the information is stored in the storage medium. It is possible to quickly and surely grasp a performance song that has not yet been created as karaoke information that can be a target of a music composition request. In other words, it is possible to provide a communication karaoke system that rationalizes music input requests.

  Here, preferably, the communication terminal device includes a transmission unit that transmits a song request for karaoke information to be entered in the karaoke database by designating a corresponding performance song, and the transmission unit includes Any performance song or all performance songs designated among the performance songs for which information indicating that there is no karaoke information corresponding to the karaoke database is acquired by the acquisition means is transmitted as the music composition request. In this way, there is an advantage in that it is possible to easily request a song entry of any or all of the performance songs stored in the storage medium that have not yet been created as karaoke information that can be the subject of a song input request. .

  Preferably, the communication terminal device is the communication karaoke device. If it does in this way, the performance music which has not yet been created as karaoke information which can become the object of a music composition request among performance music memorized by the storage medium read by the communication karaoke device can be grasped quickly and surely. There is an advantage.

  Preferably, the communication terminal device is a personal computer. In this way, it is possible to quickly and surely grasp a performance song that has not yet been created as karaoke information and can be a target of a song input among performance songs stored in a storage medium read by a personal computer. There is.

  Preferably, the association information is stored in the performance song database. In this way, there is an advantage that the association information can be acquired in a practical manner by the communication terminal device.

  Preferably, the association information is stored in the karaoke database. In this way, there is an advantage that the association information can be acquired in a practical manner by the communication terminal device.

  Preferably, the association information is stored in the communication terminal device. In this way, by storing the association information in the communication terminal in advance, there is an advantage that the music input request can be rationalized without changing the contents of the performance music database and the karaoke database.

  Preferably, the performance song database and the karaoke 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 music database and the karaoke 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 music database and the karaoke database.

  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 present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication karaoke system 10 of the present embodiment includes a communication karaoke apparatus 12 that is a communication terminal apparatus, and a first server 14 and a second server that are information processing apparatuses managed by, for example, a karaoke service providing company. 16 is connected to the communication line 20. The communication line 20 is a broadband network such as an asymmetric digital communication line using a public telephone line, for example. As shown in FIG. 1, a general home personal computer 18 which is a communication terminal device can also be connected. Thereby, electronic information can be transmitted and received between the communication karaoke apparatus 12, the first server 14, the second server 16, and the personal computer 18 via the communication line 20. Here, preferably, in addition to the communication line 20, 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 device 12 is connected to an output device 22 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 songs recorded in a performance package, which is a storage content of a storage medium such as a CD (Compact Disc) 24, is individually output as an output device, and the output device 22 is used as a video output device to correspond to the performance music. By displaying the lyric text image, it is possible to perform a karaoke performance of the performance music stored in the CD 24 or the like. In the present embodiment, a description will be given of a mode in which both performance output and video display are performed via the output device 22, but only video display is performed via the output device 22, 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 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 read / write memory as needed, an operation panel 32, and a remote control receiver 34. A CD slot 36 for accommodating the CD 24, a CD driving unit 38, a CD reading unit 40 as a reading means, a CD reproducing unit 42, a vocal canceller 50, a modem 52, a MIDI sound source 54, A performance adjustment unit 56, a microphone 58 as an audio input device, an A / D converter 60, an amplifier mixer 62, a video board 64, and an interface 66 for connecting to the output device 22 are provided. Yes.

  The CPU 26 is a so-called computer that processes and controls electronic information based on a predetermined program stored in the ROM 28 using the temporary storage function of the RAM 30, and reproduces the CD 24 stored in the CD slot 36. Or generating a lyric text image (lyric telop) based on the lyric information of the performance song in synchronism with the reproduction of the performance song, outputting the performance and the video via the output device 22, In addition to basic control such as information communication control with the first server 14 and the second server 16 via the communication line 20, music input request control described later is executed.

  The operation panel 32 adjusts the pitch of a performance tune reproduced by the CD playback unit 42, the MIDI sound source 54, 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 24 accommodated in the CD slot 36 around its axis, and in accordance with a command from the CPU 26. The CD 24 is rotated at a predetermined rotation speed. The CD reader 40 irradiates the CD 24 with laser light and receives reflected light to read the stored contents of the CD 24, and the optical head in the radial direction of the CD 24. A reciprocating slider motor, and functions as reading means (reading device) for reading information stored in the CD 24 that is a storage medium. 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 24 is accommodated in the CD slot 36. The CD 24 is rotated by the CD drive unit 38, the performance data that is stored in the CD 24 is read by the CD reading unit 40, and the performance based on the performance data is reproduced by the CD reproducing unit 42. .

  The vocal canceller 50 removes (cancels) the vocal part included in the performance reproduced by the CD reproducing unit 42. 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, 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 20, converts a digital signal output from the CPU 26 into an analog signal and sends it to the communication line 20. An analog signal transmitted via the digital signal 20 is converted into a digital signal and supplied to the CPU 26. Inquiries regarding performance music, requests for music input, and the like, which will be described later, are made 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 convenience of explanation, a mode in which the first server 14 and the second server 16 are servers of the same type in which elements such as a central processing unit are equal will be described. 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, a modem 84 for connecting the CPU 70 and the like to the communication line 20, and a hard disk 86 as a storage device.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the hard disk 86 of the first server 14 is provided with a performance music database 88 for storing information for identifying a large number of performance music. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the contents of the performance song database 88. As shown in FIG. 5, the performance music database 88 stores, for example, performance music information included in a performance package in units of performance packages including a plurality of performance music. The performance package is a collective name of a plurality of performance songs respectively stored in a storage medium such as a commercially available album CD or single CD. For example, 14 performance songs “Kaze no Lullaby”, “ The title “Mars Lander”, the artist name (singer name) “Nanami Honjo”, which recorded “The Song of You”, “My Fair Little Boy”, “Beyond the Sky” Regarding the album CD, 14 performance songs recorded on the album CD, which is bundled with the title “Mars Landing Ship”, correspond to one performance package. In the performance music database 88, as information for identifying the performance package, for example, TOC (Table of Contents) information stored in the CD 24 is stored in association with the performance package. The performance package title (album name), original artist (singer name), and performance song name for each track are stored with the identification number as an index. With such a configuration, the performance music database 88 is configured to be able to inquire a predetermined performance package based on the TOC information. Further, the performance packages stored in the performance music database 88 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 can be stored in the performance music database 88.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the hard disk 86 of the second server 16 is provided with a karaoke database 90 for storing a large number of karaoke information for causing the communication karaoke apparatus 12 to output the performance tune. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the contents of the karaoke database 90. As shown in FIG. 6, in the karaoke database 90, karaoke information including header information including a song name and an artist name (singer name), MIDI data as performance information, lyric information, and the like is selected with the song selection number as an index. It is stored for each performance song. 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.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the hard disk 86 of the second server 16 is provided with a reception site 92 for receiving a music input request to the karaoke database 90. The reception site 92 is a so-called homepage made up of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) documents, various CGs (Computer Graphics), and various information that can be downloaded by FTP (File Transfer Protocol). The reception site 92 can be accessed via the communication line 20 by a communication terminal device such as a personal computer 18 or the like. Then, by designating the song name, singer name, recorded album, etc. of the performance song on the predetermined song request page included in the reception site 92, it is possible to make an entry request to the karaoke database 90 for the performance song. It is configured. Further, such a music input request is also made by a process as shown in a flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram exemplifying association information between the stored contents of the performance music database 88 and the stored contents of the karaoke database 90. In the communication karaoke system 10 of the present embodiment, the stored contents of the performance song database 88 and the stored contents of the karaoke database 90 are associated with each other. For example, in the association information shown in FIG. 7, if there is corresponding karaoke information in the performance music corresponding to each track of the performance package stored in the performance music database 88, the music selection number of the karaoke information is associated (string). If there is no corresponding karaoke information, it is stored or blank. Usually, the number of performance songs stored in the performance music database 88 is larger than the number of karaoke information stored in the karaoke database 90, so that the association information is stored in the stored contents of the performance music database 88 as karaoke. The stored contents of the database 90 are subordinately associated with each other. This association information may be stored as a part of the performance music database 88 or the karaoke database 90, or may be stored independently. This storage mode will be described later.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the personal computer 18. As shown in FIG. 8, the personal computer 18 includes a so-called microcomputer system that performs signal processing in accordance with a program stored in advance in a ROM 96 by using a temporary storage function of a RAM 98 by a CPU 94 that is a central processing unit. Yes. Also, a video display device 100 such as a CRT, a CRT controller 102 for controlling display of video by the video display device 100, an input device 104 such as a keyboard, and an interface for processing input by the input device 104 106, a modem 108 for connecting the CPU 94 and the like to the communication line 20, and a hard disk 110 as a storage device. The personal computer 18 has a CD slot 36 for storing a CD 24 as a storage medium, a CD drive unit 38, and a CD reading unit 40 as reading means, as in the communication karaoke apparatus 12 described above. , Provided. Since these configurations are the same as those described above with reference to FIG. 2, the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram for explaining a main part of control functions provided in the CPU 26 of the communication karaoke apparatus 12 and the CPU 94 of the personal computer 18. In the present embodiment, a description will be given of a mode in which a music input request is made to the second server 16 using both the communication karaoke device 12 and the personal computer as communication terminal devices. It may be a thing. In that case, the control function described below may be provided only in a device serving as a communication terminal device that makes a music input request.

  The extracting means 112 shown in FIG. 9 extracts information relating to the performance music from the storage contents of the storage medium such as the CD 24. Preferably, TOC (Table of Contents) information stored in the CD 24 is read by the CD reading unit 40, and the TOC information is extracted as information related to the performance music recorded on the CD 24. This TOC information is table-of-contents information indicating the performance time information and the like of each performance song stored in the CD 24, and is generally used as information for identifying each performance song as a unique value in a commercially available CD.

  The inquiry means 114 inquires the performance music database 88 of the first server 14 via the communication line 20 for the performance package corresponding to the information based on the information related to the performance music extracted by the extraction means 112. Since the TOC information is determined for each performance song recorded on the CD 24, the performance music can be referred to as a unit. In this embodiment, the performance package, that is, the entire CD 24 is referred to. explain. That is, the inquiry means 114 preferably compares the TOC information extracted by the extraction means 112 with the TOC information of each performance package stored in the performance song database 88, and the performance packages that match. Is searched from a number of performance packages stored in the performance music database 88. Information such as the title name, artist name, identification number of the performance package searched in this way, and the performance music of each track in the performance package is acquired as a query result.

  The obtaining means 116 performs the musical composition related to the inquiry based on the association information between the stored contents of the musical performance database 88 and the stored contents of the karaoke database 90 in synchronization with or before or after the inquiry by the inquiry means 114. Get information about the presence or absence of karaoke information corresponding to. Here, in the association information acquisition processing by the acquisition means 116, several modes are conceivable regarding the correspondence between the stored contents of the performance music database 88 and the stored contents of the karaoke database 90.

  First, in the first mode, association information as shown in FIG. 7 is a part of the stored contents of the performance music database 88. In this aspect, it is sufficient that the communication terminal device communicates information with the first server 14, and the acquisition unit 116 relates to each performance piece included in the performance package inquired by the inquiry unit 114. The music selection number of the karaoke information associated with the music selection number is acquired as the corresponding karaoke information, and the information that the corresponding karaoke information does not exist is acquired for the unrelated information. In this aspect, the song selection number of the new song is uploaded from the karaoke database 90 of the second server 16 to the performance song database 88 of the first server 14 in association with the performance song at any time, and is associated with the corresponding performance song. Is memorized.

  Further, in the second aspect, the association information as shown in FIG. 7 is stored in the hard disk 86 of the first server 14 separately from the stored contents of the performance song database 88. Also in this aspect, it is sufficient that the communication terminal device communicates information with the first server 14, and the acquisition unit 116 relates to each performance piece included in the performance package inquired by the inquiry unit 114. While referring to the separately stored association information, the song selection number is acquired as the corresponding karaoke information is associated with the song selection number associated with the karaoke information, and the corresponding karaoke information is associated with the item not associated. Get information that there is no. Further, in this aspect, associating information (corresponding relationship) between the latest stored contents of the musical performance database 88 and the stored contents of the karaoke database 90 is uploaded from the second server 16 to the first server 14 at any time. The association information stored in 86 and the like is always the latest.

  Further, in the third mode, the association information as shown in FIG. 7 is stored in the hard disk 86 of the second server 16 separately from the stored contents of the karaoke database 90. In this aspect, the communication terminal device needs to communicate information between the first server 14 and the second server 16, and the acquisition unit 116 communicates with the first server 14 by the communication with the first server 14. With respect to each performance piece included in the performance package inquired by the inquiry means 114, with reference to the association information stored in the hard disk 86 or the like of the second server 16, the song selection number of the karaoke information is associated. The song selection number is acquired as having corresponding karaoke information, and information indicating that there is no corresponding karaoke information is acquired for items that are not associated. In this embodiment, the correspondence between the latest stored contents of the musical composition database 88 and the stored contents of the karaoke database 90 is stored as the latest association information in the hard disk 86 of the second server 16 as needed.

  Further, in the fourth aspect, association information as shown in FIG. 7 is stored in the RAM 30 of the communication karaoke apparatus 12, the hard disk 110 of the personal computer 18, or the like. In this aspect, the communication terminal device only needs to communicate information with the first server 14, and the acquisition unit 116 is inquired by the inquiry unit 114 through communication with the first server 14. With respect to each performance piece included in the performance package, with reference to the association information stored in the RAM 30 or the hard disk 110, etc., the song number associated with the karaoke information is associated with the corresponding karaoke information. The music selection number is acquired, and information that there is no corresponding karaoke information is acquired for those that are not associated. Further, in this aspect, associating information (corresponding relationship) between the latest stored contents of the musical performance database 88 and the stored contents of the karaoke database 90 is uploaded from the second server 16 to the communication karaoke apparatus 12 or the personal computer 18 as needed. Thus, the association information stored in the RAM 30 or the hard disk 110 is always the latest.

  As described above, in any aspect, the acquisition unit 116 stores the karaoke information corresponding to the performance songs in the karaoke database 90 of the second server 16 for all the performance songs recorded on the CD 24 related to the inquiry ( It is possible to acquire information regarding whether or not the information has been registered, and it is also possible to acquire a song selection number of the karaoke information for a performance song having corresponding karaoke information. Further, regarding the acquisition means 116 provided in the communication karaoke apparatus 12, in a mode in which a music input request described in detail below is performed as part of the karaoke performance processing, for each performance tune recorded on the CD 24 related to the inquiry The corresponding karaoke information stored in the karaoke database 90 of the second server 16 may be downloaded directly.

  Further, the acquisition means 116 provided in the communication karaoke apparatus 12 receives the MIDI data and lyric information of a predetermined performance song via the communication line 20 in response to an input operation by the operation panel 32, the remote control device 68 or the like. Obtained from the karaoke database 90 of the second server 16. 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 transmitted via the communication line 20 to the second. Acquired from the karaoke database 90 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 acquired in this way, and the communication karaoke apparatus 12 is stored in a storage medium such as the CD 24 by such processing. Unperformed songs can be output as karaoke songs. In the online karaoke apparatus 12 of the present embodiment, the performance tune reproduced by the CD reproducing unit 42 is output after the vocal part is removed by the vocal canceller 50. If an effect such as reverb is applied, it may not be sufficiently removed. 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, the 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 CD 24.

  Returning to FIG. 9, the transmission means 118 transmits to the second server 16 a song request for karaoke information to be entered (registered) in the karaoke database 90 of the second server 16 by designating the corresponding performance song. To do. This song request is a request for karaoke information to be newly entered into the karaoke database 90, that is, a karaoke performance song request for a song that has not yet been converted into karaoke information. Any performance song or all performance songs designated among the performance songs for which information indicating that there is no karaoke information corresponding to the karaoke database 90 is acquired is transmitted to the second server 16 as the incoming music request. For example, in the processing by the communication karaoke apparatus 12, when information about the presence or absence of karaoke information corresponding to each performance song recorded on the CD 24 related to the inquiry is acquired by the acquisition means 116, a screen as shown in FIG. Is displayed on the output device 22 connected to the communication karaoke device 12. This screen displays the song selection number for each piece of performance music recorded on the CD 24 related to the inquiry with the corresponding karaoke information, and displays the song selection button 120, and the song selection button 120 indicates that there is no corresponding karaoke information. The registration request button 122 is displayed together with the fact that it is registered, and the user of the communication karaoke apparatus 12 moves the cursor (not shown) by operating the operation panel 32, the remote control device 68, etc. A music piece corresponding to the music selection button 120 can be selected (reserved) by pressing the music selection button 120 by operating a predetermined switch or the like, and the music input request button 122 can be selected by pressing the music input request button 122. Can be transmitted to the second server 16 as an incoming song request. Than is.

  In addition, the transmission means 118 also makes the music input request by an input operation (manual operation) using the operation panel 32 and the remote control device 68 in the online karaoke device 12 and the input device 104 in the personal computer 18. Can be done. In this aspect, first, the reception site 92 provided in the second server 16 is accessed, and information such as the song name, artist name, and recorded album of the target performance music is input according to the display on the reception site 92. Is called. Various forms such as a so-called electronic bulletin board and a mail form are conceivable. In addition, upon entering the music request after accessing the reception site 92, the CD reading unit 40 reads the TOC information of the CD 24, and the karaoke corresponding to the CD 24 is acquired by the acquisition unit 116 based on the TOC information. Information regarding the presence or absence of information may be acquired. In this case, information regarding the presence or absence of karaoke information corresponding to the CD 24 related to the inquiry may be displayed as a part of the reception site 92.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the music input request control by the CPU 26 of the communication karaoke apparatus 12 or the CPU 94 of the personal computer 18, and is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle.

  First, in step (hereinafter, step is omitted) S1, it is determined whether or not a music input request is started by performing a predetermined operation or the like. If the determination at S1 is negative, the routine is terminated accordingly. If the determination at S1 is affirmative, it is determined at S2 whether the music input request is a manual input. The If the determination in S2 is affirmative, in S3, communication is performed with the second server 16, and the reception site 92 provided in the second server 16 is accessed. Next, in S4, the song name, artist name, and recording of the target performance piece are input by the input operation using the operation panel 32 and the remote control device 68 in the online karaoke device 12 and the input device 104 in the personal computer 18. This routine is terminated after a music input request specifying information such as an album is made. If the determination in S2 is negative, that is, if it is determined that the request is not a manual input music input request, it is determined in S5 whether or not it is a CD recorded music input request. If the determination in S5 is negative, the routine is terminated accordingly. If the determination in S5 is affirmative, in S6 corresponding to the operation of the extraction means 112, the CD slot 36 is loaded. The TOC information stored in the stored CD 24 is read by the CD reading unit 40. Next, in S7 corresponding to the operation of the inquiry means 114, based on the TOC information extracted in S6, a performance package corresponding to the TOC information is played on the first server 14 via the communication line 20. The database 88 is queried. Next, in S <b> 8, it is determined whether a response (inquiry result) is received from the performance music database 88 of the first server 14. While the determination of S8 is denied, the determination is repeated to wait. However, if the determination of S8 is affirmative, in S9 corresponding to the operation of the acquisition means 116, the musical composition database 88 is performed. The information about the presence or absence of karaoke information corresponding to the CD 24 related to the inquiry is acquired based on the association information between the stored contents of the karaoke database 90 and the stored contents of the karaoke database 90. Next, in S10, the inquiry result received from the performance song database 88 of the first server 14 and the information regarding the presence or absence of karaoke information corresponding to the CD 24 acquired in S9 are as shown in FIG. A simple screen is displayed on the output device 22 in the communication karaoke device 12 and on the video display device 100 in the personal computer 18. Next, in S11, it is determined whether or not a music input request has been made by pressing the music input request button 122 on the screen shown in FIG. 10 displayed in S10. While the determination of S11 is denied, the determination is repeated to wait, but when the determination of S11 is affirmed, in S12 corresponding to the operation of the transmission means 118, the music input request is After being transmitted to the second server 16, this routine is terminated.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the performance song database 88 for storing information for identifying a large number of performance songs, and the karaoke information for outputting the performance songs by the communication karaoke apparatus 12 are stored. A karaoke database 90 and a communication terminal device capable of communicating information between the performance song database 88 and the karaoke database 90 via the communication line 20, and the communication terminal device is a storage medium. A CD reading unit 40 that is a reading unit that reads information stored in the CD 24, an extraction unit 112 (S6) that extracts information related to a musical piece from the stored contents of the CD 24 read by the CD reading unit 40, and an extraction unit thereof Based on the information relating to the performance music extracted by 116, the performance music database 88 is queried for the performance music. In response to the inquiry based on the association information between the stored contents of the performance music database 88 and the stored contents of the karaoke database 90 in synchronization with or before or after the inquiry by the inquiry means 114 (S7). Since it has the acquisition means 116 (S9) which acquires the information regarding the presence or absence of the karaoke information corresponding to the performance music concerned, among the performance music memorize | stored in the said CD24, it can still become the object of a music-entry request. It is possible to quickly and reliably grasp a performance song that has not been created as information. That is, it is possible to provide the communication karaoke system 10 that rationalizes the music input request.

  In addition, the communication terminal device has a transmission means 118 (S12) for designating a corresponding performance music and transmitting an incoming song request for karaoke information to be entered into the karaoke database 90. The transmission means 118 includes: Because any one or all of the performance songs designated among the performance songs for which information indicating that there is no karaoke information corresponding to the karaoke database 90 has been acquired by the acquisition means 116 is transmitted as the music composition request. There is an advantage that any or all of the performance songs that have not yet been created as karaoke information that can be the target of the music input request among the music performances stored in the CD 24 can be easily requested.

  Moreover, since the said communication terminal device is the said communication karaoke apparatus 12, the performance which has not yet been produced as karaoke information which can become the object of a music composition request among the performance music memorize | stored in CD24 read by the communication karaoke apparatus 12. There is an advantage that a song can be grasped quickly and reliably. Further, by performing the music composition request process as a part of the karaoke performance process by the communication karaoke apparatus 12, the karaoke information is stored in the communication karaoke apparatus 12 for songs whose karaoke information is stored in the karaoke database 90. In addition to the distribution, there is an advantage that practical music request control can be realized, for example, music for which there is no karaoke information is instantly requested for music input.

  Further, since the communication terminal device is the personal computer 18, performance music that has not yet been created as karaoke information that can be a target of a music input among performance music stored in the CD 24 read by the personal computer 18. There is an advantage that it can be grasped quickly and reliably.

  Further, since the association information is stored in the performance song database 88, there is an advantage that the association information can be acquired in a practical manner by the communication terminal device.

  Further, since the association information is stored in the karaoke database 90, there is an advantage that the association information can be acquired in a practical manner by the communication terminal device.

  Further, since the association information is stored in the communication terminal device, the contents of the performance song database 88 and the karaoke database 90 are changed by storing the association information in the communication terminal in advance. There is an advantage that the music input request can be streamlined without any problem.

  Moreover, since the performance music database 88 and the karaoke database 90 are respectively provided in the first server 14 and the second server 16, the communication karaoke system 10 having excellent processing speed can be obtained by distributing the load. There is an advantage that it can be realized.

  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 22 to output video and audio from the output device 22. 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.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the performance song database 88 and the karaoke database 90 are respectively provided in the first server 14 and the second server 16 which are individual servers, but are provided in the same server. It may be. In this way, there is an advantage that a highly convenient communication karaoke system 10 can be realized by centrally managing the performance music database 88 and the karaoke database 90. Further, any one of the performance music database 88 and the karaoke database 90 may be provided in the communication karaoke apparatus 12.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, TOC (Table of Contents) information is extracted as information related to the performance music stored in the CD 24, and the performance package is inquired based on the TOC information. The extraction means 112 may extract waveform characteristic information included in the performance music as information related to the performance music by a technique such as FP (Finger Print). In such an aspect, since the feature information can be extracted from the performance music stored in various storage media such as the hard disk, the MP3 player, and the USB memory, the performance music stored in the various storage media is input. There is an advantage that it can be the target of a request.

  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 explaining the communication karaoke system which is one Example of this invention. It is a figure explaining the structure of the communication karaoke apparatus with which the communication karaoke system of FIG. 1 was equipped. It is a figure explaining the structure of the 1st server with which the communication karaoke system of FIG. 1 was equipped. It is a figure explaining the structure of the 2nd server with which the communication karaoke system of FIG. 1 was equipped. It is a figure which illustrates the content of the performance music database with which the 1st server of FIG. 3 was equipped. It is a figure which illustrates the content of the karaoke database with which the 2nd server of FIG. 4 was equipped. It is a figure which illustrates the correlation information with the memory content of the performance music database of FIG. 5, and the memory content of the karaoke database of FIG. It is a figure explaining the structure of the personal computer 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 and CPU of the personal computer of FIG. 8 were equipped. It is a figure which illustrates the screen which shows the presence or absence of the inquiry result of CD, and the karaoke information corresponding to the inquiry result displayed on an output device by the communication karaoke apparatus of FIG. 2, or the video display apparatus of the personal computer of FIG. . It is a flowchart explaining the music-entry request control by CPU of the communication karaoke apparatus of FIG. 2, or CPU of the personal computer of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10: Online karaoke system 12: Online karaoke device (communication terminal device)
14: First server 16: Second server 18: Personal computer (communication terminal device)
20: Communication line 24: CD (storage medium)
40: CD reading section (reading means)
88: performance music database 90: karaoke database 112: extraction means 114: inquiry means 116: acquisition means 118: transmission means

Claims (9)

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 database that stores information for identifying a large number of performances;
A karaoke database that stores a large number of karaoke information for outputting the performance tune by the communication karaoke device;
A communication terminal device capable of communicating information between the performance song database and the karaoke database via the communication line, and
The communication terminal device
Reading means for reading information stored in a predetermined storage medium;
Extraction means for extracting information relating to a performance song from the storage content of the storage medium read by the reading means;
Inquiry means for referring to the performance music database based on information about the performance music extracted by the extraction means;
In relation to the presence or absence of karaoke information corresponding to the performance song related to the inquiry based on the association information between the stored content of the performance music database and the storage content of the karaoke database, which is set in synchronization with or before and after the inquiry by the inquiry means. An online karaoke system comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring information.   The communication terminal device has a transmission means for transmitting a music composition request for karaoke information to be entered into the karaoke database by designating the corresponding performance music, and the transmission means is added to the karaoke database by the acquisition means. 2. The communication karaoke system according to claim 1, wherein any one of the performance tunes or all performance tunes among the performance tunes for which information indicating no corresponding karaoke information is acquired is transmitted as the music composition request.   The communication karaoke system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the communication terminal device is the communication karaoke device.   The communication karaoke system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the communication terminal device is a personal computer.   The communication karaoke system according to claim 1, wherein the association information is stored in the performance song database.   The communication karaoke system according to claim 1, wherein the association information is stored in the karaoke database.   The communication karaoke system according to claim 1, wherein the association information is stored in the communication terminal device.   The communication karaoke system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the performance song database and the karaoke database are respectively provided in separate servers.   8. The communication karaoke system according to claim 1, wherein the performance song database and the karaoke database are provided in the same server.

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