JP2008203501A - Information providing device, music piece reproduction device, information providing method and information providing processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information providing device, a music piece reproduction device, an information providing method and an information providing processing program, capable of raising interest by providing information such as a degree of evaluation for first ranking which is won, for a user who wins the first ranking in singing. <P>SOLUTION: The information providing device comprises: a data base in which score information of the user of the first ranking, whose score result of singing capability is the best for the same music piece, is registered so as to be discriminated, as the score information of a singing contestant holder of the music piece, by relating it to music piece identification information for identifying the music piece; a score information receiving means for receiving, from the music piece reproduction device, music piece identification information of the music piece selected by the user, and score information generated by the music piece reproduction device after singing of the music piece by the user; and a comparison judgement means for judging whether or not, the received score information shows a better score result than score information of the contestant holder registered in the data base according to the received music piece identification information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention reproduces music information used for accompaniment of song singing, and generates scoring information indicating a scoring result of singing ability based on the singing voice emitted by the user by the accompaniment, for example, has a scoring function. The present invention relates to a technical field of a music playback device such as a karaoke device, an information providing device capable of communicating with the music playback device via a communication means, an information providing method, and an information providing processing program.

Conventionally, the karaoke device scores the singing ability of the user based on the user's singing voice, while the server device connected to the karaoke device via a communication means such as the Internet scores the karaoke device. It is possible to generate ranking information ranked according to each song and distribute it to the karaoke device, and each karaoke device can display this ranking information on the screen (for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2005-315934 A

  By the way, it can be said that the user who is ranked first in the ranking of a certain music is the user who has the highest singing ability in the music. However, even in the same first place, the value, weight, etc. as the first place differ depending on the music conditions. For example, the first one gained in a short time since the start of the distribution of a new song and the first one obtained after a long time has passed since the release of music CDs etc., the former improved the song in a short time In addition, it can be said that it was ranked first, so it may be possible to give a higher evaluation to the former. On the other hand, for example, it is more difficult for the former to get the first place in the first place with a song with a large number of people singing and the first place with a song with a small number of people singing. Therefore, a higher rating should be given to the former.

  However, in the above-described conventional technology, only a uniform evaluation is performed, such as the highest rank for each song in the country, and the first rank is merely presented to the user as the first rank. It was.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and by enabling the user who has obtained the first place in singing to provide information such as the level of evaluation of the obtained first place. An object is to provide an information providing apparatus, a music reproducing apparatus, an information providing method, and an information providing processing program capable of improving interest.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 reproduces music information used for accompaniment of song singing, and obtains a singing ability scoring result based on a singing voice uttered by a user by the accompaniment. It is an information providing device that can communicate via a communication means and a music reproducing device that generates scoring information to show the scoring information of the first ranked user with the best singing ability scoring result in the same music, As the scoring information of the singing championship of the song, a database that is registered so as to be distinguishable in association with the song identification information for identifying the song, and the song identification of the song selected by the user Scoring information receiving means for receiving information and the scoring information generated by the music playback device by the user singing the music from the music playback device; A comparison to determine whether the received scoring information shows better scoring results compared to the scoring information of the championship holder registered in the database corresponding to the received music identification information If the determination means and the received scoring information indicate a better scoring result, the champion holder authorization authorizing the user of the music playback device that has transmitted the scoring information as the new champion holder Means, and when a new championship holder is recognized, a championship holder updating means for updating the championship holder, wherein the championship holder updating means receives the received scoring information. As a new scoring information for the championship holder, based on a predetermined criterion, change registration means for changing and registering in the database in association with the received music identification information, Grade determination means for determining the grade given to the certified championship holder, indicating the level of evaluation as a right holder, and the user of the music reproducing device that has transmitted the scoring information Grade notification information transmission means for indicating to the music player that grade notification information to be notified to the user is shown, indicating that the champion has been assigned the determined grade. And.

  According to the present invention, the scoring information of the first user who has the best singing ability scoring result in the same music is discriminated in association with the music identification information as the scoring information of the singing champion in the music. The information providing device receives the scoring information and the music identification information from the music playback device, and the received information is registered in the database corresponding to the music identification information. When a better scoring result is shown in comparison with the scoring information of the player, the user of the music reproducing device that has transmitted the scoring information is recognized as a new champion and the champion is updated. Here, the information providing apparatus changes and registers the received scoring information as the scoring information of the championship holder in the database, shows the level of evaluation as the championship holder and is certified based on the predetermined criteria. It is determined that the grade given to the championship holder is determined, and the user of the music playback device that has sent the scoring information is recognized as the championship holder who has been awarded the determined grade, and Grade notification information to be notified to the user is transmitted to the music player. Then, the grade information is notified by the music reproducing device.

  Therefore, the user who has won the first place in singing ability can know the level of evaluation of himself as a champion with the grade informed by the music playback device, so the interest in scoring singing ability Can be improved.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the information providing apparatus according to the first aspect, the database is set in advance as a date when the information providing apparatus starts distributing the music information to the music reproducing apparatus. Distribution start date information indicating a distribution start date is registered in association with the music identification information of the music corresponding to the music information, and the grade determination means is configured to include the date range among a plurality of pre-divided days ranges. Corresponding to the received music identification information, from the distribution start date shown in the distribution start date information registered in the database to the date range including the number of days from the date when the new singing championship holder is certified The grade is determined so as to show a higher evaluation as the number of days from the delivery start date is smaller.

  According to this invention, since the grade becomes higher as the first place is acquired earlier from the start of distribution of music information, it is possible to highly evaluate eager users who learn new music quickly. Therefore, it is possible to give the user a motivation to sing new music quickly, thereby promoting the use of the music playback device.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the information providing device according to the first aspect, the singing power of the music indicated by the received music identification information is based on the scoring information received by the scoring information receiving means. The grade determination means further comprises rank determination means for determining the rank of the user, and the rank determination means has a rank determined by the rank determination means corresponding to the received music identification information among a plurality of pre-defined number ranges. The grade is determined so as to show a higher evaluation as the number range including the determined number is a higher number range.

  According to the present invention, the grade becomes higher as the first place is sung by more users. Therefore, it is possible to objectively evaluate highly capable users. Therefore, it is possible to give the user a motivation to sing the music better, thereby promoting the use of the music reproducing device.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information providing device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the singing power of the music indicated by the received music identification information is based on the scoring information received by the scoring information receiving means. The apparatus further comprises rank determining means for determining the rank of the user, and the database shows a distribution start date set in advance as a date when the information providing apparatus starts to distribute the music information to the music reproducing apparatus. Distribution start date information is registered in association with the music identification information of the music corresponding to the music information, and the grade determining means is registered in the database corresponding to the received music identification information. The lower the number of days from the delivery start date indicated in the delivery start date information to the date on which the new singing championship holder is certified, the higher the rating. And determining the grade in an integrated manner so that the higher the number of times the rank is determined by the rank determining means corresponding to the received music identification information, the higher the evaluation is. Features.

  According to the present invention, the grade becomes higher as the first place is acquired earlier from the start of the distribution of the music information, while the grade becomes higher as the first place is sung by more users. Therefore, it is possible to further enhance the interest by making the user work a strategy such as how to select the music and how to use the music playback device depending on how the grade is improved.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the information providing device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, in the database, the scoring information of the championship holder in each musical piece and each of the championship holders are given. The grade information indicating the grade is registered so as to be distinguishable in association with the music identification information of each music piece and the user identification information for identifying the user who is recognized as the respective championship holder. The scoring information receiving means receives the music identification information, the scoring information, and the user identification information of the user of the music reproducing apparatus from the music reproducing apparatus, and the change registration means is the new registration means. The scoring information of the champion who has a right and the grade information determined by the grade determining means are associated with the received music identification information and user identification information in the data A user identification information receiving means for receiving the user identification information transmitted from the terminal device via the communication means, and corresponding to the received user identification information in the database. Based on the registered grade information and the music identification information, grade notification information for each user's music indicated by the user identification information is transmitted to the terminal device that has transmitted the user identification information. Second grade notification information transmitting means.

  According to the present invention, the user can know the grade of the music that is currently ranked first by using the terminal device.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the information providing device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the database, the base information indicating the base where the user uses the music reproducing device is stored in the database. The scoring information receiving means is registered in association with the identification information, and the scoring information receiving means includes the music location information, the scoring information, the user identification information, and the installation location information indicating the location where the music playback device is installed. The home location indicated by the home location information received from the music playback device and registered in the database corresponding to the received user identification information is compared with the installation location indicated by the received installation location information. It further comprises a place comparison means, and the grade determination means decides the grade by taking the comparison result by the place comparison means into consideration with the predetermined reference. To.

  According to the present invention, since the grade given may differ depending on the comparison result between the user's headquarters and the installation location of the music playback device, the expectation for the grade when the user is recognized as the championship holder Can be increased.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the information providing device according to the fifth or sixth aspect, in the database, attribute information indicating an attribute of a music corresponding to the music information includes the music identification of the music. The championship holder updating means corresponds to the music identification information of the music whose attribute information matches the music indicated by the music identification information received by the scoring information receiving means. The number of registered user identification information identical to the user identification information received by the scoring information receiving means among the user identification information registered as the championship holder in the database If there is the largest number, the second championship authorization means for authorizing the user indicated by the user identification information as a champion of singing in the attribute indicated by the attribute information. The grade notification information transmitting means indicates that the user of the music playback device that has transmitted the grade notification information and the scoring information is recognized as a singing champion in the attribute. And the attribute championship holder alerting | reporting information which should be alert | reported with respect to the said user is transmitted.

  According to the present invention, the user with the largest number of songs that have acquired the first place among the songs having the same attributes is recognized as the singing champion in the attribute, so the songs having the same attributes are more Many users who sang best can receive high evaluation.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the information providing device according to the seventh aspect, in the database, the attribute information includes at least one of genre information indicating a genre of music and artist information indicating an artist of the music. Is registered in association with the music identification information of the music.

  According to the present invention, among users who often sing music of a specific artist or genre, favorite users, etc., it is possible to compete which user has the most singing ability for the artist or genre. it can.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the information providing device according to the seventh or eighth aspect, the championship holder update means is based on a predetermined criterion by the second championship holder determination means. Second grade determining means for determining the grade to be given to the singing championship holder in the certified attribute, and grade information indicating the grade determined by the second grade determining means, Grades to be registered in the database in association with the user identification information of the user who is recognized as the championship of singing in the attribute by the champion holder determining means and the attribute identification information for identifying the attribute An information registration means, wherein the attribute championship notice information is received by the user of the music reproducing device that has transmitted the scoring information. And wherein the indicating that is certified titleholder of singing in the attribute given a grade determined by the 2 grade determination means.

  According to the present invention, a user who has become a championship of singing in some attribute can know the level of evaluation of himself as a championship holder.

  The invention according to claim 10 is the information providing apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the user's e-mail address is stored in the database, the user identification information of the user. The championship holder update means is registered in the database before the change registration by the change registration means in association with the music identification information received by the scoring information receiving means. A mail that specifies the e-mail address corresponding to the user identification information that has been sent and sends an e-mail to the specified e-mail address notifying that the player is no longer a champion through the communication means It further has a transmission means.

  According to the present invention, by receiving an e-mail using a terminal device or the like, it is possible to know that the user who was first in the target music so far is no longer in the first place. In order to acquire the first place again, motivation to sing the music is given to the user, thereby promoting the use of the music reproducing device.

  The invention described in claim 11 is a music reproducing apparatus capable of communicating with the information providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10 via communication means, and corresponds to the music selected by the user. The music reproducing means for reproducing the music information, the voice input means for inputting the singing voice uttered by the user, the scoring information generating means for generating the scoring information based on the inputted singing voice, The scoring information transmitting means for transmitting the generated scoring information and the music identification information of the selected music to the information providing device, and the grade notification for receiving the grade informing information transmitted from the information providing device Based on the information receiving means and the received grade notification information, the user is recognized as the champion who has been given the grade information determined by the grade determining means. Characterized in that it and a notification means for notifying that.

  Invention of Claim 12 reproduce | regenerates the music information used for the accompaniment of the singing of a music, and produces | generates the scoring information which shows the scoring result of a singing ability based on the singing voice which the user emitted by the said accompaniment An information providing apparatus capable of communicating with the apparatus via a communication means, wherein the scoring information of the first user who has the best scoring result of the singing ability in the same music is used as the champion of the singing in the music As the scoring information, the information providing method in the information providing apparatus comprising a database that is registered so as to be distinguishable in association with the music identification information for identifying the music, the music providing information selected by the user The music identification information and the scoring information generated by the music playback device when the user sings the music are received from the music playback device. The point information receiving step and the received scoring information show a better scoring result compared to the scoring information of the championship holder registered in the database corresponding to the received music identification information If the comparison and determination step for determining whether or not the received scoring information indicates a better scoring result, the user of the music playback device that has transmitted the scoring information is designated as the new champion And a championship holder renewing step for renewing the championship holder when the new championship holder is recognized, and the championship holder renewing step, A change registration step in which the received scoring information is changed and registered in the database in association with the received music identification information as new scoring information of the championship holder; Based on criteria, a grade determination step for determining a grade given to the certified championship holder, indicating the level of evaluation as the championship holder, and the music reproduction that has transmitted the scoring information Indicates that the user of the device is recognized as the champion who has been awarded the determined grade, and transmits grade notification information to be notified to the user to the music playback device And a grade notification information transmitting step.

  Invention of Claim 13 reproduce | regenerates the music information used for the accompaniment of the song singing of music, and produces | generates the scoring information which shows the scoring result of a singing ability based on the singing voice which the user emitted by the said accompaniment An information providing apparatus capable of communicating with the apparatus via a communication means, wherein the scoring information of the first user who has the best scoring result of the singing ability in the same music is used as the champion of the singing in the music As the scoring information, a computer included in an information providing apparatus including a database that is registered so as to be distinguishable in association with music identification information for identifying the music, the music of the music selected by the user A scoring system that receives identification information and the scoring information generated by the music playback device when the user sings the music from the music playback device. Report receiving means, whether the received scoring information shows a better scoring result compared to the scoring information of the championship holder registered in the database corresponding to the received music identification information A comparison determination means for determining whether or not the received scoring information indicates a better scoring result, the user of the music playback device that has transmitted the scoring information is recognized as a new champion Championship holder certification means, when a new championship holder is certified, the title holder update means for updating the championship holder, and the computer that functions as the championship holder update means The received scoring information is changed and registered in the database in association with the received music identification information as new scoring information of the championship holder. Registration means, based on a predetermined criterion, a grade determining means for indicating a grade given to the recognized championship holder, indicating the level of evaluation as the championship holder, and transmitting the scoring information Indicating that the user of the music playback device has been recognized as the champion who has been assigned the determined grade, and the grade notification information to be notified to the user, It is characterized by functioning as grade notification information transmitting means for transmitting to a music reproducing device.

  According to the present invention, since the user who has obtained the first place in singing ability can know the level of evaluation of himself as a champion with the grade notified by the music reproducing device, the singing ability is scored. You can improve your interests.

  Hereinafter, the best embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, embodiment described below is embodiment at the time of applying this invention with respect to a karaoke system.

[1. First Embodiment]
[1.1 Overview of Karaoke system configuration and functions]
First, the configuration and functional overview of the karaoke system S according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a karaoke system S according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the karaoke system S includes a karaoke server SA as an example of an information providing device and a plurality of karaoke devices Cn (as an example of a music playback device installed in each store such as a karaoke box or an accommodation facility. n = 11, 12,...) and a plurality of electronic sample devices Bm (m = 11, 12) as an example of a terminal device that is lent to a user of the karaoke device Cn and used for remote operation of the karaoke device Cn. ..) And a plurality of user terminals Ti (i = 1, 2,...) As another example of the terminal device.

  Each karaoke apparatus Cn is connected to a network NW as an example of a communication unit via a LAN (Local Area Network) and a line termination apparatus Dj (j = 1, 2,...) For each store. The karaoke apparatus Cn and the karaoke server SA can exchange data with each other via the network NW (for example, using TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) as a communication protocol) Send / receive is possible). The network NW is constructed by, for example, the Internet, a dedicated communication line (for example, a CATV (Community Antenna Television) line), a mobile communication network (including a wireless base station, etc.), a gateway, and the like.

  The electronic quick sample apparatus Bm is connected to the karaoke apparatus Cn via an access point Ak (k = 1, 2,...) And a LAN installed in each store, and can communicate with the karaoke apparatus Cn. Further, the electronic sample apparatus Bm is further connected to the karaoke server SA via the network NW, and can communicate with the karaoke server SA.

  The user terminal Ti is a terminal device owned by the user, and is connected to the karaoke server SA via the network NW and can communicate with the karaoke server SA. As the user terminal Ti, for example, a personal computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), an STB (Set Top Box), a mobile phone, or the like can be applied.

  In the karaoke system S having the above-described configuration, when a user selects music by operating the electronic sample device Bm, accompaniment processing of the selected karaoke music (an example of music; hereinafter, also simply referred to as “music”) Is performed by the karaoke apparatus Cn. When the user sings a song in accordance with the accompaniment by the karaoke device Cn, the singing ability scoring process for the song is performed by the karaoke device Cn, and a score (an example of scoring information) indicating the scoring result is obtained from the karaoke device. It is displayed on the Cn screen. At this time, the user's national ranking (ranking) based on the score of the sung song is also displayed on the screen.

  In the present embodiment, the user who ranks first in the national ranking is recognized as a karaoke champion (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “champion”) as an example of a champion who holds the song, and the karaoke apparatus Cn The champion belt that the user has acquired by becoming a champion is displayed on the screen. This champion belt is divided into five belt grades (examples of grade information) of platinum, gold, silver, steel, and plastic according to the evaluation of the champion. In this order, the evaluation of the champion becomes higher. ing. That is, platinum has the highest rating for the champion and plastic has the lowest rating for the champion.

  Of the five grades, which grade of the champion belt is awarded to the champion depends on the day the song is delivered (the user can select the song and the song is selected) The song data is distributed from the karaoke server SA to the karaoke device Cn and can be played on the karaoke device Cn (hereinafter referred to as “delivery start date”). It is determined based on the number of days until the date. Specifically, the grade is higher as the number of days from the delivery start date is shorter. That is, a high evaluation is given to the user (karaoke champion) who mastered the song quickly in a short period of time from the start of song distribution. The grade determined in this way can be discriminated by the user based on the difference in color of the belt when the champion belt is displayed.

  The karaoke champion is given not only for each song but also for each artist and each genre of the song. Specifically, a user with a large number of songs with the highest national ranking for a single artist (singer, performer) (a user with a large number of champion belts) is recognized as a karaoke champion of the artist, A user who has a large number of songs that rank first in the country for one genre (for example, pops, enka, rock, ballad, etc.) is recognized as a karaoke champion in the genre. And the user with the largest number of champion belts by genre is certified as a general karaoke champion. In the following description, the karaoke champions for each music piece, each artist, each genre, and overall are also referred to as a music champion, artist champion, genre champion, and overall champion, respectively.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the user can perform user registration of the system by operating the electronic quick sample apparatus Bm and the user terminal Ti. By performing this user registration, the user can register his favorite song using the electronic sample device Bm or the user terminal Ti, and the history of the song sung so far, the score, the possession status of the champion belt Etc. can be browsed.

[1.2 Karaoke server configuration and functions]
Next, the configuration and function of the karaoke server SA will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic example of the configuration of the karaoke server SA according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure in the user DB 102. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure in the ranking DB 103.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the karaoke server SA is connected to the network NW and stores a communication unit 11 that controls communication with the karaoke device Cn, the electronic quick sample device Bm, and the user terminal Ti, and stores various programs and data. In addition, scoring information receiving means including a storage unit 12 (for example, a hard disk drive or the like) in which various databases are constructed, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. Comparison determination means, championship holder certification means, championship holder update means, change registration means, grade determination means, grade notification information transmission means, user identification information reception means, second grade notification information transmission means, second champion holder A system control unit 13 as an example of an authorization unit, a grade information registration unit, a rank determination unit, and a mail transmission unit; The provided, the system control unit 13 and the respective units are connected to each other via a system bus 14.

  In the storage unit 12, a music DB (DataBase) 101, a user DB 102, and a ranking DB are constructed.

  First, data relating to a large number of karaoke songs is registered in the song DB 101. Specifically, in the music DB 101, performance data (an example of music information) used for accompaniment for each karaoke song, video data displayed on the screen of the karaoke apparatus Cn when the performance data is reproduced, lyrics data, Detailed music information and the like are registered in association with a music number (an example of music identification information) for identifying a karaoke music.

  The detailed music information includes, for example, an artist ID (Identify) (an example of artist information) for identifying the artist of the music, a genre ID (an example of genre information) for identifying the genre of the music, and a distribution start date The scoring number (an example of the number of times the rank is determined by the rank determining means), the song age, and the like are set.

  Here, the number of grading persons is the number of times that the singing ability is scored and the national ranking is performed for the song. The song age is information indicating the age of a user who often sings the song. As an initial value, for example, the age of the artist of the song is set, and the user's age every time the song is sung by the user (If the singer's age is higher than the singing age, the singing age increases, and if the singing user's age is lower than the singing age, the singing age decreases. ).

  Next, data related to each user registered as a user is registered in the user DB 102. Specifically, in the user DB 102, as shown in FIG. 3, for each user, user information, scoring history information, and the like correspond to a user ID (an example of user identification information) for identifying the user. It is registered with it.

  Here, the user information is information unique to each user registered by the user at the time of user registration, and for example, a password, a nickname, an e-mail address, a gender, a date of birth, etc. are set. The scoring history information is information indicating the history of scoring results for songs sung by the user so far. For example, the scoring date (sung date), the song number of the selected song, the score, etc. It is registered in association with scoring NO (Number) given in ascending order in scoring order.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4, ranking information, artist champion information, genre champion information, general champion information, and the like are registered in the ranking DB 103.

  Here, the ranking information is information related to the national ranking of each karaoke song, and is associated with the song number of each song, for example, the user ID, score, etc. of each ranking user can determine the ranking. Registered. For the first place, the grade of the champion belt acquired, the number of times of defense, etc. are registered as information on the music champion. The number of defenses indicates the number of times the current champion has defended the champion's seat, and the current champion wins when the score scored by singing the same song does not exceed the current champion's score Increase by one.

  The artist champion information is information related to the artist champion, and the user ID of the artist champion, the champion belt grade, the number of belts held, etc. are registered in association with the artist ID of each artist. The number of belts owned is the number of songs for which the current artist champion is ranked first for the artist.

  The genre champion information is information related to the genre champion. In association with the genre ID of each genre, a genre champion user ID, a champion belt grade, a belt possession number, and the like are registered. The number of belts owned is the number of songs for which the current genre champion is first in the genre.

  The overall champion information is information related to the overall champion, and the user ID of the overall champion, the number of belts held, and the like are registered. This belt possession indicates the number of current general champions who are genre champions (with genre champion belts).

  Further, the storage unit 12 stores a predetermined operating system, an information provision processing program, and the like.

  The system control unit 13 controls the entire server by reading and executing various programs stored in the ROM and the storage unit 12 by the CPU, as well as scoring information reception means, comparison determination means, championship holder recognition means, championship Holder update means, change registration means, grade determination means, grade notification information transmission means, user identification information reception means, second grade notification information transmission means, second championship authorization means, grade information registration means, rank determination means And function as mail transmission means.

  For example, in response to a distribution request from the karaoke apparatus Cn, the system control unit 13 reads performance data, video data, lyrics data, music detailed information, and the like corresponding to the music number set in the request from the music DB 101, It is transmitted (distributed) to the karaoke apparatus Cn.

  In addition, when the system control unit 13 receives the scoring result information including the song number of the selected song, the user ID of the user who sang, the score, etc. from the karaoke device Cn, the system control unit 13 updates the national ranking based on these information. It is supposed to be. As a result, when the music champion (first place) is switched, the system control unit 13 determines the belt grade given to the champion, updates the music champion, and according to the number of belts held by the champion. The artist champion information, the genre champion information and the general champion information are updated. The system control unit 13 determines that the user has been recognized as a champion and the grade of the belt to be given when the music champion, artist champion, genre champion or general champion is replaced along with the national ranking of the user. The national rank display information including belt information (an example of grade notification information and attribute championship holder notification information) indicating the above is transmitted to the karaoke apparatus Cn.

  This belt information includes the grade of the music champion's belt, the artist ID and grade of the artist when the user becomes an artist champion, and the genre ID and grade of the genre when the user becomes a genre champion. When the user becomes a general champion, flag information indicating that fact is included.

  Further, the system control unit 13 transmits belt possession status information (an example of grade notification information) related to the champion belt possessed by the user in response to a request from the electronic sample device Bm or the user terminal Ti. Yes.

  Note that the various programs may be downloaded from another server, for example, or may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and read via a drive.

[1.3 Configuration and functions of karaoke equipment]
Next, the configuration and function of the karaoke apparatus Cn will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic example of the configuration of the karaoke apparatus Cn according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the karaoke apparatus Cn is connected to the LAN and performs a drawing process on the communication unit 21 that controls communication with the karaoke server SA and the electronic quick sample apparatus Bm, and video data, lyrics data, and the like. And a display unit 23 (for example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a liquid crystal display, etc.) that displays the video output by the drawing processing of the video processing unit 22 on the screen.

  The karaoke apparatus Cn is configured by a synthesizer or the like, and is an example of a voice processing unit 24 that generates a voice signal of musical instrument performance based on performance data, and a voice input unit that inputs a user's singing voice as a voice signal. A microphone 25, a mixing amplifier 26 that generates a sound output signal by synthesizing the sound signal generated by the sound processing unit 24 and the sound signal input by the microphone 25, and the sound output signal generated by the mixing amplifier 26. And a speaker 27 that outputs sound waves. At this time, the audio processing unit 24 and the mixing amplifier 26 constitute an example of a music reproducing unit.

  Further, the karaoke apparatus Cn includes an A / D (Analog / Digital) converter 28 that converts an audio signal input from the microphone 25 from an analog signal to a digital signal, and the audio signal generated by the audio processing unit 24 and the A / D. A singing scoring unit 29 as an example of scoring result information generating means for performing scoring processing based on the audio signal converted into a digital signal by the converter 28 and generating a score for the user's singing ability; .

  Furthermore, the karaoke apparatus Cn includes a storage unit 30 (for example, a hard disk drive or the like) that stores various programs, data, and the like, scoring result information transmission means, grade notification information reception means, and notification means that include a CPU, RAM, ROM, and the like. The system control unit 31 as an example of the system control unit 31, the communication unit 21, the video processing unit 22, the audio processing unit 24, the A / D converter 28, the singing scoring unit 29, and the storage unit 30 are: They are connected to each other via a system bus 32.

  The system control unit 31 controls the entire apparatus by reading and executing various programs stored in the ROM or the storage unit 30 as a scoring result information transmission unit, grade notification information reception unit, notification unit, etc. It is supposed to function.

  For example, when the system control unit 31 receives a music selection request transmitted from the electronic quick sample apparatus Bm by a user's music selection operation, the system control unit 31 sends performance data, video data, lyrics data, music detailed information, and the like corresponding to the request to the karaoke server. The data is downloaded (received) from the SA, and the audio processing unit 24, the video processing device 22 and the like are controlled to reproduce the performance data, the video data, and the lyrics data.

  In addition, when the score is generated by the singing scoring unit 29, the system control unit 31 displays the score on the display unit 23 and transmits scoring result information including the score to the karaoke server SA. . And the system control part 31 respond | corresponds with transmission of scoring result information, based on the national rank display information transmitted from karaoke server SA, the user's national rank about the song sung now, the said utilization When the person becomes a champion, information to that effect is displayed on the display unit 23.

  Various programs may be downloaded from, for example, a karaoke server SA or may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and read via a drive.

[1.4 Karaoke system operation]
Next, the operation of the karaoke system S will be described.

[1.4.1 Operation when renewing Karaoke Champion]
First, the process in the case of updating the national ranking and the karaoke champion based on the singing ability scoring results will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example when the karaoke champion is updated in the karaoke system S according to the first embodiment. Moreover, Fig.7 (a) is a flowchart which shows the process example of the grade determination process in the system control part 13 of karaoke server SA which concerns on 1st Embodiment, FIG.7 (b) shows the number of days from a delivery start date. It is a figure which shows an example of the correspondence of a grade. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing example of category-specific champion update processing in the system control unit 13 of the karaoke server SA according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example of the national ranking display screen 50.

  First, after the performance data is reproduced in the karaoke device Cn based on the user's music selection operation, the system control unit 31 of the karaoke device Cn performs a grading process on the singing scoring unit 29, as shown in FIG. This is executed (step S11). When this scoring process ends, the system control unit 31 stores the score output from the singing scoring unit 29, the music selection number of the selected music, and the user registered in advance and stored in the storage unit 30 or the like. The scoring result information including the user ID of the user is transmitted to the karaoke server SA (step S12), and the song name and score of the selected karaoke song are displayed on the display unit as indicated by reference numerals 51 and 52 in FIG. 23 (step S13).

  On the other hand, when the system control unit 13 of the karaoke server SA that has received the scoring result information (step S31) updates the scoring history information based on the scoring result information, the song number included in the scoring result information (hereinafter, “music selection number”). 1) is added to the number of scored pieces of detailed music information registered in the song DB 101 correspondingly, and the scored number is updated (step S32).

  Next, the system control unit 13 determines the national ranking of the user (step S33). Specifically, the system control unit 13 corresponds to the music selection number, the score from the first to the lowest registered in the ranking DB 103 and the score included in the scoring result information (hereinafter referred to as “scoring score”). ) In order. Then, when the scoring score is higher than the comparison target score (when the scoring result is good), the system control unit 13 determines the rank of the comparison target score as the national ranking of the user.

  Next, the system control unit 13 determines whether or not the national ranking of the user is first (step S34). If the system control unit 13 determines that it is not first place (step S34: NO), the system control unit 13 proceeds to step S36.

  On the other hand, when the user's national ranking is first, that is, when the user's score is higher than the score of the current music champion (step S34: YES), the system control unit 13 then has a scoring score. It is determined whether the number is 80 or more (step S35). Here, when the scoring score is not 80 points or more (step S35: NO), the system control unit 13 proceeds to step S36.

  In step S36, the system control unit 13 updates the ranking information. Specifically, the system control unit 13 associates a user ID (hereinafter referred to as “scoring user ID”) and a scoring score included in the scoring result information as ranking information corresponding to the music selection number in the ranking DB 103 in association with the ranking. In addition to registering the change, 1 is added to the number of defenses of the music champion registered corresponding to the music selection number, and the number of defenses is updated. Next, the system control unit 13 transmits national rank display information including the determined national rank to the karaoke apparatus Cn (step S37), and ends the process.

  On the other hand, when the scoring score is 80 or more in step S35 (step S35: YES), the system control unit 13 recognizes the user as a new music champion. That is, the system control unit 13 determines that it is worth giving the champion belt only when the national ranking is first and the scoring score is 80 or more. Next, the system control unit 13 determines whether or not the scoring user ID matches the first user ID of the ranking information corresponding to the music selection number (step S38). Here, when the scoring user ID and the first-ranked user ID of the ranking information match (step S38: YES), the system control unit 13 proceeds to step S40.

  On the other hand, if the scoring user ID does not match the first user ID of the ranking information (step S38: NO), the system control unit 13 is registered in the user DB 102 corresponding to the first user ID. A mail address of the current music champion is acquired from the user information, and a notification mail notifying that the champion belt has been taken is transmitted to the mail address via the network NW (step S39), and the process proceeds to step S40. Transition.

  In step S40, the system control unit 13 executes a grade determination process. In this grade determination process, as shown in FIG. 7A, the system control unit 13 acquires the distribution start date from the detailed music information registered in the music DB 101 corresponding to the music selection number (step S51). A grade is determined according to the number of days from the distribution start date to today (step S52). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7B, the system control unit 13 determines that the grade is platinum when the number of days is within the range of days from 0 days to 2 weeks or less, and the number of days is 2 weeks. The grade is determined to be gold if it is in the range of days less than or equal to one month or less, and the grade is determined to be silver if the number of days is in the range of days greater than or equal to one month and less than two months. Grade is determined to be steel if it is in the range of days greater than 2 months but less than 3 months, and if it is in the range of days greater than 3 months, the grade is determined to be plastic. . When completing this process, the system control unit 13 ends the grade determination process.

  After completing the grade determination process, the system control unit 13 then updates the ranking information (step S41). Specifically, the system control unit 13 changes and registers the scoring user ID scoring score and the grade determined in the grade determination process in the ranking DB 103 in association with the first place as the ranking information corresponding to the music selection number. , The defense count of the music champion registered corresponding to the music selection number is initialized to zero.

  Next, the system control unit 13 executes a category-specific champion update process (step S42). In this champion update process, as shown in FIG. 8, when the system control unit 13 obtains an artist ID from the detailed music information registered in the music DB 101 corresponding to the music selection number (step S61), the system control unit 13 sets the artist ID. The number of belts held in the karaoke song of the corresponding artist is calculated (step S62). Specifically, the system control unit 13 acquires the numbers of all the songs corresponding to the acquired artist ID, and the first-ranked user ID matches the scoring user ID in the ranking information corresponding to the song number. Count the number to do.

  Next, the system control unit 13 determines whether or not the calculated belt possession number is larger than the belt possession number of the artist champion information corresponding to the acquired artist ID, that is, the belt possession number of the current artist champion ( Step S63). Here, if the calculated belt possession number is not larger than the current artist champion's belt possession number (step S63: NO), the system control unit 13 proceeds to step S68.

  On the other hand, when the calculated belt possession number is greater than the current artist champion's belt possession number (step S63: YES), the system control unit 13 recognizes the user as a new artist champion, and then the scoring user ID. And whether the user ID of the artist champion information corresponding to the acquired artist ID matches (step S64). Here, when the scoring user ID matches the user ID of the artist champion information (step S64: YES), the system control unit 13 proceeds to step S66.

  On the other hand, if the scoring user ID does not match the user ID of the artist champion information (step S64: NO), the system control unit 13 notifies the e-mail address of the current artist champion that the champion belt has been taken. The notification mail to be transmitted is transmitted via the network NW (step S65), and the process proceeds to step S66.

  In step S66, the system control unit 13 determines the grade of the belt to be given to the user who has newly become an artist champion. Specifically, the system control unit 13 determines the grade of the artist champion by averaging the grades of the champion belts held by the user for the karaoke songs of the artist corresponding to the acquired artist ID.

  Next, the system control unit 13 updates artist champion information corresponding to the acquired artist ID (step S67). Specifically, the system control unit 13 changes and registers the scoring user ID and the determined grade in the ranking DB 103 in association with the acquired artist ID. After completing this process, the system control unit 13 proceeds to step S68.

  In step S68, when the system control unit 13 acquires the genre ID from the detailed music information registered in the music DB 101 corresponding to the music selection number, the user is ranked first in the karaoke music of the genre corresponding to the genre ID. The number of songs is calculated (step S69). Specifically, the system control unit 13 acquires the song numbers of all the songs corresponding to the acquired genre ID, and the first-ranked user ID of the ranking information corresponding to the song number is the scoring user ID. Count the number of matches.

  Next, the system control unit 13 determines whether or not the calculated belt possession number is larger than the belt possession number of the genre champion information corresponding to the acquired genre ID, that is, the current genre champion's belt possession number ( Step S70). Here, when the calculated belt possession number is not greater than the belt possession number of the current genre champion (step S70: NO), the system control unit 13 ends the category-specific champion update process.

  On the other hand, when the calculated belt possession number is larger than the current genre champion's belt possession number (step S70: YES), the system controller 13 recognizes the user as a new genre champion, and then the scoring user ID. And whether or not the user ID of the genre champion information corresponding to the acquired genre ID matches (step S71). Here, when the scoring user ID matches the user ID of the genre champion information (step S71: YES), the system control unit 13 proceeds to step S73.

  On the other hand, if the scoring user ID does not match the user ID of the genre champion information (step S71: NO), the system control unit 13 notifies the e-mail address of the current genre champion that the champion belt has been taken. The notification mail to be transmitted is transmitted via the network NW (step S72), and the process proceeds to step S73.

  In step S73, the system control unit 13 determines the grade of the belt to be given to the user who has newly become a genre champion. Specifically, the system control unit 13 determines the grade of the genre champion by averaging the grades of the champion belts held by the user for the karaoke songs of the genre corresponding to the acquired genre ID.

  Next, the system control unit 13 updates genre champion information corresponding to the acquired genre ID (step S74). Specifically, the system control unit 13 changes and registers the scoring user ID and the determined grade in the ranking DB 103 in association with the acquired genre ID.

  Next, the system control unit 13 calculates the number of belts held by the user's genre champion (step S75). Specifically, the system control unit 13 counts the number of registered user IDs that match the scoring user ID among the genre champion information registered in the ranking DB 103. Next, the system control unit 13 determines whether or not the calculated belt possession number is larger than the belt possession number of the overall champion information (step S76). Here, when the calculated belt possession number is not larger than the belt possession number of the general champion information (step S76: NO), the system control unit 13 ends the category-specific champion update process.

  On the other hand, when the calculated belt possession number is larger than the belt possession number of the overall champion information (step S76: YES), the system control unit 13 recognizes the user as a new overall champion, and then the scoring user ID And whether the user ID of the overall champion information matches (step S77). Here, when the scoring user ID matches the user ID of the overall champion information (step S77: YES), the system control unit 13 proceeds to step S79.

  On the other hand, when the scoring user ID does not match the user ID of the overall champion information (step S77: NO), the system control unit 13 notifies the e-mail address of the current overall champion that the champion belt has been taken. The notification mail to be transmitted is transmitted via the network NW (step S78).

  Next, the system control unit 13 changes and registers the scoring user ID and the calculated belt possession number in the ranking DB 103 and updates the overall champion information (step S79), and ends the category-specific champion update process.

  After completing the category-specific champion update process, the system control unit 13 transmits the national rank display information including the determined national rank and belt information to the karaoke apparatus Cn (step S43), and the process is terminated. Let

  On the other hand, the system control unit 31 of the karaoke apparatus Cn that has received the national ranking display information (step S14) converts the national ranking and national ranking information included in the national ranking display information into the codes shown in FIG. Displayed on the display unit 23 as shown at 53, 54 (step S15).

  Next, the system control unit 31 determines whether or not the national ranking of the user is first (step S16), and if it is not first (step S16: NO), the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the user's national ranking is first (step S16: YES), the system control unit 31 determines the champion belt according to the belt grade of the music champion included in the belt information of the national ranking display information. And a message indicating that the user has become a music champion is displayed on the display unit 23 as indicated by reference numeral 55 in FIG. 9 (step S17).

  Next, the system control unit 31 determines whether or not the user has become a champion for each category (artist champion, genre champion or general champion) based on the belt information (step S18), and is not a champion for each category. In that case (step S18: NO), the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the user becomes a champion for each category (step S18: YES), the system control unit 31 determines the belt grade of the artist champion included in the belt information and the belt of the genre champion based on the belt information. An image of the champion belt corresponding to the grade of the user and a message indicating that the user has become a music champion are displayed on the display unit 23 as indicated by reference numeral 56 in FIG. When the user becomes the overall champion, an image of the belt of the overall champion, a message that the user has become the overall champion, and the like are also displayed. In FIG. 9, for the sake of convenience, the colors of the champion belt images indicated by reference numerals 55 and 56 are the same, but actually, the images are displayed in colors according to the grades.

[1.4.2 Operation when checking belt holding status]
Next, the processing at the time of checking the belt holding status will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example when the belt holding status is confirmed in the karaoke system S according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example of the belt possession status confirmation screen 60.

  First, when the user operates the electronic quick sample apparatus Bm and inputs a user ID and a password (step S101), the electronic quick sample apparatus Bm transmits a login request including these pieces of information to the karaoke server SA (step S101). S102).

  The system control unit 13 of the karaoke server SA that has received the login request (step S121) performs authentication processing using the user ID and password included in the request, and then performs registration and browsing of various information about the user. The my room initial screen information used for the my room screen is transmitted to the electronic quick sample apparatus Bm (step S122).

  The electronic sample apparatus Bm that has received the information for the initial My Room screen (Step S103) displays the initial My Room screen on the screen based on the information (Step S104). Here, when the user operates the electronic quick sample device Bm and selects confirmation of the belt holding status, the electronic quick sample device Bm transmits a belt holding status request to the karaoke server SA (step S105).

  The system controller 13 of the karaoke server SA that has received the belt holding status request (step S123) refers to the ranking information, and the user ID whose first user ID is included in the login request (hereinafter referred to as “request user ID”). A karaoke song that matches is searched (step S124).

  Next, the system control unit 13 refers to the artist champion information and searches for an artist whose artist champion user ID matches the request user ID (step S125).

  Next, the system control unit 13 refers to the genre champion information and searches for a genre in which the user ID of the genre champion matches the request user ID (step S126).

  Next, the system control unit 13 checks whether or not the user ID of the general champion matches the request user ID (step S127).

  Next, the system control unit 13 holds the belt holding status information of the user indicated by the request user ID (the song number of the karaoke song holding the belt, the belt based on the processing results in steps S124 to S127. The artist ID of the artist, the genre ID of the genre that owns the belt, the grade of the belt, whether it is a general champion, etc.) is transmitted to the electronic quick sample apparatus Bm (step S128), End the process.

  The electronic sample apparatus Bm that has received the belt holding status information (step S106) displays a belt holding status confirmation screen 60 on the screen as shown in FIG. 10 based on the information (step S107).

  On the belt possession status confirmation screen 60 shown in FIG. 10, the belt possession status for each karaoke song, the belt possession status for each artist, and the belt possession status for each genre are displayed as indicated by reference numerals 61, 62, and 63, respectively. The Here, as the belt possession status for each karaoke song, as indicated by reference numeral 61, for example, an image of the champion belt of each song owned by the user, a grade, a score, the number of times of defense, and the like are displayed. As the belt possession status for each artist, for example, an image of the champion belt of each artist owned by the user, the grade, the number of belt possessions, and the like are displayed as indicated by reference numeral 62. As the belt possession status for each genre, for example, an image of a champion belt of each genre held by the user, a grade, the number of belt possessions, and the like are displayed as indicated by reference numeral 63. If the user is a general champion, an image of the belt of the general champion is displayed as indicated by reference numeral 64.

  In the above description, the case where the user's belt holding status is confirmed using the electronic quick sample apparatus Bm has been described. However, even when the user terminal Ti is used, the belt holding status is confirmed in the same manner as described above. can do.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the score of the first user who has the best singing ability scoring result in the same karaoke song is the song number and the score of the karaoke champion of the song in the karaoke song. The system control unit 13 of the karaoke server SA receives the scoring result information including the scoring score and the music selection number from the karaoke device Cn, and the scoring score corresponds to the music selection number. In comparison with the score of the karaoke champion registered in the ranking DB 103, when the better scoring result is shown, the user of the karaoke apparatus Cn that has transmitted the scoring result information is recognized as a new karaoke champion, Update the karaoke champion. Here, the system control unit 13 changes and registers the scoring score in the database as the score of the karaoke champion, and as a karaoke champion based on the number of days from the date when the karaoke song is distributed until the date when the new singing karaoke champion is certified. The grade given to the certified karaoke champion who shows the level of evaluation of the karaoke is determined, and the user of the karaoke apparatus Cn who has transmitted the scoring result information is certified as the karaoke champion given the decided grade Belt information to be notified to the user is transmitted to the karaoke apparatus Cn. Then, notification based on the belt information is performed by the karaoke apparatus Cn.

  Therefore, since the user who acquired the first place in the singing ability can know the level of evaluation with respect to himself as a karaoke champion by the grade notified by the karaoke apparatus Cn, the interest about scoring ability is improved. be able to.

  In addition, the ranking DB 103 includes a distribution start date set in advance as a date when the karaoke server SA starts distributing performance data to the karaoke apparatus Cn, and the detailed music information includes the karaoke song corresponding to the performance data. The system control unit 13 of the karaoke server SA is registered from the distribution start date registered in the ranking DB 103 corresponding to the music selection number among a plurality of days ranges divided in advance. The grade is determined such that the lower the number of days from the distribution start date to the number of days including the number of days until the date when the new singing karaoke champion is certified, the higher the evaluation is.

  Therefore, the higher the first place from the start of distribution of performance data, the higher the grade, so it is possible to highly evaluate enthusiastic users who learn new karaoke songs quickly, and try to sing new karaoke songs quickly Motivation is given to the user, thereby promoting the use of the karaoke system S.

  In the ranking DB 103, the karaoke champion's score in each karaoke song and the grade given to each karaoke champion are the user numbers for identifying the song number of each karaoke song and the user authorized as each karaoke champion. The system control unit 13 of the karaoke server SA receives the scoring result information including the music selection number, the scoring score, and the scoring user ID from the karaoke device Cn, and registers a new karaoke champion. If approved, the new karaoke champion's score and the determined grade are registered in the ranking DB 103 in association with the music selection number and the scoring user ID, and transmitted from the electronic sampler Bm or the user terminal Ti. Received login request and received login request Based on the grade information and the song number registered in the ranking DB 103 corresponding to the user ID included in the in-request, the belt information for each karaoke song of the user indicated by the user ID is the electronic quick reference that has transmitted the login request. It transmits to this apparatus Bm or user terminal Ti.

  Therefore, the user can know the grade of the karaoke song that is currently ranked first by using the electronic quick sample device Bm or the user terminal Ti.

  In the music 101, an artist ID indicating the artist of the karaoke song corresponding to the performance data and a genre ID indicating the genre are registered in association with the song number of the karaoke song, and the system control unit of the karaoke server SA is registered. 13 is a scoring user ID among the user IDs registered as artist karaoke champions or genre champions in the ranking DB 103 in correspondence with the song numbers of karaoke songs whose artist ID or genre ID matches the karaoke song indicated by the song selection number. When the number of registered user IDs that match the user ID is the largest, the user indicated by the user ID is recognized as an artist karaoke champion or genre champion, and the user of the karaoke apparatus Cn that has transmitted scoring result information Is an artist Raoke Champion or information (artist ID, genre ID, etc.) indicating a genre Champion sends the belt information including the karaoke device Cn.

  Therefore, the user with the largest number of karaoke songs that have won the first place among the karaoke songs of the same artist or genre is recognized as a karaoke champion in the artist or genre. Many users who sang best can receive high evaluation. Further, among users who sing karaoke songs of a specific artist or genre, or users who like it, it is possible to compete which user has the most singing ability for the artist or genre. In addition, users can improve their interest by using strategies such as which song should be sung depending on whether they want to upgrade the belt of a music champion or aim for an artist champion or genre champion. it can.

  Further, the system control unit 13 of the karaoke server SA determines the grade given to the certified artist champion or genre champion based on the grade of the champion belt held by the user, The user of the karaoke apparatus Cn who has registered in the ranking DB 103 in association with the user ID of the user who has been recognized as the artist champion or genre champion and the artist ID or genre ID and has transmitted the scoring result information is determined. The belt information including the grade is sent to the karaoke apparatus Cn.

  Therefore, the user who becomes an artist champion or a genre champion can know the level of evaluation of himself as the artist champion or the genre champion.

  Moreover, since the system control part 13 of karaoke server SA recognizes the user with the largest number of belts of the genre champion as the general champion, who is the singing person who has the most singing ability among the users of the karaoke system S? Can be determined.

  Further, in the user DB 102, the user's email address is included in the user information and registered in association with the user ID of the user, and the system control unit 13 of the karaoke server SA updates the karaoke champion. When this is done, a notification e-mail notifying that the user is no longer a karaoke champion is sent to the e-mail address of the user who has been a karaoke champion.

  Therefore, by receiving the notification mail using the electronic quick sample device Bm or the user terminal Ti, it is possible to know that the user who has been ranked first for the target karaoke song is no longer ranked first. Therefore, the motivation to sing the karaoke song in order to regain the first place is given to the user, thereby promoting the use of the karaoke device Cn.

[2. Second Embodiment]
Next, 2nd Embodiment is described using FIG.12 and FIG.13.

  FIG. 12A is a flowchart showing a processing example of the grade determination process in the system control unit 13 of the karaoke server SA according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 12B is an example of the correspondence relationship between the number of graders and the grade. FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing example of category-specific champion update processing in the system control unit 13 of the karaoke server SA according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 13, elements similar to those in FIG. Is attached.

  In the first embodiment described above, the grade of the belt of the music champion was determined based on the number of days from the distribution start date of the karaoke music, but the second embodiment described below is based on the number of scoring people. It is an embodiment in the case of determining a grade. Specifically, the grade increases as the number of scoring people increases. That is, a high evaluation is given to a user who has obtained the first place among a large number of users who sang the target karaoke song.

  First, the grade determination process will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 12A, the system control unit 13 of the karaoke server SA, in the grade determination process (executed in step S40 in FIG. 6), details of the music registered in the music DB 101 corresponding to the music selection number. When the scoring number is acquired from the information (step S141), the grade is determined according to the scoring number (step S142). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12B, the system control unit 13 determines that the grade is plastic when the number of scoring is within the range of 0 to 10 below, and the number of scoring from 11 If the number is within the range of 50 or less, the grade is determined to be steel, and if the number is between 51 and 300, the grade is determined to be silver, and the grade is from 301 The grade is determined to be gold if it is within the range of 1000 people or less, and the grade is determined to be platinum if the grade is within the range of 1001 or more. When completing this process, the system control unit 13 ends the grade determination process.

  Next, the category-specific champion update process will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the system control unit 13 of the karaoke server SA determines that the calculated belt possession number is the current artist champion's belt possession number in step S63 of the category-specific champion update process (executed in step S42 in FIG. 6). If the user is recognized as a new artist champion (step S63: YES), the grade of the belt to be given to the user who has become the new artist champion is determined after the processing of steps S64 and S65. (Step S80). Specifically, the system control unit 13 calculates the total value of the number of grading persons in the detailed song information of each karaoke song that the user is the champion among the karaoke songs of the artist corresponding to the acquired artist ID, The grade corresponding to the total value is determined. Here, the system control unit 13 determines a higher grade as the scored number indicated by the calculated total value increases.

  If the calculated belt possession number is greater than the current genre champion's belt possession number in step S70 and the user is recognized as a new genre champion (step S70: YES), the system control unit 13 proceeds to step S70. After the processes of S71 and S72, the grade of the belt to be given to the user who has become a new genre champion is determined (step S81). Specifically, the system control unit 13 calculates the total value of the number of grading persons of the detailed music information of each karaoke song that the user is the champion among the karaoke songs of the genre corresponding to the acquired genre ID, The grade corresponding to the total value is determined. Here, the system control unit 13 determines a higher grade as the scored number indicated by the calculated total value increases.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the system control unit 13 of the karaoke server SA determines the national ranking of the user in singing ability for the karaoke song indicated by the song selection number based on the scoring score, and is classified in advance. Of the multiple number ranges, the number range that includes the number of times the national ranking is determined corresponding to the song selection number (scoring number), the higher the number range, the higher the rating, the higher the rating. To decide.

  Therefore, since the grade becomes higher as the first place is sung by more users, it is possible to evaluate highly capable users objectively and try to sing karaoke songs better. Motivation to perform is given to the user, and thereby the use of the karaoke apparatus Cn can be promoted.

[3. Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of the grade determination process in the system control unit 13 of the karaoke server SA according to the third embodiment.

  The third embodiment described below is an embodiment in the case where the belt grade of the music champion is determined in consideration of the number of days from the distribution start date of the karaoke music and the number of scoring people.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the system control unit 13 of the karaoke server SA distributes from the detailed music information registered in the music DB 101 corresponding to the music selection number in the grade determination process (executed in step S40 in FIG. 6). When the start date and the number of graded people are acquired (steps S151 and S152), the grade is determined based on the number of days and the number of graded people from the distribution start date to today (step S153).

  Specifically, for example, the number of days is divided into a plurality of days ranges, and weights for grades are set for each of these days ranges. This weighting is set so that the grade becomes higher as the number of days is smaller. Also, the scoring number is divided into a plurality of number ranges, and weights for grades are set for each number range. This weighting is set so that the grade is higher as the number of people is less.

  The system control unit 13 obtains weights corresponding to the number of days from the distribution start date to today and the number of scoring people, and multiplies these weights to calculate a grade value. Then, the system control unit 13 determines any grade of platinum, gold, silver, steel, and plastic according to the grade value. In other words, when the range of the number of days from the distribution start date to today is the same, the system control unit 13 determines the grade more as the number of scoring people is larger, while the range of the scoring people is the same. In some cases, the grade is determined as the number of days from the distribution start date to today is smaller.

  Even if the number of days from the start date of distribution to today is very large, if the number of scoring is very large, the weight is set so that platinum is determined as the grade and the number of scoring is very small. Even in such a case, when the number of days from the distribution start date to today is extremely small, it is desirable to set a weight so that platinum is determined as a grade. In this way, users who have enough singing ability can be given a legitimate evaluation, while users such as enthusiastic fans who sing and master new songs quickly, The height of the enthusiasm etc. can be evaluated.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the ranking DB 103 includes the distribution start date set in advance as the date when the karaoke server SA starts distributing performance data to the karaoke apparatus Cn in the music detail information. The performance data is registered in association with the song number of the corresponding karaoke song, and the system control unit 13 of the karaoke server SA uses the karaoke song indicated by the song selection number in singing ability based on the scoring score. As the number of days from the distribution start date registered in the ranking DB 103 corresponding to the music selection number to the date when the new singing karaoke champion is certified, the higher the evaluation, In addition, as the number of times the national ranking is determined corresponding to the music selection number, the higher the evaluation, the higher the evaluation. And determining the over-de.

  Therefore, the higher the first place from the start of distribution of performance data, the higher the grade, while the higher the first place sung by more users, the higher the grade, so how It is possible to further enhance the interest by making the user work a strategy such as selecting a karaoke song or determining the use time of the karaoke system S depending on whether the grade is improved.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the number of days and the number of scoring from the date when the karaoke song is distributed to the date when the new singing karaoke champion is certified are applied as the criteria for determining the grade of the song champion's belt. However, it is not limited to this. For example, a higher grade may be given as the number of users in the karaoke room (the room where the karaoke apparatus Cn is installed) increases. In other words, the fact that the number of people in the group is large means that as a result of singing with a large number of audiences, the first place was obtained. In this case, for example, when a store clerk (employee) operates a management terminal device installed in each store, the number of visitors to the group is input, and information about the number of people in the group is entered into the karaoke server SA. You can manage at.

  Further, for example, the grade may be determined according to the sung store or the area. In this case, for example, in a store with a large number of visitors or an area where there are many users who use the karaoke system S, a high grade is given when the user sings and obtains the first place. For example, the grade may be determined based on the singing age of the karaoke song and the age of the user. In this case, for example, the higher the difference between the singing age of the karaoke song and the user's age, the more difficult it is to sing the song, the higher grade is given.

  Moreover, in each said embodiment, only the national ranking for each music was determined as ranking, and the music champion was only one person for every music. For example, in addition to this, a store or a region (for example, a prefecture) The ranking for each song may be determined every time. In this case, a music champion may be certified for each store or region for the same music (the same applies to artist champions and genre champions). Specifically, for example, for each karaoke device Cn, information indicating a store or a region where the karaoke device is installed (hereinafter referred to as “store etc.”) is used as a store ID or a region ID (an example of installation location information). ) In advance and stored in the storage unit 30 or the like. Then, after executing the scoring process, the karaoke device Cn includes the set store ID and area ID (hereinafter referred to as “store ID”) in the scoring result information and transmits the karaoke server SA to the karaoke server SA. The ranking information etc. may be updated corresponding to this store ID.

  Further, in this case, when determining the grade of the karaoke champion, the store where the karaoke apparatus Cn is installed is compared with the store and the user's address often used by the user, and this comparison result is taken into consideration. The grade may be determined. Specifically, the concept of user home (Home) and away (Away) is introduced to stores and regions, and when a user sings at their home, a high grade is easily given. (It works for the user's advantage at home), and conversely, when the user sings away, it is easy to be given a high grade (highly appraising the singing in an unfamiliar place itself) ). According to this, since the grade may differ depending on whether it is sung at home or away, the interest is increased, and the expectation when the champion belt is acquired can be enhanced.

  In more detail, for example, at the time of user registration, a store frequently used by a user is input as a home store (an example of home location information), and the user's address (an example of home location information) is input. It is included in the user information and registered in the user DB 102. When the karaoke server SA recognizes the user as a new music champion, the karaoke server SA acquires the home store and address from the user information registered in the user DB 102 corresponding to the user ID included in the scoring result information received from the karaoke apparatus Cn. The acquired information is compared with the installation location indicated by the store ID included in the scoring result information.

  The karaoke server SA is, for example, when the home store and the store indicated by the store ID match, that is, when the user is recognized as a music champion as a result of singing at his home (or the home store). If the store indicated by the store ID does not match, that is, if the user is recognized as a music champion as a result of singing away, the processing is performed so that a higher grade is given. For example, if the grade is determined based on the number of scoring people, this scoring number is multiplied by a preset number to temporarily increase the number of scoring people, and the grade is based on the increased number of scoring people. To decide. If it is determined in the area, if the user's address is located in the area indicated by the area ID, it is determined to be a home, and if it is not located in the area indicated by the area ID, It may be judged that there is.

  Moreover, you may make it easy to give a grade with high evaluation, so that there are many installation number of karaoke apparatuses Cn in each store. According to this, since the user uses a store with a large number of installed karaoke apparatuses Cn in search of a high grade, it works favorably for a store with a large number of installed devices and Incentive to install more karaoke apparatuses Cn can be given. Specifically, the karaoke server SA registers the number of installed karaoke apparatuses Cn for each store in the database, and when determining the grade, for example, when determining the grade based on the number of scoring people, The grade may be determined by multiplying this scoring number by a coefficient corresponding to the number of installed karaoke apparatuses Cn.

  In addition to the general champion, a local karaoke champion may be authorized for each store or each region. In this case, for example, one of the local karaoke champions may be certified as a general champion.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, when the karaoke champion is replaced, after the belt grade for the new karaoke champion is determined, the grade remains fixed. May be updated. For example, when he was awarded the first place and was newly recognized as a karaoke champion, the grade of the belt was low because the number of scoring was small. However, when the number of scoring increased, the number of scoring increased. You may give a grade again.

  In each of the above embodiments, the user who has the largest number of belts of the genre champion is recognized as the general champion. For example, the user who has the largest number of belts of the artist champion is recognized as the general champion. It is also possible to recognize the user who has the largest total of the number of belts held by the genre champion and the number of belts held by the artist champion as the general champion.

  Further, for example, a user who has the largest number of music champion belts in each store or region may be certified as a karaoke champion in that store or region. In this case, for example, among the karaoke champions in each store or region, the user who has the largest number of belts may be recognized as the general champion.

  In addition, presents may be given to users who have been certified as karaoke champions, or karaoke usage fees may be discounted. In these cases, the content of the gift, the discount rate, etc., depending on the belt grade May be changed. Also, according to the number of times the karaoke champion defends, presents and discounts on karaoke usage fees may be performed. In this case, for example, in the karaoke server SA, when the karaoke champion is replaced or when the number of defenses reaches a predetermined number, information indicating that the privilege is granted to the user DB 102 or the like is registered. The administrator may confirm the information and mail the present, or at the time of payment of the usage fee, the management terminal device may obtain the discount information from the karaoke server SA to obtain a discount. .

It is a figure showing an example of outline composition of karaoke system S concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the example of an outline | summary of a structure of karaoke server SA which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure in user DB102. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure in ranking DB103. It is a block diagram which shows the example of an outline | summary of a structure of the karaoke apparatus Cn which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example at the time of the karaoke champion update of the karaoke system S which concerns on 1st Embodiment. (A) is a flowchart which shows the process example of the grade determination process in the system control part 13 of karaoke server SA which concerns on 1st Embodiment, (b) is an example of the correspondence of the days from a delivery start date, and a grade. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process example of the champion update process classified by category in the system control part 13 of karaoke server SA which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the national ranking display screen 50. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process example at the time of the belt possession status confirmation of the karaoke system S which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the belt holding condition confirmation screen. (A) is a flowchart which shows the process example of the grade determination process in the system control part 13 of karaoke server SA which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, (b) is a figure which shows an example of the correspondence of a scored number and a grade. is there. It is a flowchart which shows the process example of the champion update process classified by category in the system control part 13 of karaoke server SA which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example of the grade determination process in the system control part 13 of karaoke server SA which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

11 Communication Unit 12 Storage Unit 13 System Control Unit 14 System Bus 21 Communication Unit 22 Video Processing Unit 23 Display Unit 24 Audio Processing Unit 25 Microphone 26 Mixing Amplifier 27 Speaker 28 A / D Converter 29 Singing Marking Unit 30 Storage Unit 31 System Control Unit 32 System Bus 101 Music DB
102 User DB
103 Ranking DB
Cn Karaoke device Bm Electronic quick reference device Ti User terminal Dj Line termination device Ak Access point SA Karaoke server S Karaoke system

Claims (13)

Communicates via communication means with a music playback device that reproduces music information used for accompaniment of song singing and generates scoring information indicating the result of singing ability based on the singing voice uttered by the user by the accompaniment Information providing device,
Music identification information for identifying the music as the scoring information of the singing championship holder in the music, with the scoring information of the first user who has the best singing ability scoring result in the same music, A database that is registered so that it can be identified in association with it,
Scoring information reception for receiving the music identification information of the music selected by the user and the scoring information generated by the music playback device when the user sings the music from the music playback device Means,
It is determined whether or not the received scoring information shows a better scoring result compared with the scoring information of the championship holder registered in the database corresponding to the received music identification information. Comparison judgment means;
When the received scoring information indicates a better scoring result, a champion holder certifying means for authorizing the user of the music reproducing device that has transmitted the scoring information as the new champion holder,
When the new championship holder is recognized, the championship holder updating means for updating the championship holder,
The champion holder update means
Change registration means for registering the received scoring information as new scoring information of the championship holder in association with the received music identification information in the database;
Grade determination means for indicating a level of evaluation as the championship holder and determining a grade to be given to the certified championship holder based on a predetermined standard;
A grade that indicates that the user of the music reproducing apparatus that has transmitted the scoring information is recognized as the champion who has been assigned the determined grade, and that should be notified to the user Grade notification information transmitting means for transmitting notification information to the music reproducing device;
An information providing apparatus comprising: The information providing apparatus according to claim 1,
In the database, distribution start date information indicating a distribution start date set in advance as a date on which the information providing apparatus starts distributing the music information to the music reproducing apparatus includes the music corresponding to the music information. Registered in association with the music identification information,
The grade determination means includes the new start date from the distribution start date indicated in the distribution start date information registered in the database corresponding to the received music identification information, among a plurality of pre-divided days ranges. The grade is determined so as to show a higher evaluation as the number of days from the distribution start date to the number of days including the number of days until the singing championship holder is recognized is smaller. Information providing device. The information providing apparatus according to claim 1,
Based on the scoring information received by the scoring information receiving means, further comprising rank determining means for determining the rank of the user in singing ability for the music indicated by the received music identification information,
The grade determination means includes a number of times in which the number range including the number of times the rank is determined by the rank determination means corresponding to the received music identification information among a plurality of frequency ranges divided in advance is a higher number of times. The information providing apparatus is characterized in that the grade is determined such that the higher the range, the higher the evaluation. The information providing apparatus according to claim 1,
Based on the scoring information received by the scoring information receiving means, further comprising rank determining means for determining the rank of the user in singing ability for the music indicated by the received music identification information,
In the database, distribution start date information indicating a distribution start date set in advance as a date on which the information providing apparatus starts distributing the music information to the music reproducing apparatus includes the music corresponding to the music information. Registered in association with the music identification information,
The grade determination means includes a distribution start date indicated in the distribution start date information registered in the database corresponding to the received music identification information and a date from which the new singing championship holder is certified. The lower the number of days, the higher the evaluation, and the higher the number of times the rank determination means has determined the rank corresponding to the received music identification information, the higher the evaluation. An information providing apparatus for determining the grade in an integrated manner. The information providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
In the database, scoring information of the championship holder in each song and grade information indicating the grade given to each championship holder are the song identification information of each song, the respective championship holder, It is registered so that it can be identified in association with user identification information for identifying authorized users,
The scoring information receiving means receives the music identification information, the scoring information, and the user identification information of the user of the music playback device from the music playback device,
The change registration means associates the new championship scoring information and the grade information determined by the grade determination means with the received music identification information and user identification information in the database. Register changes,
User identification information receiving means for receiving the user identification information transmitted from the terminal device via the communication means;
Based on the grade information registered in the database corresponding to the received user identification information and the music identification information, grade notification information for each user song indicated by the user identification information, Second grade notification information transmitting means for transmitting to the terminal device that has transmitted the user identification information;
An information providing apparatus further comprising: In the information provision apparatus of Claim 5,
In the database, the base information indicating the base where the user uses the music playback device is registered in association with the user identification information of the user,
The scoring information receiving means receives the music identification information, the scoring information, the user identification information, and installation location information indicating a location where the music reproduction device is installed from the music reproduction device,
A location comparing means for comparing the home location indicated by the home location information registered in the database corresponding to the received user identification information and the installation location indicated by the received installation location information;
The information providing apparatus, wherein the grade determining means determines the grade in consideration of a comparison result obtained by the location comparing means with respect to the predetermined reference. In the information provision apparatus of Claim 5 or Claim 6,
In the database, attribute information indicating an attribute of the music corresponding to the music information is registered in association with the music identification information of the music,
The champion holder update means
The user identification registered as the champion in the database corresponding to the music identification information of the music whose attribute information matches the music indicated by the music identification information received by the scoring information receiving means Among the information, when the number of registered user identification information identical to the user identification information received by the scoring information receiving means is the largest, the user indicated by the user identification information is A second championship authorization means for authorizing a championship of singing in the attribute indicated by the attribute information;
The grade notification information transmitting means indicates that the user of the music playback device that has transmitted the grade notification information and the scoring information is authorized as a singing champion in the attribute, and An attribute providing device for transmitting attribute championship notification information to be notified to the user. In the information provision apparatus of Claim 7,
In the database, as the attribute information, at least one of genre information indicating a genre of music or artist information indicating an artist of music is registered in association with the music identification information of the music. Information providing device. In the information provision apparatus of Claim 7 or Claim 8,
The champion holder update means
Based on a predetermined criterion, second grade determining means for determining the grade given to the championship of singing in the attribute certified by the second championship determining means;
Grade information indicating the grade determined by the second grade determination means, the user identification information of the user who has been recognized as the championship of singing in the attribute by the second championship determination means, Attribute identification information for identifying an attribute, and grade information registration means for registering in the database in association with the attribute identification information,
The attribute championship holder notification information is recognized as a singing championship holder in the attribute to which the user of the music reproducing device that has transmitted the scoring information is given the grade determined by the second grade determining means. An information providing apparatus characterized by indicating that the information is being displayed. The information providing device according to any one of claims 5 to 9,
In the database, the user's e-mail address is registered in association with the user identification information of the user,
The champion holder updating means corresponds to the user identification information registered in the database before the change registration by the change registration means in association with the music identification information received by the scoring information receiving means. And e-mail addressing means for identifying the e-mail address to be transmitted and sending an e-mail for notifying that the player is no longer a championship to the identified e-mail address via a communication means. To provide information. A music reproducing apparatus capable of communicating with the information providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10 via a communication means,
Music playback means for playing back the music information corresponding to the music selected by the user;
Voice input means for inputting the singing voice uttered by the user;
Scoring information generating means for generating the scoring information based on the input singing voice;
Scoring information transmitting means for transmitting the generated scoring information and the music identification information of the selected music to the information providing device;
Grade notification information receiving means for receiving the grade notification information transmitted from the information providing device;
Based on the received grade notification information, notification means for notifying that the user is recognized as the champion who has been given the grade information determined by the grade determination means,
A music playback device comprising: Communicates via communication means with a music playback device that reproduces music information used for accompaniment of song singing and generates scoring information indicating the result of singing ability based on the singing voice uttered by the user by the accompaniment The information providing device, and the scoring information of the first user who has the best scoring result of the singing ability in the same music is used as the scoring information of the singing champion in the music. An information providing method in an information providing apparatus including a database that is registered so as to be distinguishable in association with music identification information for identification,
Scoring information reception for receiving the music identification information of the music selected by the user and the scoring information generated by the music playback device when the user sings the music from the music playback device Process,
It is determined whether or not the received scoring information shows a better scoring result compared with the scoring information of the championship holder registered in the database corresponding to the received music identification information. A comparative determination step;
When the received scoring information indicates a better scoring result, a champion holder certification process for authorizing a user of the music playback device that has transmitted the scoring information as the new champion holder,
When the new championship holder is certified, the championship holder update process for updating the championship holder,
The championship holder update process
A change registration step of changing and registering the received scoring information in the database in association with the received music identification information as scoring information of the new championship holder,
A grade determination step for determining a grade to be given to the certified championship holder and indicating the level of evaluation as the championship holder based on a predetermined standard;
A grade that indicates that the user of the music reproducing apparatus that has transmitted the scoring information is recognized as the champion who has been assigned the determined grade, and that should be notified to the user A grade notification information transmission step for transmitting notification information to the music reproducing device;
An information providing method comprising: Communicates via communication means with a music playback device that reproduces music information used for accompaniment of song singing and generates scoring information indicating the result of singing ability based on the singing voice uttered by the user by the accompaniment The information providing device, and the scoring information of the first user who has the best scoring result of the singing ability in the same music is used as the scoring information of the singing champion in the music. A computer included in an information providing apparatus including a database that is registered so as to be distinguishable in association with music identification information for identification,
Scoring information reception for receiving the music identification information of the music selected by the user and the scoring information generated by the music playback device when the user sings the music from the music playback device means,
It is determined whether or not the received scoring information shows a better scoring result compared with the scoring information of the championship holder registered in the database corresponding to the received music identification information. Comparison judgment means,
When the received scoring information indicates a better scoring result, a champion holder certifying means for authorizing a user of the music reproducing device that has transmitted the scoring information as the new champion holder,
When the new championship holder is authorized, it functions as a champion holder updating means for updating the championship holder,
The computer functioning as the champion holder update means;
Change registration means for registering the received scoring information in the database in association with the received music identification information as new scoring information of the championship holder,
Grade determination means for indicating a level of evaluation as the championship holder and determining a grade to be given to the recognized championship holder based on a predetermined standard;
A grade that indicates that the user of the music reproducing apparatus that has transmitted the scoring information is recognized as the champion who has been assigned the determined grade, and that should be notified to the user Grade notification information transmitting means for transmitting notification information to the music player,
An information provision processing program characterized in that it functions as a program.

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