JP2012194317A - Karaoke device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a karaoke device that can give points to each user by an impartial and novel standard.SOLUTION: A karaoke device 16 comprises: difficulty level setting means 92 that individually sets the level of singing difficulty of many performance songs output from the karaoke device 16; singing evaluation means 96 by which, based on voice information input via a microphone 40 along with the output of an evaluation target performance song, evaluation of singing by a user, who is the input source of the voice information, is performed; and point giving means 98 by which, based on the singing evaluation result and the singing difficulty level set on the evaluation target performance song, a point is given to the user who is the input source. Therefore, by inclining the point for the evaluation result of the performance song based on the singing difficulty level set on the song, technique of gaining points by singing easy-to-sing songs only is prevented from working, thus realizing an impartial point giving that has never been seen.

Description

  The present invention relates to a karaoke apparatus that outputs a performance tune selected from a large number of performance tunes, and more particularly, to an improvement for realizing control for giving points to each user on a fair and novel basis.

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

  By the way, the karaoke apparatus that has been widely used in recent years evaluates (scores) singing ability and the like based not only on the function as the music playback apparatus as described above but also on voice information input from a voice input device (microphone). Some have a performance evaluation function. For example, it is a karaoke apparatus described in Patent Document 1. According to such a karaoke device, by comparing the voice information input from the voice input device with the performance information of the karaoke performance song based on the pitch, tempo, volume, etc., singing according to the input voice information Can be scored.

JP-A-9-101794

  By the way, in the karaoke service by the said karaoke apparatus, the technique which sets the point which concerns on the karaoke service and gives to each user is put in practical use. For example, a predetermined point is required for voting a request for a newly registered song to a karaoke device, or a predetermined point is required for watching a new song promotion video of a predetermined artist. In addition, it is accumulated for each user and consumed in accordance with the supply of the corresponding privilege or the execution of the service. It is conceivable to perform control such that the higher the is (the higher the score is), the more points are given. However, simply giving points based on the singing evaluation results is not interesting, and moreover, the technique of trying to earn points by singing only songs that are easy to sing will be exhausted, and the disadvantage that fair point assignment cannot be realized there were. For this reason, the development of a karaoke apparatus that gives points to each user on a fair and novel basis has been demanded.

  The present invention has been made against the background of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a karaoke apparatus that gives points to each user on a fair and novel basis.

  In order to achieve such an object, the gist of the present invention is to provide a karaoke apparatus that outputs a performance tune selected from a large number of performance tunes and amplifies and outputs a sound input by a sound input device. The difficulty level setting means for setting the singing difficulty level of each of the large number of performance songs output by the karaoke device and the output of the performance song to be evaluated are input from the voice input device. Based on the voice information, the song evaluation means for performing the song evaluation of the user who is the input subject of the voice information, the song evaluation result by the song evaluation means, and the performance song to be evaluated by the difficulty setting means And a point providing means for giving points to the user who is the input subject based on the singing difficulty level.

  If it does in this way, the difficulty level setting means which sets each singing difficulty level of the said many performance music output by the said karaoke apparatus, and the input from the said voice input device in parallel with the output of the performance music to be evaluated Singing evaluation means for performing the singing evaluation of the user who is the input subject of the voice information based on the voice information to be performed, the song evaluation result by the singing evaluation means, and the performance tune to be evaluated by the difficulty setting means Point granting means for giving points to the user who is the input subject based on the singing difficulty set in the above, so that the performance tune of each performance tune is based on the singing difficulty of each performance tune By tilting the points for evaluation results, techniques such as trying to earn points by singing only songs that are easy to sing no longer work, and fair points that have never existed before It is possible to realize a given. That is, it is possible to provide a karaoke apparatus that gives points to each user on a fair and novel basis.

  Here, preferably, the point giving means corresponds to the singing evaluation result by the same singing evaluation means as the singing difficulty set in the performance tune to be evaluated by the difficulty setting means is higher. It gives a lot of points. In this way, when giving points according to the singing evaluation result of the performance song, for example, considering the difficulty of singing according to the range of each user of the performance song that is the evaluation target, the difficulty level is high. By giving as many points as possible, it is possible to add an unprecedented appeal to singing evaluation of karaoke performance, such as a user dare to challenge a difficult performance song for himself.

  In addition, preferably, the performance music set in advance as the task music is output, and the audio information is input based on the voice information input from the voice input device in parallel with the output of the task music. A range determination unit for determining a range of a certain user is provided, and the difficulty level setting unit is configured to output the multiple performance songs output from the karaoke apparatus based on the range of each user determined by the range determination unit. Each singing difficulty level is individually set for each user. If it does in this way, according to the sound range in which each user has an individual difference, the singing difficulty level of the performance music for each user can be set for every performance music.

  Preferably, the difficulty level setting means sets the singing difficulty level of the performance song as the difference between the range determined by the range determination means and the range of the performance song to be set increases. is there. If it does in this way, according to the sound range in which each user has an individual difference, the singing difficulty level of the performance music for each user can be set in a practical aspect for every performance music.

  Preferably, the musical range of the performance music is a range from the lowest sound to the highest sound of the guide melody in the performance music. If it does in this way, according to the sound range in which each user has an individual difference, the singing difficulty level of the performance music for each user can be set in a practical aspect for every performance music.

It is the schematic explaining the karaoke system to which the karaoke apparatus of this invention is applied suitably. It is a block diagram which illustrates the composition of the karaoke device which is one example of the present invention. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the server apparatus with which the karaoke system of FIG. 1 was equipped. It is a functional block diagram explaining the principal part of the control function with which CPU of the karaoke apparatus of FIG. 2 was equipped. It is a figure which illustrates the sound range determination start screen displayed on the video display apparatus in the karaoke apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which illustrates the determination level selection screen displayed on the video display apparatus in the karaoke apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which illustrates the subject music selection screen displayed on the video display apparatus in the karaoke apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which illustrates the sound range determination result screen displayed on the video display apparatus in the karaoke apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the relationship used for the high frequency range determination control by the karaoke apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the relationship used for the low range sound range determination control by the karaoke apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the relationship used for the singing difficulty determination control of the performance music for every user by the karaoke apparatus of FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a range of each user determined by the karaoke apparatus of FIG. 2 and a range of a performance piece to be set. It is a figure which shows notionally the difference of the range of each user in the example shown in FIG. 12, and the range of the performance music used as the setting object. It is a figure which shows notionally calculation of the difference in the music regarding the artist of the opposite sex regarding the difference between the sound range of each user in the example shown in FIG. 12, and the sound range of the performance music to be set. It is a figure which illustrates the singing difficulty display screen displayed on the video display apparatus in the karaoke apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which illustrates another example of the singing difficulty display screen displayed on the video display apparatus in the karaoke apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the relationship used for the singing evaluation control by the karaoke apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows another example of the relationship used for singing evaluation control by the karaoke apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows another example of the relationship used for the singing evaluation control by the karaoke apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows another example of the relationship used for the singing evaluation control by the karaoke apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows another example of the relationship used for the singing evaluation control by the karaoke apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the relationship used for the point provision control by the karaoke apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows another example of the relationship used for the point provision control by the karaoke apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows another example of the relationship used for the point provision control by the karaoke apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows another example of the relationship used for the point provision control by the karaoke apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows another example of the relationship used for the point provision control by the karaoke apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows another example of the relationship used for the point provision control by the karaoke apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows another example of the relationship used for the point provision control by the karaoke apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows another example of the relationship used for the point provision control by the karaoke apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows another example of the relationship used for the point provision control by the karaoke apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the principal part of the sound range determination control by CPU of the karaoke apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the principal part of the difficulty level display control by CPU of the karaoke apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the principal part of singing evaluation / point provision control by CPU of the karaoke apparatus of FIG.

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

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a karaoke system 10 to which the karaoke apparatus of the present invention is preferably applied. As shown in FIG. 1, in the karaoke system 10, a plurality of private rooms 14 a, 14 b, 14 c,... In a store 12 such as a karaoke box, a snack, an inn, etc. Karaoke devices 16a, 16b, 16c, which are one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to simply as karaoke devices unless otherwise specified). 16). The plurality of karaoke devices 16 are connected to a communication line 18 such as a public telephone line via a router 28, and are connected to a server device (center device) 20 of a karaoke service providing company connected to the communication line 18. Information can be communicated between each other via the communication line 18. The server device 20 is a server that performs basic control of storage and input / output management of digital contents (Digital Contents) such as karaoke information (music data), background video information, and information between songs. The content is regularly distributed to the karaoke device 16 via the karaoke device 16 and a predetermined function control program is transmitted in response to a request from the karaoke device 16. The karaoke system 10 includes a plurality of electronic quick sample devices 22a, 22b, 22c,... (Hereinafter simply referred to as the electronic quick sample device 22 unless otherwise distinguished). 1 to several electronic quick sample devices 22 are lent for each user (group) and are used as remote control devices for the karaoke device 16 in each private room 14 as will be described later. ing. A LAN 24 for connecting the plurality of karaoke apparatuses 16 to each other is laid in the store 12, and an input to the karaoke apparatus 16 from the electronic quick sample apparatus 22 is made via a predetermined access point 26 and the LAN 24. This is performed by LAN communication or the like.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the karaoke apparatus 16. As shown in FIG. 2, the karaoke device 16 includes a video display device 30 such as a CRT (Cathode-ray Tube) or TFT (Thin Film Transistor Liquid Crystal), and a video output control such as a video board (graphics board). Unit 32, video information decoder 34, video mixer 36, synthesizer 38 as a sound source, microphone 40 as an audio input device, and A / D for converting audio input from the microphone 40 into a digital signal Converter 41, amplifier mixer 42, speaker 44, operation panel 46, input / output interface 48 that processes input signals from the operation panel 46, CPU 50 that is a central processing unit, and ROM 52 that is a read-only memory A RAM 54 that is a read / write memory as needed, and a hard disk 56 that is a storage device. A modem 58, a LAN port 60, a digital camera 61 as an imaging device, and a remote control receiving unit 62 for receiving a remote control signal from an input device such as the electronic quick sample device 22 or the remote control device 64. Configured.

  The video output control unit 32 functions as a character video output device that outputs a character video (telop) such as a lyric character video generated by the CPU 50, and also displays for controlling various video displays by the video display device 30. It is a control device. The video information decoder 34 is a background video playback device that plays back (decodes) a predetermined background video based on background video information stored in the hard disk 56 when a user sings while referring to lyrics. . The background video information is, for example, MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) format data, and the background video reproduced by the video information decoder 34 based on the MPEG data is sent to the video mixer 36. The video mixer 36 synthesizes the character video generated by the CPU 50 and output from the video output control unit 32 with the background video reproduced by the video information decoder 34 to the video display device 30. This is a video composition device to be displayed.

  The synthesizer 38 is a sound source that generates a music signal such as a musical instrument performance signal based on performance information of a karaoke performance song read from the hard disk 56 and sent. The performance information is, for example, data in MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) format, and the music signal generated by the synthesizer 38 based on the MIDI data is converted into an analog signal and sent to the amplifier mixer 42. The amplifier mixer 42 mixes the transmitted music signal and the singing voice of the user (player) input through the microphone 40, and those signals are electrically amplified and output from the speaker 44. The The A / D converter 41 converts voice information as an analog signal input from the microphone 40 as a voice input device into a digital signal and supplies the digital signal to the CPU 50 and the like.

  The operation panel 46 allows the user of the karaoke device 16 to select a karaoke performance song that the user wants to sing, adjust the pitch (key) of the performance song, adjust the volume balance between the performance and the song, The input device includes operation buttons (switches) or knobs for performing various adjustments such as echo, volume, and tone. Further, the karaoke device 16 is provided with a remote control device 64 that functions as an input device for remotely executing a part of the function of the operation panel 46, and the remote control receiving unit 62 is connected to the remote control device 64 from the remote control device 64. A remote control signal to be transmitted is received and supplied to the CPU 50. In addition, the association (sticking) processing between the karaoke device 16 and the electronic quick sample device 22 is also performed via the remote control receiving unit 62, and thus the electronic quick sample device associated with the karaoke device 16. 22 also functions as an input device. In this embodiment, an input device such as the remote control device 64 provided in the karaoke device 16 or the electronic quick sample device 22 subjected to the association processing also constitutes a part of the karaoke device 16. The following will be described.

  The CPU 50 is a so-called microcomputer that processes and controls electronic information based on a predetermined program stored in advance in the ROM 52 using the temporary storage function of the RAM 54, and the electronic quick sample device 22 and the remote control device 64. When a predetermined karaoke performance song is selected by the above or the like, the selected karaoke performance song is registered in the reserved song table provided in the RAM 54, or from the hard disk 56 to the RAM 54 according to the performance order of the reserved song table. The performance information and lyrics information etc. of the selected karaoke performance song are read out, the performance information is transmitted from the RAM 54 to the synthesizer 38 as the performance of the karaoke performance song progresses, and the lyric characters are based on the lyrics information. Generate a video and send it to the video output control unit 32. A new character information is generated while a name character image is generated and sent to the image output control unit 32, a predetermined background image is reproduced by controlling the image information decoder 34, that is, during a karaoke performance, that is, between songs. In addition to basic control such as information communication control with the server device 20 via the communication line 18, output information between songs such as music selection rankings, store advertisements, etc. Various controls such as a range determination control are executed.

  The modem 58 is a device for connecting the karaoke device 16 to a communication line 18 such as a public telephone line, converts a digital signal output from the CPU 50 into an analog signal and sends it to the communication line 18. The analog signal transmitted via the communication line 18 is converted into a digital signal and supplied to the CPU 50. In addition, the aspect by which any karaoke apparatus 16 is equipped with the function of the said router 28 among the several karaoke apparatuses 16 with which the said store 12 was equipped, and is connected to the said communication line 18 as a master commander is also considered, In that case, The modem 58 is required for the karaoke device 16 that functions as the master commander, but is not necessarily provided for other karaoke devices 16 that communicate information with the server device 20 via the master commander. Not necessary.

  The LAN port 60 is a connector for connecting the karaoke device 16 to other devices such as the other karaoke device 16 and the electronic quick sample device 22 via the LAN 24, and the karaoke device 16 is used as such. By being connected via the LAN 24, information can be transmitted / received to / from other devices such as the other karaoke apparatus 16 and the electronic quick sample apparatus 22. For example, the music selection input from the electronic quick sample device 22 received through the access point 26 is received and stored in a reserved music table provided in the RAM 54, or the karaoke device 16 through the access point 26. Thus, mutual exchange of information between the karaoke device 16 and the electronic quick sample device 22 is performed via radio waves, such as transmitting predetermined information to the electronic quick sample device 22.

  The digital camera 61 includes an imaging element such as a CCD (charge coupled device) and a lens, detects an image incident from the lens by the CCD, and acquires the image as electronic information (video data). Yes, it is configured so that at least a still image (still photo) can be taken, but it may be capable of taking a moving image (a moving image that changes over time) as necessary. Video information captured by the digital camera 61 is supplied to the CPU 50 or the like via an interface such as a video terminal (not shown), and stored in the RAM 54 or the like as an image file (video file) of a predetermined format. The digital camera 61 does not necessarily have to be provided as a part of the karaoke device 16, for example, a separate digital camera fixed at a predetermined position in the private room 14, the electronic quick sample device 22. It is also conceivable that an image captured by a digital camera built in the mobile phone or an image pickup device provided in a mobile phone is input to the karaoke device 16 via a predetermined interface.

  The hard disk 56 is provided with various databases including a music database 66 (see FIG. 4) for storing a large number of music data (karaoke data) for outputting karaoke performance music. Among a plurality of karaoke devices 16 provided in a store such as a karaoke box, a predetermined karaoke device 16 such as the karaoke device 16a is connected to the communication line 18 via the modem 58, and the plurality of karaoke devices. 16, new music data and the like are distributed from the server device 20 via the communication line 18 and stored in the music database 66 and the like of the hard disk 56 so that new music can always be played. In addition, communication is performed via the LAN 24 between the karaoke device 16 a that has acquired information from the server device 20 and the other karaoke devices 16, and is stored in the hard disk 56 of each karaoke device 16. And the contents of the music database 66 and the like are equivalent.

  The music database 66 stores a large number (for example, tens of thousands of songs) of music data (karaoke data) corresponding to performance music that can be output by the karaoke device 16. This music data is based on performance information such as MIDI data for generating a performance sound of a predetermined instrument by the synthesizer 38, lyrics information for generating a lyrics character image (lyric telop), and the lyrics information. Lyric character information generated in order to change the color of the lyric character video generated in accordance with the progress of the performance, and is identified by a music selection number unique to each performance song as the content ID. . The performance information includes parts and drum parts corresponding to various musical instruments, but includes performance information corresponding to at least a guide melody corresponding to the main melody of the performance music (a series of pitches to be uttered in singing). Yes. Corresponding to each performance song (music data) stored in the music database 66, information such as the song name, artist name (singer name), date of publication, and genre of the performance song is associated as attribute information. It has been.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the server device 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the server device 20 uses a CPU 70 which is a central processing unit, a program stored in advance in a ROM 72 which is a read-only memory while using a temporary storage function of a RAM 74 which is a read / write memory as needed. A so-called Neumann computer that performs signal processing according to the above, and in addition to basic control including content distribution control such as music data in response to a distribution request from the karaoke device 16, the user of the karaoke system 10 is Various controls related to the karaoke system 10 of this embodiment, such as control for managing and operating a target social network service, are performed. This social network service refers to, for example, a member-based community-type website that provides services such as information browsing only between members who are registered in advance. In the following description, the social network service is abbreviated as SNS.

  The server device 20 connects the video display device 76 such as CRT and TFT controlled by the video board 78, the input device 80 such as a keyboard connected via the interface 82, and the CPU 70 to the communication line 18. And a modem 84, which is a device for this purpose. The server device 20 is connected to the communication line 18 via the modem 84, so that information can be transmitted to and received from the plurality of karaoke devices 16 connected to the communication line 18. ing. The server device 20 is provided with various databases such as an SNS database 86 for storing information related to the SNS in addition to a music database (not shown) that stores a large number of the karaoke data to be distributed to the karaoke device 16. ing.

  The SNS database 86 stores information related to karaoke performance using the karaoke device 16 for each user (performer) using the karaoke system 10 in association with identification information (user ID) of the user. Storage device. In this SNS database 86, when each user forgets their name (nickname), date of birth, age (actual age), gender, email address, region, blood type, constellation, password Attribute information such as questions and answers, information about avatars (humanoid images that symbolize users on the net), song age, and passwords used for SNS login authentication are associated with the user ID of the user Is remembered. Moreover, as information regarding the karaoke performance using the karaoke device 16 of each user, for example, the store 12 corresponding to the karaoke device 16 used by the user in the past (the store 12 where the karaoke device 16 is installed). Information on the store visit history, which is information related to the performance music (the performance music set so that music selection input can be performed by a simple operation) registered as the eighteenth music by the user in the karaoke performance by the karaoke device 16, and the user Information related to a song as a music selection history (history of music pieces selected in the past in the karaoke device 16) selected in the karaoke performance by the karaoke device 16 in the past, and a song that the user will perform by the karaoke device 16 Registered music selection reservation (input music selection by simple operation using electronic quick sample device 22) Information related to a performance song as a performance song set to be obtained), information related to an evaluation result of performance evaluation (singing evaluation) performed in the past by the user in the karaoke performance by the karaoke device 16, and the user Information related to the performance video taken by the digital camera 61 during the karaoke performance by the device 16, the user requested as a newly registered song (new song) to the karaoke device 16 (voting to support entering the song) ) Information on request voting regarding performance music, information on other users registered as friends by the user, and distribution to each user in the karaoke system 10 or a music information distribution system linked to the karaoke system 10 ( Downloaded mobile phone ringtone information and Distribution history (download history) of content (music data such as MP3 data) of the band-type music player, information on the user's range determined by the range determination unit 90 described later, and use by the point granting unit 98 described later Information on points given to the user is stored in association with the user ID of the user for each user.

  Here, the song age stored in the SNS database 86 is virtual age information indicating what age (how many years) the user's favorite tendency of the musical composition corresponds to, This value is determined based on a performance song that the user has selected (performed) in the past in the karaoke apparatus 16. That is, the song data (data stored in the song database 66) corresponding to the performance music that can be played by the karaoke apparatus 16 includes the song age (virtual song age of the performance music) corresponding to each performance music as attribute information. The singing age of the user is, for example, a plurality of karaoke devices that the user can use in the karaoke system 10 (not limited to the karaoke device 16 in a predetermined store). 16) is the average value of the song ages stored in association with all the performance songs selected in the past. Further, the song age stored in association with each piece of music data is the karaoke device 16 (not limited to the karaoke device 16 in a predetermined store, and any one of a plurality of karaoke devices 16 that can be used in the karaoke system 10). ) Is calculated based on the singing age of the user who selected the performance song in the past. For example, the performance song is stored in association with all users who have selected the performance song in the karaoke device 16 in the past. Is the average value of the song age. The singing ages of such users and performance songs are comprehensively managed by the server device 20, and the singing ages of the respective users and performance songs are updated every time the karaoke device 16 performs a karaoke performance. Therefore, when a song that is often sung by the younger generation is selected, the song age of the user who is the song selection subject is younger, while when a song that is often sung by the older generation is selected, The song age gets higher.

  The CPU 70 of the server device 20 performs information registration control regarding the SNS in the karaoke system 10. Specifically, a new user (user) is registered in the SNS database 86 or stored in the SNS database 86 in response to an input operation by the electronic quick sample apparatus 22 as an input device of the karaoke 16. The registered contents are changed (updated), a plurality of users stored in the SNS database 86 are registered in association with each other, and the evaluation result by the karaoke device 16 is stored for each user. As described above, the overall management control of the SNS in the karaoke system 10 is performed. In addition, preferably, the performance video, which is stored in the SNS database 86 and photographed by the digital camera 61 by each user during the karaoke performance by the karaoke device 16, is transmitted via the communication line 18 in response to a distribution request. Provides a video distribution service that distributes to personal computers (home PCs). In addition, control is performed such as storing various information such as the cumulative number of reproductions (number of distributions) of the performance video for each performance video. Further, information on the sound range of each user determined by the sound range determination means 90 described later and uploaded via the communication line 18 is stored in the SNS database 86, or is given to each user by the point giving means 98 described later. Information registration control related to various controls of the present embodiment is also performed, such as storing the points given to the SNS database 86. Preferably, the registration of a new user in the SNS database, change of registered contents, friend registration, and the like are performed by a personal computer (household personal computer) (not shown) connected to the server device 20 via the Internet or the like. It is also performed in response to an input operation.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating the main part of the control function provided in the CPU 50 of the karaoke apparatus 16. The sound range determination means 90 shown in FIG. 4 determines the sound range (voice range) based on the sound information input by the microphone 40 which is a sound input device in parallel with the output of the performance music by the karaoke device 16. That is, a performance music predetermined as a task music is output by the synthesizer 38 and the like, and based on audio information input from the microphone 40 via the A / D converter 41 in parallel with the output of the task music. Then, the range of the user who is the input subject of the voice information is determined.

  The above-described sound range determination unit 90 preferably performs the determination individually on the high sound side (highest sound determination) and low sound side (lowest sound determination) of the sound range of the user who is the input subject. For example, at the start of sound range determination by the sound range determination means 90, a sound range determination start screen 100 as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the video display device 30 of the karaoke apparatus 16. In this range determination start screen 100, either one of the determination on the high-pitched sound side or the determination on the low-pitched sound side can be selected as shown in FIG. When one of them is selected by the operation, a high-frequency range determination or a low-frequency range determination, which will be described in detail below, is started. Note that the range determination start screen 100 shown in FIG. 5 may be displayed on the touch panel display of the electronic quick sample device 22, and a high-side determination or a low-side determination by an input operation using the touch panel display. May be selected.

  The sound range determination unit 90 preferably determines which of a plurality of predetermined levels corresponds to the sound range of the user who is the input subject. For example, for each of the high-pitched sound side and the low-pitched sound side of the sound range, it is determined which of the predetermined levels 1 to 4 corresponds to the sound range of the user who is the input subject. FIG. 9 is a diagram exemplifying the relationship between the highest sound of the task song used for determination on the high sound side of the sound range and the corresponding level. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the highest pitch of the subject song is “0 to 30 (relative value indicating the pitch of the MIDI data, the same in the following description)”, “Level 1” on the treble side corresponding to the task song, and “Level 2” on the treble side corresponding to the task song when the highest sound pitch of the task song is “31-60” When the highest pitch of the subject song is “61 to 90”, “High Level 3” corresponding to the subject song is set, and the highest pitch of the subject song is “91 or more”. If it is, "level 4" on the treble side corresponding to the subject song is determined. FIG. 10 is a diagram exemplifying the relationship between the lowest sound of the task song used for determination of the low frequency side of the sound range and the corresponding level. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the pitch of the lowest tone of the task song is “0 to −30”, “level 1” on the bass side corresponding to the task song is set to the level of the task song. When the lowest pitch is “−31 to −60”, “level 2” on the low tone side corresponding to the subject song is set, and the highest pitch of the subject song is “−61 to −90”. "Level 3" on the bass side corresponding to the subject song, and if the highest pitch of the subject song is "-91 or less", it corresponds to the subject song. The “level 4” on the bass side is determined.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the determination level selection screen 102 displayed on the video display device 30 of the karaoke device 16 when the high-pitched side determination is selected on the range determination start screen 100 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, on the sound range determination start screen 100, a level related to sound range determination can be selected, and any one of the electronic quick sample device 22 and the remote control device 64 is operated by an input operation. When the level is selected, the subject song selection screen 104 as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the video display device 30. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the task song selection screen 104 displayed on the video display device 30 of the karaoke device 16 when “level 2” is selected on the determination level selection screen 102 shown in FIG. On the assignment song selection screen 104, a performance song that becomes an assignment song in the determination of the sound range can be selected. That is, preferably, at least one song (preferably several) is set in advance for each level related to the determination, and any one of the electronic quick sample device 22 and the remote control device 64 is input. Is selected, the sound range determination control for determining the sound range of the user who is the input subject of the voice information is started based on the problem song. Note that the determination level selection screen 102 shown in FIG. 6 and the assignment song selection screen 104 shown in FIG. 7 may be displayed on the touch panel display of the electronic quick sample device 22, and by an input operation using the touch panel display. A selection of a level or a task piece may be performed.

  In the sound range determination control based on the task music determined as described above, the sound range determination means 90 preferably utters the lowest to highest sound of the guide melody in the performance music as the task music, and those sounds. The sound range of the user who is the input subject is determined based on the timing to be performed. For example, in the determination of the lowest sound in each user's sound range (lower limit sound of the sound range), whether voice information (singing sound) corresponding to the lowest sound of the guide melody in the task music is output at a specified timing (spoken) Is determined based on the voice information input from the microphone 40, and if the determination is affirmative, the lowest sound of the guide melody in the subject song is the lowest in the range of the user who is the input subject A sound range determination result screen on the low sound side is displayed on the video display device 30 as a sound. In addition, in the determination of the highest sound in each user's range (the upper limit sound of the range), whether the voice information (singing voice) corresponding to the highest tone of the guide melody in the task song is output at the specified timing (spoken Is determined based on the voice information input from the microphone 40, and if the determination is affirmative, the highest sound of the guide melody in the task music is the highest in the range of the user who is the input subject. A sound range determination result screen 106 as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the video display device 30 as a sound. Note that the range determination result screen 106 shown in FIG. 8 may be displayed on the touch panel display of the electronic quick sample device 22.

  In addition, the sound range determination unit 90 preferably performs the determination based on a sound volume (voice volume) corresponding to sound information input from the microphone 40. For example, regarding the determination of the range based on the lowest tone of the guide melody in the performance song as the task song, the volume (sound pressure level) corresponding to the voice information input by the microphone 40 at the timing when the lowest tone should be uttered. It is determined whether or not it is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, and if the determination is affirmative, the lowest sound of the guide melody in the task music is determined to be the lowest sound in the range of the user who is the input subject. If it is less than the threshold, the determination is not performed. Regarding the determination of the range based on the highest tone of the guide melody in the performance song as the subject song, the volume (sound pressure level) corresponding to the voice information input by the microphone 40 at the timing when the highest tone should be uttered. It is determined whether or not it is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, and if the determination is affirmative, the highest sound of the guide melody in the subject music is determined as the highest sound in the range of the user who is the input subject. If it is less than the threshold, the determination is not performed.

  As described above, when the range of each user is determined by the range determination unit 90, the range determination result is preferably uploaded to the server device 20 via the communication line 18, and the SNS database. 86. In other words, information relating to the sound range corresponding to the user who is the determination subject (the user who is the input subject of the sound information related to the determination) is stored in the SNS database 86 in association with the user ID of the user. In addition, when information regarding the user's sound range is already stored in the SNS database 86, the information regarding the sound range is updated with the newly uploaded information. In the update of information related to such a sound range, the determination of each level is performed a predetermined number of times, and the determination is affirmed continuously after the predetermined number of times (when it is determined that the highest or lowest sound can be produced). It is also possible to update only the frequency range, initialize information on the sound range every predetermined period (for example, every day), and impose the determination again on the user. Alternatively, the determination may be performed by using a plurality of performance songs as the task music, and the target user's range may be determined based on the average value of the singing results (the highest sound or the lowest sound).

  The difficulty level setting unit 92 shown in FIG. 4 uses the singing difficulty level of each of the large number of performance songs output by the karaoke device 16 based on the user's range determined by the range determination unit 90. Set individually for each person. That is, the singing difficulty level, which is an index indicating how easy it is to sing (whether it is difficult to sing) the performance song selected as the setting object among the many performance songs stored in the music database 66, Each user is individually set based on the sound range of each user determined by the sound range determination means 90. Preferably, the higher the difference between the sound range determined by the sound range determination means 90 and the sound range of the performance piece to be set, the higher the singing difficulty of the performance piece. Here, the sound range of the performance music is preferably a range from the lowest sound to the highest sound of the guide melody in the performance music. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when the difference between the user's range and the musical composition's musical range is “˜30 (30 or less)”, “Difficulty level 1” indicating that the musical composition is most easily sung. ”Indicates that if the difference between the user's range and the range of the performance song is“ 31 to 60 ”, it indicates that the performance song is harder to sing than difficulty level 1 and easier to sing than difficulty level 3 When the difference between the user's range and the musical range is “61 to 90”, it indicates that the musical composition is harder to sing than difficulty 2 and easier to sing than difficulty 4. “Difficulty level 3” is set to “difficulty level 4” indicating that the performance song is most difficult to sing when the difference between the user's range and the performance range is “91 or more”. . Hereinafter, specific examples of the calculation of the difference between the user's sound range and the musical sound range will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram conceptually showing the range of each user determined by the range determination unit 90 and the range of the performance piece to be set. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the difference in the low range between the user's range and the range of the performance music is indicated by A, and the difference in the high range is indicated by B. In this example, as shown in FIG. 13, the difference between the user's range determined by the range determination unit 90 and the range of the performance tune to be set is the difference between the low range and the high range. The difference in the sound range is A + B which is the sum of B. Here, it is preferable that the difference between the user's range and the musical range of the musical composition is as shown in FIG. 12 in which the musical range of the musical composition protrudes from the user's musical range (a range corresponding to the musical range). If the user's range is wider, it is not regarded as a difference (not subject to calculation). For example, when the lower limit value (minimum sound) of the musical composition to be set is higher than the lower limit value of the user's range, the difference in the lower range is zero.

  The difficulty level setting means 92 preferably sets the singing difficulty level based on the difference between the gender of the artist (singer) corresponding to the performance piece to be set and the gender of each user. . For example, based on the difference between the gender of the artist corresponding to the performance song and the gender of each user, the difference between the range of each user determined by the range determination unit 90 and the range of the performance song to be set Correct the calculation. For example, when the gender of the artist corresponding to the performance song is different from the gender of each user, the above calculation is performed by setting the difference between the low-frequency range and the high-frequency range to half (1/2). . FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining correction of the difference on the high-pitched sound side when the artist corresponding to the performance music is a woman and the user (speech information input subject) is male in the example shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, the difficulty level setting means 92 preferably calculates the difference B in the high-frequency range when the artist corresponding to the performance piece is female and the user's gender is male. The above calculation is performed as one half, that is, B / 2. Thereby, the difference between the user's range in the example shown in FIG. 12 and the range of the performance piece to be set is calculated as A + B / 2. Preferably, when the artist corresponding to the musical piece is male and the user's gender is female, the above calculation is performed with the difference A in the low-pitched sound range being halved, that is, A / 2. In general, women tend to produce high-side voices while low-side voices are difficult to produce. It is possible to make the singing difficulty level of the song more suitable and close to the difficulty in actually singing.

  Further, the difficulty level setting means 92 is preferably based on whether the lyrics corresponding to the highest sound (upper limit value of the range) or the lowest sound (lower limit value of the range) in the performance tune to be set are vowels or consonants. The singing difficulty level is set. For example, when the lyrics corresponding to the highest sound or the lowest sound in the performance music to be set are vowels, the singing difficulty of the performance music to be set is corrected to be higher than in the case of being a consonant. Generally speaking, it is more difficult to utter vowels than to make consonants. Can be.

  Further, the difficulty level setting means 92 preferably sets the singing difficulty level based on the range of the musical composition to be set (the range of the range from the upper limit value to the lower limit value). For example, it is corrected so that the singing difficulty level of the performance song becomes higher as the range of the performance song to be set is wider. For example, the highest sound in the A song that is the first task music is 60, the lowest sound is -50, the highest sound in the B song that is the second task music is 60, and the lowest sound is -70. Although the pitch is the same, B has a wider range than A, so even if the difference between the user's range and the performance is the same, B has better than A. Correct the singing difficulty level to be high. Generally speaking, performance music with a wider range of music requires more skill in singing, so by performing such correction, the singing difficulty level of each performance music is more suitable, closer to the difficulty in actually singing can do.

  In addition, the difficulty level setting unit 92 sets (corrects) the singing difficulty level based on various elements. For example, setting (correction) is performed such that the higher the volume of the guide melody in the performance tune to be determined, the lower the singing difficulty of the performance tune. Further, based on information such as performance evaluation results stored in the SNS database 86, a prescribed ratio among users in the same sound range (for example, users who are judged at the same level on the bass side and the treble side) Corresponding to (for example, 90%) users, if the performance evaluation result related to the performance piece to be set is equal to or higher than a specified point, the singing difficulty level of the performance piece to be judged is lowered. Set to (correction). In addition, when the user involved in the determination performs the determination of the above-mentioned sound range while continuously performing the karaoke performance in a predetermined karaoke box, the user starts the karaoke performance by the karaoke device 16 (for example, SNS Adjusting the difficulty of singing in consideration of the elapsed time (after login authentication to the service), the number of songs sung in the karaoke performance of the day, etc., or fast depending on the tempo of each song It is conceivable to perform various corrections based on various types of information, such as increasing the difficulty of singing as a tempo song.

  The difficulty level display means 94 shown in FIG. 4 displays the singing difficulty level of the performance tune to be set set by the difficulty level setting means 92. That is, a video (image) including information corresponding to the singing difficulty level of the performance tune to be set set by the difficulty level setting unit 92 is displayed on the video display device 30 via the video output control unit 32. Display control is performed. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a singing difficulty display screen 108 of a predetermined performance song displayed on the video display device 30 by the difficulty display means 94. As shown in FIG. 15, the difficulty level display means 94 includes, for example, the name of the user related to the determination, the name of the performance song to be determined (more preferably the artist name), and the song corresponding to the performance song. The setting result of the difficulty level and the details related to the singing difficulty level of the performance song (for example, a difficult part in singing the song) are displayed on the video display device 30 by text information or the like. Further, as shown in FIG. 16, it is preferable that the singing difficulty includes a diagram that conceptually shows the user's range determined by the range determination unit 90 and the range of the performance music to be set. The degree display screen 110 may be displayed on the video display device 30. Note that the singing difficulty display screens 108 and 110 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 may be displayed on a touch panel display of the electronic quick sample device 22.

  The singing evaluation means 96 shown in FIG. 4 is a user who is an input subject of the voice information based on the voice information input from the microphone 40 which is a voice input device in parallel with the output of the performance tune to be evaluated. Perform singing evaluation (performance evaluation). That is, at the time of outputting a performance song by the karaoke device 16, at least one of pitch, volume, and tempo corresponding to the voice input from the microphone 40 in parallel with the output of the performance song by the synthesizer 38. The evaluation is performed based on the evaluation criteria. Specifically, when outputting a predetermined performance song, the pitch (pitch) and tempo of the performance song output via the synthesizer 38 and the microphone 40 are input via the A / D converter 41. Singing evaluation (performance evaluation) of such performance music is performed by comparing the pitch and tempo of the supplied audio information. As a mode of this singing evaluation, for example, it may be a numerical scoring such as how many points out of 100, or a simple one such as determining which of 20 grades is applicable It may be. In addition, such singing evaluation control may be performed at the end of the performance of the evaluations performed several times for each division in parallel with the performance, or the input voice information is recorded in the RAM 54 or the like. Alternatively, it may be evaluated at the end of the performance based on the performance information of the target musical piece and a later-described correction value.

  The singing evaluation means 96 preferably determines whether or not the evaluation result of the singing evaluation exceeds a predetermined threshold value (clear condition). For example, in the case where the singing evaluation mode is a numerical scoring such as how many points out of 100, the evaluation result of the singing evaluation exceeds a predetermined score (for example, 70 points). It is determined whether or not. In addition, in the case where it is determined whether the singing evaluation mode is one of the 20 grades, whether or not the evaluation result of the singing evaluation exceeds a predetermined rating (for example, 15/20). Judgment is made.

  In addition, the singing evaluation means 96 preferably corrects the threshold value (clear condition) based on various information regarding the determination as to whether or not the evaluation result of the singing evaluation exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Preferably, based on the past number of singings (number of performances) of the performance tune to be evaluated, stored in the SNS database 86 corresponding to the user who is the input subject (song subject) of the audio information related to the determination. Then, the threshold value is corrected. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, when the performance song to be evaluated is “first”, the threshold is “70 points”, and when it is “second”, the threshold is “75 points”. In the case of “third time”, the threshold value is corrected so that the threshold value increases as the number of singing increases (ie, it becomes difficult to exceed the threshold value), such as “80 points”.

  The singing evaluation means 96 preferably corresponds to the user who is the input subject of the audio information related to the determination regarding whether or not the evaluation result of the singing evaluation exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The threshold value is corrected based on the actual age or the song age stored in the SNS database 86. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the threshold is set to “85 points or more” for users who are real age or song age “60 years old or less”, and users who are real age or song age “61 to 65 years old”. On the other hand, the threshold value is “80 points”, the actual age or song age is “66 to 70”, the threshold value is “75 points”, and so on. It correct | amends so that the said threshold value may become low, so that it becomes old (it becomes easy to exceed the threshold value). Also, the song age (song age of the song determined as described above) predetermined for each performance song is compared with the actual age or song age of the user related to the song evaluation, and the age difference Correction may be made so that the threshold value becomes lower as the value of becomes larger (so that it is easier to exceed the threshold value).

  The singing evaluation means 96 preferably corresponds to the user who is the input subject of the audio information related to the determination regarding whether or not the evaluation result of the singing evaluation exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The threshold value is corrected based on the difference between the genre of the performance song included in the performance history stored in the SNS database 86 and the genre of the performance song related to the singing evaluation. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the genre associated with the largest number of performance songs included in the performance history of the user related to the determination is “enka”, and the genre of the performance music related to the singing evaluation Is “enka”, the threshold is “90 points or more”, the genre associated with the most performance songs is “enka”, and the genre of the performance song related to the singing evaluation is “pops” Is set to “75 points or more”, the genre associated with the most performance songs is “Enka”, and the genre of the performance songs related to the singing evaluation is “Rock”, the threshold is set to “70 points”. As described above, the threshold value increases as the discrepancy between the genre of the performance song sung by the user related to the determination and the genre of the performance song related to the singing evaluation becomes more significant (as the type of genre differs). To be lower (As to exceed the threshold simplifies) corrected.

  In addition, the singing evaluation means 96 is preferably set for the performance song related to the singing evaluation by the difficulty level setting means 92 with respect to the determination as to whether or not the evaluation result of the singing evaluation exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The threshold value (clear condition) is corrected based on the singing difficulty level. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, with respect to a performance song having a singing difficulty level of “difficulty level 1”, playing the performance piece “10 times” is a clear condition, and the singing difficulty level is “difficulty level 2”. The clear condition is that the performance piece is played “15 times” for a performance piece, and the clear condition is that the performance piece “20 times” is played for a performance piece whose singing difficulty is “difficulty level 3”. Then, the clear condition is corrected (changed) so that the clear condition is to sing more as the singing difficulty set for the performance song related to the singing evaluation becomes higher.

  In addition, the singing evaluation means 96 is preferably evaluated by the determination user stored in the SNS database 86 regarding whether or not the evaluation result of the singing evaluation exceeds a predetermined threshold. The number of times determined in advance for each singing difficulty level based on the cumulative number of times (distribution number) of the performance video shot or uploaded by the digital camera 61 during the karaoke performance by the karaoke device 16 corresponding to the target performance song The above-mentioned clear condition is that the reproduction is performed. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, with respect to a performance song having a singing difficulty level of “difficulty level 1”, a clear condition is that the performance video corresponding to the performance song is played “100 times”, and the singing difficulty level is For performance songs with “Difficulty level 2”, clear performance is that the performance video corresponding to the performance song is played “200 times”, and for performance songs with singing difficulty level “Difficulty level 3” The clear condition is that the performance video corresponding to the song is played “300 times”, and so on, the higher the singing difficulty set for the performance song related to the singing evaluation, the more the corresponding performance video is played back. The clear condition is corrected (changed) so as to be the clear condition.

  In addition, the singing evaluation unit 96 performs threshold correction or clear condition setting related to the singing evaluation based on various information related to the karaoke system 10. For example, the evaluation of the part corresponding to the chorus (the part where the most impressive and exciting phrase is arranged among the music pieces corresponding to each piece of music data) in the performance piece to be evaluated is inclined, and the singing evaluation of the chorus part is performed. The digital camera is used to set a clear condition so that it is cleared regardless of the evaluation of the remaining portion when it is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 95 points). When the shooting corresponding to the performance is performed by 61, a clear condition is set so as to be cleared, or the user who performs the karaoke performance together with the performance tune to be evaluated by the karaoke apparatus 16 is performed. The clear condition is changed so as to determine whether or not clearing is possible by voting input operation, or the performance video stored in the SNS database 86 is The threshold correction or clear condition setting is performed based on various information related to transmission control (for example, co-star video distribution control for reproducing a pair of performance videos in parallel), or performance to be evaluated by the karaoke device 16 When the music is played, the digital camera 61 determines whether or not a correct movement such as choreography is made by image analysis of the performance video shot corresponding to the performance, and the threshold value is determined based on the determination result. The correction or clear condition is set, or the clear condition is that the order fee of the food and drink ordered after the performance of the performance tune to be evaluated by the karaoke device 16 is a predetermined amount or more, The singing based on various information, such as setting each user's range determined by the range determination unit 90 as a clear condition. Value may be performed.

  The point giving means 98 shown in FIG. 4 gives points to the user who is the input subject based on the singing evaluation result by the singing evaluation means 96. Here, this point is the number of points required for executing various privileges or individual services related to the karaoke service by the karaoke system 10, for example, request voting for newly registered songs to the karaoke device 16. It is accumulated for each user such that a predetermined point (for example, 10 points) is consumed if it is performed once (10 votes are cast), or a predetermined point is consumed for watching a new song promotion video of a predetermined artist. And functions as a pseudo-currency in the karaoke system 10 that is consumed in accordance with the supply of the corresponding privilege or the execution of the service.

  The point giving means 98 is targeted based on the singing difficulty set for the performance tune to be evaluated by the difficulty setting means 92 with respect to the giving of points based on the singing evaluation result by the singing evaluation means 96. Change the points given to users. Preferably, the higher the singing difficulty set in the performance tune to be evaluated by the difficulty level setting means 92, the more points are given corresponding to the singing evaluation result by the same singing evaluation means 96. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, with respect to a performance song having a singing difficulty level of “difficulty level 1”, the point is “10% increase” corresponding to the same singing evaluation result, and the singing difficulty level is “difficulty level 2”. For certain performances, the points are increased by “20%” corresponding to the same singing evaluation result, and for performances having a singing difficulty of “difficulty level 3”, the points are increased by “30%” corresponding to the same singing evaluation results. As the singing difficulty level set for the performance song related to the singing evaluation becomes higher, the increase in the points is controlled. By such control, for example, when the basic grant point for the singing evaluation result “80 points” is “100 points”, when the singing difficulty level is “difficulty level 2”, “120 points”, the singing difficulty level is In the case of “difficulty level 3”, “130 points” are given to users who are voice data input subjects (singing subjects), and stored in the SNS database 86 as points corresponding to the users. (Accumulated).

  In addition, the point giving means 98 is preferably for a target user based on various information related to karaoke performance by the karaoke device 16 with respect to giving points based on the singing evaluation result by the singing evaluation means 96. Change the points to be granted. Preferably, when the karaoke device 16 performs a karaoke performance, the points given to the target user are changed based on the number of users performing the karaoke performance at one location (both) by the karaoke device 16. To do. The determination of the number of users who are performing karaoke performances in this place is performed in response to login authentication related to the service of the karaoke apparatus 16 (karaoke system 10), for example. That is, preferably, at the start of karaoke performance by the karaoke device 16, the user ID and password of each user are input by the electronic quick sample device 22, and the server device 20 is inquired. Login authentication is performed, and the number of users who have been successfully authenticated as a result of the authentication is determined as the number of users who are performing karaoke performance in one place.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 23, the point granting unit 98 places the karaoke device 16 in one place with respect to a performance tune having the same difficulty level “difficulty level 2” set by the difficulty level setting unit 92. When the number of users who perform karaoke performance is “2”, the point is increased by “3%” corresponding to the same singing evaluation result, and when the number of users is “3”, the same singing evaluation result is obtained. Correspondingly, if the point is “4% increase” and the number of people is “4”, the point is “5% increase” corresponding to the same singing evaluation result, and so on. At the time of karaoke performance, the karaoke device 16 is controlled so that the number of points increases as the number of users performing karaoke performance in one place increases. Further, as shown in FIG. 23, the higher the singing difficulty level set by the difficulty level setting unit 92, the higher the number of points according to the number of users who perform karaoke performance at one place by the karaoke device 16 ( (Increase rate) is controlled.

  In addition, the point granting unit 98 preferably corresponds to the user who is the input subject (singing subject) of the audio information related to the determination regarding the granting of points based on the singing evaluation result by the singing evaluation unit 96. Based on the past number of singings (number of performances) of the performance tune to be evaluated stored in the SNS database 86, the points to be given to the user are changed corresponding to the singing evaluation result. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, regarding a performance song having the same difficulty level “difficulty level 2” set by the difficulty level setting means 92, the performance song is “first”. Corresponding to the same singing evaluation result, if the points are "3% increase", "second time" If the point is "4% increase", "third time" corresponding to the same singing evaluation result Corresponding to the same singing evaluation result, the points are increased by 5%, and so on. Control to increase the points. Further, as shown in FIG. 24, the higher the singing difficulty level set by the difficulty level setting unit 92, the higher the point increase (increase rate) according to the number of times of singing is controlled.

  In addition, the point granting unit 98 is preferably reproduced by a user who is an input subject (song subject) of audio information related to the determination regarding the granting of points based on the song evaluation result by the song evaluation unit 96. Based on the number of times the content for the lesson of the performance song related to the song evaluation is played, the points to be given to the user are changed corresponding to the result of the song evaluation. This lesson content is a piece of music or audio information stored in the music database 66 or the like corresponding to a predetermined musical piece for learning a song (karaoke performance) of the musical piece. In order to teach the user how to sing in an easy-to-understand manner, the song data is composed of a plurality of pieces of performance music and can be repeatedly sung. The content for this lesson preferably uses a predetermined music selection number as identification information in the same manner as the other performance music outputted in the karaoke device 16, and the music selection number of the electronic quick sample device 22 or the like is used. It is reproduced in the karaoke apparatus 16 by the input. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, the point granting unit 98 has the same difficulty level set by the difficulty level setting unit 92 as “difficulty level 2” as shown in FIG. If the number of times the content for the lesson corresponding to the performance song is “first”, the point is increased by 3% corresponding to the same song evaluation result, and the content of the lesson content If the number of playbacks is “second”, the points are increased by “4%” corresponding to the same singing evaluation result, and if the number of times the lesson content is played is “third”, the same singing evaluation result is obtained. Correspondingly, the number of times the user has played the lesson content corresponding to the performance song to be evaluated (the performance song related to the point grant) such as “5% increase”, etc. Many It is controlled so as to point the increase in the increases about. Further, as shown in FIG. 24, the higher the singing difficulty level set by the difficulty level setting means 92, the higher the increment (increase rate) of points according to the number of times the lesson content is played. To do.

  The point granting unit 98 is preferably configured so that a user who is an input subject (singing subject) of voice information related to determination regarding the granting of points based on the singing evaluation result by the singing evaluation unit 96 is the user. The point given to the user is changed corresponding to the singing evaluation result based on the number of times the performance song related to the singing evaluation is played by the portable music player related to the singing. For example, in the SNS database 86, the performance music related to the music input history for the portable music player corresponding to the user who is the input subject of the voice information related to the determination, that is, the mobile phone distributed (downloaded) to the user. With respect to the distribution history (download history) of the incoming melody information of the telephone and the content of the portable music player (for example, music data such as MP3 data), the karaoke stored in the music database 66 is a performance song corresponding to the music input history. In the case where the apparatus 16 exists as performance music (music data) capable of karaoke performance and is the object of singing evaluation by the singing evaluation means 96, as in the example of changing the points according to the number of singing times, FIG. As shown, the difficulty level of singing set by the difficulty level setting means 92 is equal to “difficulty level 2”. If the number of times the performance music is played by the portable music player is “first” for a performance music, the point is increased by 3% corresponding to the same song evaluation result, and the performance music by the portable music player If the number of playbacks is “second”, the point is increased by “4%” corresponding to the same singing evaluation result, and if the number of times played of the performance music by the portable music player is “third” The number of times the portable music player plays the performance song corresponding to the performance song to be evaluated (the performance song related to the point grant), such as “5% increase” according to the same song evaluation result. Control is performed so that the more points, the more points are added. Further, as shown in FIG. 24, the higher the singing difficulty level set by the difficulty level setting means 92, the larger the increment (increase rate) of points according to the number of times the portable music player plays the musical piece. Control to be.

  In addition, the point granting unit 98 preferably plays a karaoke performance together with a user who is an input subject (singing subject) of voice information related to determination regarding the granting of points based on the singing evaluation result by the singing evaluation unit 96. Based on the number of food and drink orders ordered by the user performing the performance of the musical piece to be evaluated by the karaoke device 16, the user gives the user corresponding to the singing evaluation result. Change the point. For example, as shown in FIG. 25, with respect to a performance song having the same difficulty level “difficulty level 2” set by the difficulty level setting unit 92, an order has been placed from the start of the karaoke performance according to the determination to the present time. If the drink is “5 cups”, points will be increased by “3%” corresponding to the same singing evaluation result, and if the ordered drink is “6 cups”, points will be corresponding to the same singing evaluation result If the ordered drink is “7 cups or more”, the point corresponding to the same singing evaluation result is “5% increase”, and so on. Control is performed so that the increase in the number of points increases as the number of food and drink orders ordered from the start of the performance to the present time increases. Further, as shown in FIG. 25, the higher the singing difficulty level set by the difficulty level setting unit 92, the higher the point increase (increase rate) according to the number of food and drink orders.

  In addition, the point granting unit 98 is preferably configured so that a user who is an input subject (singing subject) of voice information related to determination regarding the granting of points based on the song evaluation result by the song evaluation unit 96 is the karaoke device. On the basis of the time from the start of karaoke performance by No. 16 to the present time, that is, the karaoke performance continuation time, the points to be given to the user are changed corresponding to the singing evaluation result. For example, as shown in FIG. 26, karaoke performance continuation from the start of the karaoke performance according to the determination to the present time is continued with respect to a performance song having the same difficulty level “difficulty level 2” set by the difficulty level setting means 92. If the time is "1 hour", the point is "0% increase (no increase)" corresponding to the same singing evaluation result, and if the karaoke performance duration is "2 hours", the same singing evaluation result If the karaoke performance duration is “3 hours”, the points are increased by 4% corresponding to the same singing evaluation result, and so on. Control is performed so that the amount of increase in points increases as the duration of karaoke performance from the start of karaoke performance to the present time increases. Also, as shown in FIG. 26, control is performed such that the increase (increase rate) of points according to the karaoke performance duration increases as the singing difficulty level set by the difficulty level setting unit 92 increases.

  Further, the point giving means 98 is preferably an input subject (song subject) of audio information related to the determination stored in the SNS database 86 with respect to giving points based on the song evaluation result by the song evaluation means 96. Based on the singing age of a certain user and the singing age of a performance song related to singing evaluation, the points to be given to the user are changed corresponding to the singing evaluation result. For example, from the relationship shown in FIG. 27, the correction variable is calculated based on the song age of the user (corresponding to each column in FIG. 27) and the song age of the performance song related to the singing evaluation (corresponding to each row in FIG. 27). From the relationship shown in FIG. 28, the points given to the user are changed based on the correction variable. For example, when the song age of the user who is the input subject of the voice information related to the determination is “35 years old” and the song age of the performance song related to the song evaluation is “12 years old”, the relationship shown in FIG. Therefore, the correction variable is calculated as “2”. Then, as shown in FIG. 28, regarding the performance song having the difficulty level “difficulty level 2” set by the difficulty level setting means 92, when the correction variable is “2”, the same song evaluation result is obtained. Correspondingly, control is performed so that the point is increased by 3%. Here, in the relationship shown in FIG. 27, the larger the difference (age difference) between the song age of the user who is the input subject of the sound information related to the determination and the song age of the performance song related to the song evaluation is, the larger the correction variable is. In the relationship shown in FIG. 28, it is determined that the increase in the points increases as the correction variable increases. In other words, the point giving means 98 preferably has a point that increases as the difference (age difference) between the song age of the user who is the input subject of the audio information related to the determination and the song age of the performance song related to the song evaluation increases. Control to increase the amount of increase. Further, as shown in FIG. 28, the higher the singing difficulty level set by the difficulty level setting means 92, the higher the singing age of the user who is the input subject of the audio information related to the determination, and the performance song related to the singing evaluation. Control is made so that the increase (increase rate) of points according to the difference (age difference) from the song age is increased.

  The point giving means 98 is preferably a key change made at the time of inputting voice information related to determination (karaoke performance related to singing evaluation) with respect to giving points based on the singing evaluation result by the singing evaluation means 96. Based on the operation, that is, the operation of raising or lowering the scale of the musical piece (sound scale related to the singing) by one semitone (or one note at a time) or the operation of lowering it (scale changing operation) Change the points to be granted. For example, as shown in FIG. 29, the key change of “plus 1” is performed when voice information related to determination is input for a performance piece having the same difficulty level “difficulty level 2” set by the difficulty level setting unit 92. If the operation has been performed, the point is increased by 1% corresponding to the same song evaluation result, and if the key change operation of “plus 2” is performed, the point is corresponding to the same song evaluation result. If the key change operation of “4% increase” or “plus 3” has been performed, the point corresponding to the same singing evaluation result is “5% increase”,... Control is performed so that the amount of point increase increases as the key change amount (key increase amount) performed when inputting information increases. The example shown in FIG. 29 shows a relationship related to a performance song that is difficult to sing on the high pitch side (performance song with a relatively high pitch), and a performance song that is difficult to sing on the low tone side (a performance song that has a relatively low pitch). It is preferable to perform control so that the amount of increase in points increases as the amount of key depression performed at the time of inputting voice information related to determination increases. Also, as shown in FIG. 29, control is performed such that as the singing difficulty level set by the difficulty level setting unit 92 increases, the increase (increase rate) of points corresponding to the key change amount increases.

  In addition, the point giving means 98 is preferably a performance song that is stored in the SNS database 86 and is subject to evaluation by the user related to the determination regarding the giving of points based on the song evaluation result by the song evaluation means 96. In response to the karaoke performance by the karaoke device 16, it is given to the user corresponding to the singing evaluation result on the basis of the cumulative number of times (distribution number) of the performance video shot or uploaded by the digital camera 61. Change the point. For example, as shown in FIG. 30, with respect to a performance song having the same difficulty level of “single difficulty 2” set by the difficulty level setting means 92, the performance video corresponding to the performance song is reproduced “200 times”. If it is, the point is increased by 3% corresponding to the same song evaluation result, and if the performance video is played “300 times”, the point is increased by 4% corresponding to the same song evaluation result. When the performance video is played “400 times”, the point corresponding to the same song evaluation result is increased by “5%”,... Control is performed so that the number of points increases as the number of playbacks increases. Further, as shown in FIG. 30, control is performed such that as the singing difficulty level set by the difficulty level setting unit 92 increases, the amount of increase (increase rate) of points corresponding to the number of playback times of the corresponding performance video increases. To do.

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart for explaining a main part of the sound range determination control by the CPU 50 of the karaoke apparatus 16, and is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle.

  First, in step (hereinafter, step is omitted) SA1, it is determined whether or not the sound range determination control is started by performing a predetermined operation by an input device such as the electronic sample device 22 or the like. If the determination at SA1 is negative, the routine is terminated accordingly. If the determination at SA1 is affirmative, a predetermined operation is performed by an input device such as the electronic quick sample device 22 at SA2. It is determined whether or not the high-pitched sound range determination is selected. If the determination of SA2 is affirmative, in SA3, a task song selection screen for selecting a task song on the high-pitched sound side is displayed on the electronic quick sample device 22 or the like, and selection input of the task song is accepted. Thereafter, the processing below SA5 is executed, but if the determination of SA2 is negative, that is, if the bass range determination is selected, the task song for causing the bass side task song to be selected in SA4 After the selection screen is displayed on the electronic quick sample device 22 or the like and the selection input of the subject song is accepted, the processing from SA5 is executed.

  In SA5, music data corresponding to the performance music selected as the task music in SA3 to SA4 is read from the music database 66, and karaoke performance output of the performance music is started. Next, in SA6, it is determined whether or not it is a predetermined determination timing for determining whether or not a sound of a predetermined scale can be correctly uttered. When the determination at SA6 is negative, the processing after SA8 is executed. When the determination at SA6 is affirmative, an input from the microphone 40 via the A / D converter 41 is performed at SA7. On the basis of the voice information, it is determined whether or not the voice information corresponds to the correct utterance of the scale related to the determination. In this determination, various controls such as taking into account the volume of audio information related to the determination are performed. Next, in SA8, it is determined whether or not the karaoke performance of the performance music as the task music has ended. When the determination at SA8 is negative, the process after SA6 is executed again. However, when the determination at SA8 is affirmative, the process after SA9 is executed.

  In SA9, the karaoke performance of the performance music that is the task music is terminated. Next, in SA10, the sound range of the user who is the input subject of the voice input is determined based on the determination result in SA7. For example, it is determined which of the levels 1 to 4 corresponds to the user's high to low frequency range. Next, in SA11, information related to the user's sound range determined in SA10 is transmitted to the server device 20 via the communication line 18, and stored in the SNS database 86 in association with the user. Thereafter, this routine is terminated. In the above control, SA1 to SA11 correspond to the operation of the sound range determination means 90.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart for explaining a main part of the difficulty level display control by the CPU 50 of the karaoke apparatus 16, and is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle.

  First, in SB1, it is determined whether or not difficulty determination control (difficulty level setting control) of a predetermined performance piece is started by performing a predetermined operation with an input device such as the electronic quick sample device 22 or the like. The If the determination of SB1 is denied, this routine is terminated accordingly. If the determination of SB1 is affirmed, the target user is retrieved from the SNS database 86 of the server device 20 in SB2. Various information including the information about the sound range is downloaded. Next, in SB3, based on the information about the user's range downloaded in SB2, various information related to the user, and information such as the range (highest or lowest) of the performance music to be set. The singing difficulty level of such a performance song for the user is set (determined). For example, as the difference between the user's range downloaded at SB2 and the range of the performance piece to be set is larger, the singing difficulty of the performance piece is set higher. Next, in SB4, the singing difficulty level set in SB3 is displayed on the video display device 30 and the like together with various information related to the performance tune to be set, and then this routine is terminated. In the above control, SB1 to SB3 correspond to the operation of the difficulty level setting unit 92, and SB4 corresponds to the operation of the difficulty level display unit 94.

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart for explaining a main part of the singing evaluation / point giving control by the CPU 50 of the karaoke apparatus 16 and is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle.

  First, in SC1, it is determined whether or not the karaoke performance of a predetermined performance music is started, for example, in the order of performance of the highest performance music (reservation music) in the reservation music table in the RAM 54 or the like. If the determination of SC1 is negative, the routine is terminated accordingly, but if the determination of SC1 is affirmative, the target user is read from the SNS database 86 of the server device 20 in SC2. Various information including the information about the sound range is downloaded. Next, at SC3, based on the information about the user's range downloaded at SC2, various information about the user, and the information such as the range (highest to lowest) of the musical composition to be set. The singing difficulty level of such a performance song for the user is set (determined). For example, as the difference between the user's range downloaded at SC2 and the range of the performance piece to be set is larger, the singing difficulty of the performance piece is set higher.

  Next, in SC4, the music data corresponding to the performance music related to the start of performance is read from the music database 66, and the karaoke performance output of the performance music is started. Next, in SC5, it is determined whether or not it is a predetermined song evaluation timing. When the determination at SC5 is negative, the processing after SC7 is executed. When the determination at SC5 is affirmative, it is input from the microphone 40 via the A / D converter 41 at SC6. Based on the voice information, the singing evaluation (performance evaluation) of the user who is the input subject of the voice information is executed. For example, the evaluation using at least one of the pitch, volume, and tempo as an evaluation criterion is executed corresponding to the sound input from the microphone 40 in parallel with the output of the performance tune to be evaluated. Next, in SC7, it is determined whether or not the karaoke performance of the performance music is finished. When the determination at SC7 is negative, the process after SC5 is executed again. When the determination at SC7 is affirmative, the process after SC8 is executed.

  In SC8, the total singing evaluation through one performance piece is calculated from the evaluation result of SC6. Next, in SC9, it is given to the user who is the input subject of the voice information based on the singing evaluation result calculated in SC8 and the singing difficulty level of the performance song set in SC3. Points are calculated. For example, such calculation is performed so that the higher the singing difficulty set for the performance tune to be evaluated in SC3, the more points are given corresponding to the same singing evaluation result (score). Alternatively, control is performed so that points are awarded only when the singing evaluation result calculated at SC8 exceeds a predetermined threshold (clear condition) based on the singing difficulty set at SC3. It may be what performs. Next, in SC10, after the points calculated in SC9 are given (added) as the target user's points in the SNS database 86, this routine is terminated. In the above control, SC1 to SC3 correspond to the operation of the difficulty level setting means 92, SC4 to SC8 correspond to the operation of the song evaluation means 96, and SC9 and SC10 correspond to the operation of the point giving means 98, respectively.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, the difficulty level setting means 92 (SB1 to SB3, SC1 to SC3) for setting the singing difficulty level of each of the large number of performance songs output by the karaoke device 16, and the evaluation object Singing evaluation means 96 (SC4 to SC4) which performs singing evaluation of the user who is the input subject of the voice information based on the voice information input from the microphone 40 which is a voice input device in parallel with the output of the performance music to be SC8), points are given to the user who is the input subject based on the singing evaluation result by the singing evaluation means 96 and the singing difficulty set for the performance tune to be evaluated by the difficulty setting means 92 Since the point granting means 98 (SC9 and SC10) is provided, the evaluation result of the performance song is based on the singing difficulty level of each performance song. By applying the slope to the point, it can be a technique such as to be earn a point to sing just easy song to sing is no longer-class, to achieve a fair point grant was not so far. That is, it is possible to provide the karaoke apparatus 16 that gives points to each user on a fair and novel basis.

  Further, the higher the singing difficulty set for the performance tune to be evaluated by the difficulty setting means 92, the more point giving means 98 corresponds to the singing evaluation result by the same singing evaluation means 96. Since points are given, when assigning points according to the singing evaluation result of the performance song, the difficulty level is considered in consideration of the singing difficulty for each user of the performance song being evaluated. By assigning more points as the score increases, it is possible to add an unprecedented appeal to singing evaluation of karaoke performance, such as a user dare to challenge a performance song that is difficult for him.

  In addition, the performance music set in advance as the task music is output, and the sound range of the user who is the input subject of the audio information is based on the voice information input from the microphone 40 in parallel with the output of the task music. The difficulty level setting means 92 is output by the karaoke apparatus 16 based on the user's range determined by the range determination means 90. Since the singing difficulty level of each of the many performance songs is set individually for each user, the singing difficulty level of the performance song for each user is played according to the individual range of each user. Can be set for each song.

  The difficulty level setting means 92 sets the singing difficulty level of the performance song higher as the difference between the range determined by the range determination means 90 and the range of the performance song to be set increases. The singing difficulty level of the performance music for each user can be set in a practical manner for each performance music according to the sound range having individual differences among the users.

  In addition, since the range of the performance music is in the range from the lowest sound to the highest sound of the guide melody in the performance music, the performance music singing for each user is performed according to the individual sound range of each user. The difficulty level can be set in a practical manner for each performance piece.

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

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the range determination unit 90, the difficulty level setting unit 92, the difficulty level display unit 94, the singing evaluation unit 96, and the point giving unit 98 are all functionally connected to the CPU 50 of the karaoke apparatus 16. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and some or all of the control functions are functionally provided in the CPU of the electronic quick sample device 22. Also good. Further, the substantial processing of the sound range determination means 90 and the point giving means 98 may be executed by the CPU 70 of the server device 20, and various embodiments are conceivable depending on the design of the karaoke system 10. It is done.

  In the above-described embodiment, the difficulty level setting unit 92 sings each of the large number of performance songs output by the karaoke device 16 based on the user's range determined by the range determination unit 90. The difficulty level was set individually for each user, but this is merely an example of the best mode, for example, based solely on the range of the performance song, regardless of the range of each user. The singing difficulty level may be set. In such an aspect, the singing difficulty level is set higher for performance songs whose sound range is biased toward the high to low side. Moreover, based on the performance evaluation result of each user memorize | stored in the said SNS database 86, the singing difficulty level of a performance music may be set. In such an aspect, for example, based on the average value of the performance evaluation results of each user related to the performance music stored in the SNS database 86, for example, the higher the average value, the higher the singing difficulty level. Is set the singing difficulty level of the performance song. In addition, various embodiments may be provided according to the design of the karaoke system 10 such as setting the singing difficulty level of each performance piece based on a questionnaire vote from an arbitrary user using an input device such as the electronic quick sample device 22. Conceivable.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the sound range determination unit 90 determines the sound range of the target user's high frequency side or low frequency side as one of four levels 1 to 4, respectively. The range of the musical range (the range of the scale from the lowest tone to the highest tone) may be determined without distinguishing between the high tone side and the low tone side. Further, the sound range may be determined in more detail, for example, by determining a specific range of the sound range such as “midA #” to “hiC”. Alternatively, it may be possible to make a simple determination as much as possible, such as determining whether the sound range is relatively high or relatively low.

  In the above-described embodiment, the difficulty level setting unit 92 sets the singing difficulty level of the performance music to be set as one of four levels of difficulty levels 1 to 4. The singing difficulty level may be set in more detail, such as setting the singing difficulty level of each performance song in 1000 steps with the degree 1000 as the maximum value (corresponding to the most difficult value). Alternatively, the setting may be as simple as possible, such as setting one of easy or difficult to sing.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the point giving means 98 is based on the singing difficulty set by the singing evaluation result by the singing evaluation means 96 and the difficulty setting means 92 relating to a single performance piece, and the input. Points were given to the main user, for example, based on the singing evaluation result by the singing evaluation means 96 related to a plurality of performance songs and the singing difficulty set by the difficulty setting means 92 Points may be given to the user who is the input subject. For example, when the singing evaluation by the singing evaluation means 96 is more than a predetermined threshold for each of a plurality (for example, 5 songs) set with a singing difficulty level equal to or higher than a predetermined specified difficulty level, points are given to the user. An aspect such as giving is conceivable. Moreover, also in such an aspect, it is desirable to perform control which gives many points corresponding to the singing evaluation result by the same singing evaluation means 96, so that the singing difficulty set to these some performance music is high. .

  In the above-described embodiment, the control based on the existence of the SNS database 86 has been described. However, the present invention is preferably applied to a non-communication karaoke apparatus that is not connected to the communication line 18. In such an embodiment, the sound range of each user determined by the sound range determination means 90 is stored in the hard disk 56 or the like in the karaoke device 16 and used for setting the singing difficulty level or giving points. Alternatively, the control may be performed only on the current day, such as being stored in the RAM 54 and deleted when the karaoke performance of the day is completed.

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

  16: Karaoke device, 40: Microphone (voice input device), 90: Sound range determination means, 92: Difficulty level setting means, 96: Singing evaluation means, 98: Point giving means

Claims (5)

A karaoke apparatus that outputs a performance tune selected from a large number of performance tunes and amplifies and outputs a sound input by a sound input device,
Difficulty level setting means for setting the singing difficulty level of each of the large number of performance songs output by the karaoke device;
Singing evaluation means for performing singing evaluation of the user who is the input subject of the voice information based on the voice information input from the voice input device in parallel with the output of the performance tune to be evaluated;
Point granting means for giving points to the user who is the input subject based on the singing evaluation result by the singing evaluation means and the singing difficulty set for the performance tune to be evaluated by the difficulty setting means, A karaoke apparatus characterized by being provided.   The point giving means gives more points corresponding to the singing evaluation result by the same singing evaluation means as the singing difficulty set to the performance tune to be evaluated by the difficulty setting means is higher. The karaoke apparatus according to claim 1. A musical performance set in advance as the task music is output, and the range of the user who is the input subject of the voice information is determined based on the voice information input from the voice input device in parallel with the output of the task music. It is provided with a sound range judging means for judging,
The difficulty level setting means individually sets the singing difficulty level of each of the large number of performance songs output by the karaoke device for each user based on the range of each user determined by the range determination means. The karaoke apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.   The said difficulty level setting means sets the singing difficulty level of this performance music high, so that the difference between the sound range determined by the said range determination means and the sound range of the performance music to be set is large. Karaoke equipment.   The karaoke apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a range of the performance music is a range from a lowest sound to a highest sound of a guide melody in the performance music.

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