JP3643072B2 - Touch panel display karaoke remote control device characterized by display control of performance change instruction element - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention searches for a suitable karaoke piece based on a search condition input by a user, accepts a user input for performing a performance reservation for a karaoke piece presented as a search result, and stores the piece of music in a karaoke apparatus. The present invention relates to a karaoke remote control device with an electronic table of contents function for transmitting a remote control signal for reservation.
[0002]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The karaoke remote control device with the electronic table of contents function is commercialized as a computer application device having a form similar to a palmtop personal computer equipped with a touch panel. The attribute information about the karaoke music corresponding to the karaoke music database in the karaoke device is stored in an external storage such as a built-in hard disk or non-volatile memory and managed as a music index database, and the search keyword input by the user is stored. The database is inquired as a query related to attribute information, and the table of contents information and the music number for the corresponding karaoke music are presented and output. When the karaoke piece that the user desires to play is finally designated, a performance reservation code including the piece number of the piece is transferred as a remote control signal to the nearest karaoke apparatus.
[0003]
When the karaoke apparatus receives a remote control signal for performance reservation, it manages the music numbers included in the signal as a performance reservation queue, and sequentially picks up music numbers from the queue. Then, a karaoke piece corresponding to the picked piece number is played.
[0004]
Also, the karaoke remote control device with electronic table of contents function acts on a karaoke device that is preparing for or performing karaoke music performance, stops the music performance, changes the performance status such as the key and tempo of accompaniment music, etc. An operation mode for functioning as a conventional karaoke remote control device for receiving a user input for transmitting the signal and transmitting a corresponding remote control signal is also provided as an auxiliary.
[0005]
However, the karaoke remote control device with the electronic table of contents function is used mainly for searching and reserving a desired song using a song index database in various search modes. Therefore, if an operation input related to a performance change is mistakenly performed during the music search operation, it acts on the karaoke device being played, and this causes great inconvenience to the person who is actually singing. Therefore, we want to be able to perform operations related to performance changes only under limited conditions.
[0006]
In addition, since there are a wide variety of people who use the karaoke apparatus, it is likely to adopt an operation procedure especially for people who are unfamiliar with machine operation. It is necessary to have a user interface that can be operated intuitively by any person and can reach the final purpose (specification of requested music) linearly.
[0007]
It is also necessary to consider that the karaoke remote control device is portable and that there is very little space for user input and information output via the touch panel. That is, the final goal can be reached with the minimum necessary presentation information. Excessive information display only confuses the user. Of course, it is also necessary to be able to quickly shift between the operation mode related to music search and the operation mode related to performance change.
[0008]
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been made in consideration of an ideal user interface required for a karaoke remote control device with an electronic table of contents function, and its purpose is to perform an operation for a music search function and a performance change function of a karaoke device. An object of the present invention is to provide a karaoke remote control device with an electronic table of contents function that has a user interface that anyone can intuitively operate while eliminating as much as possible operation procedures that lead to mutual interference with operations and erroneous operations.
[0009]
The touch panel display type karaoke remote control device according to the present invention is characterized by the display control of the performance change instruction element, and is described by the following items (1) to (7).
(1) It is a touch panel display type karaoke remote control device provided with a touch panel display, transmission means, and control means. (2) The touch panel display is a display for displaying information according to control of the control means, and the display. (3) The transmission means transmits a remote control signal in accordance with the control of the control means. (4) The control means includes initial screen processing and a transparent touch panel that enables detection of touch input superimposed on the device. (5) The initial screen process is a screen configuration in which a plurality of search mode buttons and a performance change button set are laid out, and the search mode button is touch-inputted. If the performance change button is touch-inputted, the corresponding performance change process is executed (6) Each task. The screen processing is a screen configuration for searching for music, a screen configuration including an initial return button and no performance change button, and a remote control signal for reserving the performance of the music selected by the user's touch input. When the initial return button is touch-inputted, the process proceeds to the initial screen process. (7) Each performance change process causes the transmitter to transmit a remote control signal for changing the karaoke performance operation currently being performed. [0010]
In the invention specified as described above, at least one task screen process is a screen configuration including a display instruction button, and when the display instruction button is touch-inputted, a performance change button set is additionally displayed, When a performance change button is touch-inputted, a corresponding performance change process is executed and the performance change button set can be deleted.
[0011]
Further, at least one task screen process has a screen configuration including a display instruction button. Each time the display instruction button is touched, the performance change button set is repeatedly displayed and deleted, and the performance change button is touch-inputted. In some cases, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which a corresponding performance change process is executed.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
=== Configuration of Karaoke Remote Control Device ===
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a karaoke remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus main body 1 is generally a thick panel, and the size of the apparatus main body 1 is such that both hands can be held open when the panel is horizontally long. A liquid crystal display (LCD) 2 is disposed on the front surface of the panel, and a touch panel 3 is laminated on the surface of the LCD 2.
[0015]
There is an infrared transmitter 4 by a light emitting diode (LED) on the upper end surface of the panel-like case, and a terminal 6 for receiving power supply from an external power source when charging a secondary battery inside the main body on the lower end surface, An RS232C standard interface (IF) terminal 5 for data communication with an external computer is provided. These terminal groups are normally hidden from view by a blind cover.
[0016]
FIG. 2 shows the internal configuration of the karaoke remote control device 1 by a functional block diagram. The configuration of the karaoke remote control device 1 of this embodiment is basically the same as that of a computer such as a PC. In the flash memory 12 functioning as an external storage, attribute information such as the song name, artist name, and the singing part of the lyrics is stored in association with the song number for a karaoke song that can be used in the karaoke device, and a song index database is stored. Has been built. Further, the central control unit 11 which is the main control unit of the karaoke remote control device 1 communicates with an external computer such as a karaoke device via the communication interface (IF) 13 of the RS232C standard, and attribute information about the new karaoke music. Is downloaded and stored in the flash memory 12, so that the music index database is updated in a timely manner.
[0017]
When the central control unit 11 receives the operation input information from the touch panel 3 via the operation control unit 15, the central control unit 11 displays image data prepared in the internal ROM and a processing result corresponding to the operation input information in the image data. The reflected image data is developed as a bitmap on the video RAM, and the LCD driver 14 is controlled to display and output the bitmap image on the LCD 2. Thereby, the karaoke remote control device 1 provides a GUI environment to the user. The central control unit 11 searches the music index database through dialogue with the user through the GUI, and displays the search result to realize the electronic table of contents function.
[0018]
The central control unit 11 generates a code including the corresponding music number if there is a user input indicating that the music is reserved for performance in a state where one karaoke music is finally presented by the electronic table of contents function. The code is transferred to the LED driver 16. The LED driver 16 gives a modulated signal of this code to the LED 17 to cause the karaoke apparatus to transmit a radio signal for performance reservation.
[0019]
The central control unit 11 executes processing related to the electronic table of contents function and remote control signal transmission, and also manages the history of music reserved for performance. The flash memory 12 stores a history of karaoke music reserved for performance by the karaoke remote control device 1 for a predetermined number of songs from the latest reserved music, and the central control unit 11 sends a remote control signal for performance reservation. For each opportunity to execute the processing, the music number of the reserved music is stored as a recent performance reservation history, and the oldest music number in the history is deleted.
[0020]
The ROM in the central control unit 11 stores codes for generating various remote control signals transmitted from the conventional remote control device attached to the karaoke device. The central control unit 11 stores the karaoke device through the GUI. When recognizing that there is a user input for operation, a remote control signal including the corresponding code is transmitted.
[0021]
=== Initial screen ===
FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of an initial screen 20 displayed when the electronic table of contents function of the karaoke remote control device 1 is activated. The initial screen 20 has menu buttons 21 for activating various search modes (new music, singer name, song name, that time, duet, genre) and various functions (history / remote control) implemented in the karaoke remote control device 1. -28 are arranged. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing functions called when each menu button provided on the initial screen 20 is designated.
[0022]
Further, various command buttons 29a to 29c for operating the karaoke apparatus are arranged together on the right side of the area where the menu buttons 21 to 28 are arranged, and any one of these command buttons 29a to 29c is arranged. When instructed, a performance change command for changing the performance operation of the karaoke music piece being prepared or being played by the karaoke apparatus is transmitted. In the present embodiment, various performance change buttons 29a for stopping performance, 29 for replaying (for replaying), 29c for key control value setting are provided.
[0023]
When any of the menu buttons 21 to 28 is instructed while the initial screen 20 is displayed, task screens for operating the search modes and functions shown in FIGS. 5A to 5H are displayed. The The karaoke remote control device 1 displays task screens (A) to (H) as introduction screens for each operation mode (search mode and function), and these introduction screens (A) to (H) according to user operation inputs. The task screen is shifted hierarchically, and the music to be reserved for performance in the karaoke device is finally specified by the user, and a remote control signal including the corresponding music number is sent in accordance with the operation input to reserve the performance for the music .
[0024]
Note that the performance change command buttons 29a to 29c on the initial screen 20 are not displayed after the menu buttons 21 to 28 are instructed and various operation modes are activated. Except for the remote control mode (H), user input for performance change for a musical piece being prepared for performance or being played is not accepted. In other words, in a mode other than the mode in which the karaoke apparatus is actively operated, the performance change of the music being prepared or being performed due to erroneous operation is prevented. Next, various operation modes provided in the karaoke remote control device 1 of the present embodiment will be described with some examples.
[0025]
=== Music search function ===
A description will be given of a music search function for querying a music index database and finally specifying a music that a user desires to request. Here, “song name search” mode is taken as an example.
First, when the “Song Title” menu button 23 on the initial screen is instructed, a task name search mode task screen shown in FIG. 5C is displayed. FIG. 6 shows the flow of music search processing in the music title search mode. FIGS. 7A to 7F show transition diagrams of screens displayed on the LCD 2 in the course of this processing. When the menu button 23 in the song name search mode is selected and instructed by the user on the initial screen, a keyword input screen (a) including a character palette is displayed (s51 to 53). The user designates the characters in the character palette and inputs the title of the target karaoke song one by one from the initial character. The central control unit inquires the music search database for a character string from the initial character every time one character is input. For example, if "Manatsu ..." is input, first, when "MA" is input, the music search database is searched using the keyword "MA" as a query. If the number of songs of the corresponding karaoke song is larger than the specified number at this time, the input characters and the number of songs are displayed at predetermined positions (31, 32) on the screen as shown in the screen (b) (from s54). s58 → S53). When a character after “NA” is input following “MA”, the input character string is referred to the music search database for each character input opportunity, and the number of the corresponding music is displayed (c).
[0026]
Here, when the “search” button 33 on the screen displaying the number of songs together with the character palette is designated, appropriate attribute information on the searched songs is displayed in a list over a plurality of pages (s58 → s59). . In other words, since it becomes difficult to view attribute information about a large number of music pieces in a limited display area, a plurality of searched music pieces are collected for each predetermined number, and attribute information about the prescribed number of music pieces is displayed in one screen. To list. In the present embodiment, a plurality of searched karaoke songs are displayed in a list of every eight songs in the order of the song numbers (d).
[0027]
In this list screen, the total number of pages and the currently displayed page number are displayed at a predetermined position 34. When the user designates the page turning button 35, the page turns back and forth according to the page turning direction. , And a list of other music attribute information is displayed (s59 to s61). If it is desired to search again by continuing character input, the "return" button 36 in the attribute information list screen is designated to display the character palette again (s62 → s53).
[0028]
In the process of sequentially browsing a list of songs over multiple pages searched by the user, when a display column for a certain song is specified, the karaoke remote control device displays and outputs detailed attribute information for the indicated song (S63 → s64, e). When the user confirms that the music is the target music by looking at the detailed attribute information, the user designates the “transfer” button 38 disposed in the display screen of the detailed attribute information. As a result, the karaoke remote control device sends a remote control signal for reserving the music (s66 → s73), displays the confirmation screen (f) indicating that the music has been reserved, and then displays the task screen (a) for the music title search process again. (S74 → s51). If it is not the target song, the “return” button 37 in the detailed attribute information display screen is instructed, and the list including this song is displayed again (s65 → s59). Returning to the song number presentation page including the previous character palette, if the user wishes to continue character input, the “return” button 36 in the list screen is designated (s62 → s53). All the screens are provided with a button 39 written “top”. When this button is designated, the screen returns to the initial screen shown in FIG.
[0029]
In the karaoke remote control device of the present embodiment, when the number of karaoke pieces corresponding to the search result is less than a predetermined number (eight pieces) in the course of inputting characters, a part of the attribute information about the karaoke piece. Is extracted from the music search database and the music attribute information list (d) shown in FIG. 7 is automatically displayed (s57 → s67 → s68). In the attribute information list screen (d) displayed in this case, 1/1 is displayed at the page position description position 34, and the page feed button 35 is displayed in a light color to invalidate the user's instruction operation. .
[0030]
In addition, for example, when 10 songs are searched for at the time of the above-described process of inputting “Manatsu”, and when the next one character is entered, the corresponding song becomes 1 song. The attribute information list screen display process is omitted, and detailed attribute information about the music is automatically displayed (s57 → s67 → s70). The subsequent flow until the performance reservation is made is the same as that described above (s63 to s66 → s73 → s74) (s69 to s74).
[0031]
In this way, the number of songs is sequentially displayed as a search result in the process of character input, so if you display a list when the user is narrowed down to an appropriate number, you can browse many list display pages sequentially The work to go can be omitted. In addition, even if the number of songs that can be displayed at one time is limited due to the display area limitation, since the number of songs as a search result is automatically reduced to the number of songs that can be displayed, Freed from page turning.
[0032]
In the above embodiment, the detailed attribute information of the music is displayed at the time when one music is finally narrowed down by the user's instruction from the database search or list display, and the reservation is made on the screen. However, the remote control signal may be automatically transmitted when the music is narrowed down to one song. At this time, the detailed screen may or may not be displayed.
[0033]
=== History management function ===
The karaoke remote control device with an electronic table of contents function of the present embodiment has a function of managing as a history that a remote control signal for performing a performance reservation has been transmitted in addition to the music search function exemplified above. The history management function includes a mode in which the requested song is designated from the past history and the performance of the song is reserved, a mode in which a song is designated from the past history and the performance of the song is stopped, and a past history. There is a mode in which the music is designated and the performance order of the music is moved up to the first in the queue. The operation and user interface of these three modes in the history management function will be described below.
[0034]
To call the history management function, the “reservation history” button 27 on the initial screen shown in FIG. 3 is designated. The karaoke remote control device 1 accepts this instruction operation and displays the task screen shown in FIG. FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of processing in the history management function. FIGS. 9A to 9F show transition diagrams of task screens displayed on the LCD 2 in the course of this processing.
[0035]
First, when the task management screen (a) of the history management function is called from the initial screen shown in FIG. 3, a list of music titles reserved for performance in the past is displayed (a). In this embodiment, the past 100 songs are managed as a history, and a list of eight song names and artist names is displayed on one screen. In the list, the number 40 on the left side of each song name indicates the order in which the reservation operation was performed, and the most recent performance reserved song is 1. In the initial screen (a), a list of the names of the past eight songs from the latest reserved music is displayed, and when the “page turning” button 41 on this screen is designated, the music that has been reserved for performance in the past is displayed. Are sequentially displayed (s81 to s84).
[0036]
When the user designates a specific song from the history song list and instructs the “detail” button 42, a screen (b) on which detailed attribute information about the song is described is displayed (s85 → s86). → s91 → s94 → s95). When the “transfer” button 43 on this screen (b) is instructed, a remote control signal for performance reservation including the music number of the music is transmitted, and a confirmation screen (c) indicating that the performance has been reserved is displayed for a while. Then, the initial screen (a) of the reservation history is displayed (s96 → s97 → s98 → s81). When the “interrupt transfer” button 44 is instructed, the music number of the music for which the performance reservation is instructed is registered at the head, not at the end of the performance processing queue in the karaoke apparatus, and the karaoke music currently being played is recorded. The reserved music is played next.
[0037]
Further, the karaoke remote control device 1 performs a process of additionally registering the music reserved for performance as the latest reserved music in the reservation history at the time when the remote control signal for performance reservation is transmitted. Therefore, when the initial screen (a) is displayed again, the music reserved for performance is displayed as the latest reserved music in the history list. The “return” button 45 on each screen is a button for redisplaying the screen displayed immediately before, and the “top” button 46 is a button for displaying the initial screen shown in FIG. In this way, by arranging the top button on the task screen in any operation mode, when changing the performance, it is possible to immediately change the screen to the initial screen, as well as operation mode operation and performance change operation Are completely separated from the singers to prevent unintentional performance changes. Of course, when starting the remote control function from a certain operation mode, it is necessary to return to the initial screen once.
[0038]
A “delete” button 47 is also provided on the history music list screen (a). When the “delete” button 47 is instructed after designating a specific music piece, a reservation detail screen (d) in which the reservation date and time of the music piece is described is displayed (s86 → s87). When the user confirms that the song is to be canceled on this screen (d) and designates the “confirm” button 49 in the screen (d), the song number of the song and a code for canceling the performance are included. A remote control signal is sent out. A confirmation screen (e) indicating that the reservation of the music has been canceled is displayed for a while, and then an initial screen (a) of the reservation history is displayed (s88 → s89 → s90 → s81).
[0039]
When the karaoke device receives a remote control signal including the music number and a code indicating that the performance has been canceled, if there is a corresponding music number in the performance processing queue, the number is deleted and the music is played. It can be configured to cancel.
[0040]
On the history music list screen (a), an “up” button 48 is also provided. When the “advance” button 48 is instructed after designating a specific music piece, a remote control signal is transmitted to advance the designated music piece registered in the performance reservation queue to the first place (s86 → s91). → s92). In the present embodiment, a remote control signal including a music number of this music, an interrupt reservation command, and a code for deleting the music number from the performance reservation queue is transmitted. After the confirmation screen (d) is displayed for a while, the initial screen (a) is displayed (s93 → s81). Also, even when a performance reservation is made by “advance”, the performance history update process is not performed. Accordingly, the initial screen (a) is the same as that displayed previously.
[0041]
The karaoke apparatus may be configured to receive a remote control signal indicating that the reservation order is advanced and update the queue.
[0042]
=== Other Embodiments ===
In the above embodiment, the performance change command button is displayed only on the initial screen except for the operation mode of the “remote control”. Not only this configuration but also a button for displaying or hiding the performance change command button is provided on the task screen even when the operation mode by the music search function or history management function is activated. You may do it.
[0043]
Or, when a button for displaying the performance change command button is arranged on the task screen and the performance change command button is displayed with the task screen as the origin, each time the performance change command button is instructed, The command button may be hidden to return to the operation mode, or a button for hiding the command button may be displayed together with the performance change command button.
[0044]
Also, for example, when the performance change command button is displayed in the course of user input via the task screen, such as in the middle of entering characters in music search, when the performance change command is hidden, It is also possible to return to the task screen so as to reproduce the state in the middle of input.
[0045]
FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of the screen in a state where the performance change command button is displayed when the music search function is activated. The task screen 50 includes a button (command button display instruction button) 51 for displaying a performance change command button. When this button 51 is specified, another screen 52 including various performance change command buttons is displayed on the task screen. Displayed above. Thus, the performance change command button is displayed only when necessary, thereby preventing performance change due to an erroneous operation.
[0046]
【The invention's effect】
According to the karaoke remote control device with the electronic contents book function of the present invention, the initial screen has a screen configuration in which the search menu and the performance change command button coexist, and the task screen displayed when the search menu is touch-inputted. Has an initial return button for returning to the initial screen and does not include a performance change command button. By doing so, the operation for the music search function and the operation for the performance change function of the karaoke device are completely separated, and an erroneous operation can be eliminated. In addition, it is possible to provide an excellent user interface that can be operated intuitively by a user without a plurality of functions being mixed in one screen, without being confused by the user.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external view of a karaoke remote control device with an electronic table of contents function according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of the above embodiment.
FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a top screen displayed in the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing operations for calling various search methods and functions from the top screen.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a display screen when the above various search methods and functions are called up.
FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of processing related to a song name search function in the embodiment.
FIG. 7 shows a process related to the song name search function in the above embodiment by a transition diagram of the display screen.
FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of processing related to a history management function in the embodiment.
FIG. 9 shows processing in the history management function by a transition diagram of a display screen.
FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a display form of a performance change command button in another embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Karaoke remote controller 2 Liquid crystal display 3 Touch panel 11 Central control part 12 Flash memory 13 Communication interface 17 Light emitting diode

Claims (5)

A touch panel display type karaoke remote control device provided with a touch panel display, a transmission means, and a control means,
The touch panel display is composed of a display that displays information according to control of the control means, and a transparent touch panel that enables detection of touch input superimposed on the display,
The transmission means transmits a remote control signal according to the control of the control means,
The control means enables initial screen processing and multiple task screen processing,
The initial screen processing is a screen configuration in which a plurality of search mode buttons and a performance change button set are laid out. When the search mode button is touch-input, the screen shifts to the corresponding task screen processing, and the performance change button is displayed. When touch input is performed, the corresponding performance change process is executed,
Each task screen process has a screen configuration for searching for music, a screen configuration including an initial return button and no performance change button, and a remote controller that reserves a performance for the music selected by the user's touch input When a signal is sent and the initial return button is touch-input, it shifts to the initial screen processing.
Each performance change process is a touch panel display type karaoke remote control device that causes the transmission means to transmit a remote control signal for changing the karaoke performance operation currently being performed. At least one task screen process has a screen configuration including a display instruction button. When the display instruction button is touch-inputted, a performance change button set is additionally displayed, and when the performance change button is touch-inputted The touch panel display type karaoke remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the corresponding performance change processing is executed and the performance change button set is deleted. At least one task screen process has a screen configuration including a display instruction button. When each display instruction button is touched, additional display and deletion of the performance change button set are repeated, and when the performance change button is touch-inputted. 2. The touch panel display type karaoke remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the corresponding performance changing process is executed. The touch panel display type karaoke remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the performance change button set includes a performance stop button for transmitting a remote control signal for canceling the performance. The touch panel display type karaoke remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the performance change button set includes a key control button for transmitting a remote control signal for changing a performance key.

Images