JP4049161B2 - Music signal distribution system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a musical tone signal distribution system suitable for music distribution in a train or the like.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, portable music players that reproduce music files such as MP3 format are known. In this type of player, various music files can be downloaded via a kiosk terminal, stored in an internal hard disk or the like, and these music files can be reproduced. Patent Document 1 discloses a system for distributing content such as music on a train. Here, the content to be distributed is prepared in advance by the operator of this system. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for distributing information to a mobile terminal. This is to distribute various contents to a mobile terminal existing in a hot spot.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-150681 JP 2002-185612 A

However, according to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to distribute FM broadcast audio signals and various musical sound signals within a train, but only distribute data according to a predetermined program. There was a problem of poor surprise. Furthermore, in the technique according to Patent Document 1, each passenger eventually has to select contents to be distributed from the train equipment one by one, and the operation is troublesome. In addition, it has been impossible for general users to promote their own music using a place in a train. On the other hand, if the distribution and reception / playback of audio signals is simply allowed among general users, it is extremely difficult to grasp the fee for using the copyrighted work, and the rights of the copyright holder of the music may not be protected at all. There is a problem of high nature.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and provides a musical sound signal distribution system capable of distributing musical sound signals with a quality that can be appreciated by anyone other than a user of a music playback device that reproduces musical sound signals. One purpose. Another object of the present invention is to protect copyright of music data and the like in the musical sound signal distribution system, simplify operations for those other than the user of the music playback device, and promote the self-made music. Yes.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is characterized by having the following configuration. The parentheses are examples.
In the music signal distribution system according to claim 1, the apparatus ID for specifying the music signal reproduction apparatus, the reproduced music signal, and the music ID for specifying the music related to the music signal are output as radio signals. A music signal distribution system that distributes the music signal output from a music signal reproduction device (102, 104), a plurality of input terminals (110) that receive the radio signal, and any one of the music signal reproduction devices A plurality of output terminals (120) for outputting a musical sound signal supplied from any one of the input terminals (110) from (102, 104), the respective device IDs, and a musical sound signal reproducing device according to the device IDs A storage means (32) for storing a distribution management table (70) in association with an output terminal (120) that receives a musical sound signal from (102, 104); and the plurality of input terminals (1) 0) and the plurality of output terminals (120), a signal path setting means (130) for setting a signal path of the music signal, and one music signal via any one of the input terminals (110) And the means for storing the communication record in the storage means (32) while specifying the music ID associated with the one music signal.
Furthermore, in the configuration according to claim 2, in the musical sound signal distribution system according to claim 1, the musical sound is transmitted to each output terminal (120) based on a device ID received by each input terminal (110). It further comprises control means (42) for changing the signal path in the signal path setting means (130) so that the musical tone signal reproducing devices (102, 104) for supplying signals are maintained.

  As described above, according to the present invention, since the musical sound signal output from the musical sound signal reproducing device is supplied to the output terminal via the input terminal and the signal path setting means, the user other than the user of the music reproducing device that reproduces the musical sound signal. Musical tone signals that can be appreciated by the user can be distributed with a simple configuration, and the copyright of music data and the like can be protected by storing the communication record in the storage means while specifying the music ID. .

  Furthermore, according to the configuration in which the signal path in the signal path setting means is changed so that the music signal reproduction apparatus that supplies the music signal to each output terminal is maintained, even if the music reproduction apparatus moves, the music signal remains the same. Can be output continuously from the output terminal.

1． Next, an overview of an in-train voice distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, reference numerals 102 and 104 denote portable music players owned by passengers, in which music data is stored as music files having a format such as MP3 format. Each player has a unique device ID, and when the user plays a music file, the device ID, a music ID that identifies the music being played back, and a stereo digital audio signal (non-printed) obtained by playing. Compressed PCM signal). These data are received by a plurality of (n) input terminals 110 provided everywhere in the train. The received digital audio signal is distributed via a plurality of (m) output terminals 120 provided on each seat and hanging strap in the train under the control of the distribution server 100. Therefore, even a passenger who does not have a portable music player can listen to music by inserting a headphone plug into the output terminal 120. The audio signal supplied to the output terminal 120 can be freely switched by an operation on the output terminal 120.

2． Hardware configuration
2.1. Portable Music Player Next, the hardware configuration of the portable music player will be described with reference to FIG. A CPU 2 controls other components via the bus 16 based on a program stored in the flash memory 4. Reference numeral 6 denotes a RAM, which is used as a work memory for the CPU 2. A codec 8 decodes MP3 format music data and outputs a PCM format audio signal. Reference numeral 10 denotes a sound system, which converts a digital audio signal output from the CODEC 8 into an analog signal and emits the sound through the headphones 12. A wireless interface 14 is compliant with Bluetooth and outputs various information to the input terminal 110. Reference numeral 18 denotes a display that displays various types of information to the user. Reference numeral 20 denotes an operation unit, which includes various keys. In particular, a play / stop button 20 a is provided inside the operation unit 20. A hard disk 22 stores music files and the like. Reference numeral 23 denotes a ROM that stores the terminal identification number of the player. Reference numeral 24 denotes another interface, which is connected to other various devices as necessary to execute data communication.

  Here, a memory map in the hard disk 22 of the portable music player will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6A, the area in the hard disk 22 includes a file management table area 50 and a music file area 52. Here, the music file area 52 stores a plurality of music files 54 in the MP3 format. Each music file 54 includes tag information 56 and compressed audio data 58. Here, in the tag information, the title of the album related to the compressed audio data, copyright information, and the like are recorded.

  Next, the detailed configuration of the CODEC 8 will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, a decoder 80 decodes the compressed audio data 58 in the music file 54 read from the hard disk 22 and converts it into an uncompressed audio signal (PCM data). However, the tag information 56 included in the music file is read by the CPU 2. A FIFO buffer 82 receives the audio signal and supplies the output signal to the sound system 10 and the cache memory 88. Reference numeral 90 denotes a cache control circuit, which reads out a digital audio signal stored in the cache memory 88 based on the control of the CPU 2 and outputs it via the wireless interface 14.

  A cache memory 92 stores the music ID and the device ID supplied from the CPU 2. Here, the music ID is an identification number that uniquely identifies each music. Generally, when a music piece recorded on a CD or the like is converted into the MP3 format, the identification number of the CD is recorded in tag information. Therefore, the music ID may be a combination of the CD identification number and the CD track number. The device ID is a number that uniquely identifies the portable music player. For example, the player's MAC address can be used. A cache control circuit 94 reads out data stored in the cache memory 92 based on the control of the CPU 2 and outputs the data via the wireless interface 14. Note that the musical tone signal sequentially stored in the cache memory 88 is continuously output via the wireless interface 14, and the music ID and the device ID stored in the cache memory 92 are repeatedly transmitted at a predetermined cycle.

2.2. Next, the configuration of the in-vehicle system provided in the train, such as the distribution server 100, will be described with reference to FIG. In the distribution server 100, reference numeral 32 denotes a hard disk that stores an operating system, various application programs, and the like. Reference numeral 34 denotes a display that displays various types of information to the operator. An input device 36 includes a character input keyboard and a mouse. Reference numeral 40 denotes an input / output interface, which is connected to the input terminal 110, the output terminal 120, and the audio signal distribution device 130, and inputs / outputs various control data to / from them. Reference numeral 42 denotes a CPU that controls other components via the bus 38. A ROM 44 stores an initial program loader of the distribution server 100 and the like. A RAM 46 is used as a work memory for the CPU 42.

  Next, 112 in the input terminal 110 is a communication interface, which receives a digital audio signal, a device ID, and a music ID from a portable music player. A signal separation unit 114 supplies a digital audio signal among the received signals to the audio signal distribution device 130, and supplies the device ID and the music ID and the input terminal 110 to the distribution server 100. To do. Here, the input ID is a value in the range of “1 to n” and is a value that uniquely identifies each input terminal 110.

  Next, 132-1 to 132-n are cache memories in the audio signal distribution device 130, and a digital audio signal is delayed by a predetermined time (several tens of seconds) and output for each of the n input terminals 110. . A matrix switch 134 with n inputs and m outputs connects n input terminals 110 and m output terminals 120 in a “one-to-many” relationship, and supplies each output signal to the corresponding output terminal 120. In other words, an audio signal from one input terminal 110 can be supplied to a plurality of output terminals 120. When the connection is switched in the matrix switch 134, the input audio signals before and after the switching are cross-faded.

  Next, 126 in the output terminal 120 is a DA converter, which converts the digital audio signal received from the distribution device 130 into an analog signal and outputs it through the headphone jack 122. Reference numeral 128 denotes a signal detection unit, which turns on the LED 123 when the level of the analog signal is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. Reference numeral 121 denotes a push button type change switch. When the switch is pressed by a passenger, a channel change request signal is output from the signal converter 124 to the distribution server 100. This channel change request signal is accumulated in the reception buffer for the output terminal 120 secured in the RAM 46 of the distribution server 100.

  Next, various data structures used in the in-vehicle system will be described with reference to FIGS. First, in the input terminal 110, when the device ID and music ID received from the portable music player are changed, the input terminal report packet 60 shown in FIG. 6B is output to the distribution server 100. The packet 60 includes an input ID of the input terminal 110, a device ID of a player who is a transmission source of the audio signal, and a music ID being transmitted. When the input terminal 110 has not received a signal from any player, both the device ID and the music ID are null data. Further, the hard disk 32 of the distribution server 100 stores an input management table 62 shown in FIG. The table 62 has a record for each input ID (that is, for each input terminal 110), and each record has a latest information part 64 and an old information part 66. And both information parts are comprised from apparatus ID, music ID, and reception time.

  When the distribution server 100 receives the input terminal report packet 60, the packet 60 is stored in a predetermined buffer area in the RAM 46. Thereafter, when the content of the packet 60 is confirmed by the CPU 42, the current content of the latest information portion 64 is copied to the old information portion 66, and the latest information portion 64 is updated based on the received packet 60. That is, the device ID and the music ID included in the packet 60 are written in the corresponding portions of the latest information section 64, and the time when the packet 60 is received is written as the reception time. Here, when the content of a certain record is updated, the reception start time and reception stop time of the music related to the music ID of the old information section 66 are determined. That is, the reception time in the old information section 66 is the reception start time, and the reception time in the latest information section 64 is the reception stop time. Therefore, when any record is updated, distribution history data 74 (FIG. 7) including the music ID, the reception start time, and the reception stop time, except when the music ID in the old information section 66 is null data. 6 (f)) is stored in a predetermined area of the hard disk 32.

  The hard disk 32 stores a distribution management table 70 shown in FIG. 6D in order to manage the state of the matrix switch 134 in the distribution device 130. The table 70 includes a record for each output ID (that is, for each output terminal 120). Each record includes an input ID representing the connected input terminal 110 and a digital audio signal for the input terminal 110. And a device ID representing a player supplying the device. When updating the switching state in the matrix switch 134, the distribution state update packet 72 shown in FIG. 6E is transmitted from the distribution server 100 to the distribution device 130. The packet 72 is composed of an output ID of the audio signal supply destination and an input ID of the audio signal supply source.

3． Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. First, when the distribution server 100 is started, a main routine shown in FIG. In the figure, when the process proceeds to step SP2, each device is initialized via the input / output interface 40. Next, in steps SP4 and SP6, an input terminal correspondence process (FIG. 5 (b)) and an output terminal correspondence process (FIG. 5 (c)), which will be described later, are repeatedly executed.

  Next, details of the input terminal handling process will be described with reference to FIG. When the process proceeds to step SP10 in FIG. 5B, the contents of the reception buffer for the input terminal 110 are confirmed. Next, when the process proceeds to step SP12, it is determined whether or not an unprocessed input terminal report packet 60 remains in the reception buffer. If “NO” is determined here, the processing of this routine is immediately terminated. On the other hand, if “YES” is determined here, the process proceeds to step SP14, and the contents of the input management table 62 are updated based on the packet 60 in the reception buffer. At this time, the packet 60 in the reception buffer is deleted. Next, when the process proceeds to step SP16, distribution history data 74 is created corresponding to each updated record in the table 62 and stored in a predetermined area in the hard disk 32.

  Next, when the processing proceeds to step SP18, a distribution management table update processing routine (FIG. 5 (d)) is called. When the process proceeds to step SP30 in 5 (d), all input IDs in which record updating has occurred in the input management table 62 in the previous step SP14 are searched. A set of these searched input IDs is X, and input IDs that are elements constituting the set X are X1, X2,..., Xp. That is, p is the number of input IDs retrieved. Next, when the process proceeds to step SP32, the input ID number p is substituted for the variable q. Next, when the process proceeds to step SP34, it is determined whether or not the variable q exceeds “0”. If "YES" is determined here, the process proceeds to step SP36, the record of the element Xq (input ID) in the table 62 is referred to, and the apparatus ID changes between the latest information part 64 and the old information part 66. It is determined whether it has occurred.

  If it is determined as “YES” (change in the device ID) in step SP36, the process proceeds to step SP38, and the table 62 is referred again. Here, it is determined whether or not there is a record in which the same apparatus ID as the apparatus ID in the old information section 66 of the record is recorded in the latest information section 64. In other words, the player who originally supplied the digital audio signal to the input terminal related to the element Xq (this is called the input terminal 110-q) moves to another input terminal (this is called the input terminal 110-r). ) Is determined whether or not it has entered the zone.

  If “YES” is determined in step SP38, the process proceeds to step SP40, and the input ID of the record in which the element Xq is specified as the input ID in the distribution management table 70 is the input ID of the input terminal 110-r. Changed to In some cases, a plurality of output terminals 120 are connected to one input terminal 110. In such a case, the contents of all corresponding records are updated. On the contrary, since no output terminal 120 may be connected to the input terminal 110-q related to the element Xq, the record is not updated at all in step SP40 in such a case.

  On the other hand, if “NO” is determined in step SP38, the process proceeds to step SP42, and the input ID of the record in which the element Xq is specified as the input ID in the distribution management table 70 is not empty (music ID). Is not null data) and is changed to the input ID of any input terminal receiving the digital audio signal. The case where step SP42 is executed includes, for example, a case where a user who has possessed a player who has supplied an audio signal gets off the vehicle, or a case where the power of the player is turned off. In step SP42, as in the case of step SP40, a plurality of records may be updated, or the records may not be updated at all.

  On the other hand, if it is determined as “NO” (no change in the device ID) in step SP36, steps SP38 to SP42 are skipped. This is because in such a case, only the music ID is changed, and only the music being reproduced in the player related to the device ID is changed. Next, when the process proceeds to step SP44, the variable q is decremented by “1”, and the process returns to step SP34. In this way, when the processes of steps SP36 to SP42 are executed for all of the elements X1, X2,..., Xp and the variable q becomes “0”, the process proceeds to step SP46. Here, all the changes executed in steps SP40 and SP42 are transmitted to distribution device 130 as one or a plurality of distribution state update packets 72. As a result, the switching state of the matrix switch 134 is changed so as to match the contents of the distribution management table 70.

  Next, the contents of the output terminal handling process will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, when the process proceeds to step SP20, the contents of the reception buffer for the output terminal 120 are confirmed. Next, when the process proceeds to step SP22, it is confirmed whether or not there is an unprocessed channel change request signal. If "YES" is determined here, the process proceeds to a step SP24. Here, the input ID assigned to the output terminal 120 is incremented by “1” (however, if the increment result exceeds “n”, the input ID is changed to “1”) and updated. The table 62 is referred to the later input ID, and it is determined whether or not a music ID other than null data is assigned. When such music ID is assigned, the contents of the input ID in the table 70 are updated so that the updated input ID is assigned to the output terminal 120. Such processing is executed for all the output terminals 120 that have transmitted the channel change request signal.

  When the audio signal is distributed to the passenger as described above, the input management table 62 is sequentially updated according to the state of each portable music player, and the distribution history data 74 is accumulated every time the update is performed. go. When the daily operation of the train ends, a usage fee is paid to the copyright holder of the music based on the distribution history data 74.

Four. Modifications The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made as follows, for example.
(1) Although the MP3 format is adopted as the music file format in the above embodiment, the file format may be a compressed audio data format other than MP3. The medium for storing music data is not limited to a hard disk, but may be a semiconductor storage element such as a flash memory, a magneto-optical recording medium such as MO or MD, or a phase transition type optical recording medium such as CD or DVD. Further, the communication method between the nodes is not limited to Bluetooth, and may be another wireless communication method capable of exchanging digital data in both directions.

(2) In the above embodiment, the supply source of the digital audio signal is only the portable music player, but other supply sources may be added. For example, as in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, music distribution according to a predetermined program may be performed in a train and received at each output terminal 120. Also, the input ID given to a device that performs such music distribution may be the maximum value that can be taken by the input ID.

(3) Although the output terminal 120 directly outputs an analog audio signal from the headphone jack 122 in the above embodiment, the audio signal is output wirelessly from the output terminal 120, and the passenger outputs this audio signal to a portable music player, or You may enable it to receive in FM radio etc.

(4) In the above embodiment, each input terminal 110 receives the output signal of one portable music player at the same time, but simultaneously receives the output signals of a plurality of players and supplies them to the distribution device 130. It may be.

(5) In the above-described embodiment, the case where use in a train is assumed has been described, but the present invention is not limited to a train, and mobile stations such as station premises, coffee shops, restaurants, highway parking areas, etc. This can be implemented as appropriate as long as the owner of the type player stays in a certain amount of time.

(6) In the above embodiment, the usage fee of the copyrighted work was counted when the daily operation of the train ended, but the timing of counting is not limited to this, for example, the distribution server when the vehicle arrives at the station The distribution history data 74 stored in 100 is downloaded to an aggregation device via an interface (not shown), for example, the number of reproductions or the total reproduction time of each song is aggregated, and the agreement with the right holder of each song is made. You may make it pay the usage fee according to it. In the above-described embodiment, the reception start time and the reception stop time are recorded in the distribution history data 74, but only the number of times the music is distributed may be recorded.

(7) In the above-described embodiment, various business modes are assumed for collecting the fee for use of copyrighted works. Although the business operator should determine appropriately, the following modes are conceivable, for example.
(a) Contribution from other business income as a free service.
(b) Lending stereo earphones for a fee (for example, 500 yen per month) and contributing from the loan consideration.
(c) Lending a portable player for a fee, and contributing from the loan consideration.
(d) Separately charge a point that can be used as a system usage fee on a non-contact type IC card, etc., give a non-contact type IC card reader etc. to the output terminal 120, and when the point is completely discharged by the reader, The connection between the output terminal 120 or the portable player and the server is allowed only during the time (for example, 10 yen for 3 minutes).

(8) In the above embodiment, various processes are executed by a program operating on the distribution server 100. However, only these programs are stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a flexible disk, or distributed. You may distribute it through.

(9) In the above embodiment, there may be a case where the music ID is not given, for example, when the music data reproduced by the portable music player is the user's own music data. In such a case, a dummy music ID may be given to the music. As the dummy music ID, for example, an identification number unique to the portable music player and / or time information indicating the reproduction date and time may be used.

It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the audio | voice delivery system in a train of one Example of this invention. It is a block diagram of a portable music player. It is a block diagram of CODEC8. It is a block diagram of an in-vehicle system. 3 is a flowchart of a processing program in a distribution server 100. It is a data structure figure of one Example.

Explanation of symbols

  2: CPU, 4: Flash memory, 6: RAM, 8: CODEC, 10: Sound system, 12: Headphone, 14: Wireless interface, 16: Bus, 18: Display, 20: Operation unit, 20a: Play stop button , 22: hard disk, 23: ROM, 24: other interface, 32: hard disk (storage means), 34: display, 36: input device, 38: bus, 40: input / output interface, 42: CPU, 44: ROM, 46 : RAM, 50: File management table area, 52: Music file area, 54: Music file, 56: Tag information, 58: Compressed audio data, 60: Packet, 60: Input terminal report packet, 62: Table, 62: Input management table, 64: Latest information part, 66: Old information part, 7 : Table, 70: distribution management table, 72: packet, 72: distribution status update packet, 74: distribution history data, 80: decoder, 82: FIFO buffer, 88, 92: cache memory, 90, 94: cache control circuit, 100: distribution server, 102, 104: portable music player (musical sound signal reproduction device), 110: input terminal, 112: communication interface, 114: signal separation unit, 120: output terminal, 121: change switch, 122: headphone jack , 123: LED, 124: signal conversion unit, 126: DA converter, 128: signal detection unit, 130: audio signal distribution device (signal path setting means), 132-1 to 132-n: cache memory, 134: matrix switch .

Claims (2)

Distributing the musical sound signal output from the musical sound signal reproducing apparatus that outputs, as radio signals, a device ID that identifies a musical sound signal reproducing device, a reproduced musical sound signal, and a musical composition ID that identifies a musical piece related to the musical sound signal A music signal distribution system,
A plurality of input terminals for receiving the radio signals;
A plurality of output terminals for outputting a musical sound signal supplied from any one of the musical sound signal reproducing devices via any one of the input terminals;
Storage means for storing a distribution management table in which each device ID is associated with an output terminal that receives a musical sound signal from a musical sound signal reproduction device associated with the device ID;
Signal path setting means for setting a signal path of the musical sound signal between the plurality of input terminals and the plurality of output terminals;
When one musical tone signal is supplied via any one of the input terminals and the supply of the one musical tone signal is completed, a means for storing the communication record in the storage means while specifying the music ID related to the one musical tone signal A musical sound signal distribution system comprising: Control means for changing the signal path in the signal path setting means so as to maintain the musical tone signal reproducing apparatus for supplying the musical tone signal to the respective output terminals based on the apparatus ID received by each of the input terminals. The musical sound signal distribution system according to claim 1.

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