JP4835600B2 - Karaoke competition system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a system for performing a karaoke competition among users of a large number of karaoke apparatuses.

  Karaoke contests using scoring technology and communication technology have been proposed. For example, in the following Patent Document 1, a ranking table of the subject music is acquired prior to the performance of the subject music, and the scoring result and the ranking are displayed after the performance of the subject music. Further, it is also disclosed that it is determined whether or not to participate in the competition after seeing the scoring results.

JP 2007-171335 A

  Here, it is considered that various events (karaoke contests) are held at the same time by various organizations, communities, karaoke box stores, and the like. At this time, in a plurality of different events, it is assumed that the same music piece is set as the task music piece of the event. In such a situation, it is desirable for the user to be able to select events to participate in consideration of various conditions such as ranking, implementation period, prizes, and the like.

  It is also assumed that another event occurs during the performance of the task song of a predetermined event. It is also assumed that the task song of a new event that occurred during the performance is the same as the task song that is currently being played. At this time, if the conditions of the newly generated event (ranking, implementation period, prizes, etc.) are preferable for the user, it is considered that the user wants to change the event to participate.

  However, in the matter disclosed in Patent Document 1, when an instruction to participate in a predetermined contest (task song) is given, even if a new contest of the same task song occurs during the performance of the music, Participation in the competition cannot be changed.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and even after the event to be participated is determined, a karaoke contest server that can participate in a new event that occurs during the performance of the music The purpose is to provide.

  The invention according to claim 1 which is one aspect of the present invention is such that a contest server that performs a karaoke contest can communicate with a number of karaoke apparatuses via a communication network, and the contest server includes an event information database, a ranking table, and the like. A database and a singer information database are provided, and an event information transmission process, a ranking table update process, and an award process are performed. For each event, the event information database includes a song ID of a song that can be sung as a task song, Stored in association with event-related information including a set of event ID / planner / implementation period / award guideline, and the ranking table database ranks a set of sets of singer IDs and scoring data for each event information. The singer information database stores the singer's attribute information in association with the singer ID, and stores the singer's attribute information. When the event information browsing request message is received from the karaoke device, the content information transmission processing transmits the contents of the event database and the ranking table database to the karaoke device, and the ranking table update processing receives an event ID from the karaoke device.・ When a set of singer ID and scoring data is received, the corresponding ranking table is updated, and when the execution period of an event in the event information database expires, the awarding process and the awarding guidelines and ranking of the event The winner is determined based on a table and a singer information database, and the karaoke apparatus includes a user interface, a performance means, a scoring means, and a control means, and the user interface is a user according to the control of the control means. The performance means is designated according to the control of the control means. The accompaniment music of the received karaoke music is output acoustically, the scoring means evaluates the skill of the singing voice according to the accompaniment music according to the control of the control means, and outputs scoring data. When there is a user input, the request message is sent to the contest server, the contents of the event information database and the ranking table database received from the contest server are stored, the event information is presented to the user, and the user The event ID / music ID selected by the user through the interface and the singer ID associated therewith are acquired, and the acquired event ID is transmitted to the contest server prior to the performance of the accompaniment music of the acquired music ID. Receive the event ranking table from the competition server, and let the performance means play the accompaniment music of the acquired song ID In addition to scoring the singing voice during the performance, the ranking is obtained with reference to the ranking table that received the scoring data, and the ranking obtained at the end of the singing section is displayed, and the output scoring data and the event ID / singer In the karaoke contest system in which an ID is associated and transmitted to a contest server, the contest server further performs new event information processing, and the new event information processing is browsing new event information including period information from the karaoke device. When the request message is received, the event database of the event newly generated within the period defined by the period information and the contents of the ranking table database are transmitted to the karaoke apparatus, and the control means of the karaoke apparatus uses the usage The first time is obtained as the time when the ranking table of the event selected by the user is received. When the performance ends, the end time is acquired as the second time, and a new event information request message including period information defining the first time as the start time and the second time as the end time is transmitted to the contest server. If it is determined that the new event received from the contest server includes a new event that has the same music ID as the music ID of the played music, , The rank is obtained by referring to the rank table of the new event, the event selected by the user, and the rank and related information in the new event are respectively displayed, and the event selected by the user and the new event are displayed. The event to be selected is selected from among the events, and the event ID of the selected event to be applied, the output scoring data, and the singer ID are associated. Characterized in that to transmit to the competition server with.

  According to the karaoke contest system, the karaoke device inquires of the contest server whether or not a new event has occurred during the performance of the music, and the task music of the new event that has occurred matches the music that has been played. In addition, the rank and related information in the new event are displayed, and the new event can be selected as a participation target event. Thereby, even after the event to be participated is determined, it is possible to participate in a new event with better conditions that occurs during the performance of the music. In addition, on the commander side, it is possible to compare the music piece that has been played and the problem music piece of the new event.

  The invention according to claim 2 which is one aspect of the present invention is such that a contest server for performing a karaoke contest can communicate with a number of karaoke apparatuses via a communication network, and the contest server includes an event information database, a ranking table, and the like. A database and a singer information database are provided, and an event information transmission process, a ranking table update process, and an award process are performed. For each event, the event information database includes a song ID of a song that can be sung as a task song, Stored in association with event information including a set of event ID / planner / implementation period / award guideline, and the rank table database ranks a set of sets of singer IDs and scoring data for each event information. The singer information database stores the attribute information of the singer in association with the singer ID, and the event When the event transmission request message is received from the karaoke device, the information transmission processing transmits the contents of the event database and the ranking table database to the karaoke device, and the ranking table update processing receives the event ID / When a pair of singer ID and scoring data is received, the corresponding ranking table is updated, and when the award processing period expires in the event information database, the awarding guidelines and ranking table for that event are expired. The karaoke device comprises a user interface, a performance means, a scoring means, and a control means, and the user interface is provided to the user according to the control of the control means. Presenting information and accepting user input, the performance means is designated under the control of the control means. The accompaniment music of the karaoke music is output acoustically, the scoring means evaluates the skill of the singing voice according to the accompaniment music according to the control of the control means and outputs scoring data, and the control means is the user of the event browsing request When there is an input, the request message is sent to the contest server, the contents of the event information database and the ranking table database received from the contest server are stored, information about the event is presented to the user, and the user interface The event ID / music ID selected by the user and the singer ID associated therewith are acquired, and prior to the performance of the accompaniment music of the acquired music ID, the acquired event ID is transmitted to the competition server, and the event ID Receiving the ranking table from the contest server, the accompaniment music of the acquired music ID is played by the performance means, In addition to scoring the singing voice during the performance, the ranking is obtained with reference to the ranking table that received the scoring data, at least the ranking obtained at the end of the singing section is displayed, and the output scoring data and the event ID / singer ID In the karaoke contest system in which the content is transmitted to the contest server in association with each other, the contest server further stores the time when the contents of the event database and the ranking table database are transmitted to the karaoke device as the first time, and the karaoke The time at which performance end information indicating the end of performance of the music of the event is received from the device is stored as a second time, and a new event occurs within a period defined by the first time as the start time and the second time as the end time In the case of the new event, the music ID of the new event and the music for which the performance has ended It is determined whether or not the music ID matches, and if it is determined to be included, the new event ranking table is transmitted to the karaoke device, and the karaoke device control means Is finished, the completion time is transmitted to the contest server as the performance end information, and when the new event ranking table is received, the ranking is obtained with reference to the new event ranking table, The event selected by the user and the ranking and related information in the new event are respectively displayed, and the event to be selected is selected from the event selected by the user and the new event. The event ID of the event, the output scoring data, and the singer ID are associated with each other and transmitted to the contest server.

  According to the karaoke contest system, the contest server determines whether a new event has occurred during the performance of the music on the karaoke device, and the task music of the new event that has occurred matches the music that has been played. In such a case, the rank and related information in the new event are displayed, and the new event can be selected as a participation target event. Thereby, even after the event to be participated is determined, it is possible to participate in a new event with better conditions that occurs during the performance of the music. Further, on the server side, it is possible to compare the music piece that has been played and the problem music piece of the new event.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a karaoke contest server or the like that can participate in a new event with better conditions that occurs during the performance of music even after the event to be participated in is determined. . As a result, the willingness to participate in the karaoke contest increases, and the karaoke contest can succeed as a business model.

[First Embodiment]
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[System configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a network configuration of a karaoke system in an embodiment of the present invention.
The karaoke system of the present embodiment basically includes a karaoke apparatus 100 installed in karaoke stores and the like in various locations, a communication network, and a server 200.
The karaoke apparatus 100 is installed for each guest room of the karaoke store.
The karaoke apparatus 100 and the server 200 are connected by a communication network through a router installed in a karaoke store, for example. Here, the communication network may be wired, wireless, or any combination, or may be a VPN (Virtual Private Network) using the Internet.

The server 200 basically includes a server controller 201, a music database 202, an event information database 203, a rank table database 204, and a singer information database 205.
The server controller 201 controls the entire server 200 and is realized by a processor (for example, a CPU).

The music database 202 stores various data used for performance of karaoke music.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the music database 202. As shown in FIG. 2, musical tone data, background data, singer names, lyrics, and the like are stored using the music ID as a key.
The song ID is a unique identification code assigned to each karaoke song.
The musical sound data is data that is the origin of the generation of karaoke music. For example, MIDI data or MPEG data can be used, but in the present invention, any format of musical tone data may be used.
The background data is data that is the origin of the generation of background images (moving images, still images) that are displayed during the performance of karaoke music. In the present invention, any format of background data may be used.
The singer name is the singer name of the original karaoke song. Displayed at the start of karaoke music playback.
The lyrics are displayed during the performance of karaoke music. Various known techniques can be used for the lyrics display mode during music reproduction.

The music database 202 is updated at an appropriate timing. For example, it may be updated (for example, in units of days) at predetermined time intervals, or may be updated each time a new song is created.
Note that the data structure shown in FIG. 2 is merely an example, and it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to a system using this data structure.

The event information database 203 stores various information related to events (karaoke contests).
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the event information database 203. As shown in FIG. 3, task music (music ID), planner, implementation period, participation fee, prize winner ranking, prizes, and the like are stored using the event ID as a key. In other words, in the event information database 203, for each event, music IDs of songs that can be sung as task music are associated with information including a set of event ID, planner, implementation period, and award guideline.

The event ID is a unique identification code assigned to each event.
The task song (song ID) is a task song used in the event. A plurality of assignment songs may be used in one event. Moreover, it is defined by the music ID. The music IDs in the event information database 203 and the music database 202 are common.
The planner is the person (company, organization, etc.) who planned the event. Sponsors may also be planners. In this case, the planner information is sponsor information.
The implementation period is the implementation period of the event. For example, it can be defined by a start date and an end date. Of course, it may be defined not in units of days but in units of time (for example, October 1, 2006 15: 00 to October 21, 2006 10:00, etc.).
The participation fee is a cost required to participate in the event. If the participation fee for all events is configured to be uniform, it is not necessary to set the participation fee attribute.
The winner ranking is a ranking in which a prize can be awarded.
The prize is a prize given to a person who has won a prize in the ranking of the winners. Note that examples of merchandise to be given include book tickets, MP3 players, hotel accommodation tickets, handy karaoke, restaurant invitation tickets, and the like.

The event information database 203 is updated at an appropriate timing. For example, it can be updated each time a new event occurs. In addition, a predetermined authority is required to update the event information database 203.
The data structure shown in FIG. 3 is merely an example, and it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to a system using this data structure.

The rank table database 204 stores various information related to the singer rank for each event.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the ranking table database 204. As shown in FIG. 4, the singer ID, scoring value, registration date, rank, etc. are stored using the event ID as a key.

The event ID is the same as the event ID in the event information database 203.
The singer ID is a unique identification code assigned to each event.
The scoring value is the scoring value when singing the task song of the event. For example, the scoring value may be 100 points, but may be 1000 points. Further, the minimum value of the scoring value may be in units of one point, or may be configured to calculate up to the first decimal place or the second decimal place.
The registration date is the date when the event was registered for participation in the event (that is, the date when the assignment song was sung).
The rank is the current rank in the event.

The ranking table database 204 is updated at an appropriate timing. For example, it can be updated every time a user participates in an event.
Note that the data structure shown in FIG. 4 is merely an example, and it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to a system using this data structure.

The singer information database 205 stores various information related to the singer.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the singer information database 205. As shown in FIG. 5, the nickname, address, sex, date of birth, etc. are stored using the singer ID as a key.

The singer ID is the same as the event ID in the rank table database 204.
The nickname is used, for example, when displaying the rank. The nickname can be arbitrarily determined by the singer himself.
The address is the address of the singer. The address is used, for example, when a prize is shipped when winning an event. It may be used when sending direct mail.
The gender is the gender of the singer.
The date of birth is the date of birth of the singer.

The singer information database 205 is updated at an appropriate timing. For example, it can be updated every time there is a new registration.
Note that the data structure shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example, and it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to a system using this data structure.

Moreover, singer information can be registered using a remote control. Registration can also be performed using a personal computer or a mobile phone. In addition, information related to karaoke music such as a profile, a personal song, a history of songs sung, and the like can be stored. Moreover, you may comprise so that it can access using a personal computer and a mobile about the information of the singer himself of the singer information database 205. FIG. Moreover, you may link with a karaoke SNS service.
Further, in order to participate in an event (karaoke contest) implemented in the present invention, it is necessary to register personal information in the singer information database 205.

Next, the karaoke apparatus 100 will be described. The karaoke apparatus 100 is installed in each guest room of the karaoke store.
FIG. 6 is an example of a system configuration of the karaoke apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 6, the remote controller 101 and the commander 102 are configured. Note that a plurality of remote controllers 101 may be configured to be able to communicate with the commander 102.

  The remote controller 101 basically includes an infrared communication I / F 111, a radio wave communication I / F 112, a CPU 113, a ROM 114, a RAM 115, a display unit 116, and an operation unit 117.

  The commander 102 basically includes an infrared communication I / F 121, a radio wave communication I / F 122, a CPU 123, a ROM 124, a RAM 125, an auxiliary storage unit 126, and a video / audio reproduction unit 127.

The infrared communication I / F 111 and the infrared I / F 121 are interfaces for allowing the remote controller 101 and the commander 102 to perform wireless communication using infrared as a medium (hereinafter referred to as “infrared communication”).
The radio wave communication I / F 112 and the radio wave I / F 122 are interfaces through which the remote controller 101 and the commander 102 perform radio communication using radio waves as a medium (hereinafter referred to as “radio wave communication”).
Further, by using the radio communication I / F 112 and the radio communication I / F 122, it is possible to transmit and receive various types of information to and from the host.
In addition, the commander and the remote controller may perform wireless communication via an access point.
Various operation signals received by the remote controller are transmitted to the commander. Various information is transmitted from the commander to the remote controller. Here, infrared communication and wireless communication can be used by appropriately switching depending on the type of information to be transmitted and received.

  When each remote controller 101 and commander 102 are connected by Ethernet (registered trademark) or the like, a unique IP address is assigned to each device. Further, the IP address can be calculated based on the identification number of each device and a predetermined generation formula.

  The CPU 113 and CPU 123 execute various programs including programs necessary for realizing the present invention. The ROM 114 and the ROM 124 store various data including information necessary for realizing the present invention. The RAM 115 and RAM 125 temporarily store various data including information necessary for realizing the present invention.

  The remote controller 101 is provided with a display unit 116. Various information including information necessary for realizing the present invention is displayed on the display unit 116. The remote control 101 is provided with an operation unit 117. The operation unit 117 may be realized as a touch panel on the surface of the display unit 116.

  The commander 102 is provided with auxiliary storage means 126. The auxiliary storage means 126 stores, for example, audio data and video data necessary for music reproduction. In addition, application data such as a game is stored. These data are received by downloading.

  The commander 102 is provided with video / audio reproduction means 127. The video / audio playback means 127 performs playback of music and playback of video. It is also possible to perform streaming playback based on data transmitted from a host (not shown).

  Also, voice input means (such as a microphone) and video display means (such as a display) (not shown) are connected to the commander 102. The commander 102 has a scoring function.

  The requested music may be downloaded from the server for each request, or may be configured to be temporarily stored in the host or commander. Moreover, the music downloaded once may be stored only for a predetermined time.

(Information sent and received in karaoke competition processing)
Next, information transmitted / received between the remote controller, the commander, and the server in the process related to the karaoke competition will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of information transmitted / received among the remote controller 101, the commander 102, and the server 200.

When receiving an operation for requesting information related to an event (event related information) from the user (1), the remote control 101 transmits an event related information request signal for requesting event related information to the commander 102 (2). ).
When receiving the event related information request signal, the commander 102 transmits the event related information request signal to the server 200 (3). The event-related information request signal includes identification information for identifying the commander 102 (karaoke device) that is the transmission source.

  When the server 200 receives the event information request signal, the server 200 transmits the event related information that can be participated at the present time to the commander 102 that has transmitted the event related information request signal (4). The event related information includes information of the event information database 203.

When receiving the event related information, the commander 102 transmits the event related information to the remote controller 101 (5).
The remote control 101 displays the received event related information on the display unit 116. In addition, a message for selecting an event intended for participation is also displayed. Further, the remote controller 101 accepts selection of a participation event by the user (6).
The remote controller 101 transmits selection information (event ID or the like) for indicating the selected event to the commander 102 (7). This selection information includes the song ID of the song to be sung as the task song (as a request signal for the song).

  When receiving the selection information, the commander 102 transmits the selection information to the server 200 (8). This selection information includes identification information for identifying the commander 102 (karaoke device) that is the transmission source. In addition, a request signal such as musical sound data for reproducing a song to be sung as a task song may be included. That is, if the musical tone data of the subject song has already been stored in the commander 102 or the host, it is not necessary to include the request signal.

  When the server 200 receives the selection information, the server 200 transmits the rank table information of the selected event (9). This ranking table information includes scoring data for each singer. That is, information necessary for the commander 102 to calculate the rank is included. If a request signal such as musical tone data is included, the data is also transmitted.

  When the commander 102 receives the order table information, the commander 102 starts playing the music specified by the music ID included in the selection information received from the remote controller 101, and scores the song of the music (10).

  When the singing of the music is completed, the commander 102 transmits to the server 200 a new event request signal for requesting a new event (an event generated after receiving the rank table information in (9) above) (11). . The new event request signal includes the time when the rank table information is received in (9) and the time when the music performance is finished. Further, only the time when the rank table information is received in (9) may be included in the new event request signal.

  When the server 200 receives the new event request signal, the server 200 transmits the new event related information and the rank table information of the new event to the commander 102 (12). If a new event has not occurred, a signal indicating that fact is transmitted.

  When the commander 102 receives the new event-related information and the ranking table information of the new event, the commander 102 includes the musical piece played in the above (10) as the subject song of the new event (that is, the subject included in the selection information received from the remote controller 101). (Song) is included. If the same task music is included in the new event, the rank in each event is calculated based on the rank table information (9) and the rank table information (12) (13).

The commander 102 transmits the calculated rank for each event to the remote controller 101 (14).
The remote controller 101 displays the rank for each event that can participate, and accepts a participation confirmation instruction (15). At this time, the user can give an instruction to change participation in a new event with better conditions.

The remote controller 101 transmits selection confirmation information for indicating the accepted participation confirmation event to the commander 102 (16).
When receiving the selection confirmation information, the commander 102 transmits the selection confirmation information to the server 200 (17). This selection confirmation information includes an event ID, a singer ID, and scoring data. Moreover, you may include music ID.

  Upon receipt of the selection confirmation information, the server 200 registers it in the ranking table database based on the event ID, singer ID, scoring data, etc. included in the selection confirmation information (18). As a result, the sequential table database 204 is updated.

  According to the above-described process, even after the event to be participated is determined, it is possible to participate in a new event with better conditions that occurs during the performance of the music.

(Processing flow on the remote control side)
Next, the flow of processing on the remote control side after receiving an event-related information requesting operation until receiving event participation confirmation will be described.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a flow of processing on the remote control side when a new event occurs.

First, in S1, an event-related information request operation is received from the user. At this time, for example, the touch panel of the remote controller 101 is used.
In S2, an event related information request signal is transmitted to the commander 102. After transmitting the event-related information request signal, the process waits until event-related information is received.

In S3, event related information transmitted from the commander 102 is received. The event related information includes information related to events that can participate (information stored in the event information database 203).
In S4, based on the received event related information, events that can be participated are displayed together with related information (prize, planner, etc.). Note that events that can be participated and related information may be displayed on a display connected to the commander 102. A message indicating that an event to participate can be selected is also displayed. The display layout on the touch panel can be set as appropriate.

In S5, an event to participate is received from the user. At this time, the user can perform an operation for participation using the remote controller 101.
In S 6, selection information (event ID or the like) for indicating the accepted event is transmitted to the commander 102. At this time, the song ID of the subject song corresponding to the accepted event is transmitted as request information. After the selection information is transmitted, the music performance of the music ID is finished, and the processing is waited until the performance ranking is received.

In S7, the order (related to the singing of the task song) transmitted by the commander 102 is received.
In S8, the ranking for each event that can be participated is displayed. The events displayed at this time are the event accepted in S5 and the new event. A message indicating that an event to participate can be selected is also displayed. That is, it is selected whether to participate in “the event accepted in S5” or “new event”. When there are a plurality of new events, each new event is displayed.

In S9, an instruction for an event to participate (participation confirmation event) is accepted from the user.
In S10, selection confirmation information for indicating the participation confirmation event accepted in S9 is transmitted to the commander 102.

(Processing on the commander side)
A flow of processing on the commander side from receiving selection information related to a participation event to transmitting selection confirmation information related to event participation confirmation will be described.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a flow of processing on the commander side when a new event occurs.

In S11, selection information transmitted from the remote controller 101 is received.
In S12, the selection information received in S11 is transmitted to the server 200. In addition, when music data or the like of the task music of the event to participate is necessary, information indicating that is included in the selection information. After the selection information is transmitted, the process waits until the rank table information is received.

In S <b> 13, rank table information (music data or the like as necessary) is received from the server 200.
In S14, the time when the rank table information is received is specified, and the time is stored in the RAM 125, for example. Instead of the time when the rank table information is received, the transmission time may be included in the rank table information, and the transmission time may be stored.

In S15, the performance of the music with the music ID included in the selection information received in S11 is started. Then, the process waits at S16 until the music performance is finished.
When the music performance ends (S16: YES), the process proceeds to S17.

In S <b> 17, the time at which the performance of the music is finished is specified, and the time is stored in, for example, the RAM 125.
In S18, a new event request signal for requesting a new event is transmitted to the server 200. The new event request signal includes the time stored in the RAM 125 as time information. This time information is used when an event extracted as a new event is specified.

For example, if the time when the rank table information is received is “January 3, 2008 17:00”, events executed after “January 3, 2008 17:00” are extracted as the new events. Will be.
In addition, it is good also as a structure which does not include the time when the performance of the music was completed in the said time information.

In S <b> 19, new event related information and new rank table information are received from the server 200.
In S20, it is determined whether or not the song ID of the song played in S15 is included in the song ID of the task song included in the received new event-related information. In FIG. 9, it is assumed that the task song of the new event is the same as the played task song.

  In S21, for each event (that is, for each event specified by the selection information in S11 and for each new event), the ranking of the music played in S15 is calculated. At this time, the rank table information received in S13 and the new rank table information received in S19 are used.

In S22, the order calculated in S21 is transmitted to the remote controller 101.
In S23, the selection confirmation information transmitted from the remote controller 101 is received.
In S24, the selection confirmation information received in S23 is transmitted to the server 200.

(Server-side processing)
The processing flow on the server side will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of processing on the server side. The process expressed by the flowchart of FIG. 10 is repeatedly executed at predetermined timings.

In S31, it is determined whether an event related information request signal is received from the commander 102 or not.
If it is determined that the event related information request signal has not been received (S31: NO), the process proceeds to S33. On the other hand, if it is determined that the event related information request signal has been received (S31: YES), the process proceeds to S32.

  In S32, event related information is transmitted to the commander 102 that has transmitted the event related information request signal received in S31. The event related information to be transmitted is determined with reference to the event information database 203. At this time, the time at which the event-related information request signal is received is specified, and events whose time is included in the implementation period are extracted.

In S33, it is determined whether selection information is received from the commander 102 or not.
When it is determined that the selection information has not been received (S33: NO), the process proceeds to S35. On the other hand, if it is determined that the selection information has been received (S33: YES), the process proceeds to S34.

  In S34, the order table information is transmitted to the commander 102 that transmitted the selection information received in S33. The rank table information to be transmitted is determined with reference to the rank table database 204. Specifically, it becomes rank table information transmitted by scoring data or the like in the event specified by the event ID included in the received selection information.

In S35, it is determined whether or not a new event request signal has been received from the commander 102.
If it is determined that a new event request signal has not been received (S35: NO), the process proceeds to S37. On the other hand, if it is determined that a new event request signal has been received (S35: YES), the process proceeds to S36.

  In S36, the new event related information and the new rank table information are transmitted to the commander 102 that has transmitted the new event request signal received in S35. The new event related information to be transmitted is determined with reference to the event information database 203. Specifically, it is determined using the time information included in the new event request signal and the implementation period attribute of the event information database 203. The new order table information to be transmitted is determined using the event ID attribute in the order table database 204 and the event ID of the new event to be transmitted.

In S37, it is determined whether selection confirmation information has been received from the commander 102 or not.
If it is determined that the selection confirmation information has not been received (S37: NO), the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the selection confirmation information has been received (S37: YES), the process proceeds to S38.

  In S38, the ranking table database 204 is updated based on the selection confirmation information received in S35. That is, information (singer ID, scoring data) included in the received selection confirmation information is registered in the ranking table database 204.

  According to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, even after an event to be participated is determined, it is possible to participate in a new event with better conditions that occurs during the performance of the music.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment described above, it is determined on the commander side whether or not the same task music is included in the new event, but it may be configured to be performed on the server side.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of information transmitted / received among the remote controller 101, the commander 102, and the server 200 when it is determined on the commander side whether the same task music is included.

Since the processes from (1) to (9) in FIG. 11 are the same as the processes from (1) to (9) in FIG.
At the same time as transmitting the table information, the server 200 stores the time when the information was transmitted, the identification number of the transmitted commander, the event ID of the transmitted table information, and the song ID of the subject song of the event (10).

  When the commander 102 receives the rank table information, the commander 102 starts playing the music specified by the music ID included in the selection information received from the remote controller 101, and scores the song of the music (11).

When the singing of the music is finished, the commander 102 transmits a performance end notification signal indicating that the performance of the music has ended to the server 200 (12). The performance end notification signal includes the identification number of the sender commander. However, time information regarding the end of the performance is not included.
When the server 200 receives the performance end notification signal, the server 200 determines whether or not a new event has occurred based on the information stored in (10) above. It is determined whether the music ID and the music ID stored in (10) are the same (13).

When the song ID of the played song is the same as the song ID of the subject song of the new event, the server 200 transmits new event related information and new rank table information to the commander 102 (14).
The commander 102 calculates the rank of each event based on the rank table information (9) and the rank table information (14) (15).

The commander 102 transmits the calculated rank for each event to the remote controller 101 (16).
The remote controller 101 displays the rank for each event that can participate, and accepts a participation confirmation instruction (17). At this time, the user can give an instruction to change participation in an event with good conditions.

The remote controller 101 transmits selection confirmation information for indicating the accepted participation confirmation event (18).
When receiving the selection confirmation information, the commander 102 transmits the selection confirmation information to the server 200 (19). This selection confirmation information includes a singer ID to be registered and scoring data.

  Upon receiving the selection confirmation information, the server 200 registers the information in the ranking table database based on the event ID and the singer ID included in the selection confirmation information (20). As a result, the sequential table database 204 is updated.

  According to the second embodiment of the present invention described above, it is possible to participate in a new event with better conditions that occurs during the performance of the music, even after the event to be participated is determined.

[Billing method]
Also in the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, a predetermined amount of participation fee is required to participate in the event. Therefore, a billing process for collecting the participation fee is necessary. However, in the present invention, any charging method for the karaoke competition (event) may be used.

For example, it is possible to charge at the time of selecting an event to participate (for example, at time (6) in FIG. 7). In addition, it is possible to charge at the time when the event to participate is confirmed (for example, at the time (15) in FIG. 7). Moreover, you may comprise in the singer information database 205 by providing the collection scheduled amount attribute for every singer, and collecting it for every predetermined period unit (for example, one month). In this case, the content of the collection scheduled amount attribute of the singer information database 205 is updated every time an event to participate is selected or every time an event to participate is confirmed.
In addition, the IC card (electronic money) may be used for payment of the fee, or credit payment or convenience store payment may be used. Moreover, you may comprise so that it may collect at the time of liquidation of a karaoke box.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to participate in a new event with better conditions that occurs during the performance of music even after the event to be participated is determined. As a result, the willingness to participate in the karaoke contest increases, and the karaoke contest can succeed as a business model.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  Further, each flowchart described above is merely an example, and the processing may be realized by another flowchart as long as a result equivalent to the processing of each flowchart can be obtained.

  The present invention can also be realized as a remote control, a commander, a method related to a karaoke competition system in the above-described karaoke competition system, a program for causing a computer to execute the method, a recording medium storing the program, and the like.

It is the figure which showed an example of the structure of a karaoke system. It is the figure which showed an example of the data structure of a music database. It is the figure which showed an example of the data structure of an event information database. It is the figure which showed an example of the data structure of a ranking table database. It is the figure which showed an example of the data structure of a singer information database. It is the figure which showed an example of the structure of a remote control and a commander. It is the figure which showed an example of the information transmitted / received between a remote control, a commander, and a server. It is an example of the flowchart of a remote control side process. It is an example of the flowchart of a commander side process. It is an example of the flowchart of a server side process. It is the figure which showed an example of the information transmitted / received between a remote control, a commander, and a server.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Karaoke apparatus 101 Remote control 102 Commander 200 Server 201 Server controller 202 Music database 203 Event information database 204 Rank table database 205 Singer information database

Claims (2)

A competition server for performing a karaoke competition can communicate with a number of karaoke devices via a communication network.
The competition server includes an event information database, a ranking table database, and a singer information database, and performs an event information transmission process, a ranking table update process, and an award process,
The event information database stores, for each event, a song ID of a song that can be sung as a task song, in association with event-related information including a set of event ID, planner, implementation period, and award guidelines,
The rank table database stores a set of singers ID and scoring data as a rank table for each event information,
The singer information database stores the singer's attribute information in association with the singer ID,
When the event information transmission process receives an event information browsing request message from the karaoke device, it transmits the contents of the event database and the ranking table database to the karaoke device,
When the rank table update process receives a set of event ID, singer ID, and scoring data from the karaoke device, the corresponding rank table is updated,
In the award process, when the implementation period of an event in the event information database expires, the award winner is determined based on the award guidelines and the ranking table of the event and the singer information database,
The karaoke apparatus includes a user interface, performance means, scoring means, and control means.
The user interface presents information to the user according to control of the control means and accepts user input,
The performance means acoustically outputs the accompaniment music of the specified karaoke music according to the control of the control means,
The scoring means evaluates the skill of the singing voice according to the accompaniment music according to the control of the control means and outputs scoring data,
The control means includes
When there is user input for an event browsing request, the request message is sent to the contest server,
Store the contents of the event information database and the ranking table database received from the contest server, and let the user present information about the event,
Obtain the event ID / music ID selected by the user through the user interface and the singer ID associated therewith,
Prior to the performance of the accompaniment music of the acquired music ID, the acquired event ID is transmitted to the competition server,
Receive the event ranking table from the competition server,
Let the performance means play the accompaniment music of the acquired song ID,
While scoring the singing voice during the performance, the ranking is obtained with reference to the ranking table that received the scoring data, and at least the ranking obtained at the end of the singing section is displayed,
The output scoring data and the event ID / singer ID are associated with each other and transmitted to the contest server.
In the karaoke competition system,
The contest server further performs new event information processing,
When the new event information processing receives a new event information browsing request message including period information from the karaoke device, an event database of events newly generated within the period defined by the period information and its rank table database Send the contents to the karaoke device,
The control means of the karaoke device is
The time at which the user's selected event ranking table is received is acquired as the first time,
When the performance is finished, the finished time is acquired as the second time,
A new event information request message including period information defining a first time as a start time and a second time as an end time is transmitted to the contest server;
It is determined whether or not a new event received from the contest server includes a music ID of the new event that matches the music ID of the played music,
If it is determined that it is included, refer to the new event ranking table to obtain the ranking,
The event selected by the user and the ranking and related information in the new event are respectively displayed.
From the event selected by the user and the new event, select the event to participate in,
The event ID of the selected application target event, the output scoring data, and the singer ID are associated with each other and transmitted to the contest server.
It is characterized by that. A competition server for performing a karaoke competition can communicate with a number of karaoke devices via a communication network.
The competition server includes an event information database, a ranking table database, and a singer information database, and performs an event information transmission process, a ranking table update process, and an award process,
The event information database stores, for each event, a song ID of a song that can be sung as a task song, in association with event-related information including a set of event ID, planner, implementation period, and award guidelines,
The rank table database stores a set of singers ID and scoring data as a rank table for each event information,
The singer information database stores the singer's attribute information in association with the singer ID,
When the event information transmission process receives an event information browsing request message from the karaoke device, it transmits the contents of the event database and the ranking table database to the karaoke device,
When the rank table update process receives a set of event ID, singer ID, and scoring data from the karaoke device, the corresponding rank table is updated,
In the award process, when the implementation period of an event in the event information database expires, the award winner is determined based on the award guidelines and the ranking table of the event and the singer information database,
The karaoke apparatus includes a user interface, performance means, scoring means, and control means.
The user interface presents information to the user according to control of the control means and accepts user input,
The performance means acoustically outputs the accompaniment music of the specified karaoke music according to the control of the control means,
The scoring means evaluates the skill of the singing voice according to the accompaniment music according to the control of the control means and outputs scoring data,
The control means includes
When there is user input for an event browsing request, the request message is sent to the contest server,
Store the contents of the event information database and the ranking table database received from the contest server, and let the user present information about the event,
Obtain the event ID / music ID selected by the user through the user interface and the singer ID associated therewith,
Prior to the performance of the accompaniment music of the acquired music ID, the acquired event ID is transmitted to the competition server,
Receive the event ranking table from the competition server,
Let the performance means play the accompaniment music of the acquired song ID,
While scoring the singing voice during the performance, the ranking is obtained with reference to the ranking table that received the scoring data, and at least the ranking obtained at the end of the singing section is displayed,
The output scoring data and the event ID / singer ID are associated with each other and transmitted to the contest server.
In the karaoke competition system,
The competition server further includes:
The time when the contents of the event database and the ranking table database are transmitted to the karaoke device is stored as the first time,
The time at which the performance end information indicating the end of the performance of the music of the event is received from the karaoke device is stored as the second time, and the new event is performed within the period defined by the first time as the start time and the second time as the end time. Is generated, it is determined whether or not the new event includes a music ID of the new event that matches the music ID of the finished music,
If it is determined that it is included, send the new event ranking table to the karaoke device,
The control means of the karaoke device is
When the performance ends, the end time is transmitted to the contest server as the performance end information,
When the new event ranking table is received, the ranking is obtained with reference to the new event ranking table,
The event selected by the user and the ranking and related information in the new event are respectively displayed.
From the event selected by the user and the new event, select the event to participate in,
The event ID of the selected application target event, the output scoring data, and the singer ID are associated with each other and transmitted to the contest server.
It is characterized by that.

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