JP4867939B2 - 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, various groups, communities, karaoke box stores, and the like may hold various events (karaoke contests) at the same time. Moreover, in the event which a karaoke box store plans independently, the restriction | limiting that it must sing in this store is assumed. For example, it is assumed that a user who sings at A store can participate in an event planned at A store but cannot participate in an event planned at B store. Such restrictions are preferable for the store A planning an event from the viewpoint of improving the ability to attract customers to the store. On the other hand, there is a demand for the user to grasp what kind of event is planned at another store. However, in the store A, announcing favorable events being conducted at other stores may cause a risk that the customer will flow to the store B. In addition, since the criteria for whether the condition is good (that is, what is a favorable condition) is different for each user, it is difficult to accurately estimate the criterion for each user.

  The present invention was made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a karaoke contest system and the like that can present event information in other stores without deteriorating the ability to attract customers. To do.

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 singers ID and scoring data for each event ID. 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 event information transmission processing transmits the contents of the event information database and the ranking table database to the karaoke device, and the ranking table update processing performs an event from the karaoke device. When the ID / singer ID / scoring data set is received, the corresponding ranking table is updated, and the award process is performed when an event implementation period in the event information database expires, The winner is determined based on the ranking table and the 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 used according to the control of the control means. Presents information to the user and accepts user input, and the performance means follows the control of the control means. The accompaniment music of the specified karaoke music is output acoustically, and 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 the 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, and information about the event is presented to the user, The event ID / music ID selected by the user through the user 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, The event ranking table is received from the competition server, and the accompaniment music of the acquired music ID is played on the performance means. In addition to scoring the singing voice during the performance, the ranking is obtained by referring to the ranking table that received the scoring data, and the ranking obtained at least at the end of the singing section is displayed. In the karaoke contest system in which the person ID is associated and transmitted to the contest server, the contest server determines whether or not there is another event including the music ID associated with the event ID received from the karaoke device. searching, if the other ones are present to transmit the event-related information of the event to the karaoke apparatus, the control means of the karaoke apparatus, after receiving an indication of event participants confirmed, from the other events An event is extracted, and event related information of the extracted event is presented.

According to the karaoke contest system, the contest server searches whether or not there is another event including the music ID associated with the event ID received from the karaoke device, and the other event exists. In addition, the event related information of the event is transmitted to the karaoke apparatus. The control unit of the karaoke apparatus receives an event participation confirmation instruction, extracts an event from the other event, and presents event-related information of the extracted event. Thereby, it is possible for a person who plans an event to prevent the user from changing participation in another event without participating in the event. For the user , other event information can be acquired. In addition, for other people who plan other events, the advertising effect on the other person's event is enhanced, and the ability to attract customers can be improved.

The invention according to claim 2 which is an aspect of the present invention is the karaoke contest system according to claim 1, wherein the singer's attribute information in the singer information database includes singer's hobby information, The contest server transmits the singer's hobby information to the karaoke device together with the event related information of the other event, and the control device of the karaoke device receives the instruction to confirm the event participation, and then Based on the hobby information, an event is extracted from the other event, and event-related information of the extracted event is presented.

According to the karaoke contest system, the singer's attribute information in the singer information database includes singer's hobby information, and the contest server includes the singing along with the event related information of the other events. The karaoke device control means extracts an event from the other event based on the singer's hobby information after receiving an event participation confirmation instruction. Present the event related information of the extracted event. Thereby, other events reflecting the user's hobbies can be presented.

  The invention according to claim 3, which is an aspect of the present invention, is the karaoke contest system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the event-related information includes a prize image and a prize amount corresponding to a prize of each rank. And the control means of the karaoke device presents the prize image and / or prize amount of the extracted event at the same time as the prize image and / or prize amount of the event determined to participate.

  According to the karaoke contest system, the event related information includes a prize image and a prize amount corresponding to prizes of each rank. Then, the extracted prize image and / or prize amount of the event is presented at the same time as the prize image and / or prize amount of the event determined to participate. Thereby, the user can grasp | ascertain intuitively the information regarding the other event shown. And by grasping | ascertaining the information regarding another event intuitively, the willingness to participate in the other event increases, and it is possible to improve the ability to attract customers regarding the event.

The invention according to claim 4, which is an aspect of the present invention, is the karaoke contest system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit of the karaoke apparatus determines the participation among the other events. An event having an advantageous condition is extracted by the user from the event that has been determined, and the advantageous condition is (1) when the prize amount of the same rank is compared, the amount higher than the prize of the event rank determined to participate (2) or the total prize amount higher than the total prize amount of the event confirmed to participate, or (3) or the prize exists in a lower rank than the event confirmed participation. To do.

Generally, a contest has a higher ability to attract customers as the prize amount is higher, or the prize is provided in a wider range of ranks from the highest rank (win) to the lower rank. According to the karaoke contest system, when extracting an event of a condition that is more advantageous by the user than the event that has been confirmed to participate among the other events, the prize amounts of the same rank are compared as the advantageous condition. Sometimes, there are prizes in a lower order than the confirmed event, which is higher than the total prize amount of the confirmed event, which is higher than the prize of the confirmed event ranking. Either of these is used. As a result, the ability to attract customers related to the event can be improved.

The invention according to claim 5, which is an aspect of the present invention, is the karaoke contest system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the event-related information includes a prize image and a prize amount corresponding to a prize of each rank. The karaoke device control means extracts an event having a condition more advantageous by the user than the event confirmed to participate among the other events , and outputs a prize image and / or prize amount of the extracted event. The prize image and / or prize amount of the event confirmed to be participated is presented at the same time, and the advantageous condition is higher than the prize of the event ranking determined to participate when comparing prize amounts of the same rank It is the amount of money.

According to the karaoke contest system, the event related information includes a prize image and a prize amount corresponding to prizes of each rank. Among the other events, an event having a condition that is more advantageous by the user than the event whose participation has been confirmed is extracted. Prize image and / or prizes amounts events the extraction is presented simultaneously with the prize image and / or prize money of the participants determined event. Thereby, the user can grasp | ascertain intuitively the information regarding the other event shown. By intuitively grasping information related to other events, the willingness to participate in the other events is increased, and planners (stores, etc.) planning for the other events can improve the ability to attract customers. it can. In general, the contest has a higher ability to attract customers as the prize amount is higher. According to the karaoke competition system, the advantageous condition is that when the prize amounts of the same rank are compared, the amount is higher than the prize of the event rank determined to participate. As a result, the ability to attract customers related to the event can be improved.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a karaoke contest system or the like that presents other more favorable events after receiving an instruction to confirm participation. As a result, event information at other stores can be presented without reducing the ability to attract customers at the store, and a karaoke contest can be succeeded 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.
“Music ID” is a unique identification code assigned to each karaoke music.
“Musical sound data” is data that is the origin of 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.
“Background data” is data that is the origin of the generation of background images (moving images, still images) displayed during the performance of karaoke music. In the present invention, any format of background data may be used.
“Singer name” is the singer name of the original karaoke song. Displayed at the start of karaoke music playback.
“Lyrics” is 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.

“Event ID” is a unique identification code assigned to each event.
“Problem song (music 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 ID” in the event information database 203 and the music database 202 is common.
“Planner” is a person (company, organization, etc.) who planned the event. Sponsors may also be planners. In this case, the planner information is sponsor information. In addition, a karaoke store may become a planner. That is, an event can be planned independently at each karaoke store. In this case, it is possible to plan not to participate in the event without singing at the karaoke store. Thereby, an event unique to a karaoke store has an effect of improving the ability to attract customers to the karaoke store.

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.).
“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.
“Prize” is information relating to a prize given to a person who has won a prize in the above-mentioned ranking of the winners.

FIG. 4 shows a detailed data structure of the “prize” attribute in the event information database 203 (FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 4, the “prize” attribute has information including a set of a rank, a prize name, a prize amount, an image, and a hobby.
“Order” is the order in which a prize is awarded.
“Prize name” is the name of the prize to be given. The content shown in FIG. 4 is merely an example. For example, with regard to “accommodation ticket”, detailed information such as “location, accommodation available date and time” is included in the “prize name”. For “MP3 player”, detailed information such as “manufacturer name, model number” is included in the “prize name”. As for the “dinner ticket”, detailed information such as “location, available date and time” is included in the “prize name”.

“Prize amount” is the amount of the prize to be given. The unit of the numerical values in FIG. 4 is “yen”.
“Image” is image information of a prize to be given. The stored image may be a still image or a moving image. Moreover, you may use a still image and a moving image properly according to prizes. Further, a separate image database may be provided, and the event information database 203 may include only link information to the image database. Further, for prizes with a low importance of an image (for example, a book card), the image may not be stored.

  “Hobby” indicates the category of prizes to be given. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, “travel” is associated with “accommodation ticket”. “MP3 player” is associated with “music”. In addition, “dinner ticket” is associated with “food”. “Hobby” is used when an event having an advantageous condition is extracted. Details will be described later. A plurality of “hobby” attributes may be given to one prize.

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.
Note that the data structures shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are merely examples, and it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to a system that uses this data structure.

The rank table database 204 stores various information related to the singer rank for each event.
FIG. 5 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.

“Event ID” is the same as the event ID in the event information database 203.
“Singer ID” is a unique identification code assigned to each event.
The “scoring value” is a scoring value when the task song of the event is sung. 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 is registered for participation in the event (that is, the date when the assignment song is sung).
“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. 5 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. 6 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.

“Singer ID” is the same as “Event ID” in the ranking table database 204.
The “nickname” is used, for example, when displaying the rank. The nickname can be arbitrarily determined by the singer himself.
“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.
“Gender” is the gender of the singer.
“Birth date” is the date of birth of the singer.
“Hobby” is a singer's hobby. This is common with the “hobby” in the event information database 203. A single singer may be associated with a plurality of hobbies.

The singer information database 205 is updated at an appropriate timing. For example, it can be updated every time there is a new registration.
The data structure shown in FIG. 6 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. 7 is an example of a system configuration of the karaoke apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 7, 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. 8 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.

  Here, for example, when the process shown in FIG. 8 is performed by the remote controller 101 and the commander 102 of “A store”, the server 200 determines that the event unique to “B store” is not possible to participate, The event related information of the “B store” is not transmitted.

When receiving the event related information, the commander 102 transmits the event related information to the remote controller 101 (5). Further, the event related information may be displayed on a display (not shown).
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).

  After transmitting the ranking table information of the selected event, the server 200 searches for other events (other events having the same task music) including the task music of the event (11). At this time, the event information database 203 is used. Further, events unique to other stores (for example, the “B store”) are also extracted.

  When the server 200 searches for an event having the same task song, the server 200 transmits event information of the event. The event related information includes information of the event information database 203. Here, an event unique to another store (for example, the “B store”) is also transmitted.

  When the singing of the music is finished, the commander 102 calculates the rank in the event accepted in the above (6) (13). At this time, the rank table information received in (9) above is used. Further, based on the calculated ranking and the received search result (other event information), an event having a more advantageous condition is extracted (13). A more advantageous event extraction method will be described later. The calculated rank is displayed on a display (not shown) (13).

  The commander 102 transmits a display content signal to be displayed on the remote controller 101 to the remote controller 101 (14). The display content signal includes an instruction signal for displaying a screen for confirming participation in the event. Moreover, you may include the information which shows the order | rank displayed on the said display.

  The remote controller 101 displays a screen prompting confirmation of participation in the event and accepts an instruction for confirmation of participation (15).

Upon accepting the participation confirmation instruction, the remote controller 101 transmits a participation confirmation signal to the commander 102 (16).
When receiving the participation confirmation signal, the commander 102 displays event related information of other events on a display (not shown) (17). Similarly, event related information of other events may be displayed on the display unit 116 of the remote controller 101. The display layout of event related information of other events will be described later.

  By displaying information related to other events after receiving the event participation confirmation signal, it is possible to present (notify) other events while ensuring participation in the events. Moreover, the user can acquire information regarding events at other stores.

  When receiving the participation confirmation signal, the commander 102 transmits a participation confirmation signal to the server 200 (18). This participation confirmation signal includes an event ID, a singer ID, and scoring data. Moreover, you may include music ID.

  When the server 200 receives the participation confirmation signal, the server 200 registers it in the ranking table database based on the event ID, singer ID, scoring data, etc. included in the participation confirmation signal (19). As a result, the sequential table database 204 is updated.

  According to the above-described process, other event information is presented after accepting an instruction to confirm participation in the event. For those who plan the event (own store, etc.), the user does not participate in the event. It is possible to prevent the participation change to the event. In addition, other event information that is favorable for the user can be acquired. In addition, for other stores planning other events, the advertising effect on the event is enhanced and the ability to attract customers can be improved.

(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. 9 is a diagram showing a flow of processing on the remote control side.

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). Note that events unique to other stores that cannot be participated in without singing at the other stores cannot be received.

  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 the present embodiment, the participation reception in S5 is “provisional reception”, and it is assumed that the participation procedure for the event is not completed unless a “participation confirmation” instruction to be described later is performed.

  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 S 7, the display content signal is received by the commander 102. Moreover, the singing order may be included in the display content signal.
In S8, a screen prompting confirmation of participation in the “provisional reception” event is displayed.

In S9, an instruction to confirm participation in the event is accepted. At this time, for example, the touch panel of the remote controller 101 is used. Moreover, you may comprise so that the nonparticipation instruction | indication to an event can be received.
In S10, a participation confirmation signal 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 a participation confirmation signal related to event participation confirmation will be described.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a flow of processing on the commander side.

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

  In S16, the search result is received. Note that the search result may be received while the music is being played (that is, waiting in S15).

In S17, the rank is calculated based on the rank table information received in S13.
In S18, the ranking calculated in S17 is displayed on a display (not shown). In addition, a screen prompting confirmation of participation in the event may be displayed.

In S19, events having more advantageous conditions are extracted based on the search result received in S16. A more advantageous condition extraction method will be described later.
In S20, a display content signal to be displayed on the remote controller 101 is transmitted.

After transmitting the display content signal, the process waits in S20 until a participation confirmation signal is received.
If a participation confirmation signal is received (S20: YES), it will transfer to S21. If a signal notifying participation in the event is received from the remote controller 101 during S20 standby, the process on the commander side is terminated.

In S21, information related to other events having more advantageous conditions extracted in S19 is displayed.
In S22, a participation confirmation signal is transmitted to the server 200.

(Server-side processing)
The processing flow on the server side will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of processing on the server side. The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 is repeatedly executed at every predetermined timing.

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 S37. 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, other events (other events having the same task music) including the task music of the event with the event ID included in the selection information received in S33 are searched. At this time, the event information database 203 is used. Further, events unique to other stores (for example, the “B store”) are also extracted.

In S36, the search result in S35 is transmitted to the commander 102.
In S37, it is determined whether a participation confirmation signal is received from the commander 102 or not.
If it is determined that the participation confirmation signal has not been received (S37: NO), the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the participation confirmation signal 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 S37. That is, information (singer ID, scoring data) included in the received selection confirmation information is registered in the ranking table database 204.

(Extracting events with favorable conditions)
Next, a method for extracting events with advantageous conditions will be described. FIG. 12 is an example showing the contents of an event unique to each store. In addition, the user participates in the event “Total prize: 45000 yen” in “A store”, the singing rank is “3rd”, the prize amount is “3000 yen”, and the user's hobby is “ Suppose it was "sport".

(Part 1: Method using prize amounts of the same rank)
An event that is “higher than the prize of the event ranking that has been confirmed to participate when the prize amounts of the same rank are compared” can be an event with advantageous conditions. In the example of FIG. 12, since the user's singing order is “3rd place” (price amount: 3000 yen), events of advantageous conditions are extracted based on the “3rd place” prize amount of each store event.

In FIG.
The third prize amount of the B store event: 4000 yen The third prize amount of the C store event: 5000 yen The third prize amount of the D store event: 5000 yen The third prize amount of the E store event: None.

  Therefore, “B store event”, “C store event”, and “D store event” are extracted as events having advantageous conditions.

(Part 2: Method using total prizes)
The event “the total prize amount is higher than the total prize amount of the event whose participation has been confirmed” can be an event with advantageous conditions. In the example of FIG. 12, the total prize amount of the A store event is “45,000 yen”.

In FIG.
Total prize for B store event: 54000 yen Total prize for C store event: 43,000 yen Total prize for D store event: 65000 yen Total prize for E store event: 30000 yen.

  Therefore, “B store event” and “D store event” are extracted as events having advantageous conditions.

(Part 3: Using the order in which prizes can be obtained)
An event “a prize exists in a lower rank than the event whose participation has been confirmed” can be an event with advantageous conditions. In the example of FIG. 12, the user's singing rank is “3rd place”.

In FIG.
B store event: Prizes can be obtained up to 3rd place C Store event: Prizes can be obtained up to 3rd place D Store events: Prizes can be obtained up to 4th place E store events: Prizes can be obtained up to 2nd place.

  Therefore, “D store event” is extracted as an event with advantageous conditions.

(Method using hobby information)
A method for extracting events with favorable conditions using hobby information will be described. In the following, an example applied to the method “part 1” described above will be described, but the method “part 2” and method “part 3” can also be applied.

In the example of FIG. 12, the user's hobby is “sports”. As described above, in the method “Part 1”, “B store event”, “C store event”, and “D store event” were extracted as events having advantageous conditions.
Here, in FIG.
Hobby information of B store event: Sports Hobby information of C store event: Reading Hobby information of D store event: Music.

  Therefore, only “B store event” is extracted as an event with advantageous conditions. Thereby, since an event is extracted based on a user's hobby information, the user's hobby can be reflected and the information regarding another event can be shown.

(Display layout of related information of extracted events)
FIG. 13 shows an example of a display layout on the display unit 116 of the display and the remote controller 101 (not shown). As shown in FIG. 13, the related information of the event whose participation has been confirmed and the related information of the extracted event are displayed on the same screen. Thereby, the user can easily compare the event that has already participated with other events, and can intuitively grasp the contents of the other events.

  According to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, since other event information is presented after accepting a participation confirmation instruction for the event, for those who plan the event (own store), the user can It is possible to prevent participation change to another event without participating. In addition, other event information that is favorable for the user can be acquired. In addition, for other stores planning other events, the advertising effect on the event is enhanced and the ability to attract customers can be improved. As a result, opportunities to participate in the karaoke competition are increased, and the karaoke competition can be succeeded as a business model.

[Second Embodiment]
1st Embodiment mentioned above was the structure which performs separately the instruction | indication for singing a subject music, and the instruction | indication for event participation confirmation. In 2nd Embodiment, it is comprised so that the instruction | indication for singing of a subject music may serve as the instruction | indication for event participation confirmation.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of information transmitted / received among the remote controller 101, the commander 102, and the server 200 in the second embodiment.

  The processes of (1) to (13) in FIG. 14 are basically the same as the processes of (1) to (13) in FIG. 8, but the selection information transmitted from the remote control 101 to the commander 102 in (7). Includes an event participation confirmation signal. Thereby, it is not necessary to perform the process for accepting an event participation confirmation instruction after singing.

Therefore, after extracting an event with advantageous conditions in (13), the extracted event can be displayed in (14).
The commander 102 transmits the scoring result to the server 200 (15).
Upon receiving the scoring result, the server 200 registers it in the ranking table database (19). As a result, the sequential table database 204 is updated.

  According to the second embodiment of the present invention described above, since other event information is presented after accepting an event participation confirmation instruction, for the person who plans the event (own store), the user can It is possible to prevent changing participation in other events without participating in the event. Moreover, there is no need to separately give an instruction for singing the assignment song and an instruction for confirming event participation. In addition, other event information that is favorable for the user can be acquired. In addition, for other stores planning other events, the advertising effect on the event is enhanced and the ability to attract customers can be improved. As a result, opportunities to participate in the karaoke competition are increased, and the karaoke competition can be succeeded as a business model.

(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. 8). Further, it is possible to charge at the time when the event to participate is confirmed (for example, at the time (15) in FIG. 8). 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, since other event information is presented after accepting an instruction to confirm participation in an event, for those who plan the event (own store), the user must participate in the event. It is possible to prevent participation in other events from being changed. In addition, other event information that is favorable for the user can be acquired. In addition, for other stores planning other events, the advertising effect on the event is enhanced and the ability to attract customers can be improved. As a result, opportunities to participate in the karaoke competition are increased, and the karaoke competition can be succeeded as a business model.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that 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 prize attribute. 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 the example of the event of each store. It is an example of a display layout. 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 (5)

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,
For each event ID , the rank table database stores a set of singer ID and scoring data as a rank table,
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 information 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 is
Search for whether there is another event including the music ID associated with the event ID received from the karaoke device,
When the other event exists, event related information of the event is transmitted to the karaoke device,
The control means of the karaoke device, after receiving an instruction to confirm event participation, extracts an event from the other event and presents event related information of the extracted event.
A karaoke contest system characterized by that. The singer's attribute information of the singer information database includes singer's hobby information,
The contest server transmits hobby information of the singer to the karaoke device together with event related information of the other events,
The control unit of the karaoke device, after receiving an instruction to confirm event participation, extracts an event from the other event based on the singer's hobby information, and presents event-related information of the extracted event.
The karaoke contest system according to claim 1. The event related information includes prize images and prize amounts corresponding to prizes of each rank,
The control means of the karaoke device presents the prize image and / or prize amount of the extracted event at the same time as the prize image and / or prize amount of the event confirmed to participate.
The karaoke contest system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein In the karaoke contest system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The control unit of the karaoke apparatus extracts an event of a condition that is more advantageous by the user than the event whose participation has been confirmed, among the other events,
The advantageous conditions are:
(1) When the prize amounts of the same rank are compared, the amount is higher than the prize of the event rank determined to participate.
(2) Or, the total prize amount is higher than the total prize amount of the event whose participation is confirmed,
(3) Or, there is a prize in a lower rank than the event confirmed to participate,
A karaoke contest system characterized by that. The event related information includes prize images and prize amounts corresponding to prizes of each rank,
The control means of the karaoke device is
Among the other events, an event having a condition more advantageous by the user than the event whose participation has been confirmed is extracted,
Presenting the prize image and / or prize amount of the extracted event at the same time as the prize image and / or prize amount of the event confirmed to participate;
The advantageous condition is an amount higher than the prize of the event ranking determined to participate when the prize amount of the same rank is compared.
The karaoke contest system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein

Images