JP4905481B2 - Karaoke competition system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a system for implementing a karaoke competition.

  Conventionally, a karaoke contest has been proposed in which a number of singers compete for scoring data of a task song (for example, Patent Document 1 below). Such a karaoke contest is considered to be able to improve the ability to attract customers at karaoke stores because prizes are provided to the top ranked players.

JP 2007-171335 A

  The above-mentioned event (karaoke contest) may be planned independently for each karaoke store. In order for a singer to participate in such an event, it is necessary to visit the store and sing, so the ability to attract customers can be improved. On the other hand, the singer of the A store can participate in the event planned in the A store, but cannot participate in the event planned in the B store.

  Here, when another event of the same theme song as the theme song of the event at the store A is planned at the store B (the same chain store as the store A), that fact should be presented to the singer of the store A Thus, participation in the event of B store (visit to B store) can be promoted. At this time, the tentative ranking in the event of participating in the event of the store B is also presented with the scoring data at the store A, so that the higher the scoring data, the stronger the participation in the event of the store B It is thought that you can. However, even if the same task song is sung at the B store, the same high score as this time is not always obtained, which is a factor that reduces the willingness to participate in the event at the B store.

  An object of this invention is to provide the karaoke contest system etc. which the motivation to participate in an event increases.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a karaoke contest system in which communication is possible between a center and a plurality of karaoke stores, and an event can be independently performed between each karaoke store. And a stock information database in which stock information including a set of a singer ID, a song ID, and scoring data is stored, and the stock information database is managed. Each karaoke store has a store server and a karaoke device. The store server is provided with an event information database, a ranking table database, and server control means, and (a) the event information database is sung as an event ID / task song for each event performed in the store. Eve including the set of possible music ID, planner, implementation period, awards (B) the ranking table database stores a set of sets of singer IDs and scoring data as a ranking table for each event ID, and (c) the server control means When a set of event ID, singer ID, and scoring data is received from the karaoke device, the ranking table corresponding to the received event ID is updated. (D) The server control means When the implementation period has expired, the award winners are determined based on the award guidelines for the event, the ranking table, and the singer information database, and the karaoke device includes a user interface, performance means, scoring means, and karaoke control means. (E) The user interface presents information to the user and accepts user input according to the control of the karaoke control means. (F) The performance means outputs the accompaniment music of the specified karaoke piece according to the control of the karaoke control means, and (g) the scoring means sings along with the accompaniment music according to the control of the karaoke control means. Evaluating the skill of the singing voice and outputting scoring data. (H) The karaoke control means (h-1) when there is a user input of an event browsing request, the request message is sent to the store server of the store. (H-2) receiving event information received from the store server of the own store, presenting the event information to the user, and (h-3) the event selected by the user through the user interface Event ID, music ID, and singer ID are acquired, (h-4) Prior to the performance of the accompaniment music of the acquired music ID, the acquired event ID is transmitted to the store server of the store, (h -5) receiving a ranking table of the event from the store server of the own store, and (h-6) causing the performance means to play the accompaniment music of the acquired music ID, the server control means of the own store being When the event ID is received from the karaoke control means, the server control means of the other store is inquired about whether or not there is another event including the music ID associated with the received event ID. When receiving the inquiry, the server control means searches for another event including the music ID included in the inquiry in the event information database of the other store, and there is another event. The event related information and the ranking table of the event are transmitted to the server control means of the own store, and the server control means of the own store When the event-related information and the rank table are received from the control means, the received event-related information and the rank table are transmitted to the karaoke device, and the karaoke control means refers to the rank table received from the server control means of the own store. The first ranking for the scoring data is obtained, the second ranking for the scoring data is obtained by referring to the ranking table received from the server control means of another store, and the information on the first ranking and the second When the information regarding the ranking is presented to the user and an instruction to participate in the event of the own store is received, the scoring data is transmitted to the store server of the own store in association with the event ID and the singer ID, and the stock When the registration to the information database is accepted, the scoring data is transmitted to the center as stock information in association with the music ID and singer ID. The center is characterized by updating the stock information database based on the received stock information.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, for example, when singing the theme song at the A store, the scoring data can be registered in the center without participating in the event of the A store, and then the store visits the B store and the same When the subject song is sung, it is possible to participate in the event of the B store using the scoring data registered in the center. Thereby, since the singer's willingness to participate in the event of B store increases, the customer attraction power of B store can be improved. In addition, you may include the image of a prize in the award summary of event related information. The information related to the first rank includes a numerical value indicating the first rank (for example, “third place”) and an image of a prize corresponding to the rank, and the same applies to the information related to the second rank. .

  The invention according to claim 2 is the karaoke contest system according to claim 1, wherein the center uses the stock information stored in the stock information database for event participation in any karaoke store. In this case, the stock information is deleted from the stock information database.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the scoring data registered in the center is used for event participation in any store, the scoring data is deleted. Thereby, since one scoring data cannot be reused in a plurality of events, an unfair feeling among singers can be eliminated.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the karaoke contest system according to claim 2, characterized in that only one scoring data is stored in one music ID for each singer ID.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 3, each singer can register only one scoring data into the center for one music. Thereby, since the display content can be simplified when presenting a temporary ranking when participating in an event of another store, the singer can easily determine whether or not to register the scoring data in the center. it can.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the karaoke contest system etc. which the motivation to participate in an event increase can be provided.

It is the figure which showed an example of the structure of the karaoke system which concerns on embodiment, and the structure of a karaoke apparatus. 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 a singer information database. It is the figure which showed an example of the data structure of a stock information 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 goods 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 information transmitted / received between a remote control, a commander, a store server, and a center. It is a flowchart of remote control side processing. It is a flowchart of a 1st operation reception process. It is an example of the display layout of the display part of a remote control. It is a flowchart of the 2nd operation reception process. It is an example of the display layout of the display part of a remote control. It is an example of the display layout of the display part of a remote control. It is an example of the display layout of the display part of a remote control. It is an example of the display layout of the display part of a remote control. It is a flowchart of a commander side process. It is a flowchart of a shop server side process. It is a flowchart of a center side process.

[Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a karaoke contest system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[Configuration of Karaoke Competition System]
As shown in FIG. 1, the karaoke contest system of this embodiment includes a karaoke apparatus 100 installed in each guest room of a karaoke store in each place, a store server 200 provided in the karaoke store, and distribution and management of various types of information. The karaoke store is connected to the center 300 via a communication network. Note that the communication network may be wired, wireless, or any combination, and may use the Internet.

[Center Configuration]
First, the center 300 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the center 300 manages information used for playing karaoke music in the karaoke apparatus 100, singer information for each singer, and stock information used for event participation, and the karaoke apparatus 100. This information is distributed at the request of.
The control unit 301, the music database 302, the singer information database 303, and the stock information database 304 are configured.
The control unit 301 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. The CPU reads out and executes various programs stored in the ROM, and controls the center 300 as a whole.
Hereinafter, each database will be described in order.

The music database 302 stores various information used for playing karaoke music. As shown in FIG. 2, the music database 302 stores musical tone data, background data, singer names, lyrics, and the like using a 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. Note that various known techniques can be used for the lyrics display mode during music reproduction.
The contents of the music database 302 are 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.

The singer information database 303 stores various information (singer information) about the singer. As shown in FIG. 3, the singer information database 303 stores nickname, address, gender, date of birth, and the like as singer information, using the singer ID as a key.
“Singer ID” is a unique identification code for identifying a singer from singer information.
The “nickname” is used, for example, when displaying the scoring order of events in the karaoke apparatus 100. The nickname can be arbitrarily determined by the singer himself.
The contents of the singer information database 303 are updated at an appropriate timing. For example, it can be updated every time there is a new singer registration.
Further, the singer information in the singer information database 303 can be registered using the remote controller 110 of the karaoke apparatus 100. Registration can also be performed using a personal computer or a mobile phone. In addition, in order to participate in the event (karaoke contest) implemented in the present invention, it is necessary to register singer information in the singer information database 303.

The stock information database 304 stores, for each singer, scoring data for each piece of music that is not used for event participation. As shown in FIG. 4, the stock information database 304 stores a song ID and scoring data using a singer ID as a key. In the following description, information including a combination of a singer ID, a song ID, and scoring data may be referred to as stock information.
The “singer ID” is a unique identification code for identifying the singer, and has the same content as the “singer ID” in the singer information database 303 (FIG. 3).
The “song ID” is a unique identification code for each song indicating the sung song, and has the same content as the “song ID” in the song database 302 (FIG. 2).
“Scoring data” is a scoring value when singing karaoke music.
The contents of the stock information database 304 are updated at an appropriate timing.
Further, when the scoring data registered in the center 300 is used for event participation in any store, the stock information including the scoring data is deleted. Thereby, since one scoring data cannot be reused in a plurality of events, an unfair feeling among singers can be eliminated.
Also, in the stock information database 304, only one scoring data is stored for each song ID for each song ID. Thereby, since the display content can be simplified when presenting a temporary ranking when participating in an event of another store, the singer can easily determine whether or not to register the scoring data in the center 300. Can do.

[Configuration of store server]
The store server 200 can communicate with store servers of other stores and the center 300 using IP communication or the like.
As shown in FIG. 1, it basically includes a control unit 201, an event information database 202, and a rank table database 203.
The control unit 201 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like, and the CPU reads and executes various programs stored in the ROM, thereby performing overall control of the store server 200 and functioning as a server control unit.

  In FIG. 1, the store server 200 is configured separately from the commander 120 of each guest room, but any commander 120 in the karaoke store is configured to have the functions of the store server 200. Also good. In this case, if the commander 120 having the function of the store server 200 is “parent commander” and the commander 120 not having the function is “child commander”, the “parent commander” and the “child commander” are master-slave. It can be regarded as a relationship. Then, the “child commander” outputs a predetermined request to the “parent commander”. Upon receiving a predetermined request from the “child commander”, the “parent commander” performs processing according to the request. In addition, the “parent commander” outputs a predetermined request to itself, and the “parent commander” performs processing according to the request of itself.

In the event information database 202, various information related to the event (karaoke contest) of the own store is stored. As shown in FIG. 5, the event information database 202 stores the subject song (music ID), the planner, the implementation period, the participation fee, the prize winner ranking, the prizes, etc., using the event ID as a key. In the following description, information including a set of an event ID, a song ID of a song that can be sung as a task song, a planner, an implementation period, and an award guideline may be referred to as event-related information.
“Event ID” is a unique identification code assigned to each event.
“Problem song (music ID)” is a problem music used in the event, and is defined using the music ID. A plurality of assignment songs may be used in one event. The content is the same as the “music ID” in the music database 302 (FIG. 2).
“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. Moreover, the ability to attract customers to the karaoke store can be improved by planning not to sing at the karaoke store where the event is held so that the event cannot be participated.
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. 6 shows the detailed data structure of the “prize” attribute in the event information database 202 (FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 6, the “prize” attribute has information including a set of rank, prize name, prize amount (yen), image, and the like.
“Order” is the order in which a prize is awarded.
“Prize name” is the name of the prize to be given. Note that the contents of the product names and prize amounts shown in FIG. 6 are merely examples.
“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 202 may include only link information to the image database. The contents of the event information database 202 are updated at an appropriate timing. For example, it can be updated each time a new event occurs.

The rank table database 203 stores various information related to the singer rank for each event. As shown in FIG. 7, the singer ID, scoring data, registration date, ranking, etc. are stored using the event ID as a key. In the following description, a set of a singer ID and scoring data may be referred to as rank table information.
The “event ID” has the same content as the “event ID” in the event information database 202 (FIG. 5).
“Singer ID” is a unique identification code assigned to each singer. The “singer ID” has the same content as the “singer ID” in the singer information database 303 (FIG. 3).
“Scoring data” is a scoring value when the subject song of the event is sung. Here, the format of “scoring data” is the same as the format of “scoring data” in the stock information database 304 (FIG. 4).
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 contents of the ranking table database 203 are updated at an appropriate timing. For example, it can be updated every time a singer participates in an event.

Further, the store server 200 downloads predetermined music data and background data from the music database 302 of the center 300 and stores them in the auxiliary storage unit 124.
In the present embodiment, a program for executing an event is also stored in the ROM, the auxiliary storage unit 124, etc., and the control unit 201 reads out and executes the event execution program from the ROM, the auxiliary storage unit 124, etc. according to an instruction from the store manager, It is assumed that a store event has already been performed by inputting and outputting various information related to the event according to a predetermined procedure.

[Composition of karaoke equipment]
Next, the karaoke apparatus 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1 (lower right enlarged view), the karaoke apparatus 100 includes a remote controller 110 and a commander 120. Note that a plurality of remote controllers 110 may be configured to be able to communicate with the commander 120.

The remote controller 110 includes a control unit 111, a communication unit 112, a display unit 113, and a touch panel 114.
The control unit 111 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like, and the CPU reads and executes various programs stored in the ROM, thereby controlling the entire remote controller 110 and functions as part of the karaoke control unit. .
The communication unit 112 is an interface for performing wireless communication with the commander 120. The remote controller 110 and the store server 200 communicate with each other via the commander 120, but the remote controller 110 may directly communicate with the store server.
The display unit 113 displays various information including information necessary for realizing the present embodiment. A touch panel 114 that functions as a user interface is provided on the front surface of the display unit 113.

  The commander 120 includes a control unit 121, a communication unit 122, a video / audio reproduction unit 123, and an auxiliary storage unit 124.

The control unit 121 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. The CPU reads and executes various programs stored in the ROM, thereby controlling the commander 120 as a whole, and a part of the karaoke control unit and a scoring unit. Function as.
The communication unit 122 is an interface for performing wireless communication with the remote controller 110. In addition, you may comprise so that infrared communication may also be performed. When the commander 120 functions as the “parent commander” described above, the communication unit 122 also has a function for connecting to the center 300 and the store server 200 of another store.
The video / audio reproduction unit 123 functions as a performance means, and reproduces music and video. The auxiliary storage unit 124 stores, for example, audio data and video data necessary for music playback.

  Also, voice input means (such as a microphone) and video display means (such as a display) (not shown) are connected to the commander 120.

  In addition, about the part (general structure in a center, a store server, and a karaoke apparatus) which is not directly related to understanding of this invention, illustration is abbreviate | omitted and redundant description is avoided.

[Information sent and received by the Karaoke Competition System]
Next, information transmitted / received among the remote controller, commander, store server, and center will be described with reference to FIG.

When receiving an operation for requesting information related to an event from the singer (1), the remote controller 110 transmits event request information for requesting event-related information to the commander 120 (2).
When receiving the event request information, the commander 120 transmits the event request information to the store server 200 (3). The event request information includes identification information for identifying the commander 120 (karaoke device) that is the transmission source.

  When the store server 200 receives the event request information, the store server 200 transmits event-related information of the event currently being executed to the commander 120 that transmitted the event request information (4).

When receiving the event related information, the commander 120 transmits the event related information to the remote controller 110 (5). Further, the event related information may be displayed on a display (not shown) connected to the commander 120.
The remote controller 110 displays information on events that can be participated on the display unit 113 based on the received event-related information, and also displays a message that prompts the user to select an event to participate. In addition, the remote controller 110 accepts selection of an event to participate from the singer (6).

  The remote controller 110 transmits event selection information indicating the selected event to the commander 120 (7). This event selection information includes the singer ID in addition to the event ID of the selected event, and the music ID of the music to be sung as the task music (as a request signal for the music).

  When receiving the event selection information, the commander 120 transmits the event selection information to the store server 200 (8). The event selection information transmitted to the store server 200 includes identification information for identifying the commander 120 (karaoke device) that is a transmission source, a singer ID, and a song ID. In addition, a request signal such as musical sound data for reproducing a song to be sung as a task song may be included. If the musical tone data of the subject song has already been stored in the commander 120, it is not necessary to include the request signal.

  Upon receiving the event selection information, the store server 200 transmits rank table information corresponding to the event ID of the selected event to the commander 120 serving as the transmission source (9). When the received event selection information includes a request signal such as musical tone data, the data is also transmitted. At this time, if the requested musical tone data or the like does not exist in the store server 200, a request signal such as the musical tone data or the like is output to the center 300.

  When the commander 120 receives the rank table information, the commander 120 starts playing the music specified by the music ID included in the event selection information received from the remote controller 110, and scores the song of the music (10).

  On the other hand, after transmitting the rank table information of the selected event, the store server 200 inquires of the store server of another store whether or not the event of the same task song as the event selected in the own store is being performed. (11). And the reply information which shows whether the said event is implemented from the store server of another store is received.

  Further, the store server 200 extracts the singer ID and the song ID from the event selection information received in (8) above, and transmits the stock request information including the singer ID and the song ID to the center 300 ( 12).

  When the center 300 receives the stock request information, the center 300 refers to the singer information database 303 and transmits stock information corresponding to the singer ID and the music ID included in the stock request information to the store server 200 (13). ). If there is no corresponding stock information, information indicating that is transmitted as stock information.

  The store server 200 transmits the response information received from the store server of another store and the stock information received from the center 300 to the commander 120 as result information (14).

The commander 120 calculates the rank of the song when the song is finished, and displays it on a display (not shown) of the commander 120 (15).
The commander 120 transmits the result information received from the store server 200 to the remote controller 110 (16).

The remote controller 110 presents predetermined information on the display unit 113 based on the received result information, and gives an instruction of “participation in event”, “update stock information”, or “non-participation in event” to the singer. (17).
Further, when receiving an instruction from the singer, the remote controller 110 transmits instruction information indicating the received instruction to the commander 120 (18).

  When receiving the instruction information, the commander 120 performs processing based on the instruction information. If the instruction information includes information indicating “non-participation in event”, the commander 120 ends the process. On the other hand, when the information indicating “participation in event” is included in the instruction information, the participation instruction information is transmitted to the store server 200 (19). If the information indicating “stock information update” is included in the instruction information, the stock update information is transmitted to the center 300 (21).

Upon receiving the participation instruction information, the store server 200 updates the event information database 202 based on the participation instruction information (20).
When receiving the stock update information, the center 300 updates the stock information database 304 based on the stock update information (22).

[Processing on the remote control 110 side]
Next, the remote control side process executed on the remote control 110 side will be specifically described. A program for remote control side processing is stored in the ROM in the control unit 111 and is repeatedly executed by the CPU in the control unit 111. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the remote-side processing.

First, in S <b> 11, the control unit 111 receives an event-related information request instruction from the singer via the touch panel 114.
In S <b> 12, the control unit 111 transmits event request information to the commander 120. After transmitting the event-related information request signal, the control unit 111 causes the process to wait in S12 until the event-related information is received.

  In S <b> 13, the control unit 111 receives the event related information transmitted from the commander 120. The event related information includes information related to events that can be participated in planned in the own store (information stored in the event information database 202).

  In S14, the control unit 111 displays information (prize, planner, etc.) on events that can be participated on the display unit 113 based on the received event-related information. Note that events that can be participated and related information may be displayed on a display (not shown) connected to the commander 120. Further, a message indicating that an event to participate can be selected is also displayed on the display unit 113. The display layout on the display unit 113 can be set as appropriate.

  In S <b> 15, the control unit 111 receives selection of an event to participate from the singer through the touch panel 114. In the present embodiment, the participation reception in S15 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 <b> 16, the control unit 111 transmits event selection information indicating the accepted event to the commander 120. At this time, the song ID of the subject song corresponding to the accepted event is transmitted as request information. After transmitting the event selection information, the control unit 111 waits for processing in S16 until the result information is received from the commander 120.
In S <b> 17, the control unit 111 receives result information from the commander 120.

  In S18, the control unit 111 determines whether there is stock information corresponding to the sung music. Specifically, the control unit 111 makes this determination based on whether or not stock information is included in the result information received in S17.

  If it is determined that there is no stock information corresponding to the sung song (S18: NO), the control unit 111 executes a first operation reception process in S19. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is stock information corresponding to the sung song (S18: YES), the control unit 111 executes the second operation reception process in S20. Details of the first operation reception process and the second operation reception process will be described later.

  In S21, the control unit 111 transmits the instruction information created in S19 or S20 to the commander 120.

[First operation acceptance process]
Next, the first operation reception process executed in S19 of the remote control process will be specifically described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the first operation reception process.
First, in S31, the control unit 111 displays the first screen on the display unit 113. FIG. 11 shows an example of the display layout of the first screen.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the upper left part of the display unit 113, the singing data of the current singing is displayed, the ranking of the current singing is displayed below, and the ranking is given below the singing. A prize name and an image of the prize are displayed.

  Also, on the right side of the display unit 113, a message indicating that an event of the same subject song is being performed at another store is displayed, and below that, the event of the other store was participated with the singing data of this song. The virtual rank in the case is displayed, and below that, the names of prizes awarded in the rank and images of the prizes are displayed.

  In FIG. 11, only the prize names and images corresponding to the ranking of the current song are displayed, but other rankings (for example, when the ranking of the current song is “third”) The prize names and images corresponding to “4th place” and “5th place” may be displayed together. Further, prize names and images of all ranks may be displayed.

Further, the button 151, the button 152, and the button 153 are displayed in a state where they can be pressed at the bottom of the display unit 113.
The singer presses the button 151 when instructing “participation in the event”, presses the button 152 when instructing “stock in center”, and instructs “non-participation in event” Button 153 is pressed.

Returning to FIG. When control unit 111 receives an operation on touch panel 114 from the singer (that is, pressing any of buttons 151 to 153), it determines the operation content in S32.
If it is determined that participation in the event has been instructed (that is, the button 151 has been pressed), the control unit 111 shifts the processing to S33.

In step S <b> 33, the control unit 111 displays a screen for confirming participation in the event on the display unit 113. Further, information such as a participation fee necessary for participation in the event is also displayed on the display unit 113. Moreover, the control part 111 receives the instruction | indication for "participation confirmation" from a singer.
Thereafter, in S34, the control unit 111 creates instruction information. The instruction information includes information indicating “participation in an event”, an event ID of a participating event, a singer ID, and scoring data.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S32 that non-participation in the event has been instructed (that is, the button 153 has been pressed), the control unit 111 shifts the process to S35.
In S <b> 35, the control unit 111 displays a screen for confirming non-participation in the event on the display unit 113. Moreover, the control part 111 receives the instruction | indication for "non-participation confirmation" from a singer.
Thereafter, in S36, the control unit 111 creates instruction information. The instruction information includes information indicating that it does not participate in the event.

On the other hand, in S32, when it is determined that stocking of the scoring data to the center 300 is instructed (that is, the button 152 is pressed), the control unit 111 shifts the process to S37.
In S <b> 37, the control unit 111 displays a screen for confirming that the scoring data is stocked in the center 300 on the display unit 113. Further, information such as the cost (registration fee) necessary for stock is also displayed on the display unit 113. Moreover, the control part 111 receives the instruction | indication for "stock confirmation" from a singer.
Thereafter, in S38, the control unit 111 creates instruction information. The instruction information includes information indicating “stock information update”, singer ID, music ID, and scoring data.

[Second operation acceptance process]
Next, the second operation acceptance process executed in S20 of the remote controller side process will be specifically described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the second operation reception process.
First, in S51, the control unit 111 displays the second screen on the display unit 113. FIG. 13 shows an example of the display layout of the second screen.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the upper left part of the display unit 113, the grading data of the current singing is displayed, and below that, the ranking of the own store event in the singing data of the current singing is displayed. Below the display area 164, the names of prizes to be awarded in that order and images of the prizes are displayed.

  In addition, the scoring data stored in the center 300 is displayed on the right side of the display unit 113, and the order of the own store event in the stocked scoring data is displayed below the scoring data. In the display area 165, the names of products to be awarded in that order and images of the prizes are displayed.

  In FIG. 13, only the prize names and images corresponding to the ranking of the current singing score data and the ranking of the stocked scoring data are displayed. When the ranking is “3rd place”, prize names and images corresponding to “4th place” and “5th place” below may be displayed together. Further, prize names and images of all ranks may be displayed.

In addition, the button 161, the button 162, and the button 163 are displayed in a state where they can be pressed at the bottom of the display unit 113.
The singer presses the button 161 when instructing “participation in an event”, and presses the button 162 when instructing “view another event”, and instructs “non-participation in event”. In this case, the button 163 is pressed.

When stock information exists in the center 300 and an event of the same subject song is being carried out at another store,
(1) Information regarding the ranking of own store events in the singing data of this song,
(2) Information regarding the ranking of own store events in the stocked scoring data,
(3) Information regarding virtual ranking when participating in other store events with the grading data of this song,
(4) Information about virtual ranking when participating in other store events with stocked scoring data,
These four pieces of information can be displayed on the display unit 113.

  However, since the area of the display unit 113 is limited, it is desirable to present information on options that are likely to be selected by the singer first. When a singer sings at another store, it is considered that he / she is interested in an event that can participate in this singing (the event of the store) and registered stock information, so information on the ranking of the store event (I.e., the information of (1) and (2) above) is presented to the singer by presenting information related to the ranking of other store events (i.e., information of (3) and (4) above) Information can be presented efficiently.

Returning to FIG.
When control unit 111 receives an operation on touch panel 114 from the singer (that is, pressing any one of buttons 161 to 163), it determines the operation content in S52.
When determining that participation in the event has been instructed (that is, the button 161 has been pressed), the control unit 111 shifts the process to S53.

  In S53, the control unit 111 displays the third screen on the display unit 113. FIG. 14 shows an example of the display layout of the third screen.

As shown in FIG. 14, in the upper left part of the display unit 113, the score data of the current song is displayed, and in the display area 173 below the image, the images of prizes to be awarded in the order of the score data are displayed. ing.
In addition, in the upper right part of the display unit 113, stocked scoring data is displayed, and in the display area 174 below it, images of prizes that are awarded in the order of the scoring data are displayed.

Here, the display area 173 of the third screen is larger than the display area 164 of the second screen (FIG. 13), and no prize name is displayed in the display area 173.
Further, the display area 174 of the third screen is larger than the display area 165 of the second screen (FIG. 13), and no prize name is displayed in the display area 174.

  Thereby, since the image of the prize to be awarded can be displayed in a large size, the singer can more easily grasp the relationship between the scoring data used for event participation and the prize.

Further, a button 171 and a button 172 are displayed in a state where they can be pressed at the bottom of the display unit 113.
The singer presses the button 171 when instructing to participate in the event with the scoring data of this song, and presses the button 172 when instructing to participate in the event with the stocked scoring data To do. In addition, since the scoring data of the current song is displayed on the button 171 and the scoring data stored in the button 172 is displayed, the singer can use the scoring data used for participating in the event and the button as an option thereof. The correspondence can be grasped more easily. Note that the display area 173 and the display area 174 may be directly pressed.

Returning to FIG.
In S54, the control unit 111 receives an operation of the touch panel 114 from the singer (that is, presses one of the buttons 171 or 172), and displays a screen for confirming participation in the event on the display unit 113. Further, information such as a participation fee necessary for participation in the event is also displayed on the display unit 113.

Thereafter, in S55, the control unit 111 creates instruction information.
When the button 171 is pressed in S54, the instruction information includes information indicating “participation in an event”, an event ID of a participating event, a singer ID, and current scoring data.

  When the button 172 is pressed in S54, the instruction information includes information indicating “participation in an event”, an event ID of a participating event, a singer ID, and stocked scoring data. Further, the instruction information includes information indicating “stock information update”, a singer ID, and a song ID (that is, instruction information for deleting the stock information from the stock information database 304).

On the other hand, in S52, when it is determined that non-participation in the event is instructed (that is, the button 163 is pressed), the control unit 111 shifts the process to S56.
In S <b> 56, the control unit 111 displays a screen for confirming non-participation in the event on the display unit 113. Moreover, the control part 111 receives the instruction | indication for "non-participation confirmation" from a singer.
Thereafter, in S57, the control unit 111 creates instruction information. The instruction information includes information indicating that it does not participate in the event.

On the other hand, in S52, when it is determined that browsing of another event is instructed (that is, the button 162 is pressed), the control unit 111 shifts the process to S58.
In S58, the control unit 111 displays the fourth screen on the display unit 113. FIG. 15 shows an example of the display layout of the fourth screen.

As shown in FIG. 15, information related to events at other stores of the same subject song is displayed at the top of the display unit 113.
In addition, on the left side of the display unit 113, the scoring data of the current song is displayed, and below that, virtual rankings when participating in an event of another store with the scoring data are displayed, and the display below that In the area 184, the names of prizes to be awarded in that order and images of the prizes are displayed.
In addition, the stocked scoring data is displayed on the right side of the display unit 113, and the virtual ranking when participating in an event of another store with the scoring data is displayed below the displayed scoring data. In the area 185, the names of prizes to be awarded in this order are displayed.

  In FIG. 15, only the prize names and images corresponding to the ranking of the current singing score data and the ranking of the stocked scoring data are displayed. When the ranking is “3rd place”, prize names and images corresponding to “4th place” and “5th place” below may be displayed together. Further, prize names and images of all ranks may be displayed.

Further, the button 181, the button 182, and the button 183 are displayed in a state where they can be pressed at the bottom of the display unit 113.
The singer presses the button 181 when instructing “stock”, presses the button 182 when instructing “view another event”, and indicates “non-participation in event”. A button 183 is pressed.

Returning to FIG.
When control unit 111 receives an operation on touch panel 114 from a singer (that is, pressing any of buttons 181 to 183), it determines the operation content in S59.
If it is determined that non-participation in the event is instructed (that is, the button 183 is pressed), the control unit 111 shifts the process to S56.

  On the other hand, when determining that browsing of another event has been instructed (that is, the button 182 has been pressed), the control unit 111 shifts the process to S51.

On the other hand, if it is determined that stocking of the scoring data to the center 300 is instructed (that is, the button 181 is pressed), the control unit 111 shifts the process to S60.
In S60, the control unit 111 displays the fifth screen on the display unit 113. FIG. 16 shows an example of the display layout of the fifth screen.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the names of other stores are displayed at the top of the display unit. Also, on the left side of the display unit 113, the singing data of the current song is displayed, and in the display area 193 below the name of the prize, which is awarded in a virtual ranking when participating in an event of another store with the scoring data. And the image is displayed.

  In addition, the stocked scoring data is displayed on the right side of the display unit 113, and in the display area 194 below the stock data, a prize name that is awarded in a virtual order when participating in an event of another store with the scoring data is displayed. Is displayed.

Here, the display area 193 of the fifth screen is larger than the display area 184 of the fourth screen (FIG. 15), and the prize name is not displayed in the display area 193.
The display area 194 of the fifth screen is larger than the display area 185 of the fourth screen (FIG. 15).

  Thereby, since the content of the prize to be awarded can be displayed large, the singer can more easily grasp the relationship between the stocked scoring data and the prize.

In addition, a button 191 and a button 192 are displayed in a state where they can be pressed at the bottom of the display unit 113.
The singer presses the button 191 when instructing the stock data of the current song to be stocked in the center 300 and stocks the stocked stock data in the center 300 (that is, the update of the stock information database 304). Button 192 is pressed.

  In addition, since the scoring data of the current song is displayed on the button 191 and the scoring data stocked is displayed on the button 192, the singer can associate the scoring data to stock with the button which is the option. Can be grasped more easily. Note that the display area 193 and the display area 194 may be directly pressed.

Returning to FIG.
In S <b> 61, the control unit 111 receives an operation of the touch panel 114 from the singer (that is, presses one of the buttons 191 or 192), and displays a screen for confirming the content of information to be stored on the display unit 113. .

  Thereafter, in S62, the control unit 111 creates instruction information. When the button 191 is pressed in S61, the instruction information includes the singer ID, the song ID, and the current scoring data as information for updating the stock information database 304. When the button 192 is pressed in S61, the instruction information includes the singer ID, the song ID, and the graded data that is stocked as information for updating the stock information database 304.

  By remote control side processing, information can be efficiently presented to the singer by effectively utilizing the display area of the display unit 113, and an easy-to-operate user interface can be provided.

[Processing on the commander 120 side]
Next, the commander side process executed on the commander 120 side will be specifically described. The commander-side processing program is stored in the ROM in the control unit 121 and is repeatedly executed by the CPU in the control unit 121. FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the commander side processing.

  In S <b> 71, the control unit 121 receives event request information from the remote controller 110 and transmits the event request information to the store server 200. Also, the event related information from the store server 200 is received, and the event related information is transmitted to the remote controller 110.

  In S <b> 72, the control unit 121 receives event selection information from the remote controller 110 and transmits the event selection information to the store server 200. Further, when the music data of the task music of the event to participate in is necessary, information indicating that is included in the event selection information. After transmitting the event selection information, the control unit 121 causes the process to wait in S72 until it receives the rank table information.

In S <b> 73, the control unit 121 receives rank table information (music data or the like as necessary) from the store server 200.
In S74, the video / audio reproduction unit 123 starts playing the music having the music ID. Then, the control unit 121 causes the process to wait in S75 until the performance of the music is finished.
When the performance of the music ends (S75: YES), the control unit 121 shifts the process to S76.

  In S <b> 76, the control unit 121 receives result information from the store server 200. Note that the result information may be received while the music is being played (that is, waiting in S75).

In S77, the control unit 121 calculates a rank based on the rank table information received in S73 and the scoring data of the current song.
In S78, the control unit 121 displays the order calculated in S777 on a display (not shown) connected to the commander.
In S <b> 79, the control unit 121 transmits result information to the remote controller 110.

After transmitting the result information, the control unit 121 causes the process to wait in S80 until the instruction information is received.
When the result information is received (S80: YES), the control unit 121 shifts the process to S81.
In S81, the control unit 121 analyzes the content of the instruction information.

  When the information indicating “participation in the event” is included in the instruction information (S82: YES), the control unit 121 transmits the participation instruction information to the store server 200 in S83. The participation instruction information includes a singer ID, a song ID, and scoring data. Thereafter, the control unit 121 shifts the process to S84.

  On the other hand, if the instruction information does not include information indicating “event participation” (S82: NO), the control unit 121 shifts the process to S84.

  In S84, when the information indicating “stock information update” is included in the instruction information (S84: YES), the control unit 121 transmits the stock update information to the center 300 in S85. The stock update information includes the singer ID, music ID, and scoring data in the instruction information.

  On the other hand, when the information indicating “stock information update” is not included in the instruction information (S84: NO), the control unit 121 ends the commander side processing.

[Process on the store server 200 side]
Next, the store server side process executed on the store server 200 side will be specifically described. The store server-side processing program is stored in the ROM in the control unit 201 and is repeatedly executed by the CPU in the control unit 201. FIG. 18 is a flowchart of shop server side processing.

In step S <b> 91, the control unit 201 determines whether event request information has been received from the commander 120.
When determining that the event request information has not been received (S91: NO), the control unit 201 shifts the process to S93. On the other hand, when determining that the event request information has been received (S91: YES), the control unit 201 shifts the process to S92.

  In step S92, the control unit 201 transmits event related information to the commander 120 that has transmitted the event request information received in step S91. The event related information to be transmitted is determined with reference to the event information database 202. 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 step S <b> 93, the control unit 201 determines whether event selection information has been received from the commander 120.
When determining that the event selection information has not been received (S93: NO), the control unit 201 shifts the process to S98. On the other hand, if it is determined that the event selection information has been received (S93: YES), the process proceeds to S94.

  In S94, the order table information is transmitted to the commander 120 that transmitted the event selection information received in S93. The order table information to be transmitted is determined with reference to the order table database 203. Specifically, it becomes the rank table information transmitted by the scoring data and the like in the event specified by the event ID included in the received event selection information.

In step S95, the control unit 201 inquires of the store server 200 of another store whether or not an event of the same subject song is being performed, and receives response information.
In S <b> 96, the control unit 201 transmits stock request information to the center 300 and receives stock information from the center 300.
In S97, the control unit 201 transmits the response information received from the store server 200 of another store and the stock information received from the center 300 to the commander 120 as result information.

  In step S <b> 98, the control unit 201 determines whether participation instruction information has been received from the commander 120. If it is determined that the participation instruction information has not been received (S98: NO), the control unit 201 ends the store server side processing. On the other hand, if it is determined that the participation instruction signal has been received (S98: YES), the control unit 201 updates the ranking table database 203 in S98. That is, information (singer ID, scoring data) included in the received participation instruction information is registered in the ranking table database 203.

[Processing on the center 300 side]
Next, the center side process executed on the center 300 side will be specifically described. The center processing program is stored in the ROM in the control unit 301 and is repeatedly executed by the CPU in the control unit 301. FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the center side process.

  In S101, the control unit 301 determines whether or not stock request information has been received. When determining that the stock request information has not been received (S101: NO), the control unit 301 shifts the process to S103. On the other hand, when determining that the stock request information has been received (S101: YES), the control unit 301 transmits the stock information to the store server 200 that has transmitted the stock request information in S102. The stock information to be transmitted is determined with reference to the stock information database 304 using the singer ID and the music ID included in the stock request information as keys.

  In S103, the control unit 301 determines whether stock update information has been received. When it is determined that the stock update information has not been received (S103: NO), the control unit 301 ends the center side processing. On the other hand, when it is determined that the stock update information has been received (S103: YES), the control unit updates the stock information database 304 in S104.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the remote controller 110 presents information related to the virtual rank when participating in the event of another store to the singer in addition to the information related to the rank in the event of the own store. If the singer wants to use the grading data of this song for event participation in another store, it can be stored as stock information in the center 300, and other stores can use the scoring data stocked when visiting the other store. Can participate in events.
As a result, even if the scoring data when singing at another store is low, the singer can participate in the event using the stocked scoring data. As a result, the ability to attract customers at the other stores can be improved. In addition, since a registration fee can be collected at the time of stock instruction, even if the store does not participate in the event of the store, the store can improve profits. Furthermore, a person who develops a karaoke business in a chain can effectively present various events in the chain store to the singer. This will increase the willingness to participate in the event and make the karaoke competition a successful business model.

  The present invention can also be realized in a karaoke store that does not include the store server 200. In the karaoke contest system of the present embodiment, the center 300 may also have the function of the store server 200 described above.

100 ... Karaoke device,
110 ... Remote control, 111 ... Control unit, 120 ... Commander, 121 ... Control unit,
200 ... store server, 201 ... control unit,
202 ... event information database, 203 ... ranking table database,
300 ... Center, 301 ... Control unit, 302 ... Music database,
303 ... Singer information database, 304 ... Stock information database

Claims (3)

In a karaoke contest system where communication is possible between the center and a plurality of karaoke stores, and events can be carried out independently between each karaoke store,
The center has a stock information database in which stock information including a set of a singer ID, a song ID, and scoring data is stored, and manages the stock information database,
Each karaoke store has a store server and karaoke equipment,
The store server comprises an event information database, a ranking table database, and server control means,
(A) The event information database stores event-related information including a set of an event ID, a song ID of a song that can be sung as a task song, a planner, an implementation period, and an award guideline for each event carried out at the store. And
(B) For each event ID, the ranking table database stores a set of a singer ID and scoring data as a ranking table,
(C) When the server control means receives a set of event ID, singer ID, and scoring data from the karaoke device, the server control means updates a ranking table corresponding to the received event ID,
(D) When the implementation period of an event in the event information database has expired, the server control means determines the winner based on the award guidelines, the ranking table, and the singer information database for the event,
The karaoke apparatus includes a user interface, performance means, scoring means, and karaoke control means.
(E) the user interface presents information to the user according to the control of the karaoke control means and accepts user input;
(F) The performance means outputs the accompaniment music of the specified karaoke music according to the control of the karaoke control means,
(G) The scoring means evaluates the skill of the singing voice according to the accompaniment music according to the control of the karaoke control means, and outputs scoring data;
(H) The karaoke control means
(H-1) When there is a user input of an event browsing request, a message of the request is transmitted to the store server of the own store,
(H-2) Receive event information received from the store server of the store, present the event information to the user,
(H-3) Obtaining an event ID, a song ID, and a singer ID of an event selected by the user through the user interface;
(H-4) Prior to the performance of the accompaniment music of the acquired music ID, the acquired event ID is transmitted to the store server of the own store,
(H-5) Receive a ranking table of the event from the store server of the store,
(H-6) causing the performance means to play the accompaniment music of the acquired music ID;
And
When the server control unit of the own store receives the event ID from the karaoke control unit, there is another event including the music ID associated with the received event ID with respect to the server control unit of the other store. Inquire about what to do,
When the server control means of another store receives the inquiry, it searches whether another event including the music ID included in the query exists in the event information database of the other store, and the other event If there is, the event related information and the ranking table of the event is transmitted to the server control means of the own store,
When the server control means of the own store receives the event related information and the rank table from the server control means of the other store, the received event related information and the rank table are transmitted to the karaoke device,
The karaoke control means includes
Obtaining a first rank for the scoring data with reference to the rank table received from the server control means of the store;
Obtaining a second ranking for the scoring data with reference to the ranking table received from the server control means of another store;
Presenting information about the first rank and information about the second rank to the user;
When receiving an instruction to participate in the event of the own store, the scoring data is transmitted to the store server of the own store in association with the event ID and the singer ID,
When registration to the stock information database is accepted, the scoring data is transmitted to the center as stock information in association with the music ID and singer ID,
The center updates the stock information database based on the received stock information;
A karaoke contest system characterized by that. When the stock information stored in the stock information database is used for event participation in any karaoke store, the center deletes the stock information from the stock information database.
The karaoke contest system according to claim 1. In the stock information database, only one scoring data is stored for each song ID for each song ID.
The karaoke contest system according to claim 2.