JP5359728B2 - Karaoke system, karaoke device, node device, karaoke program, node program, and karaoke data transmission method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a Karaoke system, Karaoke device, node device, router, Karaoke program, node program, and Karaoke data transmitting method which can avoid delay in obtaining Karaoke data by suppressing load to a communication line. <P>SOLUTION: In the Karaoke system S, a representative commander MCm determined from among a plurality of commanders Cm-n representatively requests the Karaoke data to the router Rm. The router Rm obtains the Karaoke data from one router Rm out of a plurality of the routers Rm by using communication based on an overlay network ON in response to request to transmit the data to the representative commander MCm. The representative commander MCm transmits the received Karaoke data to each commander Cm-n. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technical field of a karaoke system including a plurality of karaoke apparatuses that reproduce karaoke data.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a karaoke system including a plurality of commanders and a server that distributes karaoke data to each commander is known. The commander is an example of a karaoke device. In general, when a command line and a server are connected by a narrow communication line, a plurality of commanders access the server all at once, so that the communication line may be so-called puncture due to load concentration. For example, when a new song is distributed, there is a high possibility that the communication line will puncture. Therefore, in a conventional karaoke system, a representative commander among a plurality of commanders downloads karaoke data from a server and distributes it to other commanders.

  As a similar technique, Patent Document 1 discloses a karaoke system including a plurality of servers that receive song data held by a host station via a telephone line and a commander that downloads song data from the server. Yes. In this karaoke system, some of the servers connected to the telephone line download music data from the host station. The downloaded server distributes the song data to a server not connected to the telephone line.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-187176

  By the way, for example, in a karaoke chain store operating a plurality of stores, for example, one representative commander described above is provided in one store. However, as the number of stores increases, for example, when a new song is distributed, representative commanders installed at each store may access the server all at once, leading to load concentration. In order to avoid such load concentration, for example, a peer-to-peer communication type karaoke system that allows a plurality of commanders installed in each store to perform peer-to-peer communication via a network is conceivable. In such a peer-to-peer communication type karaoke system, for example, peer-to-peer communication is performed between a commander installed in one store and a commander installed in another store.

  However, in the karaoke system using the peer-to-peer communication method, when a plurality of commanders installed in a store make a request for karaoke data to commanders installed in another store at the same time, stores connected to the network There is a possibility that the load on the communication line increases, resulting in a problem that the acquisition of karaoke data is delayed.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above points. The present invention provides a karaoke system, a karaoke apparatus, a node apparatus, a router, a karaoke program, a node program, and a karaoke data transmission method capable of suppressing a load on a communication line and avoiding a delay in acquiring karaoke data. The task is to do.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is connected to each internal network constructed for each of a plurality of bases, and a plurality of karaoke devices for reproducing karaoke data, and among the plurality of karaoke devices. representative karaoke device that is determined from the a and the node device for transmitting and receiving information to and from the representative karaoke device a karaoke system Ru provided for each of the internal network, each said internal network is connected to an external network, A center server is connected to the external network, the node device is a relay device that relays IP (Internet Protocol) packets between the internal network and the external network, and the center server is connected to the karaoke system. A content list that lists the content of available karaoke data Managing content listings list describing the content list ID, and the list contents list is intended to be distributed to said node device, the karaoke apparatus, the first reception for receiving the karaoke data transmitted from the representative karaoke device The representative karaoke device includes a first acquisition unit that acquires the content list list from a center server via the internal network, the node device, and the external network; and A second acquisition unit that acquires from the node device via a network, and a content list in which the content list ID is described in the content list list acquired by the first acquisition unit or the second acquisition unit, The node device via the network And a first transmission for transmitting request information indicating a request for the karaoke data to the node device via the internal network based on the content list acquired by the third acquisition unit. Means, receiving means for receiving the karaoke data transmitted from the node device, and second transmitting means for transmitting the received karaoke data to the karaoke device via the internal network, The node device includes communication control means for controlling communication by the overlay network formed through the external network with the plurality of node devices at each base, and the request information transmitted from the representative karaoke device. Receiving means for receiving the node, and any one of the plurality of node devices by the communication control means A fourth obtaining means for obtaining the karaoke data corresponding to et the request information, the representative karaoke device via the internal network, characterized in that it comprises a transmitting means for transmitting the karaoke data to which the obtained .

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the karaoke system according to the first aspect, a slave karaoke device that operates the representative karaoke device when the representative karaoke device becomes inoperable from the plurality of karaoke devices. And at least one representative karaoke apparatus is determined.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the karaoke system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the karaoke device is representative karaoke device information of the representative karaoke device, and is connected to the representative karaoke device via the internal network. Based on the second receiving means for receiving the transmitted representative karaoke device information, the received representative karaoke device information, and the karaoke device information of the karaoke device itself that has received the representative karaoke device information, the representative When it is determined that the condition is satisfied by the determination unit that determines whether or not the predetermined condition for replacing the karaoke device is satisfied, the representative karaoke device is connected to the representative karaoke device via the internal network. First transmission means for transmitting replacement request information for requesting replacement of the representative karaoke device; To.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the karaoke system according to the third aspect, the determination means includes the number indicated in the received representative karaoke device information and the karaoke device itself that has received the representative karaoke device information. A comparison is made with the number indicated in the karaoke device information, and it is determined whether or not the comparison result satisfies the condition.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the karaoke system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the karaoke device indicates a notification request of the representative karaoke device to the plurality of karaoke devices via the internal network. Second transmission means for periodically transmitting device notification request information, wherein the second reception means is the representative transmitted from the representative karaoke device in response to the representative karaoke device notification request information. It is characterized by receiving karaoke device information.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the karaoke system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the representative karaoke device sends a content list of the karaoke data to the karaoke device via the internal network. The karaoke apparatus further includes a third transmitting means for transmitting, the storage means for storing the karaoke data, the third receiving means for receiving the content list transmitted from the representative karaoke apparatus, and the content list And determining means for determining karaoke data not stored in the storage means, and third transmission means for transmitting request information indicating a request for the determined karaoke data to the representative karaoke device via the internal network. And further comprising.

The invention according to claim 7 is the karaoke system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the karaoke device is connected to a management computer that manages the use / non-use state of a store room via the internal network. The fourth receiving means for receiving information indicating the use / non-use status of the room in which the karaoke device is installed, and the karaoke device is installed based on the received information indicating the use / non-use status. A second determination means for determining whether the room used is in use, and when the second determination means determines that the room in which the karaoke apparatus is installed is not in use, And 5th transmission means which transmits the change request information which requests | requires change of the said representative karaoke apparatus to the said representative karaoke apparatus via, via. The invention according to claim 8 is a representative karaoke apparatus included in the karaoke system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the content list is displayed in the internal network, the node device, and the First acquisition means for acquiring from the center server via an external network, second acquisition means for acquiring the content list list from the node device via the internal network, and the first acquisition means or the second acquisition means Third acquisition means for acquiring the content list in which the content list ID is described in the content list list acquired from the node device via the internal network, and the content acquired by the third acquisition means based on the list, the node device via the internal network, the mosquito The first transmission means for transmitting request information indicating the request for the oke data, the reception means for receiving the karaoke data transmitted from the node apparatus, and the received karaoke data to the karaoke apparatus via the internal network. The use / non-use state of the room in which the karaoke apparatus is installed is shown via the internal network from the second sending means for sending the sound and the management computer managing the use / non-use state of the store room. Fourth receiving means for receiving information, and second determining means for determining whether the room in which the karaoke apparatus is installed is in use based on the received information indicating the use / non-use state. And when the second determination means determines that the room in which the karaoke apparatus is installed is not in use, the proxy is connected via the internal network. The karaoke apparatus, characterized in that it and a fifth transmitting means for transmitting a change request information requesting a change of the representative karaoke device.

The invention according to claim 9 is a node device included in the karaoke system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the node device has an IP between the internal network and the external network. (Internet Protocol) a relay device that relays a packet, and communication control means for controlling communication with the plurality of node devices at each base through an overlay network formed via the external network, and the representative Receiving means for receiving the request information transmitted from a karaoke device; and acquiring means for acquiring karaoke data corresponding to the request information from any one of the plurality of node devices by the communication control means; Transmitting means for transmitting the acquired karaoke data to the representative karaoke device via the internal network; Characterized in that it obtain.

The invention of the karaoke program according to claim 10 is connected to each internal network constructed for each of a plurality of bases, and a plurality of karaoke devices for reproducing karaoke data, and a representative determined from the plurality of karaoke devices. A karaoke device and a node device that transmits and receives information by an overlay network formed via an external network between each of the plurality of node devices at each of the bases is provided for each internal network, and each internal network includes the A first acquisition step of acquiring the content list from a center server via the internal network, the node device, and the external network in a computer included in a representative karaoke device of a karaoke system connected to an external network; The content list list is displayed in the internal list. A second acquisition step of acquiring from the node device via a network, and a content list in which the content list ID is described in the content list list acquired by the first acquisition step or the second acquisition step. A third acquisition step acquired from the node device via a network, and a request indicating a request for the karaoke data to the node device via the internal network based on the content list acquired by the third acquisition step A transmission step of transmitting information, a reception step of receiving the karaoke data transmitted from the node device, and a transmission step of transmitting the received karaoke data to the karaoke device via the internal network. Let it run.

The invention of the node program according to claim 11 is connected to each internal network constructed for each of a plurality of bases, a plurality of karaoke devices for reproducing karaoke data, and a representative determined from the plurality of karaoke devices. A karaoke device and a node device that transmits and receives information to and from the representative karaoke device are provided for each internal network, and each internal network is a node device of a karaoke system connected to an external network, and the internal network Request information indicating a request for the karaoke data transmitted from the representative karaoke device is received by a computer included in the node device , which is a relay device that relays an IP (Internet Protocol) packet between the karaoke device and the external network Between the reception step and the plurality of node devices at each of the bases, A communication control step for controlling communication by an overlay network formed via an external network, and karaoke data corresponding to the request information is acquired from any one of the plurality of node devices by the communication control step. An acquisition step and a transmission step of transmitting the acquired karaoke data to the representative karaoke device via the internal network are executed.

Invention according to claim 12, it is connected to each internal network constructed for each base multiple, and a plurality of karaoke device for reproducing karaoke data, representative karaoke device that is determined from among the plurality of karaoke device When the a karaoke data transmission method in a karaoke system that Ru provided for each of the internal network and a node device for transmitting and receiving information to and from the representative karaoke device, wherein each internal network is connected to an external network, the external A center server is connected to the network, and the node device is a relay device that relays an IP (Internet Protocol) packet between the internal network and the external network, and the center server can be used in the karaoke system Content that is a list of content of various karaoke data A content list ID strike maintains a list content list describes, which distributes the list content list to the node device, the karaoke data transmission method, the representative karaoke apparatus, the list content list, the A first acquisition step of acquiring from the center server via the internal network, the node device, and the external network; and the representative karaoke device acquires the content list list from the node device via the internal network. 2 acquisition step, and the representative karaoke apparatus transmits the content list in which the content list ID is described in the content list list acquired in the first acquisition step or the second acquisition step via the internal network. From the node device A third acquisition step to acquire, and the representative karaoke device provides request information indicating a request for the karaoke data to the node device via the internal network based on the content list acquired in the third acquisition step. A transmission step of transmitting; a communication control step of controlling communication by the overlay network formed through the external network between the node device and the plurality of node devices at each of the bases; A reception step of receiving the request information transmitted from the representative karaoke device; and a karaoke in which the node device corresponds to the request information from any one of the plurality of node devices by the communication control step. a fourth acquisition step of acquiring data, said node device, the internal network A transmitting step for transmitting the acquired karaoke data to the representative karaoke device via a work; a receiving step for the representative karaoke device to receive the karaoke data transmitted from the node device; and the representative karaoke device. Includes a transmitting step of transmitting the received karaoke data to the karaoke apparatus via the internal network.

  According to the first, seventh, eighth, and tenth to twelfth aspects of the present invention, the representative karaoke device determined from among the plurality of karaoke devices requests the karaoke data from the node device as a representative. In response to the request, the node device acquires karaoke data from any one of the plurality of node devices using communication via the overlay network, and transmits the karaoke data to the representative karaoke device. Then, the representative karaoke device transmits the received karaoke data to each karaoke device. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a plurality of karaoke apparatuses installed at one base from making karaoke data requests to karaoke apparatuses installed at another base at the same time. The delay in the acquisition of karaoke data can be avoided.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, even when the representative karaoke device stops functioning due to a failure or the like, the function of the representative karaoke device can be maintained by the slave.

  According to invention of Claim 3, 4, a representative karaoke apparatus can be changed dynamically.

  According to the fifth aspect of the invention, each karaoke device can quickly recognize the representative karaoke device even if the representative karaoke device is frequently changed.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the karaoke apparatus can dynamically acquire new karaoke data that has not yet been acquired.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, by installing the function of the node device in the router that connects the external network and the internal network, it is possible to save the equipment installation space rather than configuring the router and the node device separately. In addition, the efficiency of communication processing by the overlay network can be improved.

It is a figure showing an example of outline composition of karaoke system S concerning this embodiment. (A) is a figure showing an example of a contents list list. (B) is a figure which shows an example of a content list. It is a figure which shows the example of a schematic structure of commander Cm-n. It is a figure which shows the example of a schematic structure of router Rm. It is a flowchart which shows the main process in the control part 1 of commander Cm-n. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the content acquisition process of a non-representative commander in step S6 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the representative commander operation | movement in step S10 shown in FIG. (A) is a flowchart which shows the detail of the content acquisition process of the representative commander in step S105 shown in FIG. (B) is a flowchart showing a content transmission process in the node processing unit 12 of the router Rm. (A) is a flowchart which shows the detail of the content list acquisition process in the case of using center server CS. (B) is a flowchart showing a content list list transmission process in the center server CS. (C) is a flowchart showing a content list transmission process in the node processing unit 12 of the router Rm. (A) is a flowchart which shows the detail of the content list acquisition process in the case of not using center server CS. (B) is a flowchart showing a content list list transmission process in the node processing unit 12 of the router Rm. (C) is a flowchart showing a content list transmission process in the node processing unit 12 of the router Rm.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[1. Outline of configuration and operation of karaoke system]
First, with reference to FIG. 1, the outline | summary of a structure and operation | movement of the karaoke system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a karaoke system S according to the present embodiment.

  Karaoke data used in the karaoke system S according to the present embodiment is managed by the distribution center C shown in FIG.

  In the distribution center C, a distributor DT, a supporter SP, a center server CS, and a firewall FW are installed. The distributor DT, the supporter SP, and the center server CS are connected to the network NW via the firewall FW. The network NW is an example of an external network. The network NW is, for example, a public network such as the Internet or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

  The distributor DT is a device for distributing new karaoke data into the karaoke system S. The supporter SP is a device that processes a participation request transmitted from a node device when the node device participates in an overlay network ON described later. The node device is a device that transmits / receives various information to / from other node devices via the overlay network ON. Hereinafter, the node device is referred to as a “node”. The center server CS is a device that manages a content list list. The content list list is a list of content lists. The content list is a list of contents of karaoke data that can be used in the karaoke system S. Note that the center server CS is not provided, and each node may manage the content list list.

  FIG. 2A shows an example of a content list list. FIG. 2B shows an example of a content list.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, a plurality of sets of content list revisions and content list IDs of the content list are described in the content list. The content list revision is a serial number assigned to each content list, for example. Also, the content list revision is given, for example, when the content list is issued. In addition, the content list revision increases, for example, every time a content list is issued. For example, in the content list shown in FIG. 2A, serial numbers “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, and “5” are described as content list revisions. Among these, the content list revision “5” having the largest value is the latest content list revision. The content list to which the latest content list revision is assigned is the latest content list. Therefore, whether the content list is new or old can be determined based on the content list revision. The content list ID is identification information assigned to each content list. The content list ID is, for example, a value obtained by hashing data related to the content list using a predetermined hash function. For example, SHA-1 or the like is used as the hash function. Alternatively, for example, a unique content list ID may be assigned to each content list by a system administrator.

  The content list is issued by the distribution center C at a predetermined timing such as when new karaoke data is distributed. The center server CS or the distributor DT distributes the content list issued by the distribution center C into the karaoke system S.

  In the content list, as shown in FIG. 2B, a plurality of sets of content local file names and content IDs are described. The content list shown in FIG. 2B is assigned “1” as the content list revision. The local file name corresponds to, for example, a song number assigned to each content of karaoke data. The content ID is identification information assigned to each content. Further, the content ID is, for example, a value obtained by hashing content name + arbitrary numerical value with a hash function common to the case of obtaining the content list ID. Alternatively, for example, a unique content ID may be assigned to each content by a system administrator.

  In the karaoke system S, as shown in FIG. 1, a store network NLm is constructed for each of a plurality of stores Pm (m = 1, 2, 3,...). The store Pm is an example of a base. The store network NLm is an example of an internal network. The store network NLm is a private network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The store network NLm may be a network such as a CAN (Campus Area Network) constructed by interconnecting a plurality of LANs.

  A plurality of commanders Cm-n (n = 1, 2, 3...) And a router Rm are connected to each store network NLm. As described above, the karaoke system S includes a plurality of commanders Cm-n and routers Rm for each store network NLm. In addition, the commander in this embodiment is an example of a karaoke apparatus. The commander Cm-n is a device that reproduces karaoke data. For example, one commander Cm-n is installed in each room in the store Pm. The router Rm is a relay device that relays IP (Internet Protocol) packets between a plurality of networks. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the router Rm has a node function. By installing a node function in the router Rm that connects the store network NLm and the network NW, it is possible to save equipment installation space and to improve the efficiency of communication processing by overlay network ON.

  In each store Pm, at least one representative commander MCm and a slave commander (not shown) are determined from among the plurality of commanders Cm-n. The representative commander MCm transmits and receives information to and from the router Rm via the store network NLm on behalf of the plurality of commanders Cm-n. On the other hand, the slave commander operates the representative commander MCm when the representative commander MCm becomes inoperable. Thereby, even when the representative commander MCm stops functioning due to a failure or the like, the function of the representative commander can be maintained by the slave commander.

  Here, an outline of processing of the representative commander MCm will be described. The representative commander MCm acquires a content list list managed by the center server CS. Next, the representative commander MCm acquires from the router Rm a content list to which the content list revision described in the acquired content list list is assigned. Next, the representative commander MCm acquires the content of the karaoke data to which the local file name described in the acquired content list is assigned from the router Rm. The content list revision of the content list from which content has been acquired in this way is referred to as a processed content revision. Note that the non-representative commander Cm-n obtains the content of the karaoke data in the same flow as the representative commander MCm. However, the content list list, the content list, and the content of the karaoke data acquired by the non-representative commander Cm-n are representative commanders MCm connected to the same store network NLm.

  Each store network NLm is connected to the network NW via each router Rm and the communication line Km of each store. The router Rm of each store Pm communicates with a plurality of routers Rm of other stores Pm by the overlay network ON formed via the network NW. That is, peer-to-peer communication is performed between the plurality of routers Rm via the overlay network ON. The overlay network ON is a logical network that constitutes a virtual link formed using the network NW. The overlay network ON is realized by a specific algorithm, for example, an algorithm using a DHT (Distributed Hash Table).

  In the karaoke system S, for example, a plurality of karaoke data distributed by the distributor DT are distributed and stored in a plurality of routers Rm in a predetermined file format. For example, the router R1 stores karaoke data of a performance song having a content name “AAA”. Further, the router R2 stores karaoke data of a performance song having a content name “BBB”. The distributor DT selects one or a plurality of routers Rm, for example, when inputting new karaoke data into the karaoke system S. Then, the distributor DT distributes the karaoke data to the selected router Rm. As a result, the karaoke data is stored in the router Rm.

  Furthermore, for example, a plurality of content lists distributed by the distributor DT are distributed and stored in a plurality of routers Rm. For example, a content list whose content list revision is “1” is stored in the router R3. The router R4 stores a content list whose content list revision is “2”.

  Each router Rm can acquire karaoke data and a content list from another router Rm by participating in the overlay network ON.

  Here, the overlay network ON will be described. In the description of the overlay network ON, the router Rm in the overlay network ON is appropriately referred to as “node”. The karaoke data and content list that can be acquired from other routers Rm are collectively referred to as “stored content”. The content ID and the content list ID are collectively referred to as “stored content ID”.

  Each node can participate in the overlay network ON by transmitting a participation request to the supporter SP. Each node participating in the overlay network ON is assigned a node ID that is unique identification information. For example, the node ID is hashed by using a common hash function when obtaining a stored content ID, such as an IP (Internet Protocol) address, a serial number, or a MAC address (Media Access Control address) assigned to each node individually. It is the value. Alternatively, for example, a unique node ID may be assigned to each node by a system administrator. Note that the node IDs and the stored content IDs have the same number of digits due to the characteristics of the hash function, and are distributed in the same ID space without much unevenness.

  Each node generates a routing table using DHT, for example, when participating in the overlay network ON. A plurality of node information are registered in this routing table. Node information is information including a node ID, an IP address, and a port number. Note that a routing table using DHT is known in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-197400 and the like, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Information indicating the location of the stored content that can be acquired via the overlay network ON is stored as index information in the node that manages the location of the stored content. The index information includes a set of node information of a node that stores stored content and a stored content ID of the stored content. Hereinafter, a node that manages the location of stored content is referred to as a “root node” or a “root node of stored content”. A node that stores stored content is referred to as a “content holding node”. For example, the root node is determined to be a node to which a node ID closest to the stored content ID is assigned. The node ID closest to the saved content ID is, for example, the node ID with the highest number of upper digits that match.

  By the way, when a certain node acquires stored content, this node inquires the root node about the location of the stored content. Hereinafter, a node that inquires about the location of stored content is referred to as a “user node”. Specifically, in the inquiry about the location of the stored content, the user node first generates a content location inquiry message. The content location inquiry message includes the content ID of the stored content to be inquired, the IP address and port number of the user node, and the like. The content location inquiry message generated in this way is transmitted from the user node to another node according to the routing table using the DHT stored in the user node. Accordingly, the content location inquiry message is transferred by one or a plurality of nodes by DHT routing using the stored content ID as a key, and finally received by the root node. The DHT routing is known in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-197400 and the like, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The root node that has received the content location inquiry message obtains index information corresponding to the stored content ID included in the content location inquiry message from the index information cache. Then, the root node returns the acquired index information to, for example, the user node that is the transmission source of the content location inquiry message. Thus, the user node that has acquired the index information accesses the content holding node based on the IP address and port number of the content holding node included in the index information. Then, the user node can acquire the stored content from the accessed content holding node. If access concentration occurs in the content holding node, for example, even if the user node accesses the content holding node, a response does not come back from the content holding node, and a timeout occurs. Therefore, in such a case, the user node acquires the stored content from the distributor DT.

  The distributor DT holds an original of each stored content that can be transmitted / received via the overlay network ON.

  Thus, when the user node obtains the saved content from the content holding node or the distributor DT and saves it, the user node generates a publish message. This publish message is a message for informing the root node that the saved content has been saved. The publish message includes the stored content ID and the node information of the user node itself. The publish message generated in this way is transmitted from the user node to another node according to the routing table using the DHT stored in the user node. Thus, the publish message is transferred by one or a plurality of nodes by DHT routing using the stored content ID as a key, and finally received by the root node, like the content location inquiry message. Then, the root node stores index information including a set of node information and stored content ID included in the publish message in the index information cache area. Thus, the user node becomes a content holding node that stores the acquired stored content.

  The router Rm and the node may be configured separately. In this case, the router Rm sets port forwarding using, for example, a UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) function. Then, by setting port forwarding, a node connected to the router transmits / receives various information to / from other nodes via the overlay network ON.

[2. Configuration and functions of commander Cm-n]
Next, the configuration and function of the commander Cm-n will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of the commander Cm-n.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the commander Cm-n includes a control unit 1, a storage unit 2, a communication unit 3, an input unit 4, a buffer memory 5, a decoder unit 6, a video processing unit 7, and a display. Unit 8, an audio processing unit 9, and a speaker 9a. The control unit 1, the storage unit 2, the communication unit 3, the input unit 4, the buffer memory 5, and the decoder unit 6 are connected to each other via a bus 9b.

  Each commander Cm-n is assigned a unique commander number in each store network NLm. The commander number is an example of commander information. The commander number is composed of a serial number, for example. Each commander Cm-n is assigned an IP address.

  The control unit 1 includes a CPU having a calculation function, a working RAM, various setting data, and a flash memory for storing programs. The control unit 1 is an example of first to third transmission means, first to third reception means, determination means, determination means, and the like. The CPU is an example of a computer. The program includes a karaoke program for causing the CPU to execute processing as a commander. The karaoke program may be downloaded from a predetermined server connected to the network NW, for example. Alternatively, the karaoke program may be recorded on a recording medium and read via a drive of the recording medium, for example.

  The control unit 1 controls the acquisition, storage, performance, and the like of karaoke data by the CPU reading and executing the program. The flash memory in the control unit 1 stores a commander number and an IP address assigned to the commander Cm-n including the control unit 1 itself.

  The control unit 1 has a timer function and a clock function. For example, the CPU counts a timer using a time measuring function.

  The storage unit 2 includes a hard disk drive for storing a content list, karaoke data, and the like. The karaoke data is stored as a file with a local file name corresponding to the song number. The karaoke data includes audio data, caption data, and video data. The audio data is data such as MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) for outputting the performance music as audio. The caption data is data for displaying lyrics during the performance of the performance music. The video data is data for displaying a background video during the performance of a performance song.

  The communication unit 3 includes, for example, an Ethernet (registered trademark) card to which a unique MAC address is assigned, and is connected to the store network NLm. The communication unit 3 of each commander Cm-n controls communication with the representative commander MCm via the store network NLm. The communication unit 3 of the representative commander MCm controls communication with the router Rm via the store network NLm.

  For example, the input unit 4 can be connected to a search terminal for a user to search for a musical piece by wireless communication. The input unit 4 outputs a playback command to the control unit 1 when a playback command for the performance music is input from the search terminal. Note that the reproduction command includes, for example, a song number of a performance song.

  The buffer memory 5 temporarily stores karaoke data and the like received via the communication unit 3. Karaoke data stored in the buffer memory 5 is output to the storage unit 2 and stored therein.

  The decoder unit 6, the video processing unit 7, the display unit 8, the audio processing unit 9, and the speaker 9 a are for reproducing and outputting karaoke data stored in the storage unit 2 under performance control by the control unit 1. . The voice processing unit 9 has a sound source (not shown).

  The decoder unit 6 performs decoding processing such as decoding of audio data, caption data, and video data included in karaoke data. The video processing unit 7 reproduces the caption data and video data decoded by the decoder unit 6 as a video signal. The display unit 8 displays the subtitle and the background video on the display based on the video signal reproduced by the video processing unit 7. On the other hand, the audio processing unit 9 reproduces the audio data decoded by the decoder unit 6 as an audio signal by a sound source. And the speaker 9a outputs the audio | voice signal reproduced | regenerated by the audio | voice processing part 9 as a sound wave.

  The display unit 8 and the speaker 9a may be provided in separate devices. In this case, the commander Cm-n supplies the reproduced video signal and audio signal to another apparatus.

[3. Configuration and function of router Rm]
Next, the configuration and function of the router Rm will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of the router Rm.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the router Rm includes an IP packet relay processing unit 11, a node processing unit 12, a storage unit 13, a communication unit 14, and a buffer memory 15. The IP packet relay processing unit 11, the node processing unit 12, the storage unit 13, the communication unit 14, and the buffer memory 15 are connected to each other via a bus 16.

  Each router Rm is assigned an IP address.

  The IP packet relay processing unit 11 performs processing for relaying IP packets from other routers or hosts in the network layer, which is the third layer of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) reference model. The IP packet relay processing unit 11 has a routing table used for relaying IP packets. Since the function of the IP packet relay processing unit 11 is the same as that of a known router or L3 switching hub, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The node processing unit 12 includes a CPU having an arithmetic function, a working RAM, various setting data, and a flash memory for storing programs. The node processing unit 12 is an example of a communication control unit, a reception unit, an acquisition unit, a transmission unit, and the like. The program includes a node program for causing the CPU to execute processing as a node. And the node process part 12 performs the transmission process of karaoke data according to the request | requirement from the representative commander MCm, when CPU reads and runs a program. Further, the node processing unit 12 controls communication by the overlay network ON as a communication control unit. The node processing unit 12 performs processing as at least one of the user node, the root node, the content holding node, and the like in the overlay network ON.

  The storage unit 13 includes a hard disk drive for storing various data and the like. Specifically, the storage unit 13 stores karaoke data, a content list, and index information. In addition, the storage unit 13 stores a routing table using DHT used in overlay network ON. Further, the storage unit 13 stores the IP address of the distributor DT, the IP address of the supporter SP, the IP address of the center server CS, and the like.

  The communication unit 14 includes, for example, an Ethernet (registered trademark) card to which a unique MAC address is assigned, and is connected to the store network NLm and the network NW. Then, the communication unit 14 controls communication with the representative commander MCm via the store network NLm. The communication unit 14 controls communication with another router Rm, distributor DT, supporter SP, or center server CS via the network NW.

  The buffer memory 15 temporarily stores karaoke data received via the communication unit 14. Karaoke data stored in the buffer memory 15 is output to the storage unit 13 and stored therein.

[4. Operation of Karaoke System S]
Next, the operation of the karaoke system S will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing main processing in the control unit 1 of the commander Cm-n. In the following description, the store P1 is taken as an example, and the commander C1-1 connected to the store network NL1 in the store P1 will be described as an example.

  The process shown in FIG. 5 is started, for example, by starting the commander C1-1. First, the control unit 1 of the commander C1-1 multicasts or broadcasts a representative commander notification request message indicating a notification request of the representative commander into the store network NL1 (step S1). That is, the representative commander notification request message is transmitted to the plurality of commanders C1-2, 3, and 4 via the store network NL1 by multicast or broadcast. The representative commander notification request message is a message requesting the representative commander to notify that it is a representative commander. When transmitting the representative commander notification request message, the control unit 1 starts counting a standby time determination timer for waiting for reception of the representative commander notification response message. The representative commander notification request message is an example of representative karaoke device notification request information.

  Next, the control unit 1 of the commander C1-1 determines whether or not a representative commander notification response message has been received (step S2). The representative commander notification response message is a message in response to a notification request from the representative commander. When the control unit 1 determines that the representative commander notification response message has not been received (step S2: NO), the control unit 1 proceeds to step S3. On the other hand, when it is determined that the representative commander notification response message has been received (step S2: YES), the control unit 1 proceeds to step S4. The representative commander notification response message includes the commander number of the representative commander MC1.

  In step S3, the control unit 1 of the commander C1-1 determines whether or not a preset standby time has elapsed based on whether or not the standby time determination timer has counted up.

  If the control unit 1 determines that the preset standby time has not elapsed (step S3: NO), the control unit 1 returns to step S2. On the other hand, when it is determined that the preset standby time has elapsed (step S3: YES), the control unit 1 proceeds to step S10. In this case, since there is no notification response from the representative commander MC1 even after the standby time has elapsed, the commander C1-1 determines that the representative commander MC1 has become inoperable, and performs the representative commander operation as a slave commander. .

  In step S4, the control unit 1 of the commander C1-1 determines the representative commander based on the commander number included in the representative commander notification response message and the commander number of the commander C1-1 that has received the representative commander notification response message. It is determined whether or not a predetermined condition for replacement is satisfied.

  The commander number included in the representative commander notification response message is the commander number of the representative commander MC1. The commander number of the representative commander MC1 is an example of representative karaoke device information. For example, the control unit 1 of the commander C1-1 compares the size of the commander number of the representative commander MC1 with the commander number of the commander C1-1 itself. As a result of the comparison, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the commander number of the representative commander MC1 is larger than the commander number of the commander C1-1 itself. Here, the commander with the smallest commander number is assumed to be the representative commander. For example, the commander C1-m newly installed in the store P1 has a larger commander number. As a result, the commander C1-m installed from the oldest becomes the representative commander. Note that the commander with the largest commander number may be configured as the representative commander. In this case, the latest commander C1-m becomes the representative commander.

  When the commander number of the representative commander MC1 is smaller than the commander number of the commander C1-1 itself, the control unit 1 of the commander C1-1 determines that the predetermined condition for changing the representative commander is not satisfied. (Step S4: NO), the process proceeds to Step S5. On the other hand, when the commander number of the representative commander MC1 is larger than the commander number of the commander C1-1 itself, the control unit 1 determines that a predetermined condition for changing the representative commander is satisfied (step S4: YES). . As a result, the next representative commander MC1 is determined to be the commander C1-1. Then, the process proceeds to step S9. In this manner, if the representative commander MC1 is determined according to the size of the commander number, the representative commander can be dynamically changed more quickly.

  In addition, when commander C1-n is installed for every room in store P1, you may comprise so that representative commander MC1 may be determined by use / non-use of a room. In this case, the use / non-use state is managed by, for example, a management computer installed in the store P1. For example, one management computer is provided in the store P1, and manages the availability of all rooms. The management computer is connected to the store network NL1. Each commander C1-m receives information indicating the use / non-use state of the room in which the commander C1-m is installed from the management computer via the store network NL1. For example, in step S4, the commander C1-1 determines whether the room in which the commander C1-1 is installed is in use. When the room in which the commander C1-1 is installed is in use, the control unit 1 of the commander C1-1 determines that the predetermined condition for replacing the representative commander is not satisfied (step S4: NO), and step S5. Proceed to On the other hand, when the room in which the commander C1-1 is installed is not used, the control unit 1 determines that a predetermined condition for replacing the representative commander is satisfied (step S4: YES), and proceeds to step S9. As described above, if the representative commander MC1 is determined depending on whether the room is used or not, a commander that is not used by a karaoke user can be used as the representative commander. Therefore, the operation of the representative commander can be executed smoothly. In step S5, the control unit 1 of the commander C1-1 determines whether or not the current time is the content acquisition time of karaoke data. The content acquisition time is a time set for starting acquisition of karaoke data. The content acquisition time is set so as to shift the time for each commander C1-n, for example. When the control unit 1 determines that the content acquisition time has come (step S5: YES), the control unit 1 proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, if the control unit 1 determines that the content acquisition time has not come (step S5: NO), the control unit 1 proceeds to step S7.

  In step S6, the control unit 1 of the commander C1-1 executes content acquisition processing for a non-representative commander.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of the content acquisition process of the non-representative commander in step S6 shown in FIG.

  In step S61 shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 1 of the commander C1-1 transmits, for example, the processed content list revision stored in the storage unit 2 to the representative commander MC1 via the store network NL1. The processed content list revision transmitted at this time is the latest processed content list revision among the stored processed content list revisions. The latest processed content list revision is the processed content list revision with the highest number.

  At this time, the control unit 1 of the commander C1-1 may multicast or broadcast a representative commander notification request message in the store network NL1 as in step S1 in order to identify the representative commander MC1. This is because the representative commander may change after the representative commander notification response message is received in step S1.

  The processed content list revision transmitted in step S61 is received by the representative commander MC1 in step S106 described later. Then, the content list list is transmitted from the representative commander MC1 as a response to the transmission of the processed content list revision. The control unit 1 of the commander C1-1 receives the content list list transmitted from the representative commander MC1 (step S62). The received content list list is stored in the RAM of the control unit 1.

  Next, the control unit 1 of the commander C1-1 selects one content list revision described in the content list list (step S63). Note that the processing in step S63 is repeated until all content list revisions described in the content list list are selected. Also, for example, a content list revision with a smaller number is selected.

  Next, the control unit 1 of the commander C1-1 transmits a list request message indicating a request for a content list corresponding to the selected content list revision to the representative commander MC1 via the store network NL1 (step S64). The list request message is a message requesting a content list. Next, the control unit 1 of the commander C1-1 receives the content list transmitted from the representative commander MC1 (step S65). The received content list is stored in the RAM of the control unit 1. In the content list, local file names of content of karaoke data not stored in the storage unit 2 of the commander C1-1 are described.

  Next, the control unit 1 of the commander C1-1 determines whether or not all content list revisions described in the content list list have been selected (step S66). If the control unit 1 determines that not all content list revisions have been selected (step S66: NO), the control unit 1 returns to step S63. On the other hand, if the control unit 1 determines that all content list revisions have been selected (step S66: YES), the control unit 1 proceeds to step S67.

  In step S67, the control unit 1 of the commander C1-1 selects one content list received and stored in step S65.

  Next, the control unit 1 of the commander C1-1 selects one local file name described in the selected content list (step S68). That is, karaoke data that is not stored in the storage unit 2 of the commander C1-1 is determined.

  Next, the control unit 1 of the commander C1-1 transmits a content request message indicating the determined content request for karaoke data to the representative commander MC1 via the store network NL1 (step S69). The content request message is a message requesting the content of karaoke data. The content request message is an example of request information indicating a request for karaoke data. The content request message includes the local file name selected in step S68.

  Next, the control unit 1 of the commander C1-1 receives the karaoke data transmitted from the representative commander MC1 (step S70). Thus, the commander C1-1 can dynamically acquire new karaoke data that has not yet been acquired. The received karaoke data is stored in the buffer memory 5 and then stored in the storage unit 2 as a file with a local file name.

  Next, the control unit 1 of the commander C1-1 determines whether or not all local file names described in the content list selected in step S67 have been selected (step S71). If the control unit 1 determines that all local file names have not been selected (step S71: NO), the control unit 1 returns to step S68. Returning to step S68, the control unit 1 selects one local file name that has not yet been selected from among the local file names described in the content list. On the other hand, if the control unit 1 determines that all the local file names have been selected (step S71: YES), the control unit 1 proceeds to step S72.

  In step S72, the control unit 1 of the commander C1-1 records the content list revision of the content list processed in steps S68 to S70 as processed. For example, the content list revision processed in this way is stored in the storage unit 2 as the processed content list revision described above.

  Next, the control unit 1 of the commander C1-1 determines whether or not all content lists received and stored in step S65 have been selected (step S73). If the control unit 1 determines that all content lists have not been selected (step S73: NO), the control unit 1 returns to step S67. Returning to step S67, the control unit 1 selects one content list that has not yet been selected from the stored content lists. On the other hand, when it is determined that all content lists have been selected (step S73: YES), the control unit 1 returns to the process illustrated in FIG.

  Next, in step S7 shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 1 of the commander C1-1 determines whether or not the current time has reached the notification request time of the representative commander. This notification request time is a time set for requesting a notification to the representative commander. The notification request time is set to arrive at a predetermined time interval, for example. When the control unit 1 determines that the notification request time of the representative commander has come (step S7: YES), the control unit 1 proceeds to step S1. Returning to step S1, the control unit 1 multicasts or broadcasts the representative commander notification request message in the store network NL1. As described above, the representative commander notification request message is periodically transmitted. Therefore, even if the representative commander MC1 is frequently replaced, each commander C1-n can quickly recognize the representative commander MC1. Therefore, the efficiency of communication between each commander C1-n and the representative commander MC1 can be improved.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 1 of the commander C1-1 determines that the notification request time of the representative commander is not reached (step S7: NO), the control unit 1 proceeds to step S8.

  In the other processing shown in step S8, for example, karaoke data reproduction processing is performed in accordance with the reproduction command, and the process returns to step S5.

  On the other hand, in step S9, the control unit 1 of the commander C1-1 transmits a representative commander replacement request message for requesting replacement of the representative commander to the representative commander MC1 via the store network NL1. The representative commander change request message is a message for requesting a change to the representative commander. The representative commander change request message is an example of change request information. Thus, the next representative commander MC1 is replaced with the commander C1-1. Therefore, the representative commander MC1 can be dynamically changed. Therefore, karaoke data can be stably supplied to the commander in the karaoke system S.

  Next, the control unit 1 of the commander C1-1 executes a representative commander operation (step S10).

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of the representative commander operation in step S10 shown in FIG.

  In the representative commander operation, the control unit 1 sets a flag indicating “representative commander” to “1”. Next, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 determines whether or not a representative commander notification request message has been received (step S101). When determining that the representative commander notification request message has not been received (step S101: NO), the control unit 1 proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, when the control unit 1 determines that the representative commander notification request message has been received (step S101: YES), the control unit 1 proceeds to step S102.

  In step S102, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 returns a representative commander notification response message via the store network NL1 to the commander C1-n that has transmitted the representative commander notification request message.

  Next, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 determines whether a representative commander change request message has been received (step S103). When the control unit 1 determines that the representative commander change request message has not been received (step S103: NO), the control unit 1 proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, when determining that the representative commander change request message has been received (step S103: YES), the control unit 1 sets a flag indicating that it is a representative commander to “0”. Thus, the representative commander operation is completed, and the process returns to the process shown in FIG.

  In step S104, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 determines whether or not the current time is the content acquisition time of karaoke data. When the control unit 1 determines that the content acquisition time has come (step S104: YES), the control unit 1 proceeds to step S105. The content acquisition process of the representative commander shown in step S105 will be described later.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 determines that the content acquisition time has not come (step S104: NO), the process proceeds to step S106.

  In step S106, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 determines whether or not a processed content list revision has been received. If the control unit 1 determines that the processed content list revision has not been received (step S106: NO), the control unit 1 proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, when it is determined that the processed content list revision has been received (step S106: YES), the control unit 1 proceeds to step S107.

  In step S107, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 selects one content list stored in the storage unit 2.

  Next, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 determines whether or not the content list revision of the selected content list is newer than the processed content list revision received in step S106 (step S108). When the control unit 1 determines that the number is newer than the processed content list revision, in other words, the number is larger (step S108: YES), the control unit 1 proceeds to step S109. On the other hand, when it determines with the control part 1 not being newer than a processed content list revision (step S108: NO), it progresses to step S110.

  In step S109, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 describes the content list revision and content list ID of the content list determined to be new in the content list list.

  In step S110, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 determines whether all content lists stored in the storage unit 2 have been selected. If the control unit 1 determines that all content lists have not been selected (step S110: NO), the control unit 1 returns to step S107. Returning to step S107, the control unit 1 selects one content list that has not yet been selected from the stored content lists. On the other hand, when it determines with the control part 1 having selected all the content lists (step S110: YES), it progresses to step S111.

  In step S111, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 returns a content list list via the store network NL1 to the commander C1-n that has transmitted the processed content list revision. In this content list list, the content list revision and content list ID described in step S109 are described.

  In step S112, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 determines whether a list request message has been received. If the control unit 1 determines that the list request message has not been received (step S112: NO), the control unit 1 proceeds to step S115. On the other hand, if it is determined that the list request message has been received (step S112: YES), the control unit 1 proceeds to step S113.

  In step S113, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 obtains a content list corresponding to the content list revision included in the list request message from the storage unit 2.

  Next, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 returns the acquired content list to the commander C1-n that has transmitted the list request message (step S114).

  In step S115, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 determines whether or not a content request message has been received. When determining that the content request message has not been received (step S115: NO), the control unit 1 proceeds to step S118. On the other hand, if it is determined that the content request message has been received (step S115: YES), the control unit 1 proceeds to step S116.

  In step S116, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 acquires karaoke data corresponding to the local file name included in the content request message from the storage unit 2.

  Next, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 returns the acquired karaoke data to the commander C1-n that transmitted the content request message (step S117).

  In other processing shown in step S118, for example, karaoke data playback processing or the like is performed in response to a playback command, and the process returns to step S101.

  On the other hand, in step S105, the content acquisition process of the representative commander is executed.

  FIG. 8A is a flowchart showing details of the content acquisition process of the representative commander in step S105 shown in FIG. FIG. 8B is a flowchart showing content transmission processing in the node processing unit 12 of the router Rm.

  The content list acquisition process in step S151 shown in FIG. 8A includes a case where the center server CS is used and a case where the center server CS is not used. FIG. 9A is a flowchart showing details of content list acquisition processing when the center server CS is used. FIG. 10A is a flowchart showing details of content list acquisition processing when the center server CS is not used.

  First, the case where the center server CS is used will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9B is a flowchart showing a content list list transmission process in the center server CS. FIG. 9C is a flowchart showing content list transmission processing in the node processing unit 12 of the router Rm.

  In this case, the representative commander MC1 stores the IP address of the center server CS and the like. Thereby, the representative commander MC1 can access the center server CS via the store network NL1 and the network NW.

  In step S161 shown in FIG. 9A, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 transmits, for example, the processed content list revision stored in the storage unit 2 to the center server CS via the store network NL1 and the network NW. To do.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, the center server CS receives the processed content list revision transmitted from the representative commander MC1 (step S201).

  Note that the processing in steps S202 to S205 is the same as the processing in steps S107 to S110 shown in FIG.

  In step S206 shown in FIG. 9B, the center server CS returns the content list list to the representative commander MC1 via the network NW and the store network NL1.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 receives the content list list transmitted from the center server CS (step S162). The received content list list is stored in the RAM of the control unit 1.

  Next, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 selects one content list ID described in the content list list (step S163).

  Next, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 transmits a list request message indicating a request for a content list corresponding to the selected content list ID to the router R1 via the store network NL1 (step S164). The list request message includes the content list ID of the requested content list.

  As illustrated in FIG. 9C, the router R1 receives the list request message transmitted from the representative commander MC1 (step S301).

  Next, the node processing unit 12 of the router R1 acquires a content list ID from the received list request message (step S302).

  Next, the node processing unit 12 of the router R1 acquires a content list corresponding to the acquired content list ID from another router Rm by communication using the overlay network ON (step S303). That is, as described above, the node processing unit 12 inquires of the root node about the location of the content list corresponding to the acquired content list ID. Thereby, the node processing unit 12 acquires index information from the root node. The node processing unit 12 then accesses the content holding node based on the acquired index information and acquires the content list.

  Next, the node processing unit 12 of the router R1 returns the acquired content list to the representative commander MC1 via the store network NL1 (step S304).

  As illustrated in FIG. 9A, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 receives the content list transmitted from the router R1 (step S165). The received content list is stored in the RAM of the control unit 1.

  Next, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 determines whether or not all content list IDs described in the content list list have been selected (step S166). If the control unit 1 determines that all content list IDs have not been selected (step S166: NO), the control unit 1 returns to step S163. On the other hand, if it is determined that all content list IDs have been selected (step S166: YES), the control unit 1 returns to the process shown in FIG.

  Next, the case where the center server CS is not used will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing a content list list transmission process in the node processing unit 12 of the router Rm. FIG. 10C is a flowchart showing content list transmission processing in the node processing unit 12 of the router Rm.

  In this case, each router Rm stores a list of content lists periodically distributed from a predetermined server in the distribution center C, for example.

  In step S171 shown in FIG. 10A, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 transmits a content list list request message to the router R1 via the store network NL1. The content list list request message is a message for requesting a content list list.

  As shown in FIG. 10B, the node processing unit 12 of the router R1 receives the content list list request message transmitted from the representative commander MC1 (step S401).

  Next, the node processing unit 12 of the router R1 acquires a content list list from the storage unit 13 (step S402).

  Next, the node processing unit 12 of the router R1 returns the acquired content list list to the representative commander MC1 via the store network NL1 (step S403).

  As illustrated in FIG. 10A, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 receives the content list list transmitted from the router R1 (step S172). The received content list list is stored in the RAM of the control unit 1.

  Next, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 selects one content revision described in the content list (step S173).

  Next, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 determines whether or not the selected content list revision is newer than the processed content list revision stored in the storage unit 2 (step S174). If the control unit 1 determines that it is newer than the processed content list revision (step S174: YES), the control unit 1 proceeds to step S175. On the other hand, if the control unit 1 determines that it is not newer than the processed content list revision (step S174: NO), the control unit 1 proceeds to step S178.

  In step S175, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 transmits a list request message indicating a request for a content list corresponding to the selected content list revision to the router R1 via the store network NL1. The list request message includes the content list ID of the requested content list.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 receives the content list transmitted from the router R1 (step S176).

  Next, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 determines whether or not all content list revisions described in the content list list have been selected (step S177). If the control unit 1 determines that not all content list revisions have been selected (step S177: NO), the control unit 1 returns to step S173. On the other hand, when it is determined that all content list revisions have been selected (step S177: YES), the control unit 1 returns to the process shown in FIG.

  Note that the processing in steps S501 to S504 illustrated in FIG. 10C is the same as the processing in steps S301 to S304 illustrated in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 8A, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 selects one content list acquired and stored in step S151 (step S152).

  Next, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 selects one content ID described in the selected content list (step S153).

  Next, the control unit 1 of the commander C1-1 transmits a content request message indicating a request for content of karaoke data to the router R1 via the store network NL1 (step S154). This content request message includes the content ID selected in step S153.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the router R1 receives the content request message transmitted from the representative commander MC1 (step S601).

  Next, the node processing unit 12 of the router R1 acquires a content ID from the received content request message (step S602).

  Next, the node processing unit 12 of the router R1 acquires karaoke data corresponding to the acquired content ID from another router Rm by communication using the overlay network ON (step S603). Note that the specific processing flow of step S603 is the same as that of step S303 described above.

  Next, the node processing unit 12 of the router R1 returns the acquired karaoke data to the representative commander MC1 via the store network NL1 (step S604).

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 receives the karaoke data transmitted from the router R1 (step S155). The received karaoke data is stored in the buffer memory 5 and then stored in the storage unit 2 as a file with a local file name.

  Next, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 determines whether or not all content IDs described in the content list selected in step S152 have been selected (step S156). If the control unit 1 determines that not all content IDs have been selected (step S156: NO), the control unit 1 returns to step S153. Returning to step S153, the control unit 1 selects one content ID that has not yet been selected from among the content IDs described in the content list. On the other hand, if the control unit 1 determines that all content IDs have been selected (step S156: YES), the control unit 1 proceeds to step S157.

  In step S157, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 records the content list revision of the content list processed in steps S153 to S156 as processed.

  Next, the control unit 1 of the representative commander MC1 determines whether or not all content lists acquired and stored in step S151 have been selected (step S158). If the control unit 1 determines that all content lists have not been selected (step S158: NO), the control unit 1 returns to step S152. On the other hand, when it is determined that all content lists have been selected (step S158: YES), the control unit 1 returns to the process shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to the embodiment, the representative commander MCm selected from the plurality of commanders Cm-n represents the karaoke data to the router Rm on behalf of the representative commander MCm. In response to the request, the router Rm acquires karaoke data from any of the routers Rm among the plurality of routers Rm using communication by overlay network ON, and transmits the karaoke data to the representative commander MCm. Then, the representative commander MCm transmits the received karaoke data to each commander Cm-n. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a plurality of commanders C1-n installed in a certain store P1 from requesting karaoke data to the commanders C2-n installed in another store 2 at the same time, and connect to the network NW. The load on the communication line Km of each store Pm to be performed can be suppressed, and delay in acquiring karaoke data can be avoided.

  In the above embodiment, each commander Cm-n dynamically requests the representative commander MCm for karaoke data not yet acquired based on the acquired content list. As another example, the representative commander MCm may be configured to push the acquired karaoke data to each commander Cm-n. In this case, for example, in step S155 shown in FIG. 8A, the representative commander MC1 distributes the received karaoke data to each commander C1-n. According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce processing in which each commander C1-n requests karaoke data from the representative commander MC1 based on the content list.

  In the above embodiment, the overlay network ON is configured to be formed by an algorithm using DHT. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the overlay network ON may be formed by other algorithms. That is, a system in which a routing table other than DHT is used for a node may be used.

  In the above embodiment, the representative commander MCm, when the content acquisition time is reached in step S104 shown in FIG. 7, only the content of the karaoke data corresponding to the new content revision that is not recorded as processed has been transmitted to the router Rm. Requested to get configured. As another example, when the representative commander MCm receives a request for content from each commander Cm-n, the representative commander MCm may request and acquire the content of karaoke data corresponding to the request from the router Rm. . In this case, the router Rm acquires the content of the karaoke data requested from the representative commander MCm from the other router Rm by communication using the overlay network ON. Then, the router Rm transmits the content of the acquired karaoke data to the representative commander MCm.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned commander, and can be applied to other devices as long as they function as a karaoke device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Control part 2 Memory | storage part 3 Communication part 4 Input part 5 Buffer memory 6 Decoder part 7 Video | video process part 8 Display part 9 Audio | voice process part 9a Speaker 9b Bus | bath 11 IP packet relay process part 12 Node process part 13 Storage part 14 Communication part 15 Buffer memory 16 Bus DT Distributor SP Supporter CS Center server Cm-n Commander MCm Representative commander Rm Router NW Network NLm Store network ON Overlay network S Karaoke system

Claims (12)

Between a plurality of karaoke devices connected to each internal network constructed for each of a plurality of bases and reproducing karaoke data, a representative karaoke device determined from the plurality of karaoke devices, and the representative karaoke device a and node apparatus for transmitting and receiving information in the karaoke system Ru provided for each of the internal network,
Each internal network is connected to an external network, a center server is connected to the external network,
The node device is a relay device that relays an IP (Internet Protocol) packet between the internal network and the external network;
The center server manages a content list that describes a content list ID of a content list that is a list of content of karaoke data that can be used in the karaoke system, and distributes the content list to the node device. Yes,
The karaoke device comprises first receiving means for receiving the karaoke data transmitted from the representative karaoke device,
The representative karaoke device is
First acquisition means for acquiring the content list from a center server via the internal network, the node device, and the external network;
Second acquisition means for acquiring the content list list from the node device via the internal network;
Third acquisition means for acquiring a content list in which the content list ID is described in the content list acquired by the first acquisition means or the second acquisition means from the node device via the internal network;
First transmission means for transmitting request information indicating a request for the karaoke data to the node device via the internal network based on the content list acquired by the third acquisition means ;
Receiving means for receiving the karaoke data transmitted from the node device;
Second transmission means for transmitting the received karaoke data to the karaoke device via the internal network;
With
The node device is
Communication control means for controlling communication by the overlay network formed via the external network with the plurality of node devices at each of the bases;
Receiving means for receiving the request information transmitted from the representative karaoke device;
Fourth acquisition means for acquiring karaoke data corresponding to the request information from any one of the plurality of node devices by the communication control means;
Transmitting means for transmitting the acquired karaoke data to the representative karaoke device via the internal network;
A karaoke system comprising:   At least one of the plurality of karaoke devices is determined as a slave karaoke device that operates the representative karaoke device when the representative karaoke device becomes inoperable, and the representative karaoke device. The karaoke system according to claim 1. The karaoke device
Representative karaoke device information of the representative karaoke device, a second receiving means for receiving the representative karaoke device information transmitted from the representative karaoke device via the internal network;
Based on the received representative karaoke device information and the karaoke device information of the karaoke device itself that has received the representative karaoke device information, it is determined whether or not a predetermined condition for replacing the representative karaoke device is satisfied. A determination means;
When it is determined that the condition is satisfied by the determination means, a first transmission means for transmitting replacement request information for requesting replacement of the representative karaoke device to the representative karaoke device via the internal network;
The karaoke system according to claim 1, further comprising:   The determination means compares the number shown in the received representative karaoke device information with the number shown in the karaoke device information of the karaoke device itself that received the representative karaoke device information, and the comparison result is the It is determined whether conditions are satisfy | filled, The karaoke system of Claim 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. The karaoke apparatus further includes second transmission means for periodically transmitting representative karaoke apparatus notification request information indicating a notification request of the representative karaoke apparatus to the plurality of karaoke apparatuses via the internal network,
5. The karaoke system according to claim 3, wherein the second receiving unit receives the representative karaoke device information transmitted from the representative karaoke device in response to the representative karaoke device notification request information. . The representative karaoke apparatus further includes third transmission means for transmitting a content list of the karaoke data to the karaoke apparatus via the internal network.
The karaoke device
Storage means for storing the karaoke data;
Third receiving means for receiving the content list transmitted from the representative karaoke device;
Determining means for determining karaoke data not stored in the storage means in the content list;
Fourth transmission means for transmitting request information indicating a request for the determined karaoke data to the representative karaoke device via the internal network;
The karaoke system according to claim 1, further comprising: The karaoke device
Fourth receiving means for receiving information indicating the use / non-use state of the room in which the karaoke apparatus is installed from the management computer that manages the use / non-use state of the room in the store via the internal network; ,
Second determination means for determining whether the room in which the karaoke apparatus is installed is in use based on the received information indicating the use / non-use state;
When the second determination means determines that the room in which the karaoke device is installed is not in use, a replacement request for requesting the representative karaoke device to replace the representative karaoke device via the internal network A fifth transmission means for transmitting information;
The karaoke system according to claim 1, further comprising: A representative karaoke apparatus included in the karaoke system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
First acquisition means for acquiring the content list from a center server via the internal network, the node device, and the external network;
Second acquisition means for acquiring the content list list from the node device via the internal network;
Third acquisition means for acquiring a content list in which the content list ID is described in the content list acquired by the first acquisition means or the second acquisition means from the node device via the internal network;
First transmission means for transmitting request information indicating a request for the karaoke data to the node device via the internal network based on the content list acquired by the third acquisition means;
Receiving means for receiving the karaoke data transmitted from the node device;
Second transmission means for transmitting the received karaoke data to the karaoke device via the internal network;
Fourth receiving means for receiving information indicating the use / non-use state of the room in which the karaoke apparatus is installed from the management computer that manages the use / non-use state of the room in the store via the internal network; ,
Second determination means for determining whether the room in which the karaoke apparatus is installed is in use based on the received information indicating the use / non-use state;
When the second determination means determines that the room in which the karaoke device is installed is not in use, a replacement request for requesting the representative karaoke device to replace the representative karaoke device via the internal network A fifth transmission means for transmitting information;
A karaoke apparatus comprising: A node device included in the karaoke system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The node device is a relay device that relays an IP (Internet Protocol) packet between the internal network and the external network,
Communication control means for controlling communication by the overlay network formed via the external network with the plurality of node devices at each of the bases;
Receiving means for receiving the request information transmitted from the representative karaoke device;
Obtaining means for obtaining karaoke data corresponding to the request information from any one of the plurality of node devices by the communication control means;
Transmitting means for transmitting the acquired karaoke data to the representative karaoke device via the internal network;
A node device comprising: A plurality of karaoke devices connected to each internal network constructed for each of a plurality of bases and reproducing karaoke data, a representative karaoke device determined from the plurality of karaoke devices, and a plurality of node devices of each of the bases A karaoke system representative karaoke device connected to the external network, each node having a node device for transmitting and receiving information via an overlay network formed via the external network. On computers included in
A first acquisition step of acquiring the content list from a center server via the internal network, the node device, and the external network;
A second acquisition step of acquiring the content list from the node device via the internal network;
A third acquisition step of acquiring the content list in which the content list ID is described in the content list acquired in the first acquisition step or the second acquisition step from the node device via the internal network;
A transmission step of transmitting request information indicating a request for the karaoke data to the node device via the internal network based on the content list acquired in the third acquisition step ;
Receiving the karaoke data transmitted from the node device;
A transmission step of transmitting the received karaoke data to the karaoke device via the internal network;
Karaoke program for running. Between a plurality of karaoke devices connected to each internal network constructed for each of a plurality of bases and reproducing karaoke data, a representative karaoke device determined from the plurality of karaoke devices, and the representative karaoke device A node device that transmits and receives information for each internal network, and each internal network is a node device of a karaoke system that is connected to an external network, and an IP (Internet Protocol) between the internal network and the external network. ) In a computer included in the node device that is a relay device that relays packets ,
A receiving step of receiving request information indicating a request for the karaoke data transmitted from the representative karaoke device;
A communication control step of controlling communication by the overlay network formed via the external network between the plurality of node devices at each of the bases;
An acquisition step of acquiring karaoke data corresponding to the request information from any one of the plurality of node devices by the communication control step;
A transmitting step of transmitting the acquired karaoke data to the representative karaoke device via the internal network;
Node program to execute It is connected to each internal network constructed for each base multiple, and a plurality of karaoke device for reproducing karaoke data, and the representative karaoke device that is determined from among the plurality of karaoke device, between the representative karaoke device in a node device for transmitting and receiving information to a karaoke data transmission method in a karaoke system that Ru provided for each of the internal network,
Each internal network is connected to an external network, a center server is connected to the external network, and the node device is a relay device that relays an IP (Internet Protocol) packet between the internal network and the external network. And the center server manages a content list that describes a content list ID of a content list that is a list of content of karaoke data that can be used in the karaoke system, and distributes the content list to the node device. Is,
The karaoke data transmission method is:
A first acquisition step in which the representative karaoke device acquires the content list from a center server via the internal network, the node device, and the external network;
A second acquisition step in which the representative karaoke device acquires the content list from the node device via the internal network;
The representative karaoke device acquires a content list in which the content list ID is described in the content list acquired in the first acquisition step or the second acquisition step from the node device via the internal network. A third acquisition step;
The representative karaoke device transmits a request information indicating a request for the karaoke data to the node device via the internal network based on the content list acquired in the third acquisition step ;
A communication control step for controlling communication by the overlay network formed via the external network between the node device and the plurality of node devices at each base;
A receiving step in which the node device receives the request information transmitted from the representative karaoke device;
A fourth acquisition step in which the node device acquires karaoke data corresponding to the request information from any one of the plurality of node devices by the communication control step;
A transmission step in which the node device transmits the acquired karaoke data to the representative karaoke device via the internal network;
The representative karaoke device receives the karaoke data transmitted from the node device; and
The representative karaoke device transmits the received karaoke data to the karaoke device via the internal network; and
The karaoke data transmission method characterized by including.

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