JP6562303B2 - Karaoke equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a karaoke apparatus for reproducing karaoke music.

  Generally, in a karaoke apparatus, a singer performs a song as karaoke music is played. The singing voice is collected by a microphone and a corresponding voice signal is input. Thereafter, the reproduced karaoke piece and the audio signal are mixed and then emitted. At this time, depending on the surrounding environment and sound conditions, the emitted sound is collected again by the microphone, and a phenomenon (howling phenomenon) in which an unpleasant sound reverberates as a loop may occur.

  A karaoke apparatus having a function of suppressing this howling phenomenon is already known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this prior art, the howling phenomenon is suppressed by suppressing the peak frequency component of the audio signal by a notch filter.

JP 2004-82432 A

  When the howling phenomenon is suppressed by the notch filter method as in the above prior art, the pitch of the singing voice happens to be maintained at a substantially constant time for a predetermined time, for example, due to the melody structure of the music itself or the singing technique of the singer. (So-called long tone). In such a case, there is a risk that the peak frequency component of the audio signal at that time may be erroneously suppressed because it is mistakenly recognized that the howling phenomenon has occurred by the notch filter even though the howling phenomenon has not occurred. is there. As a result, normal singing voices are suppressed and a significant level drop or silence occurs, resulting in inconveniences such as singing voices being interrupted or unnatural.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a karaoke apparatus capable of suppressing the occurrence of original howling while avoiding erroneous recognition of howling in the case of a long tone or the like.

In order to achieve the above object, the first invention is reproduced by data reproducing means for reproducing karaoke music data, audio input means for inputting an audio signal collected with singing, and the data reproducing means. A karaoke apparatus comprising: sound emitting means capable of emitting sound by mixing the karaoke music data and the sound signal input by the sound input means, and a notch filter method for suppressing a peak frequency component of the sound signal A first howling suppression unit that suppresses a howling phenomenon that occurs when the sound output from the sound output unit is collected and input to the audio input unit; and at least a part of the frequency component of the audio signal A frequency conversion method for converting to a low frequency side, and a second howling suppression means for suppressing the howling phenomenon, and the first howling suppression according to the progress of the singing. And it said the stepped second acoustic feedback suppression means to function by switching, and having a switching means.

  In the karaoke apparatus according to the present invention, the singer sings along with the reproduction of the karaoke music data by the data reproducing means. The singing voice is collected by a microphone, for example, and a corresponding voice signal is inputted by voice input means. Thereafter, the reproduced karaoke piece data and the audio signal are mixed (so-called mixing) and then emitted by the sound emitting means. At this time, depending on the surrounding environment, sound conditions, etc., the emitted sound is collected again by the microphone, and a phenomenon (howling phenomenon) in which an unpleasant sound reverberates may occur (this howling phenomenon). Can also occur when only singing without playing karaoke music data).

  Corresponding to this, the present invention is provided with howling suppression means (first howling suppression means) for suppressing howling by a so-called notch filter method. Thereby, when a howling phenomenon occurs, the first howling suppression means can suppress the howling phenomenon by suppressing the peak frequency component of the audio signal input to the audio input means.

  In the present invention, a second howling suppression unit (different from the first howling suppression unit) and a switching unit are provided. The second howling suppression means has a function of suppressing the howling phenomenon by converting at least a part of the frequency component of the audio signal to the high frequency side or the low frequency side (frequency conversion method). And a switching means switches and makes the said 1st howling suppression means and the said 2nd howling suppression means switch selectively according to progress of a song.

  As a result, when there is a possibility that an erroneous howling suppression function by the notch filter method as described above may act, the second howling suppression means can be made to function instead of the first howling suppression means. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the original howling while eliminating the inconvenience due to the erroneous recognition of the first howling suppression means.

  According to a second aspect, in the first aspect, the switching unit causes the first howling suppression unit to function at a normal time including a singing start time, while the second howling suppression unit is operated at a specific timing that satisfies a predetermined condition. It is made to function.

  In the present invention, based on the switching control of the switching means, the first howling suppression means functions at normal times including the start of singing, and suppresses the howling phenomenon by suppressing the peak frequency component of the audio signal when the howling phenomenon occurs. To do. Then, the second howling suppression unit is made to function at a specific timing that satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, when the long tone singing is performed or expected to be performed) to convert the frequency component of the audio signal. Thus, the howling phenomenon can be suppressed (or prevented in advance).

  Here, the reason why the second howling suppression means is not always used in the present invention is as follows. That is, since the second howling suppression means is a method of converting the frequency component of the audio signal as described above, it changes the singing voice of the singer more or less. Accordingly, when the second howling suppression means is made to function from the normal time, the occurrence of howling is surely suppressed, but the singing voice is altered through the music, and the entertainment is deteriorated.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the first howling suppression means is always functioned to prevent the above-mentioned alteration, and the first howling suppression means suppresses the second howling only at a specific timing at which the inconvenience of erroneous recognition of the howling phenomenon occurs. Make the means work. As a result, it is possible to minimize the alteration of voice while eliminating the disadvantage of the erroneous recognition of the howling phenomenon.

  A third invention is the above-mentioned second invention, wherein the pitch of the singing voice as the specific timing is a long tone state that is substantially constant for a predetermined time based on the voice signal input by the voice input means. Long tone determination means for determining whether or not the switching means causes the second howling suppression means to function when the long tone determination means determines that the long tone state is present. .

  In a fourth aspect based on the second aspect, the karaoke piece data is associated with singing reference information indicating a reference pitch to be sung, and at the specific timing based on the singing reference information. First timing determination means for determining whether or not there is provided, and the switching means causes the second howling suppression means to function when the first timing determination means determines that the specific timing is reached. Features.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention based on the fourth aspect of the present invention, the first timing determination means is a long tone section in which the pitch of the singing voice is maintained at a substantially constant predetermined time as the specific timing based on the singing reference information. It is determined whether or not there is, and the switching unit causes the second howling suppression unit to function when it is determined by the first timing determination unit that it is the long tone section.

  In a sixth aspect based on the second aspect, the karaoke piece data includes long tone information indicating a long tone section in which the pitch of the singing voice is substantially constant for a predetermined time, or a start point / end point of the long tone section. Switching information corresponding to the second tone determination means is provided, and based on the long tone information or the switching information, there is provided second timing determination means for determining whether or not the specific timing is reached. The karaoke apparatus characterized in that the second howling suppression means is caused to function when the second timing determination means determines that the specific timing is reached.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of original howling while avoiding erroneous recognition of howling in the case of a long tone or the like.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the main structures of the karaoke apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the main structures of the control apparatus with which the karaoke apparatus was equipped. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content performed by the control apparatus at the time of reproduction | regeneration of music data. It is a functional block diagram showing the detailed structure of a howling process circuit. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of the long tone in karaoke music. It is explanatory drawing showing the data structure containing singing standard information. It is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of step S40 of FIG. 3 performed by a howling process circuit. It is explanatory drawing showing the data structure containing long tone information in the modification which uses long tone information without using singing standard information. It is a functional block diagram showing the detailed structure of the howling process circuit in the modification which uses long tone information, and the modification which uses switch switching information, without using singing standard information. It is explanatory drawing showing the data structure containing switch switching information in the modification which uses switch switching information. It is a functional block diagram showing the detailed structure of a howling process circuit in the modification which detects a long tone based on an audio | voice signal. It is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of step S40 of FIG. 3 performed by a howling process circuit.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a karaoke apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Main configuration>
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the main configuration of the karaoke apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the karaoke device 10 includes a control device 20, an amplifier 16, a set of floor type speakers 11, 11, a set of speakers 12, 12 for hanging the ceiling, and a control device. The remote controller 30 that remotely controls the remote controller 20, the floor-mounted monitor 13 (which may be wall-mounted) in this example, and the monitor 14 incorporated in the housing 20 </ b> A of the control device 20 are provided.

  The control device 20 is a server for request signals indicating the selection of music for karaoke (karaoke music; hereinafter referred to as “song” as appropriate), music selection control such as reservation of music playback, and the transmission request for the music selected. 58, and communication control such as reception of music data (corresponding to karaoke music data) corresponding to the music indicated by the request signal.

  The amplifier 16 includes a MIX circuit (mixing circuit) 9 (see FIG. 2 to be described later) that mixes the audio signal input from the MC (microphone) 17 and the reproduction signal of the song, and the volume balance between the audio and the song. Echo adjustment, delay adjustment, amplification of mixing signal, pitch control (key control) of music to be played, control of treble and bass (tone control), etc.

  The speakers 11 and 12 (corresponding to sound emission means) reproduce the amplified signal output from the amplifier 16 as sound. The monitors 13 and 14 display a lyrics telop showing lyrics, a background video displayed on the background of the lyrics telop, a video showing a music selection number, and the like. Note that the internal monitor 14 may be incorporated in the housing of the amplifier 16.

<Control system>
The configuration of the control system of the control device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the main configuration of the control system of the control device 20. The control device 20 includes a communication terminal 40 for connecting the LAN line 15 to the server 58, an audio output terminal 41 connected to the audio input terminal of the amplifier 16, and a video input terminal of the external monitor 13 (in this example, cable connection). The housing 20A includes the video output terminal 42 to be connected, the internal monitor 14, and the audio input terminal 43 (corresponding to audio input means) connected to the microphone 17.

  The control device 20 is provided with a CPU 45 that executes various controls according to the control program. The CPU 45 includes a RAM 46 for temporarily storing data transmitted from the remote controller 30, music selection number data indicating the music selection number of the selected music, music selection number data of the reserved music, a program executed by the CPU 45, and the like. A ROM 47 in which necessary data tables are stored is connected.

  Further, the CPU 45 has a video RAM 48 in which character video data for displaying lyrics telop and various message images is stored on the external monitor 13 and the internal monitor 14, music data transmitted from the server 58, lyrics data, and these music Singing standard information (details will be described later) associated with data and lyrics data, a LAN board 50 for receiving video data and the like via the communication terminal 40, and the music data and lyrics received by the LAN board 50 A hard disk (hereinafter referred to as HDD) 49 for temporarily storing data and the like is connected.

  Further, a MIDI sound source board 51 and an audio control circuit 52 are connected to the CPU 45. The MIDI sound source board 51 inputs MIDI data included in the music data read from the HDD 49 and outputs a sound source signal from a sound source specified by the input MIDI data. The sound control circuit 52 receives the sound source signal output from the MIDI sound source board 51 and converts it into a signal that can be amplified by the amplifier 16.

  In addition, a video control circuit 54 and a howling processing circuit 100 are connected to the CPU 45. The video control circuit 54 receives general background video data read from the HDD 49, song-specific background data, lyrics telop data included in the song data, and the like, and the background displayed on the external monitor 13 and the internal monitor 14. A video signal in which the lyrics telop is superimposed in the video or a video signal (common to the external monitor 13 and the internal monitor 1) that changes the color of the lyrics telop according to the progress of the song is generated, and the external monitor 13 and the internal Each is output to the monitor 14. The howling processing circuit 100 inputs a voice signal collected by the microphone 17 in response to the user's singing through the voice input terminal 43, performs a predetermined howling process (details will be described later), and then performs the voice control. Output to the circuit 52.

  Further, the housing 20A of the control device 20 has a light receiving unit 38 that receives an optical signal from the remote controller 30, various buttons and keys 39 (tenkeys, music selection buttons, etc.), and when the various buttons and keys 39 are pressed. LED 37 that is lit on is provided. Correspondingly, the CPU 45 includes a conversion circuit 55 that converts an optical signal from the remote controller 30 received by the light receiving unit 38 into a digital signal, a display circuit 56 that outputs a display signal to the LED 37, and the various buttons. , And an input circuit 57 for inputting a switching signal generated when the key 39 is pressed.

<Basic processing when playing karaoke music>
The processing contents executed by the control device 20 of the karaoke apparatus 10 when the user reproduces the karaoke music as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In FIG. 3, this flow is started when, for example, the user (or the administrator of the karaoke device 10) presses the power button of the control device 20 of the karaoke device 10 to turn on the power of the control device 20. In conjunction with the rising of the power supply of the control device 20, the power supply of the amplifier 16, the external monitor 13, and the internal monitor 14 is started up.

  First, in step S10, the control device 20 determines whether or not the music selection by the user is ended by the CPU 45. In the music selection, for example, when the user inputs the music selection number of the music that the user wants to sing with the numeric keypad of the remote controller 30 and presses the music selection button, the music selection ends. Until the music selection is completed, the determination in step S10 is not satisfied (step S10: NO), and a loop waits. When the music selection is completed, the determination in step S10 is satisfied (step S10: YES), and the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S15, the control device 20 corresponds to the music selection result in step S10 by the CPU 45, temporarily stores the music selection number data indicating the music selection number in the RAM 46, and corresponds to the music selection number via the LAN board 50. A request signal for requesting transmission of music data to be transmitted is transmitted to the server 58 via the LAN line 15. Accordingly, the server 58 stores, from a storage device (not shown), music data corresponding to the music selection number indicated in the request signal, the singing reference information, the lyrics data, and the video data corresponding to the music data, Is retrieved and read, and the read music data and the like are transmitted to the control device 20 via the LAN line 15. When step S15 ends, the process proceeds to step S20.

  In step S <b> 20, the control device 20 receives music data (including singing standard information) transmitted from the server 58 via the LAN line 15 via the LAN board 50 via the LAN board 50. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S25.

  In step S25, the controller 20 causes the CPU 45 to temporarily store the music data received in step S20 in the HDD 49. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S30.

  In the processes in steps S15, S20, and S25, the music data associated with the music selection number is processed on demand from the server 58 for each music selection. In addition to this method, music data or the like is stored in advance in a large-capacity auxiliary storage means (for example, the HDD 49) in the control device 20 of the karaoke apparatus 10, and the music associated with the music selection number for each music selection. Processing corresponding to Step S15, Step S20, and Step S25 of reading information groups such as data (MIDI data) from the auxiliary storage means and acquiring the target information may be performed.

  In step S30, the control device 20 causes the CPU 45 to start reading the MIDI data that is the music data stored in the HDD 49 in step S25, and writes the read MIDI data to the MIDI sound source board 51. When step S30 ends, the process proceeds to step S35.

  In step S35, the MIDI data is reproduced. That is, the control device 20 causes the CPU 45 to output a control signal to the MIDI sound source board 51, and causes the MIDI sound source board 51 to output a sound source signal corresponding to the MIDI data written in step S30. The CPU 45 executing this step S35 functions as a data reproducing means described in each claim. The sound source signal output from the MIDI sound source board 51 is output to the sound control circuit 52 and converted into a music signal that can be amplified by the amplifier 16, and the converted music signal is sent from the sound output terminal 41 to the amplifier 16. Is output. When step S35 ends, the process proceeds to step S40.

  In step S40, the control device 20 causes the CPU 45 to output a control signal to the howling processing circuit 100, and the microphone 17 from the microphone 17 corresponding to the reproduction of MIDI data in step S35 (in other words, the output of the sound source signal). A predetermined howling process (details will be described later) is executed on the audio signal. The sound signal after the howling process is output from the howling process circuit 100 to the amplifier 16 via the sound control circuit 52, and is mixed with the music signal in the mixing circuit 9 built in the amplifier 16. The mixed signal thus mixed is amplified by an amplifier circuit (not shown) built in the amplifier 16 and then output to the speaker 11 and the speaker 12, and is emitted by both the speakers 11 and 12 (reproduction of MIDI data). If only the audio signal from the microphone 17 is input, the sound emission corresponding to the audio signal is performed). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S80.

  In step S80, the control device 20 determines whether or not the music data has been reproduced by the CPU 45 (in other words, whether or not the reading of the MIDI data in step S30 has been completed up to the last MIDI data of the music data). . If the reproduction of the music data is finished, the determination is satisfied (step S80: YES), and this flow is finished. Until the reproduction of the music data is completed, the determination is not satisfied (step S80: NO), the process returns to step S30, and the procedure of steps S30 to S80 is repeated.

<Features of this embodiment>
In the above, the feature of the present embodiment is the howling process executed by the howling process circuit 100. Hereinafter, the details will be described in order.

  As described above, in the karaoke apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the music signal generated by reproducing the music data and the audio signal based on the singing voice of the singer at the microphone 17 are mixed by the mixing circuit 9 and then the speaker. 11 and 12 are emitted. At this time, a so-called howling phenomenon may occur in which the emitted sound is collected again by the microphone 17 depending on the surrounding environment, sound conditions, and the like, and becomes an unpleasant sound. This howling phenomenon can also occur when only singing without reproducing the music data.

<Howling processing circuit>
In the present embodiment, the howling processing circuit 100 is provided correspondingly. A detailed configuration of the howling processing circuit 100 is shown in FIG.

<Notching filter type howling canceller>
As shown in FIG. 4, a howling processing circuit 100 includes a howling canceller 101 (corresponding to a first howling suppression means) that suppresses the above-described howling phenomenon by a known notch filter method described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-102093. ), And a level detection unit 102 disposed on the audio signal input side of the howling canceller 101, and a path switching unit 103 connected to the level detection unit 102.

  Changeover switches 104 and 105 are respectively provided on the signal input side and signal output side of the signal path 106 where the howling canceller 101 is provided. The changeover switches 104 and 105 are controlled by the switching of the path switching unit 103 and howling cancellers. The signal path 106 passing through 101 and the signal path 107 not passing through the howling canceller 101 can be selectively switched.

  That is, normally, the path switching unit 103 switches the changeover switches 104 and 105 to the signal path 107 side (position indicated by a solid line in the figure). On the other hand, the level detection unit 102 monitors the level (for example, sound pressure) of the audio signal input from the audio input terminal 43 as described above. When the level detection unit 102 detects a level exceeding a predetermined threshold that can be considered that the howling has occurred, the path switching unit 103 connects the changeover switches 104 and 105 to the signal path 106. Switch to the side (position indicated by a broken line in the figure). Thereby, when a howling phenomenon occurs, the howling canceller 101 provided in the signal path 106 can suppress the howling phenomenon by suppressing the peak frequency component of the input audio signal.

<Inconvenience when singing long tone>
By the way, when the above-described howling phenomenon is suppressed, for example, the pitch of the singing voice is kept substantially constant for a predetermined time (so-called long tone) due to the melody configuration of the music itself or the singing technique of the singer. There is a case. For example, in the melody attached to the lyrics of “That's your word” of the song shown in FIG. 5, the melody of the “no” lyrics from the second half of the first bar to the second bar of chord Em is four quarters This is a long tone of long notes that span 5 and a half beats (2 and a half in the second half of the first bar + 3 beats in the second bar). When such a long tone is sung by a user, the level detection unit 102 mistakenly recognizes that the howling phenomenon has occurred even though the howling phenomenon does not originally occur, and as described above, the howling canceller. 101 may erroneously suppress the peak frequency component of the audio signal. As a result, the normal singing voice of the user input from the microphone 17 is suppressed as it is, and a significant level drop or silent state occurs, and the singing voice is interrupted or unnatural.

<How to cancel frequency conversion method>
Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, in the howling processing circuit 100, apart from the notch filter type howling canceller 101, for example, JP-A-8-977751 and JP-A-2009-5274 are disclosed. A howling canceller 111 (corresponding to second howling suppression means) is provided that suppresses the above-described howling phenomenon by a known frequency conversion method described in the above.

  At this time, selector switches 113 and 114 are respectively provided on the signal input side and the signal output side of the signal path 112 in which the howling canceller 111 is provided. The selector switch 113 is controlled by the canceller switching unit 115 according to the switching control. The signal path 112 connected to the input side of 111 and the signal path 108 connected to the input side of the level detection unit 102 can be selectively switched. The changeover switch 114 selects the signal path 112 connected to the output side of the howling canceller 111 and the signal path 109 connected to the output side of the changeover switch 105 by switching control of the canceller switching unit 115. Can be switched automatically.

  The changeover switches 113 and 114 are switched by the canceller switching unit 115 based on the determination result of the long tone section determination unit 121 (corresponding to the first timing determination unit) connected to the canceller switching unit 115. The long tone section determination unit 121 determines the long tone section of the karaoke piece based on the singing reference information acquired from the CPU 45.

<Data structure including singing standard information>
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a main part of the data structure of received data including music data received from the server 58 in the present embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 6, four bars of karaoke music (corresponding to FIG. 5 described above) of data received from the server are shown. The received data includes music data corresponding to the progress of performance for four bars, lyrics data (lyric telop data), the above singing standard information, and video data (not shown).

  The music data is reproduced from the first bar (hereinafter simply referred to as “first bar” or the like) in the data shown in FIG. 6 together with the lyrics data and the video data, and the second bar, the third bar, Playback proceeds to the fourth measure. Corresponding to the reproduction, display based on the lyrics data and the video data also proceeds.

  At this time, as shown in the drawing, the singing reference information is information indicating a reference pitch (that is, a melody) to be sung, and is usually used when, for example, a user's singing result is scored. In the figure, for convenience, it is represented in the form of a staff notation, but any data mode may be used as long as it represents equivalent contents. Based on this singing standard information, the above long tone section determination unit 121, in the example shown in the figure, in the melody attached to the lyrics of “That ’s your word”, the melody of the above “no” lyrics is a long tone. It is determined that this is a long tone section.

  In addition, when there are a plurality of types of music data, each music data is associated with a music name (for example, music ID used for music selection described above), MIDI data for music performance, lyrics data, and singing standard information. Any structure can be used. Since the music data structure is well known, only the necessary parts are shown in FIG.

In the above example, the singing standard information is composed of the same file as the music data, but is not limited thereto, and the singing standard information is composed of the music data and a separate file (hereinafter referred to as a singing standard information file). They may be associated with the same song name.
For example, by the following configurations and processes (1) to (4), even if the singing reference information is a separate file (singing reference information file) from the song data, the same as when the singing reference information is the same file as the song data. The effect is obtained.
(1) The singing standard information file is a file of a table in which singing standard information that appears in accordance with the progress of music data reproduction is associated with the progress time of the music in advance.
Specifically, the table records information of (performance time t1: chord Em, t2: chord Bm,... Last performance time tX: last chord score X).
(2) The singing standard information file is stored in the HDD 49 together with the music data.
(3) When the reproduction of the music is designated from the input circuit 57, the CPU 45 reads out the corresponding song standard information file from the HDD 49 together with the music data.
(4) The CPU 45 reproduces the music data according to the execution program of the ROM 47, and reads the singing standard information from the singing standard information file according to the reproduction progress time.
Specifically, when the progress time of reproduction of music data reaches t1 (seconds), the melody corresponding to t1 is read from the singing reference information file, and the melody corresponding to t2 is reached when t2 (seconds) is reached. Is read. In the same manner, the singing standard information corresponding to the progress time is continuously read from the singing standard information file until the music data reproduction ends (tX).

<Switching timing by canceller switching unit>
The canceller switching unit 115 sets the change-over switches 113 and 114 to the signal path 112 side (in other words, at the timing at which the long tone section determination unit 121 determines that it is a long tone section in the karaoke music (corresponding to a specific timing). At other timings, the switches 113 and 114 are switched to the signal paths 108 and 109 (in other words, howling canceller 101).

  Thereby, according to the example of the karaoke music piece shown in FIG.5 and FIG.6, the canceller switching part 115 sets the changeover switches 113 and 114 to the above immediately before the lyrics of "no" of "that" according to the progress of singing. Switching to the signal paths 108 and 109 side, the selector switches 113 and 114 are switched to the signal path 112 side (in other words, howling canceller 101 side) at the timing of the words “no” and “no”. As a result, after that (during the long tone period), at least a part of the frequency component of the audio signal is converted to the high frequency side or the low frequency side by the howling canceller 111. Occurrence is suppressed. Thereafter, as the song progresses, the canceller switching unit 115 again switches the selector switches 113 and 114 to the signal paths 108 and 109 (in other words, howling canceller 101) at the timing of the lyrics of “Kimi no”. Switch.

To summarize the switching of signal paths in the above howling processing circuit 100,
(I) Long tone section:
Signal path 112 (frequency conversion canceller 111)
(Ii) When a howling occurs outside the long tone section:
Signal paths 108, 106, 109 (notch filter type canceller 101)
(Iii) Outside the long tone section and when no howling occurs:
Signal path 108, 107, 109 (without canceller)
It becomes. As described above, in the howling processing circuit 100, the notch filter type howling canceller 101 and the frequency conversion type howling canceller 111 are switched and selectively function as the singing progresses. That is, the change-over switches 104, 105, 113, and 114, the path switching unit 103, the level detection unit 102, and the canceller switching unit 115 correspond to switching means described in each claim.

<Details of howling process>
FIG. 7 shows a detailed procedure of the howling process of step S140 executed by the control apparatus 20 by the howling process circuit 100 in order to realize the above method.

  7, in step S42, which is executed after step S35 of FIG. 3 is completed, the control device 20 receives the singing reference information (received in step S20 and received in step S20) by the long tone section determination unit 121 of the howling processing circuit 100. On the basis of (temporarily saved in S25), it is determined whether or not the timing of the karaoke piece being reproduced at that time is the long tone section. For example, when the timing is other than the above long tone section including the time when the singing is started, the determination in step S42 is not satisfied (step S42: NO), and the process proceeds to step S45.

  In step S45, the control device 20 switches the changeover switches 113 and 114 to the signal paths 108 and 109 side (in other words, howling canceller 101 side) by the canceller switching unit 115 of the howling processing circuit 100. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S46.

  In step S46, the control device 20 determines whether or not the level of the audio signal input from the audio input terminal 43 at this time by the level detection unit 102 of the howling processing circuit 100 exceeds the threshold value. To do. If the level of the audio signal is equal to or lower than the threshold value, the determination in step S46 is not satisfied (step S46: NO), this routine is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S80 in FIG. On the other hand, if the level of the audio signal exceeds the threshold value, the determination in step S46 is satisfied, and the path switching unit 103 of the howling processing circuit 100 moves the selector switches 104 and 105 to the signal path 106 side (in other words, Switching to the howling canceller 101 side). Thereby, a notch filter is formed by the howling canceller 101, and the howling phenomenon (occurring) can be suppressed by suppressing the peak frequency component of the audio signal as described above. After the switching, this routine is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S80 in FIG.

  On the other hand, in the above-described step S42, when it is the timing of the long tone section, the determination in step S42 is satisfied (step S42: YES), and the process proceeds to step S43.

  In step S43, the control device 20 switches the selector switches 113 and 114 to the signal path 112 side (in other words, howling canceller 111 side) by the canceller switching unit 115 of the howling processing circuit 100. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S44.

  In step S44, the howling canceller 111 performs the above conversion of the frequency component of the audio signal by the input of the audio signal by the switching in the above step S43, thereby suppressing the occurrence of the howling phenomenon. Thereafter, this routine is ended, and the process proceeds to step S80 in FIG.

<Effect of embodiment>
As described above, in this embodiment, according to the progress of singing, the canceller switching unit 115 causes the changeover switches 113 and 114 to be connected to the signal paths 108 and 109 side (notch filter type howling canceller 101 side) and the signal. It is selectively switched to the path 112 side (frequency conversion method howling canceller 111 side). As a result, when there is a possibility that the erroneous howling suppression function by the above-described howling canceller 101 acts (in the above example, a long tone interval), the howling canceller 111 can be made to function instead of the howling canceller 101. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the original howling while eliminating the inconvenience due to the erroneous recognition of the howling by the notch filter method.

  In this embodiment, in particular, the notch filter type howling canceller 101 functions during normal times including the start of singing, and suppresses the howling phenomenon by suppressing the peak frequency component of the audio signal when the howling phenomenon occurs. Then, the frequency conversion method howling canceller 111 is caused to function at a predetermined timing that satisfies a predetermined condition (in the above example, a timing at which a long-tone singing is performed or a timing at which execution is expected). The howling phenomenon can be suppressed (or prevented in advance) by converting the frequency component of the audio signal.

  In the present embodiment, the reason why the frequency canceling type howling canceller 111 is not used is as follows. That is, the howling canceller 111 of the frequency conversion method is a method of converting the frequency component of the audio signal as described above, and thus changes the singing voice of the user more or less. Therefore, when the howling canceller 111 of the frequency conversion method is made to function from the normal time, the generation of howling is surely suppressed, but the singing voice is altered through the music, and the entertainment is deteriorated.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the notch filter type howling canceller 101 is always functioned to prevent the above alteration, and the notch filter type frequency conversion is performed only at the specific timing at which the inconvenience of erroneous recognition of the howling phenomenon occurs. The method of the howling canceller 111 is operated. As a result, it is possible to minimize the alteration of voice while eliminating the disadvantage of the erroneous recognition of the howling phenomenon.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the present invention. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described in order.

(1) When long tone information is used without using singing standard information In the present modification, as shown in FIG. 8 corresponding to FIG. 6 described above, the data received from the server includes the music data, Lyric data, a long tone flag F (corresponding to long tone information) instead of the singing reference information, and the video data (not shown) are provided.

  At this time, as shown in the figure, the long tone flag F indicates the above long tone interval (in the above example, the interval from “no” of “that” to immediately before the “ki” lyrics of “your”. ), F = 1, and F = 0 in other sections.

  In the howling processing unit 100 in this modification, as shown in FIG. 9 corresponding to the above-described FIG. 4, the long tone section determination unit 121 (corresponding to the second timing determination unit) determines the value of the long tone flag F. In the same way as described above, in the melody attached to the lyrics of “That's your word”, the section from the “no” lyrics of “that” to just before the “ki” lyrics of “your” It is determined that it is a long tone section.

  Since the configuration and processing contents other than those described above are the same as those in the above embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  Also in this modification, the same effect as the above embodiment is obtained.

(2) When using switch switching information In this modification, as shown in FIG. 10 corresponding to FIG. 6 and FIG. 8, the data received from the server includes the music data, the lyrics data, and , Switch switching information (corresponding to switching information) instead of the singing reference information, and the video data (not shown).

  At this time, as shown in the figure, first, the switch switch 113 includes the change-over switch 113 at the timing corresponding to the start point of the long tone section (in the above example, immediately before the “no” lyrics of “that”). , 114 is switched from the signal paths 108 and 109 side (notch filter type howling canceller 101 side) to the signal path 112 side (frequency conversion type howling canceller 111 side). In addition, at the timing corresponding to the end point of the long tone section (in the above example, immediately before the lyrics of “Kimi no”), the changeover switches 113 and 114 are placed on the signal path 112 side (frequency conversion method howling canceller). The switching signal output setting for switching from the (111 side) to the signal path 108, 109 side (notch filter type howling canceller 101 side) is also included.

  In the howling processing unit 100 in this modification, as shown in FIG. 9, the long tone section determination unit 121 (corresponding to the second timing determination unit) sets the output setting of the switching signal to the signal path 112 side. Based on the output setting of the switching signal to the signal paths 108 and 109, in the melody attached to the lyrics of “That word”, as in the above, the “no” lyrics of “that” It is determined that the section from “Kimi no” to “Ki” just before the lyrics is a long tone section.

  Since the configuration and processing contents other than those described above are the same as those in the embodiment and the modification example (1), description thereof is omitted.

  Also in this modification, the same effect as the above embodiment is obtained.

(3) When detecting a long tone based on an audio signal FIG. 11 corresponding to FIG. 4 shows a detailed configuration of the howling processing circuit 100 in the present modification. In FIG. 11, in the howling processing circuit 100 of this modification, a long tone determination unit 131 (corresponding to a long tone determination unit) is provided in place of the above-described long tone section determination unit 121, and audio from the audio input terminal 43 is provided. A signal is input. The long tone determination unit 131 determines whether or not the voice signal input from moment to moment is in the long tone state in which the pitch of the singing voice is maintained substantially constant for a predetermined time.

  The changeover switches 113 and 114 are switched by the canceller switching unit 115 based on the determination result of the long tone determination unit 131 connected to the canceller switching unit 115.

  FIG. 12 corresponding to FIG. 7 shows a detailed procedure of the howling process in step S140 executed by the howling process circuit 100 by the control device 20 in the present modification. FIG. 12 differs only in that step S42 ′ is provided instead of step S42 in the flow of FIG.

  In step S42 ′ executed after step S35 of FIG. 3 is completed, the control device 20 causes the long tone determination unit 131 of the howling processing circuit 100 to make the user's singing into a long tone state at that time. (In other words, whether a long tone has been detected) is determined by a known method. For example, in the case of the state where the long tone is not included, for example, at the start of singing, the determination of step S42 ′ is not satisfied (step S42 ′: NO), the process proceeds to step S45, and thereafter the same procedure as in the above embodiment. Is done. On the other hand, if the tone is the long tone, the determination in step S42 ′ is satisfied (step S42 ′: YES), the process proceeds to step S43, and thereafter, the same procedure as in the above embodiment is performed.

  Since the configuration and processing contents other than those described above are the same as those in the above embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  Also in this modification, the same effect as the above embodiment is obtained.

(4) Others In the above description, howling is suppressed by frequency conversion by switching the route to the howling canceller 111 side in the case of the above long tone section as a specific timing, but is not limited thereto. . That is, even if it is not a long tone section, a part where the howling canceller 101 may misidentify a howling at a specific part in the karaoke music due to a habit at the time of singing or the surrounding environment (corresponding to a specific timing in this case) ) May be switched to the howling canceller 111 side at that location to suppress howling by frequency conversion.

  Further, the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3, 7, 12 and the like do not limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the above-mentioned flow, and the addition / deletion or order of the procedures within the scope of the gist and technical idea of the invention. May be changed.

  In addition to those already described above, the methods according to the above-described embodiments and modifications may be used in appropriate combination.

  In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the present invention is implemented with various modifications within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

10 Karaoke device 11, 12 Speaker (sound emission means)
43 Voice input terminal (voice input means)
101 Howling canceller (first howling suppression means)
102 level detector (switching means)
103 Route switching unit (switching means)
104,105 selector switch (switching means)
111 Howling canceller (second howling suppression means)
113, 114 changeover switch (switching means)
115 canceller switching part (switching means)
121 long tone section determination unit (first timing determination means; second
Timing judgment means)
131 Long tone determination unit (long tone determination means)

Claims (6)

Data reproducing means for reproducing karaoke song data;
A voice input means for inputting a voice signal collected along with the singing;
Sound emission means capable of emitting sound by mixing the karaoke music data reproduced by the data reproduction means and the audio signal input by the audio input means;
A karaoke device having
A first howling suppression unit that suppresses a howling phenomenon that occurs when a sound emitted from the sound emitting unit is collected and input to the voice input unit in a notch filter system that suppresses a peak frequency component of the audio signal;
A second howling suppression means for suppressing the howling phenomenon in a frequency conversion method for converting at least a part of the frequency component of the audio signal to a high frequency side or a low frequency side;
Switching means for switching and functioning the first howling suppression means and the second howling suppression means according to the progress of the singing;
A karaoke apparatus comprising: The karaoke apparatus according to claim 1,
The switching means is
A karaoke apparatus characterized by causing the first howling suppression means to function at normal times including when singing is started, and causing the second howling suppression means to function at a specific timing that satisfies a predetermined condition. The karaoke apparatus according to claim 2,
Based on the audio signal input by the audio input means, there is a long tone determination means for determining whether or not the specific timing is a long tone state in which the pitch of the singing voice is substantially constant for a predetermined time. And
The switching means is
A karaoke apparatus characterized by causing the second howling suppression means to function when the long tone determination means determines that the long tone state is set. The karaoke apparatus according to claim 2,
The karaoke music data is associated with singing standard information representing a reference pitch to be sung,
And,
Based on the singing standard information, a first timing determination means for determining whether or not the specific timing is provided,
The switching means is
A karaoke apparatus characterized in that, when the first timing determination means determines that the specific timing is reached, the second howling suppression means functions. The karaoke apparatus according to claim 4,
The first timing determination means includes
Based on the singing standard information, it is determined whether the pitch of the singing voice as the specific timing is a long tone section that is substantially constant for a predetermined time,
The switching means is
A karaoke apparatus characterized by causing the second howling suppression means to function when it is determined by the first timing determination means that the long tone section is in effect. The karaoke apparatus according to claim 2,
The karaoke music data is associated with long tone information indicating a long tone section in which the pitch of the singing voice is substantially constant for a predetermined time, or switching information corresponding to the start point / end point of the long tone section. And
And,
Based on the long tone information or the switching information, a second timing determination means for determining whether or not the specific timing is provided;
The switching means is
A karaoke apparatus characterized in that the second howling suppression means is caused to function when the second timing determination means determines that the specific timing is reached.

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