JPH0997090A - Information providing system and information center - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten a user's wait time by making video information services as options semiautomate and simplify. SOLUTION: A system controller 9 once receiving a service request from a terminal device 19 sends a channel number allocation request to a free video reproducing device and an option which manages video channel information. Then the option having received the request selects and sends a channel to be assigned to a system controller 9 and also displays a 'request acceptance screen' on a display at the same time. Then the system controller 9 repeatedly make a request for system state information data from a video service system and enters a video setting wait state.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention comprises an information center capable of outputting a plurality of types of external output information such as karaoke service and video service from independent reproducing devices, and responds to a request from an output terminal. The present invention relates to a centralized management type information providing system that provides information for external output and an information center used in the system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a karaoke system called a centralized management type has been provided which includes an information center equipped with a karaoke performance device and an output terminal for receiving and outputting karaoke performance data which is played and transmitted at the information center. Are known.
In this centralized control type karaoke system, the request input is accepted by each output terminal and transferred to the information center side. The information center causes the karaoke performance device to perform a performance in response to the request, and transmits the karaoke performance data to the output terminal. The output terminal receives the karaoke performance. According to this centralized control type karaoke system, each output terminal basically only needs to output the transmitted karaoke performance data, so that the karaoke performance function is not necessary and the maintenance of the karaoke performance data is also information. There is an advantage that only the center side is required. Therefore, for example, an output terminal is arranged in each room of a hotel, and centralized management is realized at an information center provided in one room of the hotel.

In addition, in this centralized control type karaoke system, there are some which can provide services other than karaoke such as video broadcasting, games, fortune telling and quizzes. For example, in a system capable of providing a karaoke service and a video service on request, the output of the video device is directly or high-frequency modulated and distributed and connected to each room of the hotel for the video service, and the karaoke performance for the karaoke service is performed. The connection is independent of the device output. Then, although the process related to the karaoke service is automated, the video service includes a process manually performed as described below.

That is, the user requests the service from each room to the information center by telling the title of the desired video software by telephone, for example. Then, in the information center, the operator searches for video software that meets the request, sets it in a video deck or the like that is not currently used and plays it back, and informs the user of the channel number. Users in each room can operate the operation unit that switches the video / audio connection of the output terminal video service and karaoke service in a hardware manner so that the requested video can be received and the video can be viewed. Become.

In addition, after the video broadcasting has started in this way, if it is desired to cancel the video broadcasting,
In the same manner as above, notify the operator by telephone or the like that they wish to cancel. Then, the operator stops the video deck or the like that is broadcasting the video for which cancellation has been requested.
If there is a playback request from other video software, set and play it accordingly. When the requested video broadcasting is completed to the end, the operator confirms that the video broadcasting is completed and stops the video deck and the like.

[0006]

However, there are the following problems in the conventional request method in the request video service by the operator and the system for manually switching the video / audio. A series of steps from accepting a video request from the user by telephone (listening to the title of the video software), setting it to an available VCR, etc., and playing it is a procedure that an unfamiliar operator does not know how to operate the equipment. There is a possibility that it will take a long time to start the service, or a different one will be serviced due to an operation error. When a large number of videos are currently in service in response to a sudden request, change, or stop request of a video from the user, it becomes difficult to fully grasp the relationship between the device being played and the room number, etc. Get confused by. Requests made by telephone interaction with the operator
This is not good for users because of the inconvenience of services and resistance to requests. Immediately after the end of the video reproduction, in the part where there is no video / audio, unless the operator constantly checks the monitor or the like, the end of the reproduction is not noticed and nothing is output. In the conventional request video service, it can be viewed by operating the operation unit and switching to the corresponding channel even in a room other than the requested user's room, so it is 1: 1
However, there is a problem in terms of fee collection. Further, it is troublesome because the operator has to execute the charging process each time a request is received.

According to the present invention, a single output terminal allows a user to receive, as an optional service, a video information service based on information recorded on a recording medium such as a video cassette, in addition to the basic service of karaoke. The purpose of this is to shorten the waiting time of users by preventing semi-automation and simplification of service operation, and to prevent operator's operation mistakes.

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 is to set a karaoke playing device capable of reproducing the karaoke information and outputting it as external output information. Information center provided with a video reproducing device capable of reproducing the video information recorded on the recorded recording medium and outputting it as external output information, and the external output information output from the karaoke playing device or the video reproducing device. A multi-channel transport device that allocates and transports channels, request sending means that sends various requests regarding information provision, channel selection means that is connected to the transport device and selects one channel from the multi-channel, and the channel selection Data for executing external output based on the external output information acquired from the channel selected by the means In an information providing system including an output terminal including output means, the information center has a request obtaining means for obtaining the request sent from the request sending means of the output terminal, and the obtained request is related to karaoke reproduction. In this case, the karaoke playing device is instructed to reproduce the requested karaoke piece, and the output terminal that has sent the request is notified of the channel to which the external output information from the karaoke playing device is conveyed. If the service control means and the obtained request relate to video reproduction, the identification information of the recording medium in which the requested video information is recorded is displayed on the display means, and then reproduced in the video reproduction device. If the start preparation is confirmed, the request for the channel through which the external output information from the video reproduction device is carried is requested. Characterized in that it comprises a video service control means for notifying the delivery output terminal.

In the information providing system having the above structure, the operator need not be involved in the karaoke service as a matter of course. Then, regarding the request video service, since the identification information of the recording medium on which the requested video information is recorded is displayed on the display means, the operator only has to search for the recording medium and set it in the video reproducing apparatus. . After that, the video service control means confirms the playback start preparation in the video playback device,
Since the output terminal that has sent the request is automatically notified of the channel on which the information for external output from the video reproducing apparatus is carried, the operator's work becomes very simple.

Therefore, as described in the section of the problem to be solved by the above-mentioned invention in the related art, "A free video is received by receiving a video request from a user by telephone (listening to the title of video software)". The series of procedures from setting to the deck etc. and playing it may take time for the service to be started without understanding the operation of the equipment by an unfamiliar operator, or different things may be serviced due to operation mistakes. There was a problem,
You can solve it.

Since the request is not made by telephone,
"The request by telephone interaction with the operator is
It is not good for users because of the inconvenience of services and resistance to requests. "
Further, as described in claim 2, when there are a plurality of video reproducing devices, the video service control means sets the recording medium in addition to the identification information of the recording medium on which the requested video information is recorded. The identification information of the video reproduction device to be displayed may be displayed on the display means. For example, "Set the 12th video cassette to the 5th VCR."
With such a display content, it is only necessary to work according to the instruction, there are few mistakes, and working time is shortened.

On the other hand, according to the third aspect, when the video service control means confirms the end of the reproduction of the video information in the video reproduction device, it displays that fact on the display means. Further, according to claim 4, when the request acquired by the request acquisition means is a forced termination on the way, the video service control means issues an instruction to stop the video reproduction to the corresponding video reproduction device, and causes the display means to display. It is supposed to display the fact that it was terminated on the way.

[0013] Claim 3 is a case of normal termination. In this case, in the conventional case, in a portion where there is no video / audio immediately after the termination of the video reproduction, the reproduction is terminated unless the operator constantly checks the monitor or the like. However, if the present invention is adopted, it is possible to notice the playback status of each video playback device at an early stage without paying attention to the playback status of each video playback device. On the other hand, claim 4 is a case where the user wants to forcibly end the playback in the middle of reproduction, and in this case also, in the past, the operator was to inform the operator of that fact by the conventional method. This can be automatically processed, and the operator can know the forced termination itself, which is preferable for the management and operation of the system.

According to the present invention, the information center is provided with a charging record storage means for storing the price of the provided information for each output terminal. In this way, it is convenient because the operator does not have to perform a process for billing each output terminal each time a request is received (troublesome work such as writing in a bill) each time a request is received by telephone. is there. In the case of this information providing system, the output terminal is notified of the channel on which the external output information is carried, and the channel is automatically selected on the output terminal side. )
Service becomes feasible and billing becomes easy.

On the other hand, the information center used in such a system can be constructed as follows.
For example, the information center according to claim 6 reproduces the karaoke information and can output it as external output information, and the video information recorded on the set recording medium as external output information. An information center comprising a video reproducing device capable of outputting, wherein the external output information output from the karaoke playing device or the video reproducing device is assigned to one channel of a multi-channel transport device and can be transported. Request acquisition means for acquiring the request transmitted from the request transmission means of the output terminal, and if the acquired request involves karaoke reproduction, the karaoke performance device is instructed to reproduce the requested karaoke piece. At the same time, the channel for transmitting the external output information from the karaoke playing device is notified to the output terminal that has transmitted the request. If the karaoke service control means and the acquired request relate to video reproduction, the identification information of the recording medium in which the requested video information is recorded is displayed on the display means, and then the video reproduction device And a video service control means for notifying the output terminal, which has sent the request, of the channel on which the external output information from the video reproduction apparatus is carried when the preparation for starting reproduction is confirmed. .

Further, as described in claim 7, the video service control means, when there are a plurality of video reproduction devices,
In addition to the identification information of the recording medium on which the requested video information is recorded, the identification information of the video reproducing device to which the recording medium is to be set may be displayed on the display means.

In this case, as described in claim 8, when the video service control means confirms the end of the reproduction of the video information in the video reproduction device, it is conceivable to display the fact on the display means. Further, as described in claim 9, when the request acquired by the request acquisition means is a forced termination on the way, the video service control means issues an instruction to stop the video reproduction to the corresponding video reproduction device and causes the display means to display. It may be configured to display that the forced termination has been completed.

Then, as described in claim 10, a billing record storage means for storing the consideration of the provided information for each output terminal may be provided.

[0019]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Next, an embodiment in which the information providing system of the present invention is embodied will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 referred to is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the entire information providing system. 2 to 6 are block diagrams showing in detail components of the information providing system,
2 is a block diagram of the karaoke service system KS, FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the video service system VS, FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the system controller 9, FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the high frequency modulation / demodulation system 11, and FIG.
It is a block diagram of.

As shown in FIG. 1, the information providing system 1 of the present embodiment includes an information center including a karaoke service system KS, a video service system VS, a system controller 9 and a high frequency modulation / demodulation system 11, and the information center and the main line. A plurality of terminal devices 1 connected via 17
9 and 9. The system controller 9 sends a request from the terminal device 19 to the high frequency modulation / demodulation system 11
Through the above, and efficiently controls the above two service systems KS and VS according to the content of the request, thereby functioning as one system for the request from the terminal device 19.

First, the karaoke service system K
S will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the karaoke service system KS has a built-in hard disk (HD
D) A communication server 3 for storing karaoke song data in 33, a plurality of karaoke playing devices 5 for creating and outputting karaoke voice signals and karaoke video signals based on the karaoke song data read from the communication server 3, compact discs A plurality of background image devices 6 for reproducing moving image images recorded on an image recording medium (not shown) such as the above and outputting them to the karaoke performance device 5 as background image information.

The system controller 9 (FIG. 1, FIG. 1) controls the communication server 3, the karaoke playing device 5, and the background image device 6 by giving various instructions.
4), and the system controller 9, the communication server 3, and the karaoke playing device 5 are LANs.
They are mutually connected by (local area network) 11.

The communication server 3 includes a CPU 32 as a control means and a hard disk (HDD) 3
3, R that stores the operating program of the CPU 32, etc.
An OM 34, a RAM 35 for temporarily storing data and the like for arithmetic processing in the CPU 32, an input / output interface (input / output I / F) 36, a communication control device 37 as a communication unit, and the like are provided.

The input / output I / F 36 is connected to the LAN 11, and the CPU 32 can send data to the karaoke playing device 5 or acquire data from the LAN 11 through the input / output I / F 36. The communication control device 37 is a device for executing communication with the host H via a communication line such as a public telephone line, and the CPU 32 transmits data or the like to the host H via the communication control device 37. The data and the like transmitted from the host H can be received.

The karaoke song data for several thousand to 10,000 songs are already stored in the HDD 33 with data numbers for identifying each, and as described above, the karaoke song data is stored in the host by the communication between the CPU 32 and the host H. It is possible to store karaoke song data of new songs transmitted from H. Further, a part of these data can be deleted according to the instruction of the CPU 32. The karaoke piece data is composed of piece number data (corresponding to the above-mentioned data number), which is identification information for identifying pieces of music, and actual data for karaoke performance. The substantial data in this is MIDI (Musical Instrument
nt Digital Interface) performance data and lyrics data that is converted to lyrics.

The karaoke playing device 5 is a LAN 11
An input / output interface (input / output I / F) 51 as a communication means for communicating with the communication server 3 and the system controller 9 by the C, and a C as a control means
A PU 52, a well-known ROM 53 and RAM 54, a video synthesizing device 55, a sound source device 56, etc. are provided.

The CPU 52 can read the karaoke piece data from the communication server 3, and can transfer the performance data of the karaoke piece data to the tone generator 56 and the lyrics data to the image synthesizer 55, respectively. Sound source device 5
6 can convert the digital performance data into an analog karaoke voice signal and output it to the modulator 15 (see FIG. 5) of the high frequency modulation / demodulation system 11;
Reference numeral 5 sends an analog karaoke video signal to the modulator 15 (see FIG. 5) by synthesizing (superimposing) the lyrics data and the background video signal output from the background video device 6 and input to the karaoke playing device 5. can do. In this embodiment, two karaoke playing devices 5 are provided, and signals output from each karaoke playing device 5 are karaoke audio signal 1 and karaoke video signal 1, karaoke audio signal 2 and karaoke video signal, respectively. It will be distinguished as 2.

Next, the video service system VS will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the video service system VS includes a plurality of video reproducing devices VTR (eight in this embodiment) as video reproducing devices, and video reproduction monitoring for monitoring the reproduction state of each video reproducing device VTR. Device 77
And an optional PC 7 and the like.

The video audio signals 1 to 8 output from the eight video playback devices VTR are respectively corresponding modulators 15.
(See FIG. 5). Similarly, the video image signals 1 to 8 output from the video playback device VTR are respectively transmitted via the video playback monitoring device 77 to the corresponding modulators 15.
(See FIG. 5). The video playback monitoring device 77
The video signal is checked and the reproduction state is monitored.

On the other hand, the option PC 7 has a CPU 71.
, FDD 72, HDD 73, and reproduction monitoring device expansion I
The display 71 and the keyboard 76 are connected to the CPU 71. The playback monitoring device expansion I / F board 74 is a video playback monitoring device 7.
The reproduction state of the video reproduction device VTR can be taken in from 7 via the external I / F 6. Moreover, the system notification data can be transmitted to the system controller 9 by the external I / F 3. In addition, external I / F
At 5, the billing information data can be transmitted to the hotel host HH.

Next, the system controller 9 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, this system controller 9
Is a CPU 91, a RAM 92, a ROM as a control means
A microcomputer including 93 is connected to an external device by an input / output interface (input / output I / F) 94. Specifically, the external I / F 1 is connected to the background image device 6 of the karaoke service system KS, the external I / F 2 is connected to the communication server 3 and the karaoke performance device 5 of the karaoke service system KS, and the external I / F 3 is used. It is connected to the option PC 7 of the video service system VS. Further, it is connected to the RF modem 14 (see FIG. 5) of the high frequency modulation / demodulation system 11 by the external I / F 4.

Next, the high frequency modulation / demodulation system 11 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the high frequency modulation / demodulation system 11 of the present embodiment includes a head amplifier 13, an RF modem 14 connected to the head amplifier 13, and ten modulators 15. The RF modem 14 is capable of high frequency modulating a digital signal and demodulating the high frequency signal into a digital signal. Two of the ten modulators 15 are for performing predetermined high frequency modulation on the analog karaoke voice signal and karaoke video signal from the two karaoke playing devices 5, and the remaining eight are A predetermined high frequency modulation is applied to the analog video audio signal and video image signal from the eight video reproduction devices VTR.

The head amplifier 13 can multiplex the signals from the RF modem 14 and the modulators 15 on the channels assigned to the respective signals, and send them to the trunk line 17 of the coaxial cable. The main line 17 has a plurality of terminal devices 19
Are connected, and each terminal device 19 can receive a signal carried by the trunk line 17. The terminal device 19 corresponds to the output terminal of the present invention, and each terminal device 19 is
For example, one unit is installed in each room of a hotel or a restaurant. Further, the head amplifier 13 can also relay the signal transmitted from each terminal device 19 to the RF modem 14. As is clear from this, head amplifier 1
3 and the trunk line 17 constitute a carrier device of the present invention.

Next, the terminal device 19 will be described. Figure 6
As shown in, the terminal device 19 of this embodiment includes a terminal control device 21 as a control means. The terminal control device 21 is configured as a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like (not shown), and can control the operation of each unit of the terminal device 19.

The terminal control device 21 is connected to the main line 17 through the RF modem 22 as a communication means capable of high-frequency modulating a digital signal and demodulating the high-frequency signal into a digital signal. Bidirectional communication with the system controller 9 is possible through the trunk line 17. In addition, the terminal control device 21 can instruct the tuner 23 to select a channel to be selected by a tuner control signal so that the channel can be selected. The tuner 23 can demodulate the high frequency signal transmitted through the main line 17 on the channel and output the demodulated high frequency signal to the amplifier 26 and the display control device 28. That is, the tuner 23 corresponds to the channel selecting means of the present invention.

An operation panel 24 is connected to the terminal control device 21, and a user operates a ten-key (not shown) on the operation panel 24 to input a request for a karaoke piece or to give a performance stop instruction. Can be entered. Note that this input operation can also be performed using the attached remote controller 25. Further, an input such as a request or a performance stop instruction from the operation panel 24 or the remote controller 25 is received by the terminal control device 21 and then sent to the system controller 9 through the RF modem 22. In other words, the terminal control device 21 and the RF modem 22 constitute the request sending means of the present invention.

A pair of left and right speakers 27L and 27R are connected to the amplifier 26 for volume amplification connected to the terminal control device 21, and the speakers 27L and 27R are voices based on the electric signal from the amplifier 26. Output is possible. The tuner 23 can transfer an audio signal obtained by demodulating the received high frequency signal to the amplifier 26. The amplifier 26 mixes and amplifies the audio signal transferred from the tuner 23 and the singing sound signal input from the microphone 30 to produce a speaker. Can be output to 27L and 27R.

Further, a display control device 28 is connected to the terminal control device 21. A tuner 23 is connected to the display control device 28, and the video signal received by the tuner 23 and demodulated is transferred to the display control device 28. A monitor 29 is connected to the display control device 28, and the display control device 28 uses the terminal control device 2
An image based on the instruction from 1 and the image signal transferred from the tuner 23 can be displayed on the monitor 29.

Next, the operation of the information providing system 1 having the above configuration will be described. First, regarding the operation in each part related to the video service, request ~ service start,
The description will be divided into service termination and service termination separately. [Request-Service Start] The system controller 9 waits for a service request from the terminal device 19 to be input through the route of the trunk line 17 → head amplifier 13 → RF modem → external I / F 4 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). ing. The user requests the terminal device 19 in each room from the operation panel 24 or the remote controller 25.
(See FIG. 6). When requesting a video service, the number with the fifth digit set to "7", that is, 70,000 to 79,999, is selected. Note that the information providing system 1 of the present embodiment is designed so that a game service can also be provided, and when requesting a game service, a number with the fifth digit set to "8", that is, 8
Select from 10,000 to 89,999. Since the operation related to the game service is basically the same as that of the video service, the following description will be made on the video service.

The system controller 9 is a terminal device 19
When the service request is received, the channel number allocation request is transmitted to the vacant video reproducing device VTR (FIG. 3) and the option PC 7 (FIG. 3) managing the video channel information. The channel number allocation request data includes the identification number (ID number) of the terminal device 19 and the request number data.

The option PC 7 which has received the channel allocation request selects a channel to be allocated and transmits it to the system controller 9 and, at the same time, displays a "request reception screen" on the display 75. On this screen, a preset ID number (room number), video software number, and device number of the video playback device VTR are displayed.

After that, the system controller 9 repeatedly requests the system status notification data from the video service system VS, and waits for the video set. Here, when the operator sets the video software corresponding to the video software number displayed on the display 75 to the video playback device VTR of the displayed device number and plays it back, the video playback monitoring device 77 (FIG. 3) is constantly operated. Since the video signal is checked, it is possible to grasp that the reproduction is performed by the external I / F 6 by the reproduction monitoring device expansion I / F board 74 of the option PC 7. Then, the option PC 7 informs the system controller 9 that it is "playing video" by the system status notification data from the external I / F 3.
Send to.

On the other hand, the video reproducing device VTR outputs a video audio signal and a video image signal, which are high-frequency modulated by the modulator 15 (FIG. 5), combined by the head amplifier 13, and output to the trunk line 17. Then, the system controller 9
Immediately sends the channel number data to the terminal device 19, the external I / F 4 → RF modem 14 → head amplifier 13
→ Main line 17 → Send via the route of the terminal device 19.

The terminal device 19 receives the channel number data via the RF modem 22 shown in FIG.
Then, the terminal control device 21 controls the tuner 23 by the tuner control signal to switch to the received channel. The video sound received on the switched channel is output from the speakers 27L and 27R via the amplifier 26, and the received video image is output from the monitor 29 via the display control device 28. In this way, you can enjoy the requested video service. The same applies to game services. [End of Service] Since the video reproduction monitoring device 77 in the video service system VS of FIG. 3 constantly checks the video signal,
When the video being reproduced is finished, the reproduction I / F board 74 of the reproduction monitor apparatus of the option PC 7 can grasp that the external I / F 6 is in the finish state. Then, the option PC 7 transmits the “video end” to the system controller 9 by the system status notification data from the external I / F 3 and, at the same time, displays the “service end screen” on the display 75. On this screen, a preset ID number (room number), video software number, and device number of the video playback device VTR are displayed.

If the reproduction is surely completed, the operator extracts the video software from the video reproducing device VTR and presses the confirmation key of the keyboard 76. When the video playback device VTR is stopped due to an operator's erroneous operation or the like, the video playback device VTR is made to play the video and then a predetermined key on the keyboard 76 is pressed to notify the restart. ing.

On the other hand, when the system controller 9 can confirm the end by the system status data from the option PC 7, it instructs the terminal device 19 to display the request acceptance screen on the monitor 29, and then the option P.
C7 is requested to release the channel number (free). [Service Stop] In the terminal device 19 of each room, the user operates the operation panel 2
4 or the remote control 25 can be used during the video service to enter a request to cancel the service. When a cancel request is received from the terminal device 19, the system controller 9 sets the option PC 7
Send an instruction to stop the service. Option PC7
Displays a “service end screen” on the display 75. On this screen, a preset ID number (room number), video software number, and device number of the video playback device VTR are displayed.

The operator extracts the video software from the video playback device VTR having the displayed device number and presses the confirmation key on the keyboard 76. Since the video reproduction monitoring device 77 constantly checks the video signal, if the video reproduction device VTR that has not been instructed is stopped due to an erroneous operation by the operator, for example, the video reproduction device VTR instructed Since video playback is still continuing, it can be determined that the operation is incorrect. Therefore,
A “cancel confirmation screen” is displayed on the display 75. This screen has the same ID as the service end screen above.
In addition to the number (room number), the video software number, and the device number of the video playback device VTR, a display prompting confirmation is displayed because the stop processing has not been performed yet. The operator
Looking at the display, the video software is extracted from the instructed video reproducing device VTR, and the confirmation key of the keyboard 76 is pressed. For a video playback device VTR that has been stopped by an erroneous operation, the video playback device VTR
After the video is played back, the restart notification can be given by pressing a predetermined key on the keyboard 76.

On the other hand, when the system controller 9 can confirm the end by the system status data from the option PC 7, it instructs the terminal device 19 to display the request acceptance screen on the monitor 29, and then the option P
C7 is requested to release the channel number (free).

The above is the description of the operation relating to the video service. Next, the operation of each part related to the karaoke service will be described separately from request to karaoke service start, karaoke service end, karaoke re-sing, and karaoke service stop. [Request-Start Karaoke Service] Similar to the operation in the video service, the system controller 9 sends a karaoke service request from the terminal device 19 to the trunk line 17 → head amplifier 13 → RF.
Waiting for input from the route of modem → external I / F4. Karaoke request at the terminal device 19 in each room is
The user uses the operation panel 24 or the remote controller 25. When requesting the karaoke service, the song number, that is, 0 to 39,999 in this embodiment, is selected.

The system controller 9 is a terminal device 19
When the karaoke service request is received from, the karaoke performance device 5 that is not currently used is selected, the requested song number is transmitted, and the performance is instructed. Upon receiving the performance instruction, the karaoke performance device 5 requests the communication server 3 for the karaoke music data of the specified music number. The communication server 3 extracts the requested data from the karaoke piece data stored in the HDD 33 in advance and transmits it to the karaoke playing device 5.

The karaoke playing device 5 temporarily stores the received karaoke piece data in the RAM 54. This completes the performance preparation, and sends a notification of preparation completion to the system controller 9. When the system controller 9 receives a notification from the karaoke performance device 5 that the performance preparation is completed,
A performance start instruction is given to the karaoke performance device 5, and channel number data is immediately sent to the terminal device 19 by the external I / F.
4 → RF modem 14 → head amplifier 13 → main line 17 → terminal device 19 is transmitted.

The karaoke performance device 5 receives the performance start instruction from the system controller 9 and starts the karaoke performance. The performance data of the karaoke piece data is transferred to the tone generator 56, and the lyrics data is transferred to the video synthesizer 55. The sound source device 56 converts the digital performance data into an analog karaoke voice signal, and the converted karaoke voice signal is sent to the modulator 15 of the high frequency modulation / demodulation system 11. On the other hand, the image synthesizing device 55 is controlled by the external I / F 1 of the system controller 9 and the lyrics data synchronized with the karaoke voice, and the background image signal output from the background image device 6 and input to the karaoke playing device 5. And combine (superimpose). Then, the analog karaoke video signal is sent to the modulator 15. Then, the karaoke voice signal and the karaoke video signal transmitted from the modulator 15 are transmitted to the terminal device 19 side via the head amplifier 13 and the main line 17. Terminal device 1
At 9, the tuner 23 is controlled based on the received channel number data to switch to that channel. The karaoke audio signal received on the switched channel is output from the speakers 27L and 27R via the amplifier 26, and the received karaoke video signal is displayed on the display controller 28.
Is output from the monitor 29 via the. In addition, when the user inputs a singing voice from the microphone 30, the voice signal is mixed with the performance signal in the amplifier 26 and output from the speakers 27L and 27R. In this way, you can enjoy the requested karaoke service. [End of karaoke service] The karaoke playing device 5 is finished when the tune being played is finished.
The end of performance is transmitted to the system controller 9 via the external I / F 2. Therefore, the system controller 9 notifies the terminal device 19 of the end of the performance and instructs the monitor 29 to display the request acceptance screen. [Re-sing Karaoke] In the terminal device 19 of each room, the user operates the operation panel 2
4 or the remote control 25 can be used to enter a re-sing request during the karaoke service. For example, if it is within a predetermined time after the performance starts, it may be possible to set the re-song to be permitted. Terminal device 1
When the re-sending request is received from 9, the system controller 9 sends a re-performance instruction to the karaoke performance device 5 by the external I / F 2. In response to this instruction, the karaoke playing device 5 ends the playing once and starts playing the song again from the beginning. [Karaoke service stop] At the terminal device 19 in each room, the user operates the operation panel 2
4 or the remote control 25 can be used to enter a request to cancel the karaoke service during the karaoke service. When a cancel request is received from the terminal device 19, the system controller 9 sends a performance stop instruction to the karaoke performance device 5 via the external I / F 2, and also displays a request acceptance screen on the monitor 29 to the terminal device 19. Instruct to display. In the karaoke performance device 5, the performance is ended by this performance stop instruction.

The above is the description of the operation related to the karaoke service. 7 to 9 are flowcharts showing the processing in the system controller 9 during the operation related to the above-mentioned service. Since the entire operation related to the video service or the karaoke service has been described in detail, the processing of the system controller 9 will be briefly described here according to the flowchart.

As shown in FIG. 7, the system controller 9 is waiting for a request from the terminal device 19 (S
110, S120), if there is a request, the process proceeds to S130, and the type of the request is determined. If the request is for a video or game, S14
0, and the terminal device 19
The channel number allocation request including the identification number and request number data is transmitted. Then, in S150, the channel to be assigned is received from the option PC 7.

Then, in S160, the option PC 7
When requesting the system state from (1) to (5) and confirming the video reproduction (S170: YES), the process proceeds to S180 and the channel number data is transmitted to the terminal device 19. Thus, the video service is started. During the video service,
It is monitored whether there is a request from the terminal device 19 (S190), and if there is no request, the system state is requested to the option PC 7 in S200. When the system status notification is received (S210: YES), the process proceeds to S220, and it is determined whether the received system status notification is the end of the video or game service. If not completed, the process returns to S190, but if completed, the process proceeds to S230.

In step S230, the system status is requested to the option PC 7, and in step S240, the video stop is confirmed from the system status. When the video stop is confirmed (S240: YES), the terminal device 19 side is notified of the end in S250, and the process returns to S110 in FIG.

On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in S190, that is, if there is a request from the terminal device 19, it is determined in S260 whether it is a request cancel request. If it is a cancel request (S260: YES), S
After shifting to 270 and issuing a service stop request to the option PC 7, the routine proceeds to S230.

If a negative determination is made in S260, that is, if the request from the terminal device 19 is not a request cancel request, the process proceeds to S280, and the process for a request from another terminal device 19 is performed. The above is the processing when it is determined that the request type is video or game in S130. Next, the processing when the request type is determined to be karaoke in S130 will be described.

In this case, the process proceeds to S290 of FIG.
First, the terminal device 19 responds to the performance request. This is to reply whether the request response is possible or not. And
In subsequent S300, the karaoke performance device 5 is requested to perform the requested music piece number, and in S310, the performance answer is accepted.

At S320, when the karaoke performance service 5 receives a preparation completion notice from the karaoke performance device 5,
At 330, the channel number data is transmitted to the terminal device 19. As a result, the tuner 23 is switched to the notified channel in the terminal device 19.

At S340, a service start request is issued to the karaoke playing device 5. Thereby, the karaoke voice signal and the karaoke video signal are transmitted from the karaoke playing device 5 to the modulator 15, and the transmitted karaoke voice signal and the karaoke video signal are transmitted to the terminal device 19 side through the head amplifier 13 and the main line 17. To be done.

Although the karaoke service is started in this manner, it is monitored during the karaoke service whether there is a request from the terminal device 19 (S350). If the status notifications regarding the end of karaoke are received and the notifications indicate the end of karaoke performance (S370: YES), S38.
The process proceeds to 0, notifies the terminal device 19 side of the end, and returns to S110 in FIG.

On the other hand, if an affirmative judgment is made in S350, that is, if there is a request from the terminal device 19, it is judged in S390 whether it is a re-sing request. If it is a re-sing request (S390: YES), the process proceeds to S420, the karaoke performance device 5 is instructed to execute the re-sending process, and the process proceeds to S340.

On the other hand, if it is not a request for re-sing (S39
0: NO), the process proceeds to S400, and it is determined whether it is a request cancel request. If the request is a cancellation request (S400: YES), the procedure will be shifted to S410, and an instruction to end the service will be transmitted to the karaoke playing device 5. Then, the process proceeds to S380.

If a negative determination is made in S400, that is, if the request from the terminal device 19 is neither a re-sing request nor a request cancel request, the process proceeds to S280 in FIG.
The processing shifts to a request or the like from another terminal device 19. In the information providing system 1 of the present embodiment that operates as described above, the operator need not be involved in the karaoke service in response to the user's request. Then, for the video or game service, the identification number of the recording medium (video cassette, optical disk, etc.) on which the requested video software is recorded and the identification number of the video reproducing device VTR that sets it are displayed on the display 75. Therefore, the operator need only search for the instructed recording medium according to the display and set it in the instructed video reproducing device VTR. After that, the system controller 9 confirms the preparation for starting playback in the video playback device VTR, and automatically notifies the terminal device 19 that has sent the request of the channel on which the video audio / video signal is carried. Becomes very easy.

Therefore, in the past, a series of procedures from "accepting a video request from a user by telephone (hearing the title of video software) to setting in a vacant VCR, etc. and reproducing it is unskilled by an unfamiliar operator. There is a possibility that it will take time to start the service without knowing the operation of the device or that a different one will be serviced due to an operation error. "

In particular, not only the identification number of the storage carrier but also the identification number of the video reproducing device VTR to be set is displayed. Therefore, for example, a display content such as "set video cassette No. 12 to video deck No. 5" is displayed. given that,
You only have to work according to the instructions, there are few mistakes and the working time is shortened.

Since the request is not made by telephone,
"The request by telephone interaction with the operator is
It is not good for users because of the inconvenience of services and resistance to requests. "
Furthermore, conventionally, in the part where there is no video / audio right after the video playback ends, unless the operator constantly checks on the monitor, etc., the playback will not be noticed and nothing will continue to appear. However, in this embodiment,
Since the video reproduction monitoring device 77 constantly monitors the reproduction state based on the video signal from each video reproduction device VTR, the operator himself / herself can notice the reproduction state early without always paying attention to the reproduction state. Then, it is possible for the user to forcibly terminate it during playback without the intervention of an operator, and even if it is forcibly terminated, it is displayed on the display 7.
It is displayed on the screen 5 and can be known by the operator, which is preferable for system management and operation.

In the case of the above embodiment, since the system controller 9 collectively receives requests from the terminal devices 19, for example, the request record is R
If it is stored in the AM 92, the billing process can be easily performed according to the record. In the case of a video or a game, if it is desired to change the charge according to the contents, the charge table is stored in the HDD 73 of the option PC 7 and the requested video or game is referenced by referring to the charge table. Calculate the charge. The billing record for each terminal device 19 is stored in the billing record table,
It suffices to transmit the accumulated charging record in response to the request from the hotel host HH section. If you do this, every time you receive a request by phone as in the past,
This is convenient because an operator does not need to perform a process for charging each terminal device 19 for which a request has been made (for example, a troublesome work such as writing in a bill).

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an entire information providing system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a karaoke service system which is a component of the information providing system of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a video service system which is a component of the information providing system of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system controller which is a component of the information providing system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a high frequency modulation / demodulation system which is a component of the information providing system of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a terminal device which is a component of the information providing system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a part of processing executed by the system controller of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a part of processing executed by the system controller of the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a part of the processing executed by the system controller of the embodiment and mainly showing the processing relating to the karaoke service.

[Explanation of Codes] 1 ... Information providing system 3 ... Communication server 5 ... Karaoke performance device 6 ... Background image device 7 ... Option PC 9 ... System controller 11 ... High frequency modulation / demodulation system 13 ... Head amplifier 14 ... RF modem 15 ... Modulator Reference numeral 17 ... Main line 19 ... Terminal device 21 ... Terminal control device 22 ... RF modem 23 ... Tuner 24 ... Operation panel 25 ... Remote control 26 ... Amplifier 27L, 27R ... Speaker 28 ... Display control device 29 ... Monitor 30 ... Microphone 55 ... Video synthesizer 56 ... Sound source device 74 ... Playback monitoring device expansion I / F board 75 ... Display 76 ... Keyboard 77 ... Video playback monitoring device KS ... Karaoke service system VS ... Video service system VTR ... Video playback device

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A karaoke playing device capable of reproducing karaoke information and outputting as external output information, and a video reproducing device capable of reproducing video information recorded on a set recording medium and outputting it as external output information. An information center comprising: a multi-channel carrying device for allocating the external output information output from the karaoke playing device or the video reproducing device to one channel and carrying the request; and a request sending means for sending various requests concerning information provision. ,
1 from the multi-channel connected to the carrier
In an information providing system including: a channel selection unit that selects a channel; and an output terminal that includes a data output unit that performs an external output based on the external output information acquired from the channel selected by the channel selection unit, The information center is a request obtaining means for obtaining the request sent from the request sending means of the output terminal, and if the obtained request is related to karaoke reproduction, the karaoke piece requested to the karaoke playing device. And a karaoke service control means for notifying the output terminal that has sent the request of the channel on which the external output information from the karaoke playing device is conveyed, and the acquired request is related to video reproduction. If so, the identification information of the recording medium on which the requested video information is recorded is When it is displayed on the display means and then the reproduction start preparation in the video reproducing device is confirmed, the channel to which the external output information from the video reproducing device is conveyed is notified to the output terminal that has transmitted the request. An information providing system comprising: a video service control means. 2. The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the video service control means, when there are a plurality of video reproduction devices, identification information of a recording medium on which the requested video information is recorded. In addition to the above, the information providing system is characterized in that the display means also displays the identification information of the video reproducing device to which the recording medium is to be set. 3. The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the video service control means, when confirming the end of the reproduction of the video information in the video reproduction device, displays the fact on the display means. An information providing system characterized by being configured. 4. The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein when the request acquired by the request acquisition unit is forcibly terminated midway, the image service control unit displays an image on the corresponding image reproduction device. While giving an instruction to stop playback,
An information providing system, characterized in that it is configured to display on the display means that the process has been forcibly terminated. 5. The information providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the information center includes a billing record storage unit that stores a consideration of the provided information for each output terminal. Characteristic information provision system. 6. A karaoke playing device capable of reproducing karaoke information and outputting as external output information, and a video reproducing device capable of reproducing video information recorded on a set recording medium and outputting it as external output information. And an external information output from the karaoke playing device or the video reproducing device, which is assigned to one channel of a multi-channel transport device and can be transported. Request acquisition means for acquiring the request transmitted from the transmission means, and if the acquired request is for karaoke reproduction, the karaoke performance device is instructed to reproduce the requested karaoke piece and the karaoke performance is performed. Karaoke service control hand that notifies the output terminal that has sent the request of the channel through which the external output information from the device is carried If the acquired request is for video reproduction, the identification information of the recording medium on which the requested video information is recorded is displayed on the display means, and then the reproduction start preparation for the video reproduction device is performed. If confirmed, the information center is provided with a video service control means for notifying the output terminal that has sent the request of the channel on which the external output information from the video reproduction device is carried. 7. The information center according to claim 6, wherein, when there are a plurality of the video reproduction devices, the video service control means uses the identification information of the recording medium in which the requested video information is recorded. In addition, the information center is characterized in that the display means also displays the identification information of the video reproducing apparatus to which the recording medium is to be set. 8. The information center according to claim 6, wherein the video service control means, when confirming the end of the reproduction of the video information in the video reproduction device, displays the fact on the display means. An information center characterized by being provided. 9. The information center according to claim 6, wherein the video service control means reproduces a video on the corresponding video reproduction device when the request acquired by the request acquisition means is a forced termination on the way. Together with the stop instruction of
An information center, characterized in that it is configured to display on the display means that a forced termination has been completed. 10. The information center according to any one of claims 6 to 9, further comprising: a billing record storage unit that stores the price of the provided information for each of the output terminals.