JPH1026993A - Karaoke device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a KARAOKE(orchestration without lyrics) device capable of extending the way of playing by providing an audition function. SOLUTION: This KARAOKE device for displaying lyric characters while reproducing accompaniment music information by MIDI data and reproducing sound signals inputted from a mircrophone 13 together is provided with a KARAOKE grading device 60 for scoring the sound signals inputted from the microphone, an ability stage classifying means 66 for performing classification into plural ability stages corresponding to points obtained on the side of the KARAOKE grading device and a display means 16 for displaying the title of the ability stage classified by the ability stage classifying means. Thus, singing ability is displayed by the title of the ability stage.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a karaoke apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in a karaoke apparatus installed in a restaurant or home, accompaniment music information of a desired music,
Background image information and lyrics character information are stored in a storage medium such as a laser disk in advance. When the user selects a desired song, the background image is displayed in synchronization with the playback accompaniment sound, and at the same time, the lyrics characters are displayed on the image, and the colors of the lyrics characters are displayed in the accompaniment so that the user can easily sing. It is widely known that they are adapted to change.
In such a karaoke apparatus, songs other than those stored on the laser disk cannot be used, and not only frequently used songs but also all infrequently used songs are collected. The costs associated with that would be enormous and impractical.

[0003] Furthermore, even if a new song appears and it is desired to sing the song with accompaniment of a karaoke device, the new song is
It is cut as a laser disk for a karaoke device and cannot be sung until it is commercially available, and must wait several months, for example, before it can be used. Accordingly, a communication karaoke apparatus has recently been developed as a means for solving these problems at once. In this communication karaoke device, the information center has information on various kinds of songs that are released one after another as well as songs already released as a database, and distributes selected items to individual users via telephone lines as necessary. Then, the user selects and uses from the distributed music pieces. This communication karaoke apparatus includes a non-storage type apparatus in which information about a selected music piece is distributed from the center side each time a user selects a music piece, a large-capacity storage medium,
For example, there is a storage type device in which a hard disk is provided, information about frequently used music is stored in the hard disk, and a desired music is selected from the stored data and used. This storage type device tends to be widely used because the cost of a communication line is less than that of a non-storage type device.

[0004] The data in the storage medium of this storage device is updated daily or as needed when the telephone line utilization rate is low, such as at night, and can be distributed early. By the way, electronic musical instruments such as synthesizers and electronic pianos have remarkably improved in performance such as sound quality due to technological progress, and information for driving the musical instruments is MIDI (Musical Instrument) defined for transmitting music information.
(Digital Interface) standard. Here, MIDI refers to a hardware and software standard that is defined to enable information exchange by connecting to a sound source such as a musical instrument such as a synthesizer or an electronic piano.

By using the MIDI standard, it has become possible to transmit electronic musical instrument control signals efficiently. Other information that does not belong to the MIDI standard, such as lyric character information and still image information, is transmitted as a signal by a reversible arithmetic compression method, and the chorus information is transmitted by PCM (Pulse C).
Mode Modulation) signals and MPEG (Mo
Ving Picture Image Cordin
g Experts Group) signal. The information stored in the storage device of the karaoke device is read out and reproduced according to the user's selection of music,
The user sings along with the accompaniment music to be reproduced and with reference to the lyrics characters displayed on the display.

[0006]

Recently, various types of karaoke apparatuses having a function of scoring the singing ability of a user have been proposed and put to practical use in order to increase the entertainment of the karaoke apparatus. For example, JP-A-60-87397,
JP-A-60-87398, JP-A-4-70690
This type of karaoke apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 4-362696 and the like. However, these karaoke apparatuses merely display the singing ability as a score, and there is a point that the karaoke apparatus lacks interest because a further use method cannot be considered. In particular, recently, although the number of opportunities to enjoy karaoke in groups has increased, the function of the karaoke apparatus has been fixed and the way of playing has not been expanded. The present invention focuses on the above-mentioned problems, and was created to effectively solve them.
An object of the present invention is to provide a karaoke apparatus that can be extended in the way of playing by having an audition function and a song battle function.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a karaoke apparatus for displaying lyric characters while playing back accompaniment music information based on MIDI data and playing back an audio signal input from the microphone. Karaoke scoring device for scoring the audio signal to be provided, ability level classifying means for classifying into a plurality of ability levels according to the score obtained on the karaoke scoring apparatus side, and classification by the ability level classifying means. Display means for displaying the name of the ability stage.

Further, the present invention relates to a karaoke apparatus for displaying lyric characters while playing back accompaniment music information based on MIDI data, and also playing back an audio signal input from a microphone. Grouping means for dividing the audio signal input from the microphone, a karaoke scoring device, and a counting means for counting the scores based on the scoring results of the karaoke scoring device for each of the plurality of groups. And a display means for displaying the result of the tallying means.

In a karaoke apparatus having an audition function or mode, the singing ability of a vocal voice signal input from a microphone is scored by a karaoke scoring apparatus, and the ability level classifying means is provided in accordance with the obtained score. Classify singing ability. Then, on the display means, the names of the classified ability levels together with the scores are displayed so that the user can see them. As a result, the user can recognize the level of his or her singing ability, which is more interesting than simply displaying the score. When displaying the skill level, if all the names of the score and the skill level are blinked at the same time by the audition display instruction part and then displayed permanently, the user will have an expectation before the decision is made. You can have it and add playfulness. In displaying the name of the ability stage, the sound effect reproducing unit may output a sound effect such as a continuous drum sound.

Further, a weight setting section in which a plurality of different weights are set is provided, and each time the user selects a music piece, one weight is automatically selected from the weight setting section automatically by weight selection means. You may. Then, the selected weight is added to the score of the karaoke scoring device by the weighting means, and the ability level is determined based on the new added point. According to this, contingency,
Alternatively, the luck at that time can be added to the play, and the fun can be further increased. In addition, a judge image corresponding to this type of weight is stored in advance as, for example, a character image, and when displaying a score on the judge display unit, the corresponding judge image is displayed on the display means. ,
The video also accompanies it, so it can be more interesting.

In a karaoke apparatus having a singing battle function or mode, a plurality of input music pieces, for example, 2
Into two groups by grouping means. Then, the vocal audio signal input from the microphone is scored by the karaoke scoring device, and the obtained score is counted for each group by the counting means. The result of the tally is displayed by the display means, and the user can visually recognize the win or loss for each group. As a result, a plurality of groups can compete with each other for the score of the singing ability, and the range of the purpose of use can be widened and the fun can be increased. Grouping means, for example, when dividing into two groups,
What is necessary is just to divide into a different group alternately in the order of selection. The tallying means may display an intermediate score for each group when the predetermined number of songs have been played.

Further, a judge storage unit for storing an odd number of judge images capable of displaying a winner group having a large score is provided, and the songs belonging to each group are reproduced or played one by one. In response, the score obtained for each song is compared by a score comparison unit to determine a winner.
Then, the judge image is displayed by the song battle display instruction unit in a state indicating the group to which the winner belongs. According to this, it is possible to enjoy the video. On this occasion,
If the number of judge images displayed in a state indicating the winner group is changed according to the magnitude of the comparison result of the score comparison unit, the interest can be further increased. Further, if a sound effect reproducing means is provided to reproduce the sound effect simultaneously with the display, the fun can be further enhanced.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a karaoke apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a karaoke apparatus, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a portion mainly including a reproducing unit of the karaoke apparatus. First,
The overall configuration of the karaoke apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. The information center 2 that provides information required by the storage type karaoke apparatus 1 has a large-capacity storage of accompaniment music information, lyric character information, and chorus information when adding a chorus for a large number of music pieces. It has a storage medium 3 and each song is stored in a database. The accompaniment music information is
Information for driving the electronic musical instrument, which is formatted according to the MIDI standard.

The center control unit 4 manages the overall operation of the information center 2, and this database
If necessary, the data is distributed from the interface 5 to a predetermined karaoke apparatus 1 via the public telephone line 6.
The information center 2 manages a plurality of karaoke apparatuses, one of which is shown in the illustrated example. Information distributed from the information center 2 is taken into the karaoke apparatus 1 via the interface 7 of the apparatus. The control means 8 includes, for example, a microcomputer or the like, and controls the operation of the entire karaoke apparatus.

The main storage means 9 stores information on a large number of music pieces distributed from the information center 2, that is, MIDI information,
This is a storage medium for storing lyrics character information, chorus information, still image information, etc., and is composed of a low-cost and large-capacity storage medium, such as a hard disk, for storing a large amount of data. Video information storage means 10
Is composed of, for example, a large number of laser disks and the like, in which a large number of moving images are stored in advance, and each moving image is read out as needed in accordance with a song type such as enka, folk, pops and the like. The input means 11 composed of a keyboard and a remote controller is used by a user to select music and to input information for setting the tempo (speed) of the music, and has operation buttons 11A and the like.

The reproducing means 12 reproduces MIDI information, chorus information, lyric character information and the like read from the main storage means 9 via the control means 8 based on the music selection information from the input means 11. The reproduced accompaniment music and chorus are mixed with the singing voice input from the microphone 13 by the mixer means 14 and output as sound by the speaker 15. The mixer means 14 includes an amplifier for amplifying an input signal.

Simultaneously with the reproduction of the selected music piece, the moving picture information selected in accordance with the type of the music piece is read out from the moving picture information storage means 10 via the control means 8 and displayed on a display 16 as a display means. Is superimposed on the lyric character information reproduced by the reproducing means 12 and displayed in a superimposed manner. The scoring reference switching means 17 is for switching the reference at the time of scoring, which will be described later, and has a switching button 17A. still,
In the present embodiment, the scoring reference switching unit 17 is not particularly used. The mode switching means 61 is for switching the mode between the audition mode and the song battle mode in the present embodiment, and has a scoring button 61A and a mode determination button 61B.

Next, based on FIG. 2, a specific configuration mainly including the reproducing means 12 in FIG. 1 will be described. First, the reproducing means 12 is connected to the bus 18 connected to the control means 8.
The bus 18 is provided with, for example, a reproduction D
RAM (Dynamic Random Access)
Memory 19 is connected. This playback D
The RAM 19 temporarily stores information on the selected music read out from the main storage means 9 except for the still image information. Therefore, the RAM 19 includes a lyric character area for storing lyric character information, A MIDI area for storing MIDI information (accompaniment music information), a chorus area for storing chorus information, an area for temporarily storing information necessary for processing, and the like are provided.

The main font storage means 20 is a medium for fixedly storing font information of a main language or a language having a small number of characters, and is composed of, for example, a ROM, and font information is stored in advance in this medium. Then, font information corresponding to the lyric character to be displayed is extracted.
The font developing unit 21 expands information extracted from the main font storage unit 20 and converts the information into dot information. For example, an OFG (Outline Font) is used.
(Generator). The lyric character video signal forming unit 22 as lyric character reproducing means is a part for forming an actual video signal based on dot information developed and formed by the font developing unit 21. VDP (Video
(Display Processor) 23 and a lyric character video RAM 24 for temporarily storing the video signal formed here.

The still picture video signal forming section 25 is a section for forming a video signal for a still picture. The video signal forming section 25 directly fetches the still picture information read from the main storage means 9. V for still image forming video signal
DP (Video Display Processo)
r) 26 and a still image video RAM 27 for temporarily storing the video signal formed here. The switch means 29 is connected to the video signal sent from the lyrics character video signal forming unit 22 and the still image video signal forming unit 2.
5 and the video signal sent from the moving picture information storage means 10 is selectively superimposed and outputted, whereby the still picture or the moving picture and the lyric character are superimposed on the display 16. It will be displayed together. The still image video signal forming unit 25 is also used when displaying a judge image described later.

The MIDI reproducing unit 30 has a sound source such as a synthesizer, and stores the M
The electronic sounds are sequentially synthesized and reproduced based on the IDI information,
It forms the accompaniment music. Chorus playback unit 31
Is for reproducing a chorus sound based on chorus information drawn from a chorus area. The audio signal reproduced by the MIDI reproducing unit 30 and the chorus reproducing unit 31 is further mixed and amplified by the mixer unit 14 with the audio signal from the microphone 13 and reproduced from the speaker 15 as sound. ing. The audio signal input from the microphone 13 is sampled and A / D-converted by the vocal pitch extraction unit 51 using, for example, a 25 msec pulse wave output from the timing generation unit 36 including a counter or the like. Then, this output interrupts the sub-control unit 52 composed of, for example, a microcomputer or the like, and
It is connected to the bus 18 of the control means 8 on the PU side.

Next, a karaoke scoring device provided in such a karaoke device will be described. The karaoke apparatus evaluates three factors, pitch, rhythm, and stamina, as described later. Instead of this, a conventionally known karaoke scoring apparatus may be used. As described above, the function of the scoring device is incorporated as a program in the control means 8 including, for example, a microcomputer. Here, rhythm evaluation and stamina evaluation are performed as singing ability evaluation items, in addition to the conventionally performed pitch evaluation. The pitch evaluation indicates the degree of singing each note at the correct pitch, the rhythm evaluation indicates the degree of singing each note at the correct time, and the stamina evaluation indicates the degree of singing the note to be sung.

In the MIDI information, the performance information of one musical instrument is sent on one channel, and the number of channels used increases as the number of musical instruments increases, but in a normal karaoke apparatus, one of the musical instruments is used. Performing along the main melody to sing, makes it easier for the user to sing. As an instrument for performing along the main melody, an oboe or the like that outputs a sound similar to human voice is usually selected. The performance along the main melody is called a guide melody, and the MIDI information includes note-on data where the note of the guide melody changes. For example, FIG. 3 shows an example of the flow of a guide melody, and when playing with a doremifa, note-on data is output intermittently or discretely at the transition of a note. That is, note-on can be regarded as corresponding to a note. Note that when two sounds such as [MI] and [MI] continue, note-on data is output correspondingly.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing how to take an average pitch and a reference timing when scoring pitch and rhythm. In the figure, a thick line indicates a melody line of MIDI data, a black circle indicates sampled vocal pitch data, and a cross X indicates average vocal pitch data. It is also assumed that, for example, [D] and [R] are produced as note-on notes. Here, the vocal pitch data is sampled every 25 msec, and when the vocal pitch data changes from increasing to decreasing, or conversely, changes from decreasing to increasing, the average pitch data during the previous increasing or decreasing time. Is calculated. In the figure, the average pitch data of each vocal pitch data group is indicated by an arc-shaped arrow.

Here, the pitch point, rhythm point, and stamina point will be described. <Explanation of the pitch point> When singing a vocal, it is always displaced up and down to some extent no matter how well it is singing a certain pitch due to unstable pitch or vibrato. Therefore, the local peak or bottom of the detected pitch is recognized, and the detected pitch (vocal pitch) between the peak and the bottom is detected.
Was taken as the average pitch. The average pitch is the next sampling time after the peak or bottom is detected.
That is, it is obtained after 25 msec.

<Explanation of Rhythm Point> The rhythm point uses the average pitch between the peak and the bottom similarly to the pitch point. On the contrary, in order to extract the time when the singer is conscious and starts singing a note of a different pitch. Then, the time during which the average pitch between successive peaks and bottoms fluctuated by a certain frequency or more was recognized, and the time difference between the note-on data of the guide melody and the sounding time was used as the rhythm point evaluation target. That is, the time difference between the time when the average pitch closest to the time when the note-on data was generated and the time when the note-on data was generated was evaluated.

<Description of Stamina Point> As described above, the frequency of a vocal does not fluctuate due to instability, vibrato, or the like. Therefore, the stamina point is added when the detected average pitch fluctuates between the time when the note of the guide melody is generated (at the time of note-on) and the time of the next note-on. In addition, the final result is the total result after the performance and the total number of notes of the guide melody (total number of notes on)
(Ratio). In addition, the evaluation of this stamina point
If a voice is emitted for each note, a perfect score will always be obtained, so it is a so-called auxiliary evaluation, and is not necessarily a necessary evaluation. On the other hand, the evaluation of the pitch point and the evaluation of the rhythm point are evaluations essentially asking the singing ability, and are necessarily required. Now, a block of the karaoke scoring device 60 is configured as shown in FIG. 5 to perform such an evaluation. As mentioned above, the function of each book is
Processed by software on the program.

In FIG. 5, reference numeral 32 denotes a pitch scoring unit for scoring and evaluating the pitch of the audio signal, 33 denotes a rhythm scoring unit for scoring and evaluating the rhythm of the audio signal, and 34
Is a stamina scoring unit for scoring and evaluating stamina.
35 is the pitch scoring unit 32 and the rhythm scoring unit 33
The stamina scoring unit 34 is an adding means for summing up the respective scoring results, that is, a total score adding means. The scoring results and their total scores can be displayed on the display means 16. Here, the display means 16 is also used as a display for displaying lyrics characters and background images. First,
Explaining the pitch scoring unit 32, reference numeral 36 denotes a timing generating means, which generates a 25 msec timing clock for vocal sampling.
Reference numeral 37 denotes a vocal pitch extracting means which converts the vocal audio signal input from the microphone 13 into the above-mentioned 25 ms.
The vocal pitch data (see FIG. 4) is extracted at the timing of each ec. Usually, the vocal vibrato period is
0.1-0.3 second, sampling period is 50msec to sample at two or more points per period
Hereinafter, it is preferably about 25 msec, and if the cycle is too short, the number of data becomes too large to process, so the lower limit is set to the time of the main routine of the program, for example, about 10 msec.

Numeral 38 denotes an average pitch calculating means for calculating average pitch data during a period when the vocal pitch is increasing or during a period when the vocal pitch is decreasing. In FIG.
Although the average pitch is indicated by × points, when the vocal pitch of the black circle changes from increase to decrease or when it changes from increase to decrease, it can be recognized for the first time, so at the peak of the vocal pitch, or The average pitch is calculated 25 msec after the bottom. Reference numeral 39 denotes an average pitch extracting means for comparison, which obtains an average pitch for comparison from a plurality of average pitches obtained between two note-on sounds, for example, between [D] and [R] in FIG. In FIG. 4, the two average pitches between the note-on notes [de] and [re] coincide with each other by chance, but the average pitch closest to the reference pitch represented by the guide melody is determined by the comparison average. Calculate as pitch. The method of calculating the average pitch for comparison is not limited to the above-described method. For example, an average value of all average pitches between two note-on sounds may be calculated and used as the average pitch for comparison. The obtained average pitch and the like are, of course, stored in a high-speed accessible memory such as the DRAM 19 for reproduction.

Reference numeral 40 denotes a reference pitch extracting means,
The reference pitch is extracted from the note-on data of the guide melody included in the I data. This reference pitch naturally corresponds to the height of the melody line (see FIG. 4). 41 is a pitch score extracting means, which determines whether the difference between the reference pitch and the comparison average pitch has reached a predetermined pitch reference difference,
The pitch score is extracted according to this. This pitch score is made every time note-on data is received,
Thus, a pitch score for one note (note-on) is obtained.

FIG. 6 shows a table of scoring criteria. Here, there are five modes having different scoring standards, namely, an Ikeike mode, a beginner mode, a challenge mode, a semi-pro mode, and a champion mode, and the scoring mode of the Ikeike mode and the champion mode is changed from the other modes. Further, as the mode sequentially shifts from the beginner mode to the champion mode, the pitch reference difference shifts from 128 to 48, and the rhythm reference difference described later shifts from 10 to 4 to reduce both, thereby setting the criterion strictly. . For example, in the beginner mode, when the pitch difference is smaller than 128, the pitch score is +1. When the pitch difference is 128 or more, the pitch score is 0 (zero). Here, the shift value 128 in the pitch evaluation corresponds to the shift of the semitone. The above-described modes are different from the audition mode and the singing battle mode described later. When the audition mode and the singing battle mode are executed, the scoring criterion is, for example, an automatic challenge among the above five modes. The scoring standard of the mode is fixed, and the scoring standard of the karaoke scoring device itself is fixed.

Reference numeral 42 denotes a total pitch score calculating means.
The respective pitch scores obtained until the transmission of the IDI data is completed are summed up and a predetermined process is performed to obtain a total pitch score. Here, the predetermined processing refers to obtaining a score in consideration of a score for pitch evaluation. For example, when all evaluations are a perfect score, the total is 10
Assuming that the score is 0 and that 30 points are allocated to the pitch evaluation, the total pitch score for the pitch evaluation is given by the following equation. Total pitch score = pitch score distribution (for example, 30) × total number of pitch scores / total number of detected note-ons

Next, the rhythm scoring unit 33 will be described. Reference numeral 43 denotes a reference timing detecting means, which detects a count value of the timing generating means from when the note-on of the guide melody is received as a reference timing. That is, it is the counter value of the counter from the first no-on and increases every 25 msec. 44 is a vocal timing detecting means for detecting the vocal timing which is closest to when the note-on is received (reference timing) and when the vocal pitch changes from increasing to decreasing or from decreasing to increasing. It is. That is,
The vocal timing corresponds to the detection of the closest average pitch at the time of note-on sounding. Therefore, the vocal timing detection means 44 receives the average pitch data output from the average pitch calculation means 38. This evaluation of the rhythm is to evaluate how the pitch of the vocal has changed in response to the change of the pitch.Some people sing the next note before the note-on is pronounced. Therefore, the closest average pitch detection time before and after the note-on sound generation is extracted as the vocal timing.

Reference numeral 45 denotes a rhythm score extracting means for judging whether or not a temporal difference between the reference timing and the vocal timing has reached a predetermined rhythm reference difference. A rhythm score is extracted. This pitch score is consequently performed each time note-on data is received. At this time, the rhythm reference difference is predetermined as shown in the table of FIG. 6, and the reference value is changed according to the mode. For example, as you move from beginner mode to champion mode,
The rhythm reference difference sequentially changes from 10 to 4, and the reference is set strictly. For example, in the beginner mode,
When the temporal difference in timing is smaller than 10, the rhythm score is +1 and when it is 10 or more, it is 0 (zero). Here, regarding the rhythm evaluation, the deviation value 1 is 25 m
sec.

Reference numeral 46 denotes a total rhythm score calculating means.
A total rhythm is calculated by summing the rhythm scores obtained until the transmission of the IDI data is completed and performing a predetermined process. Here, the predetermined process refers to obtaining a score in consideration of a score for the rhythm evaluation. For example, assuming that when the total evaluation is a perfect score, the total is 100 points, and the rhythm evaluation is 30 points distributed, the total rhythm score is given by the following equation. Total rhythm score = rhythm score distribution (for example, 30) x total number of rhythm scores / total number of detected note-ons

Next, the stamina scoring unit 34 will be described. Numeral 47 denotes a vocal fluctuation determining means for constantly determining whether or not the vocal pitch detected by the vocal pitch extracting means 37 is fluctuating. Note that the vocal pitch extracting means 37, due to its characteristics, determines that the last detected vocal pitch is 2 while no audio signal is being input.
It is designed to output intermittently at intervals of 5 msec. Therefore, the fact that the detected vocal pitch shows a constant value means that vocal is not sung during that time. Numeral 48 denotes a stamina score extracting means.
The stamina score is extracted based on the output from. That is, as long as the vocal pitch fluctuates, it means that the vocal is being sung, and the stamina score is +1 each time a note-on is generated.

Numeral 49 is a total stamina score calculating means.
The total stamina score is obtained by summing the stamina scores obtained until the end of the transmission of the MIDI data and performing a predetermined process. Here, the predetermined processing refers to obtaining a score in consideration of a score for the stamina evaluation. For example, assuming that the total score when all the evaluations are a perfect score is 100 points and that the stamina evaluation has a score distribution of 40 points, the total stamina score for the stamina evaluation is given by the following equation. Total stamina score = stamina score distribution (for example, 40)
X Total number of stamina points / Total note-on total number of selected songs It should be noted that the denominator of the above equation is the total number of note-on totals of the selected song. Therefore, if you stop singing in the middle of one song, the stamina evaluation will be You never get a perfect score. On the other hand, regarding the previous pitch evaluation and rhythm evaluation, even if you stop singing in the middle of one song, if the progress is full, the final result will be a full score for the evaluation. .

Numeral 50 denotes a memory for tabulating and storing the scoring criteria shown in FIG. 6, and in addition to a pitch reference table and a rhythm reference table, a score distribution for each evaluation for each mode is also stored. This mode can be switched by the scoring reference switching means 17 (see FIG. 1). As the memory 50, for example, the main storage means 9 is used and can be updated by distribution.
In the present embodiment, the scoring reference switching means 17 is not used directly, and when the audition mode or the song battle mode is performed, the scoring is automatically performed, for example, in the challenge mode which is a medium scoring standard. Fixed to standard.

Here, first, the operation of the karaoke apparatus configured as described above will be described. First, the operation of the entire karaoke apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. 2. When a user selects a song by pressing a numeric key from the input unit 11, music information corresponding to the selected song is stored in the main storage unit 9. The music information is transferred to the reproduction DRAM 19 for high-speed access, and then the music information is sequentially read out to start playing. For example, the MIDI information is stored in the MIDI playback unit 30.
Is mixed by the mixer means 14 together with the vocal sound signal input from the microphone 13 and reproduced as sound from the speaker 15. If there is a chorus, the chorus information is decoded by the chorus reproducing unit 31, and
5 is reproduced as a sound. On the other hand, at the same time, the lyric character information is developed for the video by the font developing unit 21, converted into a video signal via the lyric character video signal forming unit 22, and generated by the still image video signal forming unit 25. The displayed image is displayed on the display 16 together with the still image or the moving image created by the moving image information storage means 10. The user sings while watching the lyrics displayed on the display 16.

Next, the operation of the karaoke scoring device performed simultaneously with the reproduction of the MIDI data will be described with reference to FIGS. First, when the reproduction of the MIDI data is started, the reference pitch extracting means 40 extracts the reference pitch (see FIG. 4) based on the note-on of the guide melody. On the other hand, at the same time, the vocal sound signal input from the microphone is continuously extracted by the vocal pitch extracting means 37 at a timing of 25 msec, and the vocal pitch is obtained. Then, the average pitch calculating means 38 compares the vocal pitches before and after this, and responds when the vocal pitch changes from increasing to decreasing, or conversely, when the vocal pitch changes from increasing to decreasing, and responds when the vocal pitch changes from increasing to decreasing. Find the average pitch when decreasing. The average pitch is indicated by a cross X in FIG. The calculated vocal pitch and average pitch are used for playback DR until unnecessary.
Needless to say, it is stored in the AM 19 or the like.

Next, every time the note-on is received, the comparison average pitch extracting means 39 obtains a comparison average pitch from a plurality of average pitches obtained from the time when the previous note-on is received. In FIG. 4, the two average pitches obtained between the sounding of the note-on [do] and the sounding of the note-on [re] have the same value. , The value closest to the reference pitch may be taken as the average pitch for comparison. Next, a difference (pitch difference) between the average pitch for comparison and the previous reference pitch is obtained by the pitch score extracting means 41, and this pitch difference reaches a predetermined value on the pitch reference difference table (see FIG. 6). It is determined whether or not the pitch is reached. If the pitch is not reached, +1 is given as a small pitch shift, and if it is reached, 0 (zero) is given as a large pitch shift to obtain a pitch score. For example, assuming that the beginner mode is selected, when the pitch difference is smaller than 128, +
One point is given, and when it reaches 128, zero point is given. Such a determination is made every time a note-on is generated. Then, the total pitch calculating means 42 sums up each pitch score obtained until the end of the transmission of the MIDI data, and obtains a total pitch score according to the score distribution. For example, in the case of the beginner mode, 30 points are allocated to the pitch evaluation. If the song is interrupted on the way, evaluation until the interruption is required.

On the other hand, at the same time as the above operation, the reference timing detecting means 43 obtains a reference timing (see FIG. 4) corresponding to the note-on sound of the guide melody, and the vocal timing detecting means 44 determines the reference timing. The time of obtaining the closest average pitch is determined as the vocal timing. The rhythm score extracting means 45 compares the obtained vocal timing with the reference timing to determine a time difference between the two, and determines whether the rhythm time difference has reached a predetermined value in the rhythm reference difference (see FIG. 6). It is determined whether or not the rhythm shift is small, and if it has not reached, +1 is given, and if it has reached, 0 (zero) is given as a large pitch shift. For example, in the beginner mode, when the rhythm reference difference is smaller than 10, +
When one point is given and the number has reached 10, a zero point is given to obtain a rhythm score. Such a determination is naturally made every time a note-on is generated. Then, the total rhythm score calculating means 46 sums up each rhythm score obtained before the MIDI data transmission is completed, and obtains a total rhythm score according to the score distribution. For example, in the case of the beginner mode, 30 points are allocated to the rhythm evaluation, and in the case of a perfect score, 30 points are given. If the song is interrupted on the way, evaluation until the interruption is required.

Simultaneously with the above operation, the vocal fluctuation judging means 47 constantly detects whether or not the vocal pitch being sampled fluctuates, and based on this detection result, the stamina score extracting means 48 Seeking a stamina score. The extraction of the stamina score is performed every time a note-on is generated. In other words, as long as the vocal is sung, the vocal pitch always fluctuates due to vibrato and the like. On condition that this vocal pitch fluctuates, +1 is given each time a note-on is generated, and the vocal is given. When the vocal pitch does not fluctuate without singing, 0 (zero) is given. Then, the total stamina score calculating means 49 sums up the respective stamina scores obtained until the transmission of the MIDI data is completed,
Calculate the total stamina score according to the score distribution. For example,
In the case of the beginner mode, 40 points are allocated to the stamina evaluation. If the song is interrupted on the way, evaluation is required until the song is interrupted. In this case, you will not get a perfect score. As mentioned above, this stamina evaluation can be called an auxiliary evaluation in the sense that if the voice is matched to the melody even if the pitch etc. is out of order, the score will be added, so it can be said that it is an auxiliary evaluation is not.

The total pitch score, total rhythm score and total stamina score obtained as described above are simply added by the total point adding means 35 to obtain a total evaluation. When the MIDI data transmission is completed, Lyric character video signal forming unit 22 and still image video forming unit 25 (see FIG. 2)
, The total score of each evaluation is also displayed on the display 16 together with the total score. FIG. 7 shows an example when the score is displayed on the display. The pitch evaluation is 20 points, the rhythm evaluation is 15 points, the stamina evaluation is 40 points, and the comprehensive evaluation is 75 points.

Next, the flow of the main processing including the above operation will be described with reference to FIG. First, various parameters of the control system are initialized (S1). Next, it is determined whether or not the music has started (S2). In the case of YES, it is determined whether or not 1 is set in the music start flag. Is determined (S3). Here, in the case of NO, the interrupt is enabled (S4) to enable the interrupt of the input of the pitch data to be sampled, the timing counter is reset (S5), and the music start flag is set (S6). ). Thus, when the reproduction of the MIDI data is started, the audio signal is sampled at a timing of every 25 msec, and the vocal pitch is detected and stored. The sampling every 25 msec is counted by a built-in counter simultaneously with the start of the performance.
Next, it is always determined whether or not the performance has been completed (S7).
While the performance is continued (NO), it is always checked whether or not the note-on of the guide melody is sounded (S8). In the case of NO, various processes such as MIDI data and lyrics characters are performed. The reproduction, that is, the performance is continued (S9).

In the case of YES in S8, that is, when a note-on is sounded, a note-on flag is set (S10), and the pitch score is calculated by the above-described method based on the vocal pitch sequentially input by sampling. A rhythm score is sequentially obtained each time a note-on is generated (S11). Here, in S7, YE
In the case of S, that is, when the performance of the music is completed (including interruption during the reproduction), the interrupt is disabled and 2
The input of the sampling data every 5 msec is disabled (S12), and the pitch score, the rhythm score, and the stamina score obtained by the interrupt process described later are totalized, and the respective score distributions are weighted to obtain the total pitch. A score, an overall rhythm score, and an overall stamina score are obtained (S13).

Then, the obtained total scores are summed to obtain a total evaluation score (comprehensive evaluation), which is displayed together with each total score as shown in FIG. 7 (S14), and the music start flag is reset (S15). ). Then, the process shifts to various processes (S9). In S2, if the music has not started (in the case of NO), S
Move to 9. The total score of the rhythm evaluation and the pitch evaluation, which is important for appropriately evaluating the singing ability, may be displayed.

Next, the interrupt processing enabled in S4 will be described with reference to FIG. First, it is checked whether or not the vocal pitch data sampled every 25 msec with the sample clock is different from the immediately preceding one (S21). If YES, that is, the vocal pitch data is compared with the immediately preceding one. If it has changed, it means that the singer is singing vocal, so it is first determined whether or not 1 is set in the guide melody note-on flag (S22). +1 is given as a score (S2
3) Then, the note-on flag is cleared (S2)
4). After clearing this flag or in the case of NO in S22, that is, when the note-on flag is 0 (zero)
At this time, since +1 has already been given to one note-on, it is determined whether the vocal pitch data is peak or bottom without giving +1 here (S25). Here, in the case of YES, that is, in the case of the peak or bottom, the average pitch of the vocals in the vocal pitch increasing period or the decreasing period is calculated (S2).
6) Then, the timing counter value is stored (S2).
7).

Next, if this value is stored, this value is incremented by +1 (S28). Also, S21
In the case of NO in, that is, when the vocal pitch data has not changed, it means that the vocal is not sung, so that the timing counter value is simply incremented by +1 without giving a stamina score (S28). In this way, not only the evaluation of the pitch but also the evaluation of the rhythm is performed, and these are comprehensively evaluated, so that the singing ability can be more appropriately evaluated, and the evaluation can be made closer to the evaluation based on the sense of hearing. Becomes Also, by adding the evaluation for stamina, it is possible to add to the judgment whether or not the song has been sung to the end along the melody line of the selected music, so that it is possible to more appropriately evaluate the singing ability . Further, if the user changes the scoring criterion by changing the mode by the scoring criterion switching means 17 in accordance with the ability, it is possible to select a mode suitable for his / her ability.

Next, an audition mode and a singing battle mode which are features of the present invention incorporated in the karaoke apparatus described above will be described. Any one of these modes may be incorporated individually, or two modes may be incorporated together as in this embodiment. Further, these two modes or functions are processed in software by a program read by the control means 8.
As shown in FIG. 10, there is one type of audition mode, but there are three types of song battle mode: a red and white four rounds mode, a red and white six rounds mode, and a red and white ten rounds mode. The mode switching means 61 includes the normal mode.
Each time the scoring button 61A (see FIG. 2) is pressed, the mode name displayed on the display 16 is changed cyclically. When a desired mode name is displayed, pressing the mode confirmation button 61B causes the mode to be changed. Is determined.

First, the audition mode will be described. In the audition mode, not only the scoring result is simply displayed, but also the name of the corresponding ability stage among the ability stages is displayed.
There are also a plurality of judges who assign different weights, and the judges are randomly selected, for example, for each music selection. FIG.
1 is a block diagram for performing such an audition mode, and FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display means in the audition mode.
62 is a weighting means for weighting the total evaluation score output from the karaoke scoring device 60 (see FIG. 5) to obtain a new score. Reference numeral 63 denotes a weight setting unit which sets a plurality of weights in advance and stores them in a table. The main storage means 9 (see FIG. 2) may be used as this storage means. In this example, 0 points,
Weights are assigned to four levels of 3, 6, and 9 points.
Judge A of different character images corresponding to each stage
To D are determined. The image data of these judges A to D are also stored in the main storage means 9. As the images of these judges A to D, for example, the characters in the story [Saiyuki] are assigned, and the images can be interesting. Note that the score and the hierarchy of the weighting are not limited to these.

Numeral 64 is a weight selection means, and when the user selects and confirms the audition mode and selects a music piece, the above four judges A to A are selected by a random number generator (not shown).
One person is randomly selected from D, and the weight to be given at the same time is determined. When the audition mode is selected and determined as described above, the scoring standard of the karaoke scoring device is automatically fixed to the challenge mode which is a medium scoring standard. Reference numeral 65 denotes a judge display section, which takes out the image of the judge selected by the weight selection means 64 from the main storage means 9 and displays it on the display 16 as a display means. FIG. 12A shows an example of the judge image displayed on the display.

Reference numeral 66 denotes ability level classifying means for classifying into a plurality of ability levels according to the weighted score output from the weighting means 62. Here, the names of each ability level are divided into four stages of [pass], [national tournament], [district tournament], and [document selection] in descending order of the level. , 7
Levels of 0 or more and 60 or more are assigned.
FIG. 10B shows an example of the name of the ability level displayed on the display. It should be noted that the names and the allocation levels of these steps are merely examples, and are not limited to these. Reference numeral 67 denotes an audition display instructing unit which blinks the display score and all names within a certain period of time, for example, for about 3 seconds when the final score and the name of the ability level are displayed on the display means 16. In such a way as not to specify it, and then display it fixedly. As a result, the user is allowed to take care for a while, and the sense of expectation is expanded, and the user can be more interesting. Reference numeral 68 denotes sound effect reproducing means for simultaneously reproducing sound effects such as drum hits and messages through the speaker 15 when displaying the total score.

Now, a flow performed based on the audition mode configured as described above will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the audition mode. First, when the user operates the scoring button 61A and the mode decision button 61B of the mode switching means 61 to select and confirm the audition mode, the scoring standard of the karaoke scoring device is automatically fixed to the challenge mode (S3).
1). When the user selects a song (S32), the weight selection means 64 automatically and randomly determines the judges of the weight setting section 63, and at the same time, the weight is also determined (S33). When the judge is determined, the judge display section 65 displays the specified judge image on the display 16.
12 (A), and at the same time, the sound effect reproducing means 68 causes the speaker 15 to output a predetermined sound effect (S34). For example, when the judge A having the smallest weight is determined, a message corresponding to the amount of the weight such as [my examination is severe] is output as a sound effect in the voice of the judge. This message may be registered in the main storage means or the like in advance.

Next, the MIDI data is reproduced and the performance is started, and the user sings vocals. At the same time, the karaoke scoring device 60 performs scoring evaluation according to the flow described above (S35). Then, when the reproduction of the MIDI data is completed and the performance is completed (S36), the score obtained by the karaoke scoring device 60 is given to the weighting means 62, where the weight determined previously is added to obtain a new score. (S37). The score after the weighting is examined by the skill level classifying means 66 to which skill level it belongs (S3).
8). First, if the score is 90 or more, it is classified as pass (S39), and if it is less than 90 and more than 80 (S4).
0), classified as a national tournament (S41),
If it is 0 or more (S42), it is classified as a district tournament (S4
3) If the score is less than 70 and greater than or equal to 60 (S44), it is classified as a document selection (S45), and if less than 60, it is rejected (no indication).

The audition display section 67 receiving the classification result displays the display 1 as shown in FIG.
6, the name of the ability level corresponding to the score is displayed prominently (S46). In this display, as described above, the score is circulated for about three seconds, or the name of the ability stage is blinked cyclically to give the user attention, and thereafter, the display is fixed. At the same time, the sound effect reproducing means 68 generates an effect sound such as a drum-hitting sound from the speaker 15 while the score circulates to enhance the sense of realism, thereby increasing the fun. In addition to fixing the display, a sound effect suitable for the ability level is output from the speaker 15.
May be output. For example, if the ability stage passes, a fan fare or the like may be issued.

On the other hand, if the score is less than 60 in S44, there is no display of the corresponding ability level, and simply the speaker 1
Generates only one bell sound, which is more disappointing than 6 (S
47). And finally, as shown in FIG.
The scoring result for each evaluation, the total score, and the judge's image at that time are displayed, and at the same time, for example, in the case of passing, a message corresponding to the ability level such as [congratulations] is generated as a sound effect (S48). . As described above, according to the audition mode, the ability level corresponding to the singing ability can be displayed, so that the fun can be increased unlike the case where the score is simply displayed.

If it is possible to determine judges with different weights, it is possible to take into account the luck and chance at that time, and it is possible to make the game more interesting. In addition, by displaying a judge in accordance with the weighting amount to emit a sound effect such as a predetermined message,
It can be visually interesting. Furthermore, even if the score or the ability level is determined, the display of the name or the use of the name of the score or the ability level is changed for a predetermined period of time without immediately announcing, thereby increasing the sense of expectation of the user. It can be more interesting.

Next, the song battle mode will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 14 is a block diagram for performing the song battle mode, and FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display means in the song battle mode. Here, a case where a red and white song battle is performed in two groups, that is, a red group and a white group, will be described as an example.
Reference numeral 70 denotes a grouping unit that divides a plurality of music pieces input from the input unit 11 into a plurality of groups, here, a red group and a white group.
As shown in FIG. 15 (A), they are alternately divided into a red group and a white group. Note that the grouping is not limited to this mode, and a group may be input for each group. In addition, red and white 4
In the round mode, a total of eight songs are selected, four in each group. Similarly, in the case of the sixth round of red and white,
A total of 16 songs are selected, and in the case of the 10th round of red and white, a total of 20 songs are selected.

Reference numeral 71 denotes a counting means, which counts and stores the scores based on the scoring results of the karaoke scoring device 60 for each group. Reference numeral 72 denotes a judge storage unit which stores an odd number of judge images that can be displayed to indicate a winner group having a large score. For this, the main storage means 9 is used. FIG. 15B shows an image on the display when there are five judges 74A to 74E, and has a circular card 73 indicating the color of the winner group in his hand. In this case, the black circles indicate red team wins, and the white circles ○
Indicates that the White Gumi has won, and in the illustrated example, the Red Gumi has won 3 to 2. The image of the same judge having a card with a black circle and an image having a card with a white circle are both stored in the judge storage unit 72, and either image is taken out and displayed as necessary. .

As the above-mentioned judge, for example, if a character appearing in the story [Saiyukiki] is assigned, it will be possible to visually enhance the fun. Reference numeral 75 denotes a score comparison unit which compares the scores of the songs belonging to each group in response to the reproduction or performance of the songs one by one. Numeral 76 denotes a song battle display instruction unit, which is displayed on the display 16 in a state showing the winner group from the judge storage unit 72 in accordance with the comparison result of the score comparison unit 75.
The judge image is displayed as shown in FIG. In this case, the number of red cards and the number of white cards to be displayed are changed according to the score difference between the two groups. The display support 76
Gives an instruction to display the intermediate results of the scores of each group, for example, when the reproduction of half the number of songs is completed as an intermediate progress. FIG. 15D shows the display state at this time.

Reference numeral 77 denotes sound effect reproducing means for outputting a predetermined sound effect including a message when displaying an image.
It originates from. For example, when each group finishes playing one song at a time, and when the Beni group wins with a slight difference in score, the message [Red wins by a small margin] is displayed while displaying three red cards and two white cards. FIG. 15C shows a display in a case where the Beni group wins by this small difference. In addition, if Beni-gumi wins with a slightly larger point difference, 4
While displaying one white card and one white card, the message [Red wins by a large difference] is issued. If the red team wins by a far greater difference, the message "Red win" is displayed while displaying all five cards as red cards.

Now, a flow performed based on the song battle mode configured as described above will be described. FIG.
Is a flowchart of a song battle mode. First, when the user operates and operates the operation button 61A and the mode determination button 61B of the mode switching means 61 to select and confirm one of the three song battle (red and white) modes (S50), the scoring standard of the karaoke scoring device is used. Is automatically fixed to the challenge mode (S51). Then, the users who are divided into two groups, the red group and the white group, alternately select songs one by one in the red group and the white group. For example, in the case of the fourth round, a total of eight songs are continuously selected ( S52). In accordance with the input of the music selection, the grouping means 70 performs the grouping into the red group and the white group. As a result, as shown in FIG. 15A, the red group and the white group music are alternately color-coded and displayed. (S53).

Next, the Beni group plays one song (S5).
4) Then, the white group plays back one song (S5).
5) Each sings vocals. At the same time as this playback,
In the karaoke scoring device 60, the scoring evaluation is performed, and each score is counted by the counting means 71, and at the same time, the score of each time is sent to the score comparing section 75, where the score of each red and white song is calculated. A comparison is made (S56). Based on the comparison result, the song battle display instruction unit 76 displays both sets of personal scores on the display 16 as shown in FIG. 15C, and also displays the image of the judge, for example, at the upper left of the display surface. (S57). In this case, the number of judges having a red card and the number of judges having a white card are changed as described above according to the score difference. When displaying,
To give the user a sense of expectation, for example, for about 3 seconds,
The score may be changed cyclically, and the red and white cards may also be changed cyclically, and thereafter, may be displayed fixedly. In addition to this display, the sound effect reproducing unit 77 causes the speaker 15 to generate a message such as [small difference wins red].

Next, it is determined whether it is time to announce the intermediate result (S58). If it is the time to announce the intermediate result, the points are totaled for each group (S59), and the result is displayed on the display. (S60). FIG. 15D shows the display state at this time. The presentation time of the intermediate result may be set, for example, at the time when half of the total number of music pieces to be played has been played. Further, a message such as "Let's work hard in the second half" may be output from the speaker 15 when the intermediate result is announced. Steps S54 to S60 are executed until the reproduction of all the songs is completed as described above (S61).
When the reproduction of all the songs is completed, the totaling means 71 calculates the total score for each of the red and white groups (S62), and displays the result on the display 16 (S63). The display mode at this time is shown in FIG. At the time of this display, when the red group wins with a slight difference, a message suitable for the score difference, such as [small difference wins the red group], may be emitted from the speaker 15.

As described above, by competing for the singing ability in a plurality of groups, the manner of use of the apparatus can be expanded, and the sense of play can be largely taken in, so that the fun can be greatly improved. In particular, by displaying not only the score of each group but also the image of the judge to make it visually interesting, and by generating a sound effect including a message, it is also made to have an auditory interest to further enhance it. , You can take a sense of play.

[0067]

As described above, according to the karaoke apparatus of the present invention, the following excellent operational effects can be exhibited. According to the singing ability, by introducing an audition mode in which not only the score of the scoring result but also the display of the ability level is incorporated, the sense of play can be incorporated and the fun can be increased. In addition, by adding a randomly determined weight to the scoring result, contingency and luck at that time can be added, and the sense of play can be further increased. Further, by displaying a judge's image or adding a sound effect, it is possible to further enhance the visual and auditory interest.

By incorporating a song battle mode in which the results of scoring are divided into a plurality of groups and the scoring results are incorporated, the use of the device can be broadened, a sense of play can be greatly taken in, and the fun can be increased. Further, by generating a sound effect or displaying a judge's image, it is possible to increase the auditory and visual interest.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a karaoke apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a portion mainly including a reproducing unit of the karaoke apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a guide melody.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing how to take an average pitch and a reference timing when scoring pitch and rhythm.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a karaoke scoring device.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a table of scoring criteria.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display form displayed on a display (display means).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a main process including scoring of a pitch and scoring of a rhythm.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing stamina scoring.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing switching of modes.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram for executing an audition mode.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on a display unit in an audition mode.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of an audition mode.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram for performing a song battle mode.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display means in the song battle mode.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a song battle mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Karaoke apparatus, 3 ... Storage medium, 8 ... Control means, 9 ...
Main storage means, 11 input means, 12 reproduction means, 13 ...
Microphone, 16 ... Display (display means), 1
7: scoring reference switching means, 32: pitch scoring section, 33: rhythm scoring section, 34: stamina scoring section, 35: total score adding means (adding means), 36: timing generating means, 37 ...
Vocal pitch extraction means, 38 ... average pitch calculation means,
39: pitch extraction means for comparison, 40: reference pitch extraction means, 41: pitch score extraction means, 42: total pitch score calculation means, 43: reference timing calculation means, 44: vocal timing detection means, 45: rhythm score extraction means ,
46: total rhythm score calculating means, 47: vocal fluctuation determining means, 48: stamina score extracting means, 49: total stamina score calculating means, 60: karaoke scoring device, 61: mode switching means, 62: weighting means, 63: weighting Setting section, 64: weight selection means, 65: judge display section,
66: ability level classifying means, 67: display instruction unit for audition, 68: sound effect reproducing means, 70: grouping means, 71: counting means, 72: judge storage unit, 75: score comparing unit, 76: song battle Display instruction unit 77, sound effect reproducing means.

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Hideo Koide 3-12-12 Moriyacho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Inside Japan Victor Company of Japan (72) Inventor Osamu Yoshino 3-chome Moriyacho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture No. 12 Inside Victor Company of Japan (72) Yoshiya Imamura 3-12 Moriyacho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture No. 12 Inside Victor Company of Japan, Ltd. (72) Mutsu Yamamoto 3 Moriyacho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture Chome 12 Japan Victor Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Sueharu Taniguchi 3-12-12 Moriyacho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Japan (72) Inventor Tsutomu Kojima Moriyacho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa No. 3-12 Inside Victor Company of Japan

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A karaoke apparatus for displaying lyric characters while playing back accompaniment music information based on MIDI data and playing back an audio signal input from a microphone, in order to score the audio signal input from the microphone. Karaoke scoring device, ability level classifying means for classifying into a plurality of ability levels according to the scores obtained on the karaoke scoring apparatus side, and display for displaying the names of the ability levels classified by the ability level classifying means A karaoke apparatus comprising: 2. When displaying the score and the name of the ability stage, the displayed score is changed within a certain period, and all the names of the ability stage are simultaneously blinked and then fixedly displayed. 2. The karaoke apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an audition display instruction section for instructing the display means to perform the following. 3. The karaoke apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a sound effect reproducing means for simultaneously reproducing the sound effect when displaying the score. 4. A weight setting section in which a plurality of different weights are set in advance, weight selection means for randomly selecting one of the plurality of weights of the weight setting section at the time of music selection, and a weight selection means for selecting one of the weights. 5. A karaoke apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising weighting means for adding a weight corresponding to the weighted weight to a score obtained by said karaoke scoring apparatus to obtain a new score. 5. The karaoke apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a judge display section for displaying a judge image corresponding to the selected weight on the display means. 6. A karaoke apparatus that displays lyrics characters while playing back accompaniment music information based on MIDI data and also plays back audio signals input from a microphone, and divides a plurality of input songs into a plurality of groups. Grouping means, a karaoke scoring device for scoring the audio signal input from the microphone, a counting means for counting the scores based on the scoring results of the karaoke scoring device for each of the plurality of groups, and a counting means Display means for displaying the result of the karaoke. 7. The karaoke apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the grouping means recognizes that a plurality of continuously input songs belong to different groups alternately. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the totaling means totals intermediate scores for each of the plurality of grooves when the performance of the predetermined number of music pieces is completed, and the display means displays the intermediate scores. A karaoke device according to claim 6. 9. A judge storage unit for storing an odd number of judge images capable of displaying a winner group having a large score, and said judge unit responding to the reproduction of one piece of music belonging to each group. A score comparison unit that compares the scores obtained on the karaoke scoring device side, and a song battle display in which a judge image is displayed from the judge storage unit in a state indicating a winner group according to the comparison result of the score comparison unit. 9. The karaoke apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising an instruction unit. 10. The singing battle display instruction unit changes the number of judge images displayed in a state indicating the winner group according to the magnitude of the comparison result of the score comparison unit. The karaoke apparatus according to claim 9. 11. A sound effect reproducing means for simultaneously reproducing a predetermined sound effect together with a display instruction by the display instruction section for the song battle.
0 karaoke apparatus.