WO2006107159A1

WO2006107159A1 - Voice processing apparatus for sounder

Info

Publication number: WO2006107159A1
Application number: PCT/KR2006/001147
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sung-Kyu Kim
Original assignee: Sung-Kyu Kim
Priority date: 2005-04-08
Filing date: 2006-03-29
Publication date: 2006-10-12
Also published as: KR100685511B1; KR20060106384A

Abstract

A voice processing apparatus for a sounder is provided. This apparatus comprises a storage unit for storing accompaniment data and song-related data, a central processor for processing the accompaniment data and song-related voice data stored in the storage unit and outputting digital audio data to an external audio output unit to control its operation, an accompaniment processor for converting the accompaniment data into digital audio data under the control of the central processor, a digital voice processor for converting the song-related voice data into digital audio data under the control of the central processor, a Digital/Analog (D/A) signal processor for converting the accompaniment and song-related digital audio data and a digital voice signal into analog signals, wherein the digital voice signal is the signal that is inputted from a mic and then converted, and at least one signal mixer for selectively mixing the accompaniment and song-related analog audio signals and the voice signal to provide a mixed signal to a corresponding audio output unit.

Description

VOICE PROCESSING APPARATUS FOR SOUNDER

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a voice processing apparatus for a sounder, and more particularly, to a voice processing apparatus for a sounder which is capable of readily implementing a karaoke function or song exercise function by representing various song-related information displayed on a monitor in the sounder like a karaoke system as digital voices using Moving Picture Experts Group Audio Layer-3 (MP3), Advanced Audio Coding (AAC), Windows Media Audio (WMA) and so on, even in the case of an absence of a display unit such as TV, wherein the song-related information contains a title of reserved song and a song number, a title of song regenerated, a name of singer, words of a song, how to use, guidance information, a time rating, a tone color by sex, a tone, score information, etc. Background Art

[2] As shown in Fig. 1, a common karaoke system or song exercise machine is provided with a video processing function. Using such a function, there are displayed on a display unit like TV various information such as a title of reserved song, a song number, how to use, guidance information, a time rating, a tone color by sex, a tone and score information as well as a title of song, a name of singer, words of a song, etc. That is, the common karaoke system outputs a voice or originated voice received via a mic and accompaniment data created by an accompaniment processor prepared therein to an audio output unit having an audio amplifier plus a speaker/earphone/headset. And also, it provides a display unit like TV with such video data as a title of reserved song and a song number, a title of song reproduced, a name of singer, words of a song, how to use, guidance information, a time rating, a tone color by sex, a tone and score information, which are generated by a video processor included therein.

[3] This conventional karaoke system is separately interlocked with the display unit and displays, on the display unit, the words of song, the title of song, the name of singer, etc., together with such information as the title of reserved song and song number, how to use, the guide information, the time rating, the tone color by sex, the tone and the score information. Therefore, such a system inevitably needs to interlock with the display unit and thus further needs fonts, pictures and the like to be displayed on the display unit, thereby rendering much developing cost consumed and lots of fees for its use paid. Moreover, in use of such display unit, the user has to look at it to watch the words of song; and thus, his or her eyes are not free and a larger display unit or more display units are required for use of many persons. In particular, more difficulty is that the user looks at the display unit within a bus or car with shake which yields an inconvenience for its use.

[4] Above all things, however, in the absence of such display unit as TV, it was difficult to convey the song-related information such as the title of reserved song and song number, the title of song reproduced, the name of singer, the words of song, how to use, the guidance information, the time rating, the tone color by sex, the tone, the score information, etc.

[5] One example of prior arts to improve the above inconvenience problem is disclosed in Korean Laid-open Publication No. 1997-0008126 published on February 24, 1997, entitled "Voice Words Information Output Apparatus for Automatic Accompaniment Machine", as depicted in Fig. 2. This prior art apparatus represents words of song as voices and allows the words of song to be used by users, without a display unit, by outputting voice words data to an accompaniment to a separate audio output unit having an audio amplifier plus an earphone/headset through the use of a separate ROM 2 that stores the voice words data, in addition to a ROM 1 that stores the accompaniment. The voice words data stored in the separate ROM 2 is provided as voices via a D/A converter followed by the audio output unit having the audio amplifier plus the earphone/headset.

[6] According to the prior art, however, the voice words data stored in the separate

ROM 2 is outputted directly via the D/A converter and the audio output unit. Therefore, there is not used modified voice words data that is unable to be provided directly to the D/A converter like MP3, AAC or WMA, but used only PCM data form that is able to be delivered directly to the D/A converter. This makes the ROM 2 bulky for storing such voice words data. Furthermore, since there is no method for processing the data going out into the D/A converter except that only the PCM voice words data is bypassed, it was not possible to do such a process as changing a rapidness of voice song words and a tone color/tone.

[7] In addition, in the prior art, the output of the voice words data is made, regardless of the accompaniment; and thus, the user had to listen and sing the accompaniment and words data via different audio output units, respectively. That is, the accompaniment data is sent to outside via an antenna. Specifically, the voice signal inputted via a mic is applied to a mixer with the accompaniment signal outputted from the D/A converter. And then, the signal mixed by the mixer is FM-modulated to a Local Oscillation (LO) signal provided by an LO signal generator and then sent to outside via a high- frequency amplifier and an antenna. Meanwhile, the voice words data is outputted via the audio output unit having the audio amplifier plus the earphone/headset. Accordingly, the prior art apparatus has a dual structure as described above.

[8] Moreover, according to the prior art, the two ROMs ROM 1 and ROM 2 need to be used to represent the accompaniment and the voice words data simultaneously.

[9] Especially, such a prior art is configured to interlock the outputs of the accompaniment and the voice words data, that is, to synchronize the accompaniment with the voice words data; and therefore, the voice words data cannot be outputted if there is not the accompaniment data. Namely, there exists no method capable of representing the words data as voices without accompaniment. Further, during accompaniment, it is difficult to represent or output song-related information, excluding designated voice words data, as voices. As defined above, the song-related information contains a title of reserved song and song number, a title of song reproduced, a name of singer, words of song, how to use, guidance information, a time rating, a tone color by sex, a tone, and score information.

[10] Another prior art is proposed in Korean Laid-open Publication No. 2001-0016404 published on March 5, 2001, entitled "Multi-codec Player with Text/Voice Conversion Function". This prior art converts information represented by text using Text- To-Speech (TTS) into voices and then regenerates it with music. Thus, the user can hear music-related information like a title of song, a name of singer, words of song and a summary on song, while appreciating music.

[11] However, the prior art player failed to provide the words of song to sing a song through a karaoke system. In addition, since such player converts the song words into voice using TTS and then reproduces it, there exists a time delay due to such conversion and may be needed a further processing time to make a similar voice to an actual voice with TTS. Therefore, not only the processing cost is expensive but also even voice so made is far from the actual voice. Moreover, only partial information associated with song like the title of song, the name of singer, the words of song and the summary of song are represented as voices, while other function-related information such as the title of reserved song and song number, how to use, the guidance information, the time rating, the tone color by sex, the tone, and the score information are not represented as voices. Accordingly, this causes any inconvenience in using such prior art player.

[12] Consequently, there has been required a scheme capable of implementing a karaoke system or song exercise machine inexpensively and simply by representing various song-related information as defined above, including the words of song, as digital voices using MP3, AAC, WMA and so on, without a display unit like TV. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[13] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a voice processing apparatus for a sounder which is capable of readily implementing a karaoke function or song exercise function by representing various song-related information displayed on a monitor in the sounder like a karaoke system as digital voices using MP3, AAC, WMA and so on, even in the case of an absence of a display unit like TV, wherein the song- related information contains a title of reserved song and a song number, a title of song regenerated, a name of singer, words of a song, how to use, guidance information, a time rating, a tone color by sex, a tone, score information, etc.

[14] Another object of the invention is to separately offer the various information as defined above to persons who sing via a speaker separately prepared in the sounder implemented on a single unit with a mic, or in a separate karaoke system. Technical Solution

[15] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a voice processing apparatus for a sounder, comprising: a storage means for storing accompaniment data and song-related data; a central processing means for processing the accompaniment data and song-related voice data stored in the storage means and outputting digital audio data to an external audio output unit to control its operation; an accompaniment processing means for converting the accompaniment data into digital audio data under the control of the central processing means; a digital voice processing means for converting the song-related voice data into digital audio data under the control of the central processing means; a Digital/Analog (D/ A) signal processing means for converting the accompaniment and song-related digital audio data and a digital voice signal into analog signals, wherein the digital voice signal is the signal that is inputted from a mic and then converted; and at least one signal mixing means for selectively mixing the accompaniment and song-related analog audio signals and the voice signal to provide a mixed signal to a corresponding audio output unit.

[16] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a voice processing apparatus for a sounder, comprising: a storage means for storing accompaniment data and song-related voice data; a central processing means for processing the accompaniment data and song-related voice data stored in the storage means and outputting digital audio data to an external audio output unit to control its operation; an accompaniment processing means for converting the accompaniment data into digital audio data under the control of the central processing means; a digital voice processing means for converting the song-related voice data into digital audio data under the control of the central processing means; at least one signal mixing means for selectively mixing the accompaniment and song-related digital audio data and a digital voice signal that is inputted from a mic and then converted; and a D/A signal processing means connected to each of said at least one mixing means for converting the accompaniment and song-related digital audio signals from said each of at least one mixing means and digital voice signal into analog signals to provide the analog signals to a corresponding audio output unit.

[17] The present invention allows an existing karaoke system or song exercise machine having a display unit like TV that displays various information to represent such information as digital voices using MP3, AAC, WMA and so on, wherein the various information contain a title of reserved song and a song number, a title of song regenerated, a name of singer, words of a song, how to use, guidance information, a time rating, a tone color by sex, a tone, score information, etc. By doing so, the invention enables the user to conveniently use such karaoke system, even in the absence of the display unit like TV. For the purpose, the invention adds a digital voice processing function to an audio processing part of the existing karaoke system, excluding the audio and accompaniment processing functions. In this arrangement, the invention provides the function of reading the words of song and thus allows a person who sings a song to sing that song while hearing the words of the song or informs the person of the title of song and the name of singer and changes of kinds of functions.

[18] The other objectives and advantages of the invention will be understood by the following description and will also be appreciated by the embodiments of the invention more clearly. Further, the objectives and advantages of the invention will readily be seen that they can be realized by the means and its combination specified in the claims. Advantageous Effects

[19] The present invention as described above and below has advantages in that it can implement a karaoke system inexpensively and simply with a small storage unit without a display unit, user's eyes are free since the user doesn t need to look at the d isplay unit to watch words of song, it is allowed for many persons to use the karaoke system simultaneously, and it gives a convenience of its use within a bus or car with shake, by representing various information including words of song as sound, using digital voices, wherein the various information contain a title of reserved song and a song number, a title of song regenerated, a name of singer, how to use, guidance information, a time rating, a tone color by sex, a tone, score information, etc.

[20] In addition, the invention can selectively provide the accompaniment and song- related audio data and mic voice signal to corresponding audio output units that are interlocked therewith. Moreover, in the absence of the accompaniment data, the invention can output voice words data and also represent (output as voices) the song- related information as defined above, in addition to the voice words data designated during accompaniment, thereby increasing a convenience of its use. Brief Description of the Drawings

[21] The above and other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[22] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a sounder or a karaoke system according to the prior art;

[23] Fig. 2 shows a detailed block diagram of a sounder having a voice processing function in accordance with the prior art;

[24] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a sounder having a voice processing function in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[25] FIG. 4 is a detailed block diagram of a sounder having a voice processing function in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[26] FIG. 5 is a detailed block diagram of a sounder having a voice processing function in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

[27] FIG. 6 describes a procedure of outputting words information in the sounder having the voice processing function in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[28] FIG. 7 is a detailed block diagram of a sounder having a voice processing function in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; and

[29] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a sounder that is interlocked with an auxiliary input/output unit in accordance with the embodiments of the invention. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[30] The above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages will be more apparent by the following detailed description in association with the accompanying drawings; and based on this, the invention will be readily conceived by those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. Further, in the following description, well-known arts will not be described in detail if it seems that they could obscure the invention in unnecessary detail. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be set forth in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[31] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a sounder or karaoke system having a voice processing function in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[32] The sounder 32 having the voice processing function of the invention comprises input/output parts for a high performance central processor and a storage unit, an audio output unit 33, a voice input unit (mic) 31. In this arrangement, it processes audio information (voice signal) collected from the audio input unit (mic) 31 and audio information stored in the storage unit and then outputs the processed information to the audio output unit 33 having an audio amplifier plus an earphone/headset/speaker. The audio information used herein includes an accompaniment, a title of reserved song and a song number, a title of song reproduced, a name of singer, words of song, how to use, guidance information, a time rating, a tone color by sex, a tone, score information, etc. Therefore, the sounder can employ various audio data as well as PCM data and also make processes such as a tempo conversion, tone conversion, mixing, volume adjustment, and so on. In addition, the sounder can mix and use a mic voice signal, accompaniment data, digital voice data, etc. in various manners. Therefore, the sounder can freely represent the digital voice data in the presence of accompaniment or even in the absence thereof. Accordingly, the sounder can represent contents displayed on a display device by the existing karaoke systems as voices and then use them effectively. Details thereof will be given referring to Fig. 4 later.

[33] In addition, the inventive sounder 32 having the voice processing function is equipped with a mic 31 and speakers 61 and 62. That is, the invention incorporates the speakers in the single sounder 32 with the mic; and therefore, it can be used alone, without any help from other external equipments. Details will be provided referring to FIG. 7 later.

[34] And also, the inventive sounder 32 having the voice processing function is allowed to use all or portion of its own functions with a separate auxiliary input/output unit 70, by interlocking with the auxiliary input/output unit 70 capable of doing its own input/ output functions. Details will be given referring to FIG. 8 later.

[35] To implement the sounder 32 having the voice processing function, the invention adds, to the existing karaoke system 32, a digital voice processing apparatus that conducts a function of representing diverse information displayed on a display device like TV as digital voice data. This digital voice data is mixed in various manners with accompaniment data and musical signal produced by Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI), MP3, AAC, WMA, etc. and then outputted to the audio output unit 33 having the audio amplifier plus the earphone/headset/speaker

[36] The digital voice data is used to inform a person who sings a song of a title of reserved song or song number upon reservation and of a title of song or a name of singer upon start of song. Also, the digital voice data is utilized to make reading of song words upon start of its display so that the person can sing while hearing it. In addition, it is used to inform changes of how to use, the guidance information, the time rating, the tone color by sex, the tone, the score information and various functions.

[37] The function of making the reading of song words is a function of representing the words of proper length as digital voice data for a short time prior to having the song words started and then providing the song words. And more information can be provided by adding such information as the time rating, the tone and the tone color to the digital voice data and then delivering added information.

[38] Meanwhile, included in the karaoke system 32 are commonly used digital voice data, digital voice data such as the title of song, the name of singer and the words of song to be used in each song, and words control information. These information are used by recording voices and then compressing them with MP3, AAC, WMA, etc.

[39] In case of storing the song words as one example of the digital voice data, the song words to be read is recorded and then stored as plural digital voices only for the interval of the words to be read, together with time information indicating when these should be outputted. And it is informed as sound whether a song is for men or women by using the digital voice data having men voice and women voice separately and also notified that the tone has been changed by issuing a changed sound when there is a change of men and women or a change of the tone.

[40] There are given some examples of digital voice functions as follows: ^vnnn^v is a name of singer and ^vttf is a title of song, which are information stored in each song. A portion excluding the ^vnnn^v and ^vttf indicates information kept by the karaoke system 32 wherein ^vsss^v is a song score. These information may be properly combined and used as below.

[41]

[42] ^vttt is sung by nnn\

[43] ^vttt was reserved."

[44] ^vthe next song is ttt.^v

[45] "you sang well. The score is sss.^v

[46]

[47] Figs. 4 and 5 are detailed constructional block diagrams of the sounder having the voice processing function in accordance with the invention. That is, they show that digital accompaniment data and digital voice data outputted from a central processor 43 are converted into analog data by a digital voice processing apparatus and then mixed with a voice signal inputted to a mic in various manners to thereby provide mixed data.

[48] As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the sounder 32 having the voice processing function in accordance with the invention comprises a storage unit 44 like a memory or hard disk, input and output units 41 and 42 for input and output from and to an input unit like a key board or remote controller and an output unit like an LCD player or a TV and other units, an accompaniment processor 45 for creating accompaniment data using MIDI, MP3, AAC and WMA, a digital voice processor 46 for producing digital voice data with MP3, AAC and WMA, and a central processor 43 for controlling these processors 45 and 46.

[49] The input unit 41 may be one of touch screen, touch pad, mouse, joystick, keyboard, button, voice and the like; and the output unit 42 may be a display device like LCD and TV.

[50] The digital voice processing apparatus of the sounder 32 in accordance with the invention processes audio information (voice signal) collected from an audio input unit (mic) 31 and audio information stored in the storage unit 44 and then outputs the processed information to the audio output unit 33 having the audio amplifier plus the earphone/headset/speaker. As defined above, the audio information contains an accompaniment, the title of reserved song and song number, a title of song replayed, a name of singer, words of song, how to use, guidance information, a time rating, a tone color by sex, a tone, score information, etc.

[51] Therefore, there can be used various audio data as well as PCM data and also made processes such as a tempo conversion, a tone conversion, mixing, a volume adjustment, and so on. In addition, a mic voice signal, accompaniment data, digital voice data, etc. may be mixed in various manners and then outputted to the audio output unit 33. Accordingly, it is possible to freely represent the digital voice data as sounds, in the presence of accompaniment or even in the absence thereof.

[52] Now, preferred embodiments of the sounder or karaoke system 32 of the invention will be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 4, the voice processing apparatus for the sounder of the invention comprises a storage unit 44 for storing accompaniment data and song-related voice data, a central processor 43 for processing the accompaniment data and song- related voice data stored in the storage unit 44 and outputting processed digital audio data to external audio output units 33-1 and 33-2 having an audio amplifier plus an earphone/headset/speaker to control the operation thereof, an accompaniment processor 45 for converting the accompaniment data into digital audio data under the control of the central processor 43, and a digital voice processor 46 for converting the song-related voice data into digital audio data under the control of the central processor 43.

[53] In addition, it further comprises Digital/Analog (D/ A) converters 47-1 and 47-2 for converting the accompaniment and song-related digital audio data and a digital voice signal into analog signals, wherein the digital voice signal is the signal that is inputted from the mic 31 and then converted by an Analog/Digital (AJO) converter, and at least one signal mixer 48 for selectively mixing the accompaniment and song-related analog audio signals and the voice signal to provide mixed signals to the corresponding audio output units 33-1 and 33-2.

[54] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the voice processing apparatus for the sounder of the invention comprises the storage unit 44 for storing the accompaniment data and song-related data, the central processor 43 for processing the accompaniment data and song-related voice data stored in the storage unit 44 and outputting processed digital audio data to control the operation of the external audio output units 33-1 and 33-2, the accompaniment processor 45 for converting the accompaniment data into the digital audio data under the control of the central processor 43, and the digital voice processor 46 for converting the song-related voice data into the digital audio data under the control of the central processor 43.

[55] In addition, it further comprises at least one mixer 48 for selectively mixing the accompaniment and song-related digital audio data and the digital voice signal, wherein the digital voice signal is the signal that is inputted from the mic 31 and then converted, and the D/A converters 47-1 and 47-2 connected to each of said at least one mixer 48 for converting the accompaniment and song-related digital audio data and digital voice signal from the corresponding mixer 48 into analog signals to provide converted signals to the corresponding audio output units 33-1 and 33-2.

[56] As described above, the voice processing apparatus for the sounder of the invention may be configured to have the mixer 48 followed by the D/A converter 47, as shown in FlG. 5, in which the D/A converter 47 is necessary for each audio output unit 33. That is, it can be seen that the D/A converters 47-1 and 47-2 have the same number as that of the audio output units 33-1 and 33-2.

[57] In Figs. 4 and 5, it is preferable that the song-related voice data is composed of a title of reserved song and song number, a title of song reproduced, a name of singer, a words of song, how to use, guidance information, a time rating, a tone color by sex, a tone, and score information. And also, it is preferable that the audio output unit 33 is at least one of a speaker, a headset and an earphone. At this time, a wire/wireless communication unit is used for output to the audio output unit 33. For the convenience of description, it will be assumed below that the audio output unit 33-1 is defined as one of an external speaker, a headset and an earphone and the audio output unit 33-2 is defined as one of a built-in speaker, a headset and an earphone.

[58] In particular, the central processor 43 with an A/D converter, the accompaniment processor 45, the digital voice processor 46, the mixer 48 may be implemented by a Digital Signal Processor (DSP). In this configuration, it is of course obvious that the D/ A converter 47 may also be implemented by the DSP.

[59] The various audio data processed in the digital voice processing apparatus are all represented in digital form; and may be readily converted into various forms by the central processor 43. This conversion may include volume control, mixing, tone conversion, tempo conversion, echo, equalization, sound field effect, and so on.

[60] Now, how to make the reading of words when the words of song are progressed by the digital voice processing apparatus will be explained with reference to FlG. 6.

[61] In FlG. 6, there are represented 10 phrases including a prelude and an interlude, each of the 10 phrases being composed of a quadruple time, and also musical note indicating the length of the words. As shown, the digital voice is provided as follows: "school bell's ringing ding ding dong^v between 3 to 4th time of the prelude, "Let's all gather now" between 3 to 4th time of 3rd phrase, "teacher's waiting in the class" between 3 to 4th time of 5th phrase, and "for us all to come" between 3 to 4th time of 7th phrase. By doing so, the function of making the reading of the words can be conducted prior to singing a song.

[62] Meanwhile, the sounder 32 having the voice processing function of the invention is implemented on a single unit with the mic 31, as shown in FlG. 7. Specifically, there are further incorporated into the karaoke system 32 with the mic 31 speakers 61 and 62 (the internal audio output unit 33-1) for amplifying the accompaniment and song- related analog audio signal and voice signal mixed in the mixer 48 by a preset level and then outputting the amplified signals.

[63] In other words, the karaoke system 32 is equipped with all of the mic 31 and the speakers 61 and 62 (that is, the built-in speakers are embedded in the karaoke system with the mic), thereby enabling its use alone without any help from the other external audio output unit 33-1. Of course, it may be configured such that the accompaniment audio signal and voice signal are outputted to the external audio output unit 33-1, while only the song-related audio signal is separately provided to the internal audio output unit 33-2 (that is, the speakers 61 and 62).

[64] And also, it may be designed such that the accompaniment and song-related audio signal and voice signal are forwarded to the external audio output unit 33-1, while only the song-related audio signal is separately provided to the internal audio output unit 33-2 (that is, speakers 61 and 62).

[65] Namely, the configuration of FlG. 7 makes use of the embedded speakers 61 and 62 or 33-2 in the karaoke system 32 of Fig. 4, in place of the output to the external audio output unit 33-1. In the absence of the separate audio output unit 33-1, it is designed that the karaoke system 32 can be used. That is, where the mic 31 and the speakers 61 and 62 are all prepared, the speakers 61 and 62 are arranged towards two ears while the mic 31 directs to mouth of its user.

[66] To prevent the outputs of the speakers 61 and 62 from being oscillated via the mic

31, it may be designed such that the directions of the mic 31 and the speakers 61 and 62 are properly adjusted, outputs of the speakers are reduced, the sensitivity of the mic 31 is reduced, or a high-directional mic is used. Where oscillation is still occurred after any action, the karaoke system 32 senses the occurrence of such oscillation and then properly reduces the outputs of the speakers 61 and 62, thus preventing the oscillation.

[67] Such an oscillation is sensed when a sound that is inputted from the mic 31 and then rectified continuously has a larger level than a fixed voltage above a preset time.

[68] These mic voice signal and accompaniment and song-related audio signal are selectively mixed and then outputted to the external audio output unit 33-1 and the built- in audio output unit 33-2 (preferably, the built-in speakers 61 and 62 of FlG. 7). Namely, it may be implemented such that the mic voice signal and accompaniment audio signal are provided to the external audio output unit 33-1 while only the song- related audio signal is outputted to the built-in speakers 61 and 62, thereby allowing only a person who sings a song to listen the song-related audio signal merely.

[69] Otherwise, it may be made such that the mic voice signal and the accompaniment and song-related audio signal are provided to the external audio output unit 33-1 whereas only the song-related audio signal is separately outputted to the built-in speakers 61 and 62, thereby allowing all persons to listen the song-related audio signal. Alternatively, it may be designed that, among the song-related audio signals, the title of song, name of singer, words of song, score, etc. are provided to the external audio output unit 33-1 while the remaining song-related audio signals like the time rating, tone color by sexes, tone, etc. are outputted to the built-in speakers 61 and 62.

[70] On the other hand, the sounder 32 having the voice processing function of the invention may be configured to use all or portion of its own functions with an auxiliary input/output unit 70, by interlocking with the separate auxiliary input/output unit 70 capable of conducting its input/output function, as shown in FlG. 8.

[71] The auxiliary input/output unit 70 may be one of indexer that performs the input/ output function of the karaoke system 32 through bidirectional communications therewith, mobile communication terminal, Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), wire/ wireless internet terminal, portable internet terminal, and so on.

[72] By the bidirectional communications between the auxiliary input/output unit 70 and the karaoke system 32, the karaoke system 32 conducts song search function and "auxiliary input/output unit control function" (indexer control function), whereas the auxiliary input/output unit 70 is in charge of only the input/output function of the karaoke system (the main input/output unit is TV). At this time, the auxiliary input/ output unit 70 displays contents indicated by the karaoke system 32 on an output unit (display unit) 74 and sends user's input from an input unit 72 to the karaoke system 32. By doing so, the karaoke system 32 can implement the song search function by employing the output unit 74 and the input unit 72 of the auxiliary input/output unit 70, in addition to its inherent functions. This is of course based on the premise that the transmission and reception of various information is made via the bidirectional communications between the auxiliary input/output unit 70 and the karaoke system 32.

[73] As such, the auxiliary input/output unit 70 conducts the input/output function via the bidirectional communications with the karaoke system 32 having the "auxiliary input/output unit control function". Therefore, it is unnecessary to change information within the auxiliary input/output unit 70 separately for synchronization of information with the karaoke system 32; but it is possible to apply immediately by modifying only the auxiliary input/output unit related part (auxiliary input/output unit control function) of the karaoke system 32. At this time, since the song search function is made by the karaoke system 32, it is possible to implement the auxiliary input/output unit 70 of which a storage unit 75 is small in size and a central processor 73 is reduced in load which enables a simple and power saving structure.

[74] For this, the karaoke system 32 must provide with a communications unit that does the role of the bidirectional communications with the auxiliary input/output unit 70 and further the "auxiliary input/output unit control function". Accordingly, the karaoke system 32 can perform the input/output function such as the song search function through the auxiliary input/output unit 70 by the bidirectional communications therewith via the communications unit. At this time, for the "song search function", song search information (meta data like the title of song, the name of singer, etc.) is added in the karaoke system 32.

[75] This karaoke system 32 bidirectionally communicates with the auxiliary input/ output unit 70, with the "auxiliary input/output unit control function." At this time, 1:1 bidirectional communications, 1 :N bidirectional communications (plural auxiliary input/output units 70 are interlocked with one karaoke system 32), or N: 1 bidirectional communications (one auxiliary input/output unit 70 is interlocked with plural karaoke systems 32) may be possible between the karaoke system 32 and the auxiliary input/ output unit 70.

[76] In this arrangement, the wire communications and optical communications are possible between the karaoke system 32 and the auxiliary input/output unit 70. More preferably, there may be adopted bidirectional wireless communications by the contactless local area wireless communication scheme such as Infrared Data Association (IrDA), IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, or the like. The amount of data exchanged between those equipments can be reduced by compressing, or changing output information on the display unit from picture to text, and then communicating therebetween.

[77] The "auxiliary input/output unit control function used herein includes, using the auxiliary input/output unit 70 without the main input/output unit (TV), the following functions: indication of sound source information like a title of song, a name of singer, words of song, etc., a remote control, setting, a trouble check, a reservation and play instructions to the karaoke system 32, a reservation to the karaoke system 32 by the auxiliary input/output unit 70 later when a song to be reserved is given in the auxiliary input/output unit 70, and an authorization function associated with interlocking with the plural auxiliary input/output units 70. With this "auxiliary input/output unit control function", the karaoke system 32 can implement the song search function by controlling the input/output function of the auxiliary input/output unit 70.

[78] That is, the karaoke system 32 of the invention conducts the bidirectional commu- nications of 1:1, 1:N, or N:l with the communication unit 71 of the auxiliary input/ output unit 70 via its own communication unit; and then outputs display information of sound source (song) information (a title of song, a name of singer, words of song, etc.) and setting information to be displayed on the output unit 74 of the auxiliary input/ output unit 70, together with communication information for the "auxiliary input/ output unit control function". And then, it reproduces the corresponding sound source (song) depending on the user's reservation and play instructions through the input unit 72. At this time, the karaoke system 32 notifies the output unit 74 of the auxiliary input/output unit 70 of the play start as sound, video, picture, etc. During the play, it may compress the words of song, etc. as display information, and then send it to the auxiliary input/output unit 70.

[79] For example, where one karaoke system 32 is interlocked with the plural auxiliary input/output units 70 (1:N bidirectional communications), each of the auxiliary input/ output units 70 not only enables a real-time reservation and play instructions to the karaoke system 32 but also registers in its own terminal as reservation candidates to reserve and use it when necessary.

[80] Accordingly, the invention is allowed to employ all of portion of the functions of the karaoke system 32 with the auxiliary input/output unit 70.

[81] However, it should be noted that the auxiliary input/output unit 70 is not limited to the above constructions as long as it conducts the mic and speaker functions capable of communicating with the karaoke system 32 through the wire/wireless communications therebetween, excluding the mic 31 and speaker 33 involved in the karaoke system 32.

[82] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

[1] A voice processing apparatus for a sounder, comprising: a storage means for storing accompaniment data and song-related data; a central processing means for processing the accompaniment data and song- related voice data stored in the storage means and outputting digital audio data to an external audio output unit to control its operation; an accompaniment processing means for converting the accompaniment data into digital audio data under the control of the central processing means; a digital voice processing means for converting the song-related voice data into digital audio data under the control of the central processing means; a Digital/Analog (D/A) signal processing means for converting the accompaniment and song-related digital audio data and a digital voice signal into analog signals, wherein the digital voice signal is the signal that is inputted from a mic and then converted; and at least one signal mixing means for selectively mixing the accompaniment and song-related analog audio signals and the voice signal to provide a mixed signal to a corresponding audio output unit.

[2] The voice processing apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the corresponding audio output unit is at least one of a speaker, a headset and an earphone connected via a wire/wireless communication and is mapped to each of said at least one signal mixing means.

[3] The voice processing apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one signal mixing means selectively mixes the accompaniment and song-related analog audio signals and voice signal to provide a mixed signal to a corresponding audio output unit, or selectively mixes a portion of the analog accompaniment audio signal and voice signal and the song-related audio signal to output a mixed signal to a corresponding audio output unit.

[4] The voice processing apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the sounder is a karaoke system or song exercise machine that is implemented on a single unit with a mic, and provided with a speaker or audio output unit for amplifying and outputting the accompaniment and song-related analog audio signals and voice signal mixed by the signal mixing means to a predetermined level, in the karaoke system implemented on the single unit with the mic.

[5] The voice processing apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein the speaker is built in the karaoke system implemented on the single unit with the mic and placed towards an ear of a user when the user who sings a song uses the mic, the output of the speaker being provided with no oscillation via the mice by adjusting directions of the mic and the speaker to keep a preset distance, reducing an output of the speaker, reducing a sensitivity of the mic, or using a directional mic.

[6] The voice processing apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein the karaoke system senses an oscillation upon its occurrence and then adjusts the output of the speaker to prevent the oscillation.

[7] The voice processing apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the sounder is a mic-embedded or mic-separated karaoke system or song exercise machine and is allowed to use all or a portion of functions of the karaoke system with an auxiliary input/output unit, by interlocking with the separate auxiliary input/ output unit capable of performing the input/output function of the karaoke system.

[8] The voice processing apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the song-related voice data implies that various information such as a title of reserved song and a song number, a title of song reproduced, a name of singer, words of song, how to use, guidance information, a time rating, a tone color by sex, a tone, and score information, displayed on a display unit, are represented as voices

[9] The voice processing apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the central processing means, the accompaniment processing means, the digital voice processing means and the signal mixing means are implemented by a digital signal processor.

[10] The voice processing apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the various audio data processed by the digital voice processing means are all represented in digital form, which are readily converted into various forms by the central processing means, a technique used in the conversion including volume control, mixing, tone conversion, tempo conversion, equalization, and sound field effect.

[11] A voice processing apparatus for a sounder, comprising: a storage means for storing accompaniment data and song-related voice data; a central processing means for processing the accompaniment data and song- related voice data stored in the storage means and outputting digital audio data to an external audio output unit to control its operation; an accompaniment processing means for converting the accompaniment data into digital audio data under the control of the central processing means; a digital voice processing means for converting the song-related voice data into digital audio data under the control of the central processing means; at least one signal mixing means for selectively mixing the accompaniment and song-related digital audio data and a digital voice signal that is inputted from a mic and then converted; and a D/A signal processing means connected to each of said at least one mixing means for converting the accompaniment and song-related digital audio signals from said each of at least one mixing means and digital voice signal into analog signals to provide the analog signals to a corresponding audio output unit.

[12] The voice processing apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the corresponding audio output unit is at least one of a speaker, a headset and an earphone connected via a wire/wireless communication and is mapped to each of said at least one signal mixing means.

[13] The voice processing apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein said at least one signal mixing means selectively mixes the accompaniment and song-related digital audio data and a digital voice signal to produce a mixed signal to the corresponding D/A signal processing means for each audio output unit, wherein the digital voice signal is the signal that is inputted from a mic and converted, or selectively mixes a portion of the accompaniment and song-related digital audio data and a digital voice signal to provide a mixed signal to a corresponding D/A signal processing means for each audio output unit, wherein the digital voice signal is the signal that is inputted from a mic and the converted.

[14] The voice processing apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the sounder is a karaoke system or song exercise machine that is implemented on a single unit with a mic, and provided with a speaker or audio output unit for amplifying and outputting the accompaniment and song-related analog audio signals and voice signal mixed by the signal mixing means to a predetermined level, in the karaoke system implemented on the single unit with the mic.

[15] The voice processing apparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein the speaker is built in the karaoke system implemented on the single unit with the mic and placed towards an ear of a user when the user who sings a song uses the mic, the output of the speaker being provided with no oscillation via the mice by adjusting directions of the mic and the speaker to keep a preset distance, reducing an output of the speaker, reducing a sensitivity of the mic, or using a directional mic.

[16] The voice processing apparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein the karaoke system senses an oscillation upon its occurrence and then adjusts the output of the speaker to prevent the oscillation.

[17] The voice processing apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the sounder is a mic-embedded or mic-separated karaoke system or song exercise machine and is allowed to use all or a portion of functions of the karaoke system with an auxiliary input/output unit, by interlocking with the separate auxiliary input/ output unit capable of performing the input/output function of the karaoke system.

[18] The voice processing apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the song-related voice data implies that various information such as a title of reserved song and a song number, a title of song reproduced, a name of singer, words of song, how to use, guidance information, a time rating, a tone color by sex, a tone, and score information, displayed on a display unit, are represented as voices.

[19] The voice processing apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the central processing means, the accompaniment processing means, the digital voice processing means and the signal mixing means are implemented by a digital signal processor.

[20] The voice processing apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the various audio data processed by the digital voice processing means are all represented in digital form, which are readily converted into various forms by the central processing means, a technique used in the conversion including volume control, mixing, tone conversion, tempo conversion, equalization, and sound field effect.