JP3406879B2 - Online karaoke system - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication karaoke system in which a large number of karaoke terminals are connected to a host device via a communication network. The present invention relates to a system in which people can participate and reflect the amount of exercise by karaoke singing in the content of a virtual competitive game. In recent years, it has been found that obesity causes adult diseases such as heart disease and hypertension. Obesity here is not “subcutaneous fat type obesity” due to overweight, but “visceral fat type obesity” due to fat sticking around the viscera. In other words, even a person with a normal body shape may actually be considered obese. In order to eliminate such obesity, not to mention the diet,
It is important to continue moderate exercise every day. For this reason, there is a growing interest in exercise aimed at dieting regardless of gender. In such a flow, karaoke diets are attracting attention. Seriously singing a song in karaoke is said to consume the same energy as running 100 meters, which is just a good exercise for dieting. In other words, you can expect a considerable diet effect by continuing moderate karaoke for a long time. [0004] Tennis and hiking are often long-lasting because they can be enjoyed with everyone, and are effective for dieting. On the other hand, dieting at karaoke or a gym requires individuals to set their own goals and encourage their efforts, so the attempts tend to be isolated. In other words, because there is no way to enjoy competing in large numbers, the motivation will not last and the diet will not succeed unless it is challenged with considerable preparedness. Therefore, the present inventor wondered whether he could encourage a diet while enjoying a lot at karaoke or a gym. The present invention has been made from this point of view. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a virtual competitive game space in which a user can enjoy a lot of competing in karaoke, where users tend to play personally. The goal is to promote and support the promotion of user health. The present invention created to achieve the above object is a communication karaoke system in which a large number of karaoke terminals are connected to a host device via a communication network. When the singer sings karaoke music, Momentum estimation means for collecting momentum data correlated with the calories consumed, and a hand to obtain the singer's ID
And stage, the movement amount data determined by the motion estimation means the
Means for uploading to the host device in association with the ID of the singer who created the data, means for downloading the configuration data of the competitive game image from the host device, and displaying the competitive game image on the display based on the downloaded configuration data Means for outputting, means for sequentially uploading momentum data of a large number of singers from a large number of karaoke terminals , and sequential uploading
Singer I associated with the momentum data
The composition data of the competitive game image that graphically represents the superiority or inferiority of the competition of a large number of players corresponding to each singer based on the means for accumulating sequentially for each singer based on D and the calculated momentum cumulative data for each singer A communication karaoke system, comprising: means for sequentially creating the game data; and means for sequentially downloading the configuration data of the created competitive game image to each karaoke terminal. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION === Basic Configuration === A well-known online karaoke system is taken as an embodiment for realizing a virtual competition game method using a communication network of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the host device 1 operated by a karaoke business operator is shown.
And a large number of karaoke terminals 2 installed in each karaoke store connected via a public communication network P (telephone, ISDN, dedicated line, etc.). A WWW server 3 is connected to the host apparatus 1 via a LAN, and the WWW server 3 is connected to the Internet network I via an ISP (Internet Service Provider) or the like. The host device 1 includes a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM.
This is a standard computer that includes a central control unit 11 that is configured mainly with a hard disk device 12 that stores various data. The hard disk device 12 includes a karaoke database that stores karaoke data for each music ID. Each karaoke data stored in this karaoke database includes accompaniment music data that is the origin of karaoke accompaniment music described in MIDI format, lyric rendering data that is the origin of karaoke lyrics video, title name, singer name, It contains information related to the song, such as composer name and songwriter name. The karaoke company updates this karaoke data at an appropriate communication opportunity such as when new song data is added. In addition, the karaoke data is distributed to the karaoke terminal 2 via the public communication network P at an appropriate communication opportunity. The karaoke terminal 2 has a CPU, a RAM / RO
A central control unit 21 comprising M and the like, a hard disk device 22 in which data such as the karaoke data is recorded,
An acoustic processing unit 23c that reproduces the accompaniment music data and synthesizes an audio signal input from the microphone 23a with the accompaniment music and outputs the resultant to the speaker 23b, and reproduces the lyric rendering data and an appropriate background for the lyric video. A video processing unit 24b that synthesizes video and outputs it to the display 24a, a remote control receiving unit 25a, and the operation panel 2
5b, an operation input unit 25 for transmitting a request signal from the outside such as a remote control transmitter 25c to the central control unit 21.
And a modem or TA for connecting to the public communication network P
The communication control unit 26 and the like are provided. The WWW server 3 is a standard computer comprising a hard disk device for storing various data, like the host device 1. The data in the hard disk device is appropriately updated by the host device, and the data contents of both are kept consistent. Also,
The WWW content generated based on the data in the hard disk device is published on the Internet. In this embodiment, the host device 1 and the W
Part of the functions of the WW server 3 is utilized as a game management server. The user can access information related to the virtual competitive game provided by the game management server from the karaoke terminal 2 of the karaoke store or the personal computer 4 connected to the Internet I. === Creation of Competition Item Menu === The karaoke business operator prepares a number of virtual competition items and creates a competition item database that stores information related to them, and stores it in the host device 1 Is stored in the hard disk device 12. The central control unit 11 of the host device 1 displays a competition item menu in which the “name” of each competition item and the “competition start date” and “registration deadline date” corresponding to the competition item database are written together. The menu is created so that the menu can be distributed to each karaoke terminal 2 and is also made public on the Internet network I via the WWW server 3. === Registering Players === In this embodiment, since the competition item menu is published on the Internet I, the user can participate in a desired competitive game using the personal computer 4 at home or at work. You can apply (player registration). That is, when the user displays the competition item menu on the personal computer 4 and selects a desired competition item, a message prompting registration of the player ID is displayed and a player ID input screen is opened. Here, the player ID is issued individually by the karaoke company, and the address /
You can register and obtain personal information such as your name. It is also possible to obtain a small personal remote controller (hereinafter referred to as a personal remote controller) distributed by a karaoke company or the like and use the remote controller ID attached thereto as the player ID. When the user enters his player ID,
The central control unit 11 of the host device 1 performs authentication work for the player ID. If authentication is successful, hard disk drive 1
A predetermined update operation is performed on the competition item database stored in 2 and a message to the effect that player registration has been completed is displayed on the personal computer 4. Further, in this embodiment, even in the karaoke store, the user registers the player in the same manner as described above using the personal remote controller or the remote controller provided in the store (in FIG. 1, these are collectively displayed as the remote controller transmitter 25c). Can do. When registering with the personal remote controller, the player ID is added to the IrDA signal, so that input is unnecessary. === Collecting Momentum Data === The karaoke terminal 2 uses the utterance momentum estimating means and the dynamic momentum estimation to collect the momentum data correlated with the calories consumed when the singer sang karaoke music. 2 of means
Has one. The voicing momentum estimating means includes a low-pass filter 27a for extracting the volume level of the singing voice signal from the microphone 23a, and an A / D converter for digitally converting the output of this filter and supplying it to the central control unit 21. 27b. During the performance period of the requested song, the central control unit 21 integrates the volume level information of the singing voice from the A / D converter 27b, and multiplies it by a predetermined calorie conversion coefficient to calculate the calorie due to the vocalization movement of the singer. Get momentum data correlated to consumption. The dynamic momentum estimating means includes a stage plate 28a for a singer to stand, a pressure sensitive sensor 28b sensitive to a load applied to the stage plate 28a, and a pressure sensitive sensor 2.
The sensor signal processing circuit 28c that processes the output signal 8b is mainly configured. During the performance period of the requested song, the central control unit 21 integrates the motion detection signal detected by the pressure sensor 28b from the sensor signal processing circuit 28c, and multiplies the motion detection signal by a predetermined calorie conversion coefficient to increase the performance of the singer. The exercise amount data correlated with the calorie consumption by the exercise is obtained. Note that the calorie conversion coefficient in the above-mentioned two means is a numerical value obtained by actually measuring the calorie consumption when a person having a standard physique normally sings and sings about the corresponding music. At the end of the karaoke performance, the central control unit 21 adds the two pieces of exercise amount data, and adds the exercise amount data together with the player ID, the music piece ID, and the performance date and time to the hard disk device 22.
It is memorized in the exercise history file. The file structure of this exercise history file is shown in FIG. === Cumulative amount of momentum data === The host device 1 uploads information necessary for proceeding with the competitive game being executed at that time by using a distribution opportunity of karaoke data of a new song. . Specifically, the exercise amount data corresponding to each player ID is uploaded from the exercise history files of the plurality of karaoke terminals 2, and is accumulated for each player ID and is consolidated into one.
The accumulated amount of exercise data is stored in the hard disk device 12. At this time, the cumulative processing for each player ID is the music ID.
Done regardless of === Creation of Competitive Game Image === The central control unit 11 of the host device 1 represents a competition in which the superiority or inferiority of each player's competition is expressed in a chart based on the accumulated motion data in the hard disk device 12. The game image configuration data is created and stored in the hard disk device 12. For example, in the case of a virtual competition game named “Challenge Everest!” In which each player challenges the summit of Everest, the competition game image is created in the following procedure. The central control unit 11 of the host device 1 stores the accumulated amount of exercise data for each player accumulated from the start of the competition for all player IDs participating in this game at an appropriate timing during the execution period of this game. 12 from. Next, the acquired cumulative amount of exercise data of each player is converted to the altitude reached in the competitive game. The conversion coefficient used for this conversion is set in advance for each competitive game with reference to the reach conversion coefficient (see FIG. 3) for typical athletic events. As is well known, Mount Everest is not only high at 8000 meters but also a steep and steep mountain, so it is “1 m / kcal” corresponding to “climbing (steep)” in FIG. 3 or smaller. Applies. Note that the conversion factor shown in FIG. 3 is the distance reached per kilocalorie (arrival altitude) from the relationship between the progress of the exercise and the measured oxygen consumption when a person with a standard physique performs each type of exercise. Is calculated as follows. Next, each player is ranked according to the above-mentioned reached altitude, and an appropriate chart is used to make a chart so that you can see at a glance how many meters the altitude of each player is near Everest. Is currently ranked ○! ] Is attached to the virtual game image composition data. When the number of players participating in the game is small, it is easy to understand if the arrival position of each player is expressed by the position of the “player icon” climbing “Mount Everest”. In addition, it is easier to understand if a text window such as “player name”, “arrival altitude”, “calorie consumption” is attached to the “player icon”. The “player name” displayed at this time is one arbitrarily registered by the user at the time of player registration. Also "player icon"
As for the “game name”, it is possible to arbitrarily select or create the “player name”, thereby further enhancing the game and making the game more interesting. When there are many participating players, it is easy to understand if the altitude data of each player is statistically treated and graphed. === Output of Competitive Game Image === In the karaoke store, a game participant displays the competitive game image on the display 24a of the karaoke terminal 2 by performing a predetermined input operation using the personal remote controller. Can be made. At this time, the karaoke terminal 2
The configuration data of the competitive game image is downloaded from the host device 1, and a competitive game image based on the configuration data is generated and presented to the player. Also, at home or at work, the game participant can display the competitive game image on the personal computer 4.
Can be displayed on the display. At this time, the personal computer 4 downloads the configuration data of the competitive game image from the WWW server 3, generates a competitive game image based on the configuration data, and presents it to the player. Thereby, the game participant can know it immediately when he / she wants to know his / her ranking during the game holding period or after the game ends. === Others === The present invention is not limited to karaoke but can also be applied to exercise equipment installed in a sports club or the like. In this case, the exercise equipment is provided with a function of accepting an exercise program reservation together with the player ID, and the exercise amount data measured during the execution of the program is recorded as a set with the player ID. In addition, a communication function for connecting to the public communication network P is provided, and the recorded exercise amount data is uploaded to the host device 1. It is also possible to register players with an i-mode mobile phone. In this case, the phone number is player I
By making it usable as D, further utilization promotion can be achieved. Also, a pedometer having a communication function may be used. For example, a pedometer is built in an i-mode mobile phone, and the count value is automatically uploaded to the host device 1 via a digital packet communication network. In addition, the momentum data may be used for the progress of a communication game already on the market. in this case,
The game machine acquires the exercise amount data from the host device 1 at the start of the communication game. In addition, by associating a plurality of competition events,
Triathlons and decade competitions may be planned. By sending products according to these orders, it can be used for events that promote the use of karaoke and various exercise equipment. Furthermore, if the exercise data cannot be uploaded so frequently by the host device 1, variations such as setting a long distance to the goal of the virtual competition game and making the game progress for a long time can be considered. According to the communication karaoke system of the present invention, a lot of people participate in the exercise amount of the predetermined physical exercise performed under the control of the predetermined exercise amount estimation means provided in the karaoke terminal through the communication network. Since it is reflected in the virtual competition game, it is possible to provide a space where users can compete and enjoy in large numbers even in facilities such as karaoke and gymnasium, where users tend to end up playing personally. As a result, the effect of attracting customers is improved in the facility, and the user can use it for health promotion while having fun. Further, since the superiority or inferiority of each user's competition is visualized and expressed based on the amount of exercise data for each user, the user can determine the relative position of his / her achievement level by the virtual game image. It can be confirmed quickly and easily. In addition, since the amount of exercise data for each user can be accumulated regardless of the type of exercise equipment,
Any exercise by any exercise equipment can be reflected in one virtual competition game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a communication karaoke system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a file structure of an exercise history file according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a typical exercise item and its reach conversion factor for one embodiment of the present invention. [Description of Symbols] 1 Host device 2 Karaoke terminal 3 WWW server 4 Personal computer P Public communication network I Internet network

Continuation of front page (56) References JP 7-210182 (JP, A) JP 9-297594 (JP, A) Nikkan Sports Newspaper, Nikkan Sports Newspaper, September 15, 1999, page 19 , “Life Unique Karaoke Appears on the Diet, Displaying Consumption on the Screen” Daily Sports Newspaper, Nikkan Sports Newspaper, July 30, 1999, No. 26, “Tracking” 35-year-old employee in Ibaraki Prefecture 21st floor every day Stairway to "Prefectural Office Everest" achieved in 47 days "column (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A63F 13/00-13/12 A63F 9/24 G10K 15/04

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] [Claim 1] In a communication karaoke system in which a large number of karaoke terminals are connected to a host device via a communication network, the karaoke terminal consumes calories when a singer sings karaoke music Momentum estimation means for collecting momentum data correlated with the voice, and means for obtaining the singer's ID
When, the de-momentum data determined by the motion estimation means
Means for uploading to the host device in association with the ID of the singer who created the data, means for downloading the configuration data of the competitive game image from the host device, and displaying the competitive game image on the display based on the downloaded configuration data Means for outputting video, and the host device sequentially uploads momentum data of a number of singers from a number of karaoke terminals ,
Loaded momentum data is associated with it
Means for sequentially accumulating for each singer based on the singer ID ;
Means for sequentially creating the composition data of the competition game image that graphically represents the competitive superiority or inferiority of a large number of players corresponding to each singer based on the calculated momentum cumulative data for each singer;
A communication karaoke system comprising: means for sequentially downloading configuration data of the created competitive game image to each karaoke terminal.