JP3886264B2 - Online karaoke system and karaoke performance terminal characterized by extension connection system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a communication karaoke system, and more particularly, to a technique for shortening the communication time of data communication performed between a host device and a karaoke performance terminal and reducing call costs.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The communication karaoke system is composed of a host device operated by a karaoke company and a large number of karaoke performance terminals connected to the host device via communication lines. Between the host device and each karaoke performance terminal, data communication is performed such as downloading karaoke data to the karaoke performance terminal or uploading operation record data from each karaoke performance terminal to the host device. Each performance terminal is individually connected to the host device. Therefore, it is necessary to connect a telephone line to each karaoke performance terminal installed in a karaoke shop or the like. In this case, if a separate telephone line is connected to each karaoke performance terminal, the laying fee and the basic fee increase accordingly, which is uneconomical. Therefore, in a karaoke shop where multiple karaoke performance terminals are installed, a line switch is installed, each karaoke performance terminal is connected to this, and a telephone line is switched and connected to each karaoke performance terminal as necessary. I am doing so. In addition, a communication device such as a telephone or a FAX device can be connected to the line switch, and the data can be diverted to a telephone line for the communication device while data communication is not performed.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, the content of data communication between each karaoke performance terminal installed in the karaoke store and the host device is, for example, that the new karaoke data is sent from the host device to all karaoke performance terminals installed in a certain karaoke store. As in the case of downloading, the contents are often the same or almost the same for each karaoke performance terminal.
[0004]
However, as described above, data communication between the host device and each karaoke performance terminal is performed individually for each karaoke performance terminal, so that the same data flows over the same telephone line many times. For this reason, the communication time is inevitably increased, which increases the communication cost and presses the available time of communication devices such as telephones and FAX apparatuses connected to the same line switch.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances. In a karaoke shop or the like in which a line switch is introduced to share a telephone line among a plurality of devices, the host device and the karaoke performance terminal An object of the present invention is to provide a communication karaoke system capable of shortening data communication time between terminals and reducing communication costs and using a telephone or a FAX device connected to a line switch for a longer time.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The online karaoke system of the present invention that achieves this object is specified by the following items (1) to (4).
[0007]
(1) A plurality of karaoke performance terminals handled as one group are selectively connected to a telephone line via a line switch and communicate with a host device.
[0008]
(2) The host device makes an external connection with the line switch by a predetermined telephone number, switches the line switch by a predetermined extension number, and makes an extension connection to a specific karaoke performance terminal S. According to a predetermined distribution procedure Karaoke data is downloaded to the karaoke performance terminal S. At this communication opportunity, the karaoke performance terminal S uploads the operation record data of the other karaoke performance terminal C collected with its own operation record data to the host device.
[0009]
(3) The karaoke performance terminal S accumulates karaoke data downloaded from the host device, switches the line switch by a predetermined extension number, and connects to another karaoke performance terminal C by extension, in accordance with the distribution procedure. According to the procedure, the downloaded karaoke data is transferred to another karaoke performance terminal C.
[0010]
(4) The karaoke performance terminal S switches the line switch according to a predetermined extension number to make an extension connection with another karaoke performance terminal C, and collects and temporarily stores operation record data of the other karaoke performance terminal C. .
[0011]
In addition, the karaoke performance terminal S collects the operation record data by connecting to the other karaoke performance terminal C at an appropriate opportunity before the execution time of the download communication, and collects the collected operation record data. Upload to the host device during download communication.
[0012]
Further, the karaoke data is accompanied by distribution instruction information for instructing which karaoke data is to be distributed to which karaoke performance terminal, and the karaoke performance terminal S transmits to other karaoke performance terminals C according to the distribution instruction information. Karaoke data will be transferred.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
=== Configuration of online karaoke system ===
FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a communication karaoke system according to an embodiment of the present invention. A line switch K installed in the karaoke store is connected to the host device H via a public communication network. In addition, a plurality of karaoke performance terminals installed in the karaoke store and a communication device D such as an ordinary telephone or a FAX device are connected to the line switch K by extension.
[0014]
<Host device>
The host device H is a computer operated by a karaoke company. On the host device H, there is a music database that stores karaoke data for a large number of music. Here, the karaoke data is data composed of accompaniment music data of karaoke music described in MIDI format and lyric rendering data serving as a source of lyrics video displayed on the display in synchronization with the karaoke accompaniment music. In addition, the host device H has an extension number management table managed by a karaoke company, and this table organizes the extension numbers of each karaoke performance terminal connected to the line switch K installed in each karaoke store. ing. The host device H refers to the extension number management table as needed at the occasion of communication with the karaoke performance terminal.
[0015]
<Line switcher>
As shown in FIG. 1, the line switch K includes one external line connection port 3 and a plurality of internal line connection ports 5. The external line connection port 3 accommodates an external line connected to the public communication network. Each extension connection port 5 is assigned an extension number, and each extension connection port accommodates an extension connected to the karaoke performance terminal.
[0016]
The entire line switch K is centrally controlled by the central control unit 1 which is a computer including a CPU and a memory. The external line control monitoring unit 9 and the internal line control monitoring unit 11 are connected to and disconnected from each other in accordance with instructions from the central control unit 1 such as connection control and status monitoring such as incoming call detection of each port, formation of a DC loop, transmission of a ringing signal sound, etc. Performs various functions required for Further, the line switching unit 13 appropriately switches the extension connection port 5 connected to the outside line connection port 3 according to the instruction of the central control unit 1.
[0017]
When there is an incoming call at the external line connection port 3, the line switch K first starts a call with the caller and waits for a predetermined time (several seconds) whether an extension number is sent. When the extension number is sent within a predetermined time, the line switch K sends a call signal to the extension connection port 5b corresponding to the extension number. In response to this, the karaoke performance terminal C connected to the extension connection port 5b starts a call with the caller. On the other hand, if the extension number is not sent from the caller even after waiting for a predetermined time, the line switch K sends a call signal to the telephone dedicated port 5a, and the communication device D connected to this port responds to the call. To start a call with the caller.
[0018]
The line switch K accepts an extension connection request from a device connected to the extension connection port 5 and connects to the extension switch function for connecting to the device connected to the destination extension connection port 5 and the extension connection port 5. It has an external line connection function for detecting an external line transmission request signal (such as “zero transmission”) transmitted by a connected apparatus and connecting the apparatus to the external line.
[0019]
<Karaoke performance terminal>
A schematic configuration of the karaoke performance terminal is shown in FIG. The karaoke performance terminal is synchronized with the main computer 21 that controls the entire apparatus, the sound input from the microphone and the karaoke accompaniment music generated based on the karaoke data, and the karaoke accompaniment music. From a video generation device 25 that outputs effect video such as lyrics video and background video to the display, a hard disk 27 that stores and manages data such as karaoke data, and an operation panel and display panel that are input / output interfaces with the user And a line control device 31 for controlling the line connection with the line switch K. Each karaoke performance terminal can individually communicate with the host device H to perform data communication such as uploading and downloading.
[0020]
The karaoke operator sets one of the karaoke performance terminals connected to one line switch K as the representative karaoke performance terminal S. The karaoke company attaches information for determining whether or not the karaoke performance terminal connected to the extension number is the representative karaoke performance terminal S to each extension number in the extension number management table described above. The karaoke performance terminal S set as a representative includes a task scheduler that automatically executes a predetermined program at a specified time, and a distribution program that distributes karaoke data downloaded from the host device H to other karaoke performance terminals C in the same karaoke store. Software such as a concentrating program for obtaining operation record data of other karaoke performance terminals C is installed. Here, the operation record data is data such as usage history information and operation logs, and karaoke companies use the operation record data as material for management strategy, or material for entertainment programs that are produced during performances or between songs. It is used as data.
[0021]
=== Operation of online karaoke system ===
<Concentration of operation record data>
In the task scheduler, a schedule for starting the concentrating program at a predetermined time every day is registered. The karaoke performance terminal S is connected to another karaoke performance terminal C installed in the karaoke store at a predetermined time every day, and operation record data is obtained from each karaoke performance terminal C, and the hard disk 27 in the karaoke performance terminal S is obtained. Temporarily store.
[0022]
<Download karaoke data>
When downloading the karaoke data, the host device H first calls the outside telephone number of the karaoke store to which the download is made. The line switch installed in the download destination karaoke store responds to the incoming call, performs a predetermined sequence, and starts a call with the host device H. When the telephone call is started, the host device H sends out the extension number of the representative karaoke performance terminal S in this karaoke shop checked by the extension number management table. In response to this, the line switch K places the host device H and the representative karaoke performance terminal S in a call state. On the other hand, when the call state is established, the reception program operating at the karaoke performance terminal S starts the karaoke data download process with the host device H. At this time, the downloaded karaoke data is accompanied by distribution instruction information for instructing which karaoke data should be distributed to each karaoke performance terminal C installed in the karaoke shop.
[0023]
When downloading of the karaoke data is completed, the host device H sends an operation record data upload instruction command to the karaoke performance terminal S as necessary. In response to this command, the karaoke performance terminal S uploads its own operation record data and operation record data of the other karaoke performance terminal C temporarily stored in the hard disk 27 by the concentrating program to the host device H. . When uploading is completed, the host device H executes a predetermined disconnection sequence and ends the call with the karaoke performance terminal S.
[0024]
<Transfer of received karaoke data>
Next, the karaoke performance terminal S is connected to another karaoke performance terminal C via the line switch K according to the distribution instruction information attached to the downloaded karaoke data, and starts transferring karaoke data. In this case, the connection sequence performed between the karaoke performance terminal S and the other karaoke performance terminal C is exactly the same as the connection sequence performed between the host device H and the karaoke performance terminal described above. C communicates with the karaoke performance terminal S as the host device H.
[0025]
=== Others ===
(A) The extension number of the representative terminal may be registered by the karaoke operator and directly registered in the host device. However, a mechanism for notifying the host device of the extension number via a public communication network is provided. It is convenient if the service person operates the karaoke performance terminal to notify the host device of the extension number of the representative terminal when the performance terminals are added or replaced. In addition, for example, information indicating whether two representative terminals are set on the same telephone line or no representative terminal is set can be monitored on the host device H side via the telephone line. May be.
[0026]
(B) Programs such as the distribution program and the concentrating program prepared in the representative terminal are downloaded from the host device so that they can be updated as appropriate. Thereby, the newest program which corrected or updated can be rapidly distributed to each karaoke performance terminal.
[0027]
(C) When the host device confirms that the karaoke performance terminal set as the representative cannot play the role of the representative due to failure or theft, the host device appropriately sends the distribution program or the You may make it take an avoidance measure which downloads a concentrating program and temporarily substitutes the role of a representative terminal.
[0028]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the communication karaoke system according to the present invention, the karaoke data sent from the host device to each karaoke performance terminal installed in the karaoke store is collectively collected by the representative karaoke performance terminal S. The necessary karaoke data is distributed from the karaoke performance terminal S to the other karaoke performance terminals C installed in the karaoke store by extension calls via the line switch. This eliminates the need to repeatedly distribute the same data to each karaoke performance terminal installed at the same karaoke store as before, greatly reducing communication costs and reducing call time. In addition, it is possible to increase the available time of a telephone or a FAX device connected to the same line switch as compared with the conventional case. Further, since it is only necessary to perform data communication only with the representative karaoke performance terminal S, the number of communication between the host device and the karaoke performance terminal is drastically reduced, and the load on the host device during data communication is reduced.
[0029]
Further, the extension communication between the representative karaoke performance terminal S and the other karaoke performance terminal C is performed in the same sequence as the sequence performed between the host device and the karaoke performance terminal. The system can be easily implemented with little modification to the connection form and configuration of the system.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a communication karaoke system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a karaoke performance terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Central control part 3 External connection port 5 Extension connection port 5a Telephone dedicated port 5b Extension connection ports other than telephone dedicated ports 9 External line control monitoring part 11 Extension control monitoring part 13 Line switching part 23 Sound reproduction apparatus 25 Video generation apparatus 27 Hard disk 29 Display input device 31 Line control device D Communication device H Host device K Line switch N Telephone line

Claims (4)

A communication karaoke system specified by the following items (1) to (4) and a karaoke performance terminal used therefor.
(1) A plurality of karaoke performance terminals handled as one group are selectively connected to a telephone line via a line switch to communicate with a host device.
(2) The host device makes an external connection with the line switch by a predetermined telephone number, switches the line switch by a predetermined extension number, and makes an extension connection to a specific karaoke performance terminal S. According to a predetermined distribution procedure Karaoke data is downloaded to the karaoke performance terminal S. On this occasion of communication, the karaoke performance terminal S uploads the operation record data of the other karaoke performance terminal C collected with its own operation record data to the host device.
(3) The karaoke performance terminal S accumulates karaoke data downloaded from the host device, switches the line switch by a predetermined extension number, and connects to another karaoke performance terminal C by extension, and conforms to the distribution procedure. According to the procedure, the downloaded karaoke data is transferred to another karaoke performance terminal C.
(4) The karaoke performance terminal S switches the line switch by a predetermined extension number and connects to the other karaoke performance terminal C by extension, and collects and temporarily stores the operation record data of the other karaoke performance terminal C. . 2. The communication karaoke system according to claim 1, wherein the karaoke performance terminal S collects the operation record data by extension connection with another karaoke performance terminal C at an appropriate opportunity before the execution time of the download communication. Then, the collected operation record data is uploaded to the host device during the download communication. 3. The communication karaoke system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the karaoke data is accompanied by distribution instruction information indicating which karaoke data should be distributed to which karaoke performance terminal. Is characterized in that karaoke data is transferred to another karaoke performance terminal C in accordance with the distribution instruction information. The online karaoke system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the karaoke performance terminal is configured to function as the karaoke performance terminal S.

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