JP4152482B2 - Online karaoke system and karaoke performance terminal - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a communication karaoke system in which a large number of karaoke performance terminals and a host device are connected by a telephone line or the like, and more particularly, to an improvement in a function for notifying a nationwide wide-area ranking in singing performed at a karaoke performance terminal.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As is generally well known, a communication karaoke system is composed of a host device and a large number of karaoke performance terminals connected via a communication line such as a telephone line, and the karaoke data is transmitted from the host device to the karaoke performance terminal. Is delivered. The karaoke performance terminal processes the karaoke data, outputs karaoke accompaniment music from a speaker, and outputs a lyric image on the display as the accompaniment music progresses.
[0003]
A general karaoke performance terminal is accompanied by a singing scoring device. The singing scoring device analyzes the singing input from the microphone, performs scoring based on a predetermined standard, and informs the user of the recorded score. Users can test their singing ability and compete with others for high scores.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
If you sing karaoke and get your score from the device, you will be interested in whether the score is better than other people, and what is the average score of the song you sang. A simple song gave a good score, but a difficult song gave a question of whether it was bad or true. In order to meet such demands, services such as distribution of rankings and gifts have been provided for those who have achieved excellent results. However, all of these services are performed by summarizing the scoring results of each karaoke performance terminal later by the host device, and do not notify the information that the excellent grader wants to know in real time.
[0005]
Therefore, the following two methods have been considered as methods for notifying the user of information such as the average score and ranking in real time. The first method is to notify the karaoke performance terminal of the average score, standard deviation, and number of singings for each song in advance, and determine the ranking and the like based on these information when singing. The second method is a method in which the karaoke performance terminal makes an inquiry to the host device and extracts information each time a singing is scored.
[0006]
However, the former method was not able to provide the latest information on the entire network right now, and it was expected that dissatisfied voices would be leaked from those who performed well on the spot. In the latter method, the communication load between the karaoke performance terminal and the host device is enormous, and the communication cost is expected to increase significantly.
[0007]
An object of the present invention is to provide an economical communication karaoke system that can notify real-time score information in real time to a high-performance person who wants to compete for a score on the spot, and that does not require much communication cost. It is in.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The online karaoke system according to the present invention is specified by the following items (1) to (7).
(1) A communication karaoke system in which a plurality of karaoke performance terminals can individually communicate with a host device via a communication line. (2) The karaoke performance terminal obtains a score output by the singing scoring means as a song is played. Sequentially create a scoring record book recorded for each song, and send the data of the scoring record book to the host device. (3) The host device aggregates the scoring record book data received from each karaoke performance terminal for each song. Create a global scoring record book for each song, based on the wide scoring record book, determine a passing reference point for each song from the score distribution for each song, and send the passing reference point for each song to each karaoke performance terminal ( 4) The karaoke performance terminal stores the passing reference point for each song received from the host device. (5) When the karaoke performance terminal outputs a score along with the performance of the song, Performance Compare with the passing reference point, and if the score satisfies the passing reference point, the score is associated with the identifier of the song and transmitted to the host device (6) The host device is a karaoke performance terminal When the score associated with the song identifier is received, the record in the global scoring record book of the song is updated, and the ranking of the score is determined based on the wide scoring record book of the song and the received score. Replying to the karaoke performance terminal (7) When the karaoke performance terminal receives the order from the host device, the karaoke performance terminal reports and outputs the order.
The communication karaoke system according to the present invention can further include the following specific items (11) to (13).
(11) The host device calculates the average score / score standard deviation / number of scoring participants for each song based on the wide-area scoring record book, and transmits it to each karaoke performance terminal. (12) The karaoke performance terminal is the host device. (13) When the karaoke performance terminal outputs a score when the singing scoring means outputs a score along with the performance of the song, the score is recorded in accordance with the performance of the song. If the passing standard score of the song is not met, the approximate ranking of the score is calculated based on the score, the average score of the performance song, the standard deviation of the score, and the number of scoring participants, and the ranking is notified and output. [0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
=== Basic Configuration and Operation of Online Karaoke System ===
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the communication karaoke system of the present invention. The communication karaoke system includes a large number of karaoke performance terminals 2 and a host device 4. The karaoke performance terminal 2 is installed at karaoke shops scattered throughout the country, and is composed of a computer device such as a general personal computer. On the other hand, the host device 4 is composed of a high-capacity and high-performance computer device as compared with a personal computer, and one or more host devices 4 are installed nationwide. Many of these karaoke performance terminals 2 and the host device 4 are coupled to each other through various communication lines such as ISDN lines, general public lines, dedicated lines such as WAN and VAN, or satellite communication lines. . Karaoke data is distributed from the host device 4 to each karaoke performance terminal 2.
[0012]
FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of a typical karaoke performance terminal 2. The main computer 6 of the karaoke performance terminal 2 receives the karaoke data distributed from the host device 4 through the telephone line 7 by the communication modem 9 and stores it in the data storage device 8 such as a hard disk device. When a user requests a song through the operation panel 10 or the external remote controller 12, the karaoke data corresponding to the song is read from the data storage device 8 and processed.
[0013]
Karaoke data is mainly composed of accompaniment music data expressed in MIDI format data and the like, and lyric rendering data that is time-synchronously coupled with the accompaniment music. The main computer 6 drives the synthesizer 14 based on the accompaniment music data of the karaoke data, and acoustically outputs the accompaniment music via the mixing amplifier 16 and the speaker 18. Further, based on the lyric rendering data of the karaoke data, while the lyric character string is sequentially displayed on the display 20 in accordance with the progress of the accompaniment music, the characters in the displayed lyric character string are changed in color to the singing rendering data. Based on the sequence data, the color is sequentially changed around the singing pronunciation timing. At the same time, a background image reproduced and output from the video CD changer 22 is displayed on the background of the lyrics character string.
[0014]
The singer sings along with the accompaniment music while watching the color change status of the displayed lyrics character string. The singing voice of the singer is input to the mixing amplifier 16 through the microphone 24 and output from the speaker 18 together with the accompaniment music.
[0015]
==== Singing and scoring records by karaoke performance terminals ====
Each karaoke performance terminal 2 is provided with a singing scoring means for determining whether the singing is good or bad. This singing scoring means analyzes the singing input from the microphone 24 and performs scoring based on a certain standard, and displays the generated score on the display 20 to inform the user.
[0016]
In the present invention, the score generated by the singing scoring means is recorded in a scoring record book created by the main computer 6 of the karaoke performance terminal 2 in a hard disk device or various memories. In the scoring record book, as shown in FIG. 3, the score and the identification code of the music of the score are recorded in association with each other. Here, in order to reduce the number of tieers and generate a more accurate score, the number of scoring digits is increased and the first decimal place is also obtained. In the scoring record book, when a new score is generated by the singing scoring means, the main computer 6 adds and updates the score and the identification code as needed. The scoring record book may be updated each time a new score is generated by the singing scoring means, or may be collectively performed after several scores are generated by the singing scoring means. In addition, the grading record book may be accompanied by information on singing scores other than the score or the identification code.
[0017]
The data of the created scoring record book is notified from the karaoke performance terminal 2 to the host device 4 via the telephone line 7 at an appropriate communication opportunity between the karaoke performance terminal 2 and the host device 4, for example, when karaoke data is distributed. The From the karaoke performance terminal 2 to the host device 4, only newly added data in the scoring record book may be transmitted, or all data in the scoring record book may be transmitted.
[0018]
==== Determination of Acceptance Reference Point by Host Device ====
The host device 4 aggregates the scoring record book collected from each karaoke performance terminal 2 and creates a wide-area scoring record book for each song. In this wide-area scoring record book, scores and music identification codes recorded in a large number of scoring record books are organized and recorded by music. The wide-area scoring record book is written and updated as needed whenever a new scoring record book is notified from the karaoke performance terminal 2. The wide-area scoring record book may be updated each time the scoring record book is notified from the karaoke performance terminal 2, or may be collectively performed after several scoring record books are notified. In addition, in addition to the score and the identification code, information related to other singing scores may be attached to the wide-area scoring record book.
[0019]
The host device 4 examines the score distribution for each song based on the created wide-area scoring record book, and determines a passing reference point for each song. Specifically, a histogram for each song is created based on the wide-area scoring record book. As shown in FIG. 4, this histogram is obtained by assigning the scores recorded in the wide-area scoring record book by score and counting the number of corresponding scores for each score. This histogram shows the score distribution status by song.
[0020]
Based on the created histogram, the host device 4 calculates the minimum score necessary for winning a prize within a predetermined number of players from the top, for example, within the top 100, for each song, and uses this as a passing reference point for each song. A passing reference point is determined for all songs. For example, it is 90 points for simple songs, and 50 points for songs that are difficult to sing.
[0021]
The determined acceptance reference point is notified from the host device 4 to each karaoke performance terminal 2 at an appropriate communication opportunity between the host device 4 and the karaoke performance terminal 2, for example, when the karaoke data is distributed. From the host device 4 to each karaoke performance terminal 2, the pass reference points of all the music pieces may be transmitted, or only the newly changed amount may be transmitted. At this time, if the acceptance reference point is recorded in one transmission book together with the acceptance reference point of other music and transmitted to the karaoke performance terminal 2, the acceptance reference points for a large number of songs are notified at once. Can do.
[0022]
==== Inquiry for ranking by karaoke performance terminal ====
On the other hand, the main computer 6 of the karaoke performance terminal 2 compares the score with the acceptance reference point notified from the host device 4 when the score is generated by the singing scoring means and the score is generated. Here, when the score satisfies the acceptance standard score, the score is immediately reported to the host device 4. On the other hand, when the score does not satisfy the acceptance standard score, the score is not reported to the host device 4.
[0023]
When the score is reported from the karaoke performance terminal 2, the host device 4 records the reported score and the identification code of the music for which the score is generated in the wide-area scoring record book. After recording, the host device 4 determines the rank corresponding to the reported score based on the wide-area scoring record book, and promptly returns this to the reported karaoke performance terminal 2.
[0024]
The karaoke performance terminal 2 that received the reply from the host device 4 indicates the order of the reply, for example, “Your score for this song is currently ranked XX in the national ranking! ! ] Is entered and displayed on the display 20 to inform the user.
[0025]
As described above, in this communication karaoke system, when the karaoke performance terminal 2 compares the score generated by the singing scoring means with the acceptance reference point determined in advance by the host device 4, the score satisfies the acceptance reference point. Since the ranking corresponding to the score is inquired to the host device 4 and notified to the user, the actual ranking can be notified in real time to a high score acquirer who competes for ranking in the national ranking. On the other hand, since the karaoke performance terminal 2 does not communicate with the host device 4 when the score does not satisfy the acceptance reference point, the communication frequency can be reduced and the communication cost does not increase.
[0026]
==== Other Embodiments ====
(1) In order to inform the user of other information other than the rank in the karaoke performance terminal 2, for example, the score or average score of other superiors, the reply of the rank from the host device 4 to the karaoke performance terminal 2 At this time, the information described above is also transmitted.
[0027]
(2) In addition to this, information other than the order to inform the user may include information of a record before the order is changed, for example, scoring date and time, use store information, and the like. In this case, for the contents of the scoring record book created by the karaoke performance terminal 2 and the report contents when the acceptance reference point is satisfied, in addition to the score and the music identification code, the scoring date and time, scoring store information [store type And store name, store location (prefecture, etc.)]. When the host device 4 creates a wide-area scoring record book that includes the scoring date and time and scoring store information transmitted from the karaoke performance terminal 2, and counts the number of scores for each score in the score histogram for each song based on this The scoring date and time of the score is confirmed, and if it is the latest date and time, the scoring date and the store information record for each score are updated.
[0028]
Then, the host device 4 gives the ranking of the karaoke performance terminal 2 for which the score satisfying the acceptance standard score has been reported, the latest scoring date and time and scoring store information [store type and store name before updating with the report] , Store location (prefecture, etc.)]. The karaoke performance terminal 2 informs the user of this information together with the ranking. As a result, even if the user who had won the first place again won the first place, it was possible to grasp that the first place was recaptured by other users, etc. Even when people are counted and the same ranking is known no matter how many times they are challenged, if the ranking is competing with users at other stores, the situation can be grasped and the accurate ranking can be known in real time. The real feeling that it is done further increases.
[0029]
(3) The karaoke performance terminal 2 notifies the host device 4 of the scoring record book by using the opportunity for the karaoke performance terminal 2 to report the score that has passed the acceptance reference point to the host device 4, or the host device 4 Alternatively, the acceptance reference point may be transmitted to the karaoke performance terminal 2.
[0030]
(4) Even if the score generated by the singing scoring means does not satisfy the acceptance standard score, the following method is used to notify the user of any result related to the score. First, the host device 4 calculates the average score, standard deviation, and number of participants for each song based on the wide-area scoring record book. The average score, standard deviation, and number of participants for each song are obtained from the host device 4 at the karaoke performance terminal 2 when an appropriate communication opportunity with each karaoke performance terminal 2, for example, distribution of the karaoke data or notification of the scoring record book. 2 is notified. Each karaoke performance terminal 2 is based on the average score, standard deviation, and the number of participants notified from the host device 4 when the score generated by the singing scoring means does not satisfy the score compared to the acceptance reference score. The ranking corresponding to the score is roughly calculated and notified to the user.
[0031]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, only when the karaoke performance terminal compares the score generated by singing scoring with the acceptance reference point determined in advance by the host device and the score satisfies the acceptance reference point, Since the ranking corresponding to the score is quickly obtained from the host device and notified to the user, the high score acquiring person can know the ranking corresponding to his / her score in real time. Moreover, since the karaoke performance terminal does not communicate with the host device when the score does not satisfy the acceptance reference point, the communication frequency between the karaoke performance terminal and the host device can be reduced, and the communication cost increases. Can be prevented.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration of a general communication karaoke system.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a typical karaoke performance terminal of the communication karaoke system.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a scoring record book created at a karaoke performance terminal.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a histogram created by the host device.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 Karaoke performance terminal 4 Host device 7 Telephone line 6 Main computer 8 Data storage device 9 Communication modem 10 Operation panel 12 External remote control 14 Synthesizer 16 Mixing amplifier 18 Speaker 20 Display 22 Video CD changer 24 Microphone

Claims (4)

A communication karaoke system in which a plurality of karaoke performance terminals can individually communicate with a host device via a communication line,
The karaoke performance terminal sequentially creates a scoring record book that records the score output by the singing scoring means according to the song along with the performance of the song, and transmits the data of the scoring record book to the host device,
The host device aggregates the data of the scoring record book received from each karaoke performance terminal, creates a wide scoring record book for each song, and based on the wide scoring record book, passes the score distribution for each song to pass Decide the reference point, send the passing reference point for each song to each karaoke performance terminal,
The karaoke performance terminal stores the passing reference point for each song received from the host device,
The karaoke performance terminal, when the singing scoring means outputs a score along with the performance of the song, compares the score with the acceptance reference point of the performance song, and when the score satisfies the acceptance reference point Sends the score to the host device in association with the song identifier,
When the host device receives the score associated with the song identifier from the karaoke performance terminal, the host device updates the record of the song's global scoring record book, and based on the song's wide scoring record book and the received score Decide the score ranking and reply to the karaoke performance terminal,
A karaoke performance terminal is a communication karaoke system that, when receiving a rank from a host device, notifies and outputs the rank. The host device calculates the average score / score standard deviation / number of scoring participants for each song based on the wide-area scoring record book, and sends it to each karaoke performance terminal.
The karaoke performance terminal stores the average score, standard score deviation, and number of scoring participants for each song received from the host device,
When the singing scoring means outputs the score along with the performance of the song, if the score does not satisfy the passing reference point of the performance song, the karaoke performance terminal and the average score of the performance song The communication karaoke system according to claim 1, wherein an approximate ranking of the score is calculated based on the score standard deviation and the number of scoring participants, and the ranking is notified and output. A karaoke performance terminal of a communication karaoke system capable of communicating with a host device via a communication line,
A means for sequentially creating a scoring record book in which the scores output by the singing scoring means are recorded separately for each song as the music is played, and transmitting the data of the scoring record book to the host device;
Means for storing a passing reference point for each song received from the host device;
When the singing scoring means outputs a score along with the performance of the song, the score is compared with the passing reference point of the performance song, and if the score satisfies the passing reference point, the score is Means for transmitting to the host device in association with the song identifier;
A karaoke performance terminal comprising: means for notifying and outputting the ranking when receiving the ranking from the host device. Means for storing the average score, standard score deviation, and number of scoring participants for each song received from the host device;
When the singing scoring means outputs the score along with the performance of the song, if the score does not meet the passing reference point of the performance song, the score and the average score / score standard deviation / score of the performance song The karaoke performance terminal according to claim 3, further comprising: means for calculating an approximate ranking of the score based on the number of participants and reporting the ranking.

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