JP7478076B2 - Karaoke equipment, karaoke system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a karaoke device and a karaoke system.

There is a growing demand for "solo karaoke," the enjoyment of singing karaoke alone. When singing karaoke alone, there are many sections of silence (hereafter referred to as silent sections) because there is no one else singing karaoke. Silent sections occur, for example, from when the karaoke machine is started to be used until the karaoke performance starts, after the karaoke performance of a reserved song ends and until the karaoke performance of the next reserved song starts, or when karaoke singing is paused.

Patent document 1 discloses a karaoke system that enhances the atmosphere of a venue by displaying uploaded singing videos related to the user during silent sections.

JP 2016-099539 A

Due to the spread of infectious diseases, many people are forced to sing karaoke alone, even though they would like to enjoy singing karaoke with friends.

It is conceivable that the technology of Patent Document 1 could be used for such users. However, in the karaoke system described in Patent Document 1, the uploaded singing video is either the singing video of the user himself/herself, or the singing video of a companion who has attended a karaoke singing event with the user at least once in the past. Furthermore, the singing image of the companion is not necessarily recorded in the same place as the user himself/herself.

The object of the present invention is to provide a karaoke device and a karaoke system that allows a solo karaoke user to easily experience the atmosphere of enjoying karaoke singing with friends.

One invention for achieving the above object is a karaoke device having a login processing unit that acquires user identification information of users who have performed a login operation within a specified period of time, a storage processing unit that, if multiple user identification information is acquired, records an audio signal including the singing audio signal of one user singing karaoke, collected by an audio collection means, links the recorded audio signal to user identification information of users other than the one user, and stores the recorded audio signal in a storage means as data for silent sections, and a playback unit that, if only one user identification information is acquired, plays the data for silent sections linked to the user identification information at a specified timing.
Another invention for achieving the above object is a karaoke system including one karaoke machine and another karaoke machine, the one karaoke machine having a first login processing unit which acquires user identification information of a user who has performed a login operation within a specified period, and a generation unit which, if a plurality of user identification information is acquired, records an audio signal including a singing voice signal of the one user singing karaoke, collected by a sound collection means, and links the recorded audio signal to user identification information of other users other than the one user, thereby generating data for silent sections, and a data transmission unit which transmits the data for silent sections to a server device which is communicatively connected to the one karaoke machine and the other karaoke machine, and the other karaoke machine has a second login processing unit which acquires user identification information of a user who has performed a login operation within a specified period, and, if a single user identification information is acquired, acquires data for silent sections linked to the user identification information from the server device at a specified timing, and a playback unit which plays back the acquired data for silent sections.
Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following specification and drawings.

The present invention allows solo karaoke users to easily experience the atmosphere of enjoying karaoke singing with friends.

1 is a diagram showing a karaoke device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a karaoke main unit according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing a process of the karaoke apparatus according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing a process of the karaoke apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a karaoke device according to a second modified example. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a karaoke system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a karaoke main body of a karaoke device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a karaoke main body of another karaoke device according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a process of the karaoke system according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a process of the karaoke system according to the second embodiment.

First Embodiment
A karaoke device according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3B.

==Karaoke Equipment==
The karaoke device K is a device for playing karaoke songs and for users to sing karaoke. As shown in FIG. 1, the karaoke device K includes a karaoke main unit 10, a speaker 20, a display device 30, a microphone 40, and a remote control device 50.

The karaoke main unit 10 performs various controls related to karaoke performance and karaoke singing, such as karaoke performance control of the selected song, display control of lyrics and background images, etc., and processing of audio signals input through the microphone 40. The speaker 20 is configured to emit sound based on the sound emission signal from the karaoke main unit 10. The display device 30 is configured to display videos and images on a screen based on the signal from the karaoke main unit 10. The microphone 40 is configured to convert the singing voice of the user singing karaoke into an analog audio signal and input it to the karaoke main unit 10. The microphone 40 is an example of a sound collection means. The remote control device 50 is a device for performing various operations on the karaoke main unit 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the karaoke machine 10 according to this embodiment includes a storage unit 10a, a communication unit 10b, an input unit 10c, a performance unit 10d, and a control unit 10e. Each component is connected to a bus B via an interface (not shown).

[Storage Means]
The storage unit 10a is a large-capacity storage device that stores various types of data, including music data.

Song data is provided with song identification information for identifying each song. Song identification information is information unique to each song, such as a song ID for identifying the song. Song data includes accompaniment data, reference data, etc. Accompaniment data is data that is the source of the karaoke performance sound. Reference data is data that indicates the main melody of the song that is performed karaoke.

The storage means 10a stores lyric caption data for displaying lyric captions corresponding to each song on the display device 30 or the like in sync with the karaoke performance, background video data such as background video displayed on the display device 30 or the like during karaoke performance, and attribute information for the songs.

[Communication means/input means]
The communication means 10b provides an interface for communicating with the remote control device 50. The input means 10c is configured to allow the user to input various instructions. The input means 10c is a button or the like provided on the karaoke main unit 10. Alternatively, the remote control device 50 may function as the input means 10c.

[Playing means]
The performance means 10d, under the control of the control means 10e, performs karaoke performance of music pieces and processes signals based on singing voices input through the microphone 40. The performance means 10d includes a sound source, a mixer, an amplifier, etc. (none of which are shown).

[Control Means]
The control means 10e performs various controls in the karaoke device K. The control means 10e includes a CPU and a memory (neither of which are shown in the figures). The CPU realizes various functions by executing programs stored in the memory.

In this embodiment, the CPU executes a program stored in the memory, causing the control means 10e to function as a login processing unit 101, a reservation processing unit 102, a performance control unit 103, a storage processing unit 104, and a playback unit 105.

(Login processing section)
The login processing unit 101 logs in a user in response to input of user identification information from the user. The user identification information is unique information set for each user, such as a user ID.

For example, suppose that three users, user U1, user U2, and user U3, use karaoke device K. In this case, users U1 to U3 each input their own user ID via remote control device 50. Inputting a user ID is an example of a login operation. The login processing unit 101 stores the input user ID of each user in storage means 10a, thereby completing login of users U1 to U3 to karaoke device K. Note that there may be four or more users.

Here, the login processing unit 101 according to this embodiment acquires the user identification information of a user who has performed a login operation within a predetermined period. The predetermined period is a preset period, such as 10 minutes after the remote control device 50 is first operated or 15 minutes after the user enters the room in which the karaoke device K is installed.

If multiple pieces of user identification information are acquired, the login processing unit 101 outputs the user identification information to the storage processing unit 104.

Let us assume that the login operations of the above-mentioned users U1 to U3 are performed within a specified period. In this case, the login processing unit 101 acquires the user IDs of users U1 to U3. The login processing unit 101 outputs the acquired user IDs of users U1 to U3 to the storage processing unit 104.

On the other hand, if only one piece of user identification information is acquired, the login processing unit 101 outputs the user identification information to the playback unit 105.

For example, assume that user U2 uses karaoke device K alone (i.e., user U2 sings karaoke alone). In this case, user U2 inputs his/her own user ID via remote control device 50. Login processing unit 101 stores the input user ID of user U2 in storage means 10a, thereby completing user U2's login to karaoke device K. In this case, login processing unit 101 acquires user ID of user U2. Login processing unit 101 outputs the acquired user ID of user U2 to playback unit 105.

When the user wishes to end use of the karaoke device K, the user inputs a logout command via the remote control device 50. In response to this command, the login processing unit 101 deletes the user's user ID from the storage means 10a, thereby logging the user out.

(Reservation processing unit)
The reservation processing unit 102 reserves a song to be performed by the karaoke device K. Specifically, the reservation processing unit 102 reserves a song by linking song identification information of a song selected by a user with user identification information of the user who selected the song and registering the song in a reservation queue.

For example, suppose that after users U1 to U3 perform the login operation, user U1 selects song X1 via remote control device 50. In this case, the reservation processing unit 102 reserves song X1 by linking the song ID of song X1 with the user ID of user U1 and registering it in the reservation queue in storage means 10a.

(Performance control section)
The performance control unit 103 controls the karaoke performance of the music piece in the karaoke device K.

The performance control unit 103 acquires the corresponding accompaniment data from the storage means 10a based on the song ID registered in the reservation queue. The performance control unit 103 then outputs the acquired accompaniment data to the performance means 10d, causing the karaoke performance.

For example, in the above example, the performance control unit 103 retrieves the accompaniment data of song X1 from the storage means 10a based on the song ID of song X1 registered in the reservation queue, and outputs it to the performance means 10d to perform a karaoke performance of song X1. User U1 can sing karaoke along with the karaoke performance of song X1.

(Memory Processing Unit)
When multiple user identification information is acquired, the memory processing unit 104 records an audio signal including the singing voice signal of one user singing karaoke, which is collected by the sound collection means, links the recorded audio signal to the user identification information of other users other than the one user, and stores it in the memory means 10a as data for silent sections.

The audio signal includes at least a singing voice signal based on the user's singing voice. In addition, the audio signal in this embodiment includes a performance sound signal based on a karaoke performance sound.

For example, as described above, assume that after three users U1, U2, and U3 perform the login operation, user U1 sings karaoke along with the karaoke performance of song X1. In this case, user U1 corresponds to "one user," and users U2 and U3 correspond to "other users." In addition, the user IDs of users U1 to U3 are output from the login processing unit 101 to the storage processing unit 104.

The storage processing unit 104 records the audio signal including the singing voice signal of user U1 collected by the microphone 40. The storage processing unit 104 refers to the user ID of user U1 linked to the song ID of the karaoke-played song X1, links the recorded audio signal to the user identification information of users other than user U1 (users U2 and U3), and stores the silent section data D1 in the storage means 10a.

Note that the storage processing unit 104 does not execute the above process if only one user identification information is acquired.

(Playback section)
When the number of acquired user identification information is one, the reproduction unit 105 reproduces the silent section data linked to the acquired user identification information at a predetermined timing.

The playback unit 105 reads out the silent section data linked to the acquired user identification information from the storage means 10a. The playback unit 105 then controls the performance means 10d at a predetermined timing to play back the karaoke singing sound based on the audio signal included in the silent section data, and also plays back the karaoke performance sound based on the performance sound signal, and emits it from the speaker 20.

The specified timing is a timing corresponding to a silent section. For example, the playback unit 105 can automatically play back the silent section data when no song is reserved (i.e., when no song ID is registered in the reservation queue) or when a song is reserved but the user stops the karaoke performance for a specified time. Alternatively, the playback unit 105 may play back the silent section data based on an instruction input from the user via the input means 10c. When based on an instruction input from the user, the playback unit 105 controls so that the silent section data is not played back during the karaoke performance of the song.

For example, suppose that silent section data D1 is stored in storage means 10a. Now, suppose that on an occasion other than the occasion described above (where three users U1, U2, and U3 use karaoke machine K), user U2 starts using karaoke machine K by himself.

In this case, the user ID of user U2 is output from the login processing unit 101 to the playback unit 105. When a predetermined timing arrives, the playback unit 105 reads out the silent section data D1 linked to the user ID of user U2 from the storage means 10a. The playback unit 105 then controls the performance means 10d to play back the karaoke singing sound based on the audio signal included in the silent section data, and also plays back the karaoke performance sound based on the performance sound signal, and emits it from the speaker 20.

Note that the playback unit 105 does not execute the above process if multiple pieces of user identification information are acquired.

It is also possible that multiple pieces of silent section data corresponding to one user identification information are stored. In this case, the playback unit 105 may play back one silent section data in a predetermined order (for example, from oldest to newest) each time a predetermined timing arrives, or may play back one silent section data randomly. On the other hand, it is also possible that no silent section data corresponding to the user identification information is stored in the storage means 10a. In this case, the playback unit 105 does not execute the above process.

Also, unlike the configuration described above, the storage processing unit 104 can link the recorded audio signal with the song identification information of the song that one user sang karaoke, along with the user identification information of other users, and store the linked information in the storage means 10a as data for silent sections.

When a specified timing arrives, the playback unit 105 reads out the music identification information included in the silent section data from the storage means 10a and outputs it to the performance control unit 103. The performance control unit 103 reads out the accompaniment data corresponding to the music identification information and controls the performance means 10d to perform karaoke. The playback unit 105 controls the performance means 10d to play back the karaoke singing sound based on the audio signal included in the silent section data, mixes it with the karaoke performance sound based on the karaoke performance by the performance means 10d, and emits it from the speaker 20.

==Operation of Karaoke Device K==
Next, a specific example of the operation of the karaoke device K in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3A and 3B. Figures 3A and 3B are flow charts showing an example of the operation of the karaoke device K. In this example, a case where no song is reserved will be described as "predetermined timing."

The login processing unit 101 acquires the user IDs of users who have performed login operations within a specified period (acquires the user IDs of users who have performed login operations within a specified period. Step 10).

If multiple pieces of user identification information are acquired (Y in step 11), the login processing unit 101 outputs the user identification information to the storage processing unit 104.

Each of the multiple users selects a song that they wish to sing karaoke. The reservation processing unit 102 reserves the song by linking the song identification information of the song selected by the user with the user identification information of the user who selected the song and registering the song in a reservation queue (song reservation; step 12).

The performance control unit 103 controls the performance means 10d to perform karaoke performance in the order registered in the reservation queue (karaoke performance, step 13). One user sings karaoke along with the karaoke performance of the song.

The storage processing unit 104 records an audio signal collected by the microphone 40, including the singing voice signal of a user singing karaoke, links the recorded audio signal to user identification information of users other than the one user, and stores the recorded audio signal in the storage means 10a as data for silent sections (storing data for silent sections; step 14).

If multiple user identification information is acquired, the karaoke device K repeats the process from step 12 to step 14 until each user performs a logout operation (Y in step 15).

On the other hand, if only one user identification information is acquired (N in step 11), the login processing unit 101 outputs the user identification information to the playback unit 105.

The user selects a song that he or she wishes to sing karaoke. The reservation processing unit 102 links the song identification information of the song selected by the user with the user identification information of the user who selected the song, and registers the song in a reservation queue, thereby reserving the song (song reservation; step 16).

The performance control unit 103 controls the performance means 10d to perform karaoke performance in the order registered in the reservation queue (karaoke performance, step 17). The user sings karaoke along with the karaoke performance of the song.

If no songs are registered in the reservation queue (Y in step 18), the playback unit 105 plays the silent section data linked to the user identification information of the user who performed the login operation (playing the silent section data; step 19). Note that in this example, it is assumed that the silent section data linked to the user identification information of the user who performed the login operation is stored in the storage means 10a.

If only one user identification information is acquired, the karaoke device K repeats the process from step 16 to step 19 until the user performs a logout operation (Y in step 20).

As is clear from the above, the karaoke device K according to this embodiment has a login processing unit 101 that acquires user identification information of users who have performed a login operation within a specified period of time, a storage processing unit 104 that, if multiple user identification information is acquired, records an audio signal that includes the singing voice signal of one user singing karaoke and is collected by the microphone 40, links the user identification information of other users other than the one user to the recorded audio signal, and stores the data for silent sections in the storage means 10a, and, if only one user identification information is acquired, a playback unit 105 that plays the data for silent sections linked to the user identification information at a specified timing.

With this karaoke device K, the silent section data stored when multiple users, including a certain user, use the karaoke device K can be played back when the certain user uses the karaoke device K alone. The audio based on the silent section data is audio recorded when the certain user sang karaoke together with other users. Therefore, by listening to the audio based on the silent section data, the certain user can recall the fun and exciting atmosphere of that time. In other words, with the karaoke device K of this embodiment, a user who sings karaoke alone can easily experience the atmosphere of when they were enjoying singing karaoke with friends.

The playback unit 105 in the karaoke device K according to this embodiment can also play back silent section data when no song has been reserved. In this way, by playing back silent section data when no song has been reserved, the user can enjoy the atmosphere of when they were enjoying singing karaoke with friends during breaks in singing karaoke.

<Modification 1>
As described above, there are cases where multiple silent section data are linked to one user identification information. In this case, after the karaoke performance of a certain song reserved by the user is completed, the playback unit 105 can extract a predetermined number of songs based on the singing history of the user or singing frequency information indicating the number of times each song has been performed karaoke following the certain song, and play back the silent section data corresponding to the extracted songs.

The singing history includes the date and time when the user sang karaoke, the songs, the scoring results, etc. The singing frequency information indicates the number of times each song has been performed as karaoke following a certain song. For example, the singing frequency information for song Y1 is composed of the songs Y2 (100 times), Y3 (30 times), Y4 (120 times), ... and Yn (15 times) that were performed as karaoke following song Y1. The singing frequency information can be obtained, for example, based on information collected from karaoke machines installed throughout Japan.

The extraction of the predetermined number of songs can be done using various techniques, such as the technique described in JP-A-11-052965. The predetermined number is set to a value, such as 5 songs, 10 songs, etc.

For example, the playback unit 105 can refer to the user's singing history and extract a predetermined number of songs in descending order of the number of times they have been sung karaoke from among the songs that have been sung karaoke following a certain song. Alternatively, the playback unit 105 can refer to the singing frequency information of a certain song and extract a predetermined number of songs in descending order of the number of times they have been performed karaoke from among the songs that have been performed karaoke following a certain song.

The playback unit 105 compares the extracted music with multiple pieces of silent section data stored in the storage means 10a, and plays the silent section data that matches the music.

As a specific example, assume that user U2 sings karaoke to song Y1 by himself. After the karaoke performance of song Y1 is finished, the playback unit 105 refers to the singing frequency information of song Y1 and extracts a predetermined number of songs Y2 to Yn in descending order of the number of times they have been performed from among the songs that have been performed karaoke following song Y1.

The playback unit 105 compares the music identification information of the extracted songs Y2 to Yn with the music identification information contained in the multiple silent section data (data linked to the user ID of user U2) stored in the storage means 10a, and plays the silent section data with matching music identification information. Note that in this example, the silent section data includes music identification information.

In this way, after the karaoke performance of a song reserved by a user is completed, the playback unit 105 in the karaoke device K in this modified example extracts a predetermined number of songs based on the user's singing history or singing frequency information indicating the number of times each song has been performed karaoke following the song, and plays back the silent section data corresponding to the extracted songs. By using the user's singing history or singing frequency information of a song in this way to select the silent section data to be played back, it is possible to improve the connection between the song being sung karaoke and the song based on the silent section data that is played afterwards. This allows the user to naturally experience the atmosphere of enjoying singing karaoke with friends.

<Modification 2>
The silent section data may include a video signal that is a video of a user singing karaoke. In this case, the storage processing unit 104 records the video signal that is a video of the one user singing karaoke, captured by a capture means, and associates the recorded audio signal and the recorded video signal with user identification information of other users other than the one user, and stores them as silent section data.

Figure 4 shows a karaoke device K according to this modified example. As shown in Figure 4, the karaoke device K includes a karaoke main unit 10, a speaker 20, a display device 30, a microphone 40, a remote control device 50, and an image capture means 60. The image capture means 60 is a camera capable of capturing images of users using the karaoke device K.

For example, as in the above embodiment, assume that after three users U1, U2, and U3 perform the login operation, user U1 sings karaoke along with the karaoke performance of song X1.

The storage processing unit 104 records the audio signal, including the singing voice signal of user U1, collected by the microphone 40. Meanwhile, the imaging means 60 starts imaging user U1 as the karaoke performance begins. The storage processing unit 104 records the video signal, which is the video of user U1, captured by the imaging means 60.

The storage processing unit 104 links the recorded audio signal and the recorded video signal with the user identification information of users U2 and U3 other than user U1, and stores them in the storage means 10a as data for silent sections.

When such silent section data is used, the playback unit 105 reads out the silent section data linked to the acquired user identification information from the storage means 10a. The playback unit 105 then controls the performance means 10d at a predetermined timing to play back the karaoke singing sound based on the audio signal included in the silent section data, and also plays back the karaoke performance sound based on the performance sound signal, and emits it from the speaker 20.

In addition, the playback unit 105 displays an image of the user singing karaoke on the display screen of the display device 30 based on a video signal included in the silent section data, in parallel with the playback of the karaoke singing voice and the karaoke performance sound based on the performance sound signal.

In this way, the storage processing unit 104 in the karaoke device K according to this modified example records a video signal that is an image of one user singing karaoke, captured by the imaging means 60, and links the recorded audio signal and the recorded video signal to user identification information of other users other than the one user, and stores them as data for silent sections. In this way, by playing back data for silent sections that is linked to not only the audio signal but also the video signal, the user can visually enjoy the atmosphere of when they were enjoying singing karaoke with friends.

Second Embodiment
Next, a karaoke system according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 8B. Detailed description of the karaoke device included in the karaoke system that is the same as that of the first embodiment will be omitted.

==Karaoke System==
The karaoke system includes one karaoke machine and another karaoke machine. The one karaoke machine is installed in a place where multiple users can use it, such as a karaoke room in a karaoke store. The other karaoke machine is installed in a different place from the one karaoke machine. The other karaoke machine may be installed in a booth for solo karaoke, or in the user's home. The other karaoke machine may be a personal computer or game machine equipped with a karaoke function, or a mobile terminal running application software for karaoke.

As shown in FIG. 5, the karaoke system 1 according to this embodiment includes karaoke device K1 and karaoke device K2. Karaoke device K1 corresponds to the "first karaoke device," and karaoke device K2 corresponds to the "other karaoke device." Note that there may be two or more of each karaoke device.

Each karaoke device is connected to a server device S so that it can communicate with the device. The server device S is a computer that manages various types of information and executes various processes.

Karaoke device K1
The karaoke device K1 is a device for playing karaoke music and for users to sing karaoke. The karaoke device K1 includes a karaoke main unit 10, a speaker 20, a display device 30, a microphone 40, and a remote control device 50, similar to the karaoke device K of the first embodiment.

[Control Means]
In this embodiment, the CPU executes a program stored in the memory, so that the control means 10e of the karaoke device K1 functions as a first login processing unit 201, a reservation processing unit 202, a performance control unit 203, a generation unit 204, and a data transmission unit 205 (see Figure 6).

(First login processing unit)
The first login processing unit 201 logs in a user in response to the input of user identification information from the user.

For example, suppose that three users, user U1, user U2, and user U3, use karaoke device K1. In this case, users U1 to U3 each input their own user ID via remote control device 50. The first login processing unit 201 stores the input user ID of each user in storage means 10a, thereby completing the login of users U1 to U3 to karaoke device K1.

Here, the first login processing unit 201 according to this embodiment acquires the user identification information of the user who performed the login operation within a specified period.

If multiple pieces of user identification information are acquired, the first login processing unit 201 outputs the user identification information to the generation unit 204. Note that if only one piece of user identification information is acquired, the generation unit 204 and the data transmission unit 205 do not execute the process described below.

Let us assume that the login operations of the above-mentioned users U1 to U3 are performed within a specified period. In this case, the first login processing unit 201 acquires the user IDs of users U1 to U3. The first login processing unit 201 outputs the acquired user IDs of users U1 to U3 to the generation unit 204.

(Reservation processing unit)
The reservation processing unit 202 reserves a song to be performed by the karaoke device K1.

For example, suppose that after users U1 to U3 perform the login operation, user U1 selects song X1 via remote control device 50. In this case, the reservation processing unit 202 reserves song X1 by linking the song ID of song X1 with the user ID of user U1 and registering it in the reservation queue in storage means 10a.

(Performance control section)
The performance control unit 203 controls the karaoke performance of the music piece in the karaoke device K1.

For example, in the above example, the performance control unit 203 retrieves the accompaniment data of song X1 from the storage means 10a based on the song ID of song X1 registered in the reservation queue, and outputs the data to the performance means 10d to perform a karaoke performance of song X1. User U1 can sing karaoke along with the karaoke performance of song X1.

(Generation section)
When multiple user identification information is acquired, the generation unit 204 records an audio signal including the singing audio signal of one user singing karaoke, collected by an audio collection means, and links the recorded audio signal to the user identification information of other users other than the one user, thereby generating data for silent sections.

For example, suppose that after three users U1, U2, and U3 perform a login operation, user U1 sings karaoke along with the karaoke performance of song X1. In this case, user U1 corresponds to "one user," and users U2 and U3 correspond to "other users." The user IDs of users U1 to U3 are output from the login processing unit 201 to the generation unit 204.

The generating unit 204 records an audio signal including the singing voice signal of the user U1 collected by the microphone 40. The generating unit 204 references the user ID of the user U1 linked to the song ID of the karaoke-played song X1, links the recorded audio signal to the user identification information of users other than the user U1 (users U2 and U3), and generates silent section data D1.

Note that the generating unit 204 may store the silent section data in the storage means 10a, similar to the storage processing unit 104 in the first embodiment.

(Data transmission unit)
The data transmitting section 205 transmits the silent section data to the server device S which is communicably connected to the one karaoke device and the other karaoke devices.

For example, the data transmission unit 205 transmits the generated silent section data D1 to the server device S. The server device S stores the received silent section data D1 in a storage means (not shown).

==Karaoke device K2==
The karaoke device K2 is a device for playing karaoke songs and for users to sing karaoke. The karaoke device K2 includes a karaoke main unit 10, a speaker 20, a display device 30, a microphone 40, and a remote control device 50, similar to the karaoke device K of the first embodiment.

[Control Means]
In this embodiment, the CPU executes a program stored in the memory, so that the control means 10e of the karaoke device K2 functions as a second login processing unit 301, a reservation processing unit 302, a performance control unit 303, an acquisition unit 304, and a playback unit 305 (see Figure 7).

(Second login processing unit)
The second login processing unit 301 logs in a user in response to the input of user identification information from the user.

For example, assume that user U2 uses karaoke device K2 alone (i.e., user U2 sings karaoke alone). In this case, user U2 inputs his/her own user ID via remote control device 50. The second login processing unit 301 stores the input user ID of user U2 in storage means 10a, thereby completing user U2's login to karaoke device K2.

Here, the second login processing unit 301 according to this embodiment acquires the user identification information of the user who performed the login operation within a specified period.

If only one piece of user identification information is acquired, the second login processing unit 301 outputs the user identification information to the acquisition unit 304. Note that if multiple pieces of user identification information are acquired, the acquisition unit 304 and the playback unit 305 do not execute the processing described below.

Let us assume that the login operation of user U2 described above is performed within a specified period. In this case, the second login processing unit 301 acquires the user ID of user U2. The second login processing unit 301 outputs the acquired user ID of user U2 to the acquisition unit 304.

(Reservation processing unit)
The reservation processing unit 302 reserves a song to be performed by the karaoke device K2.

For example, suppose that after user U2 logs in, user U2 selects song Z1 via remote control device 50. In this case, the reservation processing unit 302 links the song ID of song Z1 with the user ID of user U2 and registers the song in the reservation queue in storage means 10a, thereby reserving song Z1.

(Performance control section)
The performance control unit 303 controls the karaoke performance of the music piece in the karaoke device K2.

For example, in the above example, the performance control unit 303 retrieves the accompaniment data of song Z1 from the storage means 10a based on the song ID of song Z1 registered in the reservation queue, and outputs the data to the performance means 10d to perform a karaoke performance of song Z1. User U2 can sing karaoke along with the karaoke performance of song Z1.

(Acquisition Department)
When only one piece of user identification information is acquired, the acquisition unit 304 acquires the silent section data associated with the relevant user identification information from the server device S at a predetermined timing.

For example, suppose that the above-mentioned silent section data D1 is stored in the server device S. Now, suppose that on an occasion other than the occasion described above (where three users, user U1, user U2, and user U3, use karaoke device K1), user U2 starts using karaoke device K2 by himself.

In this case, the user ID of user U2 is output from the second login processing unit 301 to the acquisition unit 304. When a predetermined timing arrives, the acquisition unit 304 transmits the user ID of user U2 to the server device S. The server device S reads out the silent section data D1 linked to the user ID of user U2 from the storage means and transmits it to the karaoke device K2. The acquisition unit 304 receives the silent section data D1 and outputs it to the playback unit 305. The predetermined timing is the same as in the first embodiment.

(Playback section)
The playback unit 305 plays back the acquired silent section data.

The playback unit 305 controls the performance means 10d to play back the karaoke singing sound based on the audio signal contained in the acquired silent section data, and also plays back the karaoke performance sound based on the performance sound signal, and emits the sound from the speaker 20.

For example, suppose that the acquisition unit 304 acquires silent section data D1 from the server device S. The playback unit 305 controls the performance means 10d to play back the karaoke singing sound based on the audio signal included in the silent section data D1, and also plays back the karaoke performance sound based on the performance sound signal, and emits the sound from the speaker 20.

==Operation of Karaoke System 1==
Next, a specific example of the operation of the karaoke system 1 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8A and 8B. Figure 8A is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the karaoke device K1 in the karaoke system 1, and Figure 8B is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the karaoke device K2 in the karaoke system 1. In this example, a case where no song is reserved will be described as "predetermined timing."

<Operation of Karaoke Device K1>
The first login processing unit 201 acquires the user ID of a user who has performed a login operation within a predetermined period (acquires the user ID of a user who has performed a login operation within a predetermined period; step 30).

If multiple pieces of user identification information are acquired (Y in step 31), the first login processing unit 201 outputs the user identification information to the generation unit 204.

Each of the multiple users selects a song that they wish to sing karaoke. The reservation processing unit 202 reserves the song by linking the song identification information of the song selected by the user with the user identification information of the user who selected the song and registering the song in a reservation queue (song reservation; step 32).

The performance control unit 203 controls the performance means 10d to perform karaoke performances in the order of registration in the reservation queue (karaoke performance, step 33). One user sings karaoke along with the karaoke performance of the song.

The generation unit 204 records an audio signal that includes a singing voice signal of a user singing karaoke, which is collected by the microphone 40, and links the recorded audio signal to user identification information of users other than the one user, thereby generating data for silent sections (generating data for silent sections; step 34).

The data transmission unit 205 transmits the silent section data generated in step 34 to the server device S (transmission of silent section data; step 35). The server device S stores the received silent section data in a storage means.

If multiple user identification information is acquired, the karaoke device K1 repeats the processes from step 32 to step 35 until each user performs a logout operation (if Y in step 36). Note that the process of step 35 may be executed collectively if N in step 36.

<Operation of Karaoke Device K2>
The second login processing unit 301 acquires the user ID of a user who has performed a login operation within a predetermined period (acquires the user ID of a user who has performed a login operation within a predetermined period; step 40).

If only one user identification information is acquired (Y in step 41), the second login processing unit 301 outputs the user identification information to the acquisition unit 304.

The user selects the song they wish to sing karaoke. The reservation processing unit 302 links the song identification information of the song selected by the user with the user identification information of the user who selected the song, and registers the song in a reservation queue, thereby reserving the song (song reservation; step 42).

The performance control unit 303 controls the performance means 10d to perform karaoke performance in the order registered in the reservation queue (karaoke performance, step 43). The user sings karaoke along with the karaoke performance of the song.

If no songs are registered in the reservation queue (Y in step 44), the acquisition unit 304 acquires silent section data linked to the user identification information of the user who performed the login operation from the server device S (acquisition of silent section data; step 45).

The playback unit 305 plays the silent section data acquired in step 45 (playing the silent section data; step 46). In this example, it is assumed that the silent section data linked to the user identification information of the user who performed the login operation is stored in the server device S.

If only one user identification information is acquired, the karaoke device K2 repeats the process from step 42 to step 46 until the user performs a logout operation (Y in step 47).

As is clear from the above, the karaoke system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a karaoke device K1 and a karaoke device K2. The karaoke device K1 includes a first login processing unit 201 that acquires user identification information of users who have performed a login operation during a predetermined period, a generating unit 204 that records an audio signal including a singing voice signal of one user singing karaoke, collected by a microphone 40, when the acquired user identification information is multiple, and associates the recorded audio signal with user identification information of other users other than the one user, thereby generating data for silent sections, and a data transmitting unit 205 that transmits the data for silent sections to a server device S that is communicably connected to the karaoke devices K1 and K2. The karaoke device K2 includes a second login processing unit 301 that acquires user identification information of users who have performed a login operation during a predetermined period, an acquiring unit 304 that acquires data for silent sections associated with the user identification information from the server device S at a predetermined timing when the acquired user identification information is one, and a reproducing unit 305 that reproduces the acquired data for silent sections.

The karaoke system 1 according to this embodiment allows users who sing karaoke alone to easily experience the atmosphere of enjoying singing karaoke with friends.

In the karaoke system of the second embodiment, the configurations of the above-mentioned modified example 1 and modified example 2 may be appropriately combined. For example, after the karaoke performance of a song reserved by a user is completed, the playback unit 305 may extract a predetermined number of songs based on the user's singing history or singing frequency information indicating the number of times each song has been performed karaoke following the song, and play back data for silent sections corresponding to the extracted songs. In this case, the singing history and singing frequency information are stored in the server device S. The acquisition unit 304 also acquires this information when acquiring data for silent sections.

Alternatively, the generating unit 204 may record a video signal that is an image of one user singing karaoke, captured by the imaging means 60, and link the recorded audio signal and the recorded video signal to user identification information of other users other than the one user, thereby generating data for silent sections.

＜Other＞
The above embodiment is presented as an example and does not limit the scope of the invention. The above configurations can be implemented in appropriate combinations, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The above embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims, as well as the scope and gist of the invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Karaoke system 101 Login processing unit 102, 202, 302 Reservation processing unit 103, 203, 303 Performance control unit 104 Storage processing unit 105, 305 Playback unit 201 First login processing unit 204 Generation unit 205 Data transmission unit 301 Second login processing unit 304 Acquisition unit K, K1, K2 Karaoke device S Server device

Claims (5)

a login processing unit that acquires user identification information of a user who has performed a login operation within a predetermined period of time;
a storage processing unit that, when a plurality of user identification information are acquired, records an audio signal collected by the sound collection means, including a singing voice signal of one user who sings karaoke, links the recorded audio signal to user identification information of other users other than the one user, and stores the linked audio signal in a storage unit as silent section data;
a playback unit that plays back the silent section data associated with the acquired user identification information at a predetermined timing when the acquired user identification information is one;
A karaoke device having the above configuration. The karaoke device according to claim 1, characterized in that the playback unit plays the silent section data when no song is reserved. The karaoke device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, after the karaoke performance of a song reserved by a user is completed, the playback unit extracts a predetermined number of songs based on the singing history of the user or singing frequency information indicating the number of times each song has been performed karaoke following the song, and plays back the silent section data corresponding to the extracted songs. The karaoke device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the storage processing unit records a video signal that is an image of the one user singing karaoke, captured by a capture means, and links the recorded audio signal and the recorded video signal to user identification information of other users other than the one user, and stores them as the silent section data. A karaoke system including one karaoke device and another karaoke device,
One karaoke machine,
a first login processing unit that acquires user identification information of a user who has performed a login operation within a predetermined period of time;
a generation unit which, when a plurality of user identification information are acquired, records an audio signal including a singing voice signal of one user singing karaoke, collected by the sound collection means, links the recorded audio signal with user identification information of other users other than the one user, and generates data for silent sections;
a data transmission unit for transmitting the silent section data to a server device communicably connected to the first karaoke device and the second karaoke device;
having
The other karaoke device,
a second login processing unit that acquires user identification information of a user who has performed a login operation within a predetermined period of time;
an acquisition unit that acquires, when the acquired user identification information is one, data for a silent section linked to the acquired user identification information from the server device at a predetermined timing;
a playback unit that plays back the acquired silent section data;
A karaoke system having

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