Karaoke equipment

Abstract

To provide a Karaoke device capable of broadcasting a singing voice which gives no uncomfortable feeling to an audience in place of Karaoke singing of a singer.SOLUTION: A Karaoke device comprises: a specification unit that specifies, of at least two singing sections in which lyrics match each other and pitches of a prescribed ratio or higher match each other, a singing section included in a prescribed performance section as a reproduced singing section, and specifies singing sections other than the singing section as a recorded singing section on the basis of reference data and lyric telop data of musical piece selected by a singer; a recording unit that records a singing voice of Karaoke singing performed by the singer along with Karaoke performance of the specified recorded singing section; and a broadcast processing unit that broadcasts the singing voice of the recorded singing section in the reproduced singing section along with the Karaoke performance of the singing section of the musical piece.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a karaoke machine. [Background technology]

[0002] A guide vocal function is available to assist karaoke singing. The guide vocal function plays the singing voice of a guide vocalist (for example, a professional singer or a voice synthesized by voice synthesis) registered for each song in sync with the karaoke performance of the song.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a music playback device with an automatic performance switching function that automatically switches from karaoke to vocal performance when the singer's voice stops, and automatically switches from vocal performance to karaoke when the singer starts singing again. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 4-289793 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the singing voice produced by the guide vocals is different from the singing voice of the singer himself when singing karaoke. Therefore, if the singer's singing ability declines (for example, if the singer tries too hard at the beginning of a song and is unable to sing the high notes at the end of the chorus), even if a pseudo-singing voice is produced using the guide vocals, the audience will feel uncomfortable.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a karaoke apparatus that can output singing voices that do not give an uncomfortable feeling to the audience, instead of the singer singing karaoke. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One invention for achieving the above object is a karaoke device having an identification unit that, based on reference data and lyric subtitle data of a song selected by a singer, identifies a singing section included in a specified performance section out of at least two singing sections whose lyrics match and whose pitch matches by a predetermined percentage or more as a playback singing section, and identifies the other singing sections as recording singing sections; a recording unit that records the singing voice of the singer singing karaoke in time with the karaoke performance of the identified recording singing section; and a sound emission processing unit that emits the recorded singing voice of the recording singing section in the playback singing section in time with the karaoke performance of the singing section of the song. Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, instead of the singer singing karaoke, a singing voice that does not give an uncomfortable feeling to the audience can be emitted. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a karaoke device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing a karaoke main unit according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart showing the process of the karaoke device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a performance section of a piece of music according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a karaoke main unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the process of the karaoke device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a performance section of a piece of music according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a performance section of a piece of music according to Modification 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] First Embodiment A karaoke device according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. In this embodiment, among users of the karaoke device, those who sing karaoke will be referred to as "singers," and those who listen to the singer's karaoke singing will be referred to as "audience."

[0011] ==Karaoke Equipment== A karaoke machine is a device for performing karaoke songs and for singers to sing karaoke. As shown in Fig. 1, the karaoke machine K according to this embodiment includes a karaoke unit 10, a speaker 20, a display device 30, a microphone 40, and a remote control device 50.

[0012] The karaoke machine main unit 10 performs various controls related to karaoke performance and singing, such as controlling the karaoke performance of the selected song, controlling the display of lyrics and background images, and processing audio signals input through the microphone 40. The speaker 20 is configured to emit sound based on the sound emission signal from the karaoke machine main unit 10. The display device 30 is configured to display videos and images on a screen based on the signal from the karaoke machine main unit 10. The microphone 40 is configured to convert the singing voice of the singer into an analog audio signal and input it to the karaoke machine main unit 10. The remote control device 50 is a device for performing various operations on the karaoke machine main unit 10.

[0013] 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).

[0014] [Storage means] The storage means 10a is a large-capacity storage device that stores various types of data, including music data.

[0015] 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 forms the basis of karaoke performance sounds. Reference data is data that indicates the pitch of the song.

[0016] The song data includes information about performance sections. A performance section is a section where karaoke is performed. A performance section includes a singing section and a non-singing section. A singing section is a section included in a performance section where lyrics to be sung are set in a song, such as the A-melody of the first verse, the B-melody of the second verse, and the chorus of the third verse. For example, the performance section of the A-melody of the first verse consists of two singing sections. A non-singing section is a section included in a performance section where lyrics to be sung are not set in a song, such as the introduction, interlude, and postlude. Each singing section and non-singing section consists of at least one bar.

[0017] 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 image data to be displayed on the display device 30 or the like during the karaoke performance, and song attribute information. The lyric caption data includes information on the character strings that make up the lyrics for each singing section. The song attribute information includes, for example, the singer's name, the music genre of the song, etc.

[0018] [Communication means, input means, performance 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. The performance means 10d performs karaoke performance of a song and processes audio signals based on the singing voice input through the microphone 40 under the control of the control means 10e.

[0019] [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 is shown). The CPU executes programs stored in the memory to realize various functions.

[0020] In this embodiment, the CPU executes a program stored in the memory, and the control means 10e functions as the identification unit 100, the recording unit 200, and the sound emission processing unit 300.

[0021] (Specific part) The specifying unit 100 specifies, based on the reference data and lyric telop data of the music piece selected by the singer, a singing section included in a predetermined performance section among at least two singing sections having matching lyrics and matching pitches at a predetermined rate or more, as a reproducing singing section, and specifies the other singing sections as recording singing sections.

[0022] The predetermined performance section is a section including a singing section for emitting a recorded singing voice. The playback singing section is a singing section for emitting a recorded singing voice. The recording singing section is a singing section for recording a singing voice. Recording and emitting a singing voice will be described later.

[0023] The determination unit 100 determines that the lyrics match when the lyrics in one singing section are the same as the lyrics in another singing section. Furthermore, for a combination of singing sections determined to have matching lyrics, the determination unit 100 determines that the pitches of at least a predetermined percentage of notes corresponding to lyrics in one singing section are the same as the pitches of notes corresponding to the lyrics in the other singing section, or if the proportion of notes with the same pitch to all notes in the singing section is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The predetermined proportion is a preset value, such as 90%.

[0024] The singer selects a song that the singer wishes to sing karaoke via the remote control device 50. The identification unit 100 reads out the song data, reference data, and lyric and telop data of the song selected by the singer from the storage means 10a.

[0025] The determination unit 100 refers to information about performance sections included in the music data and determines a combination of two singing sections that make up the selected music. The determination unit 100 compares each combination of singing sections based on the reference data and lyric telop data. For example, if there are 10 singing sections, the determination unit 100 compares 45 combinations based on the lyric telop data, and compares combinations with matching lyrics based on the reference data.

[0026] Specifically, the determination unit 100 compares the character string of lyrics in one singing section extracted from the lyrics caption data with the character string of lyrics in another singing section to determine whether the lyrics are the same. If the lyrics are the same, the determination unit 100 determines that the lyrics in the one singing section and the other singing section match.

[0027] Furthermore, for combinations with matching lyrics, the identification unit 100 compares the pitches of each note corresponding to a lyric in one singing section, extracted from the reference data, with the pitches of each note corresponding to the same lyric in other singing sections, to confirm whether all pitches are the same (or, if there are different pitches, whether the proportion of the same pitches is equal to or greater than a preset value). If all pitches are the same (or if the proportion of the same pitches is equal to or greater than a preset value), the identification unit 100 determines that a predetermined proportion or more of pitches match in the combination of one singing section and another singing section.

[0028] The specifying part 100 specifies the singing section included in a predetermined performance section as a playback singing section among at least two singing sections that are determined to have matching lyrics and matching pitches of a predetermined ratio or more, and specifies the other singing sections as recording singing sections.

[0029] In some cases, a song may have three or more singing sections with matching lyrics and pitches that match at least a predetermined percentage. In this case, the identifying unit 100 identifies the singing sections included in a predetermined performance section as playback singing sections, and identifies the remaining singing sections as recording singing sections.

[0030] (Recording Department) The recording section 200 records the singing voice of the singer singing karaoke along with the karaoke performance of the specified recording singing section.

[0031] As described above, the recording singing section is a singing section for recording singing voice. More specifically, the recording singing section is a singing section that is not included in the predetermined performance section among at least two singing sections that have the same lyrics and a pitch that matches at least a predetermined percentage. For example, if the predetermined performance section is the third chorus and the first and third choruses have the same lyrics and a pitch that matches at least a predetermined percentage, the singing section included in the first chorus corresponds to the "recording singing section."

[0032] The singer sings along with the karaoke performance of the selected song. The microphone 40 converts the singer's singing voice into an analog audio signal and inputs it to the karaoke unit 10.

[0033] The recording unit 200 records the singing voice by referring to information about the performance section included in the music data and storing the audio signal output from the microphone 40 in the recording singing section identified by the identification unit 100 in the storage means 10a in the form of audio data. Note that the recording unit 200 does not record the singing voice in singing sections other than the recording singing section.

[0034] (Sound emission processing unit) The sound emission processing unit 300 emits the singing voice of the recorded singing section in the playback singing section in accordance with the karaoke performance of the singing section of the music piece.

[0035] As described above, the playback singing section is a singing section for emitting a recorded singing voice. More specifically, the playback singing section is a singing section included in a predetermined performance section among at least two singing sections whose lyrics match and whose pitches match by at least a predetermined percentage. For example, if the predetermined performance section is the third chorus and the first and third choruses contain singing sections whose lyrics match and whose pitches match by at least a predetermined percentage, the singing section included in the third chorus corresponds to the "playback singing section."

[0036] The sound emission processing unit 300 reads out the voice data of the singing voice of the recorded singing section from the storage means 10a during the playback singing section. The sound emission processing unit 300 controls the performance means 10d to emit the singing voice of the recorded singing section from the speaker 20 in time with the karaoke performance of the song.

[0037] When the sound emission processor 300 emits the recorded singing voice in the recording singing section in synchronism with the karaoke performance in the playback singing section, the sound emission processor 300 can notify the singer and the audience in advance by, for example, displaying a message on the display device 30 indicating that the recorded singing voice will be emitted.

[0038] Furthermore, if the pitch of the reference data for the recorded singing section differs from the pitch of the reference data for the played-back singing section, the sound emission processing unit 300 can change the pitch of the recorded singing voice for the recorded singing section based on the pitch of the reference data for the played-back singing section and emit the voice.

[0039] For example, it is assumed that the identifying unit 100 identifies two singing sections that are determined to have matching lyrics and 90% or more matching pitches as a playback singing section and a recording singing section.

[0040] The recording section 200 records the singing voice of the singer singing karaoke in the recording singing section.

[0041] The sound emission processor 300 then compares the reference data corresponding to the recorded singing section with the reference data corresponding to the playback singing section, and if there is a difference in pitch, adjusts the pitch of the singing voice in the recorded singing section to match the pitch of the reference data for the playback singing section, thereby changing the pitch of the singing voice in the recorded singing section.The sound emission processor 300 then emits the pitch-adjusted singing voice in the playback singing section in time with the karaoke performance of the song.The pitch of the singing voice can be changed using known techniques.

[0042] ==About the operation of the 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 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the karaoke device K. Figure 4 shows the performance sections of a song X. Song X is made up of 12 performance sections (20 singing sections SS1-1 to SS9-4): an introduction, an A-melody of the first verse, a B-melody of the first verse, a B-melody of the third verse, a chorus of the third verse, and an ending. Additionally, the chorus of the third verse is set as the predetermined performance section in anticipation of a case where the singer becomes too enthusiastic from the start of singing song X and is unable to hit the high notes in the final chorus.

[0043] The singer selects the song X that he or she wishes to sing via the remote control device 50. The karaoke device K reserves the karaoke performance of the selected song X (reserving the karaoke performance of song X; step 10).

[0044] The identification unit 100 reads out the music data, reference data, and lyric telop data of the music piece X from the storage means 10a. Then, based on the reference data and lyric telop data of the music piece X selected by the singer, the identification unit 100 identifies the singing section included in a predetermined performance section as the playback singing section, and identifies the other singing sections as the recording singing sections, out of at least two singing sections with matching lyrics and pitches, as the playback singing section (identifying the playback singing section and the recording singing section; step 11).

[0045] Specifically, the determination unit 100 refers to information about performance sections included in the music data and determines 190 combinations of two singing sections that make up the selected music piece X. The determination unit 100 compares each of the 190 combinations based on the reference data and the lyric subtitle data.

[0046] For example, the determination unit 100 compares the lyrics in the singing section SS1-1 with the lyrics in the singing section SS1-2 to determine whether the lyrics are the same. If the lyrics are the same, the determination unit 100 determines that the lyrics in the singing section SS1-1 and the singing section SS1-2 match.

[0047] Furthermore, if the determination unit 100 determines that the lyrics in the singing sections SS1-1 and SS1-2 match, it compares the pitches corresponding to certain lyrics in the singing section SS1-1 with the pitches corresponding to those lyrics in the singing section SS1-2 to check, for example, whether all the pitches are the same. If all the pitches are the same, the determination unit 100 determines that a predetermined percentage or more of the pitches in the singing sections SS1-1 and SS1-2 match.

[0048] The identification unit 100 identifies the singing section included in the predetermined performance section as the playback singing section among at least two singing sections that are determined to have matching lyrics and pitches of at least a predetermined percentage as the singing section included in the predetermined performance section, and identifies the remaining singing sections as the recording singing sections. In this example, the identification unit 100 identifies the singing section SS3-1 included in the first chorus as the recording singing section, and identifies the singing section SS9-1 included in the third chorus, which is the predetermined performance section, as the playback singing section (see FIG. 4).

[0049] When the singer's turn to perform karaoke of song X arrives, the karaoke device K reads out the accompaniment data of song X from the storage means 10a and controls the performance means 10d to perform karaoke of song X (karaoke performance starts; step 12). The singer then sings karaoke of song X.

[0050] The recording unit 200 records the singing voice of the singer singing karaoke in the recording singing section identified in step 11 (recording the singing voice in the recording singing section; step 13).

[0051] In the above example, the recording unit 200 refers to information about the performance section included in the music data of music piece X, and records the singing voice of the singer singing karaoke in the singing section SS3-1 corresponding to the recording singing section.

[0052] The sound emission processing unit 300 emits the singing voice of the recording singing section recorded in step 13 in synchronization with the karaoke performance of the playback singing section (the singing voice recorded in the recording singing section is emitted in the playback singing section; step 14).

[0053] In the above example, the sound emission processor 300 emits the recorded singing voice of the singing section SS3-1 in synchronization with the karaoke performance of the singing section SS9-1.

[0054] The karaoke device K repeats the processes of steps 13 and 14 until the karaoke performance of the piece of music X is completed (if Y in step 15).

[0055] 4, the identifying unit 100 identifies the singing section SS3-1 included in the first chorus as the recording singing section, and identifies the singing sections SS9-1 and SS9-3 included in the third chorus as the playback singing sections.

[0056] In this case, the sound emission processor 300 can emit the recorded singing voice of the singing section SS3-1 in synchronization with the karaoke performance of the singing sections SS9-1 and SS9-3. In this example, the singing section SS3-1 corresponds to the "recorded singing section," and the singing sections SS9-1 and SS9-3 correspond to the "played singing section."

[0057] As is clear from the above, the karaoke device K of this embodiment has an identification unit 100 that, based on the reference data and lyric subtitle data of the song selected by the singer, identifies the singing section included in a specified performance section out of at least two singing sections whose lyrics match and whose pitches match by at least a specified percentage as the playback singing section, and identifies the other singing sections as the recording singing section; a recording unit 200 that records the singing voice of the singer singing karaoke in time with the karaoke performance of the identified recording singing section; and a sound emission processing unit 300 that emits the singing voice of the recording singing section recorded in the playback singing section in time with the karaoke performance of the singing section of the song.

[0058] This karaoke device K allows the singing voice recorded in the recording section to be emitted in the playback section. Therefore, even if the singer's singing ability declines, such as when he or she is unable to hit the high notes at the end of a song, such as the final chorus, the singer can lip-sync along with the emitted recorded singing voice. Meanwhile, the audience can hear the singer's singing voice. Furthermore, the lyrics of the recording section and the playback section match, and the pitches match by at least a predetermined percentage. Therefore, even if the singing voice recorded in the recording section is emitted in the playback section, the lyrics will not be different and the pitch will not deviate significantly. Therefore, the audience can hear a singing voice that sounds as if the singer were actually singing karaoke. In other words, the karaoke device K of this embodiment can emit a singing voice that does not cause discomfort to the audience, instead of the singer's karaoke singing.

[0059] Furthermore, when the pitch of the reference data for the recorded singing section differs from the pitch of the reference data for the playback singing section, the sound emission processor 300 in the karaoke device K according to this embodiment can change the pitch of the singing voice for the recorded singing section based on the pitch of the reference data for the playback singing section and emit the changed singing voice. This karaoke device K can emit a singing voice that matches the pitch of the playback singing section, thereby further reducing the sense of discomfort felt by the audience. Even if the playback singing section is identified, the sound emission processor 300 will not execute processing if no singing voice has been recorded.

[0060] Second Embodiment Next, a karaoke apparatus according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 7. In this embodiment, when there are multiple recorded singing sections, an example will be described in which the singing voice recorded in the recorded singing section with the highest evaluation result is output. Detailed description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0061] [Control means] In this embodiment, the CPU executes a program stored in the memory, causing the control means 10e to function as the identification unit 100, the recording unit 200, the sound emission processing unit 300, and the evaluation processing unit 400 (see FIG. 5).

[0062] (Evaluation processing unit) The evaluation processing unit 400 evaluates the karaoke singing for each singing section.

[0063] The karaoke singing can be evaluated using known methods. For example, the evaluation processor 400 uses reference data of the song to be sung by the singer and audio data based on the singer's singing voice to perform evaluation based on the degree of agreement of the pitches of the notes that make up each singing section. The evaluation result can be displayed as a numerical value (score) ranging from 0 to 100 points, for example.

[0064] (Sound emission processing unit) When there are multiple recorded singing sections, the sound emission processing unit 300 of this embodiment emits, in the playback singing section, the singing voice recorded in the recording singing section with the highest evaluation result among the singing voices recorded in the multiple recording singing sections, in accordance with the karaoke performance of the song.

[0065] When there are three or more singing sections with matching lyrics and pitches that match by at least a predetermined percentage, there may be two or more recording singing sections for one playback singing section. For example, if the specified performance section is the third chorus and singing sections with matching lyrics and pitches that match by at least a predetermined percentage are included in the first, second, and third choruses, the singing section included in the third chorus corresponds to the "playback singing section," and the singing sections included in the first and second choruses correspond to the "recording singing sections."

[0066] When there are a plurality of singing sections to be recorded, the recording section 200 records the singing voice in each of the plurality of singing sections to be recorded.

[0067] When there are multiple recorded singing sections, the sound emission processing unit 300 acquires the scoring results for each recorded singing section from the evaluation processing unit 400 at the start of the karaoke performance of the playback singing section. The sound emission processing unit 300 compares the acquired scoring results and identifies the recorded singing section with the highest evaluation result from the multiple recorded singing sections. The sound emission processing unit 300 reads out the voice data of the singing voice recorded in the identified recorded singing section from the storage means 10a. The sound emission processing unit 300 controls the performance means 10d to emit the singing voice of the identified recorded singing section from the speaker 20 in time with the karaoke performance of the playback singing section.

[0068] ==About the operation of the karaoke device K== Next, a specific example of the operation of the karaoke device K in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the karaoke device K. Fig. 7 shows the performance sections of a song Y. Song Y is made up of 12 performance sections (20 singing sections SS11-1 to SS19-4): an introduction, an A-melody of the first verse, a B-melody of the first verse, a B-melody of the third verse, a chorus of the third verse, and an ending. Additionally, the chorus of the third verse is set as a predetermined performance section in anticipation of a case where a singer becomes too enthusiastic at the start of song Y and is unable to sing the high notes in the final chorus.

[0069] The singer selects the song Y that he or she wishes to sing via the remote control device 50. The karaoke device K reserves the karaoke performance of the selected song Y (reserving the karaoke performance of song Y; step 20).

[0070] The identification unit 100 reads out the music data, reference data, and lyric telop data of the music piece Y from the storage means 10a. Then, based on the reference data and lyric telop data of the music piece Y selected by the singer, the identification unit 100 identifies the singing section included in a predetermined performance section as the playback singing section, and identifies the other singing sections as the recording singing sections, based on at least two singing sections with matching lyrics and pitches, as the playback singing section (identifying the playback singing section and the recording singing section; step 21).

[0071] Specifically, the determination unit 100 refers to information about performance sections included in the music data and determines 190 combinations of two singing sections that make up the selected music piece Y. The determination unit 100 compares each of the 190 combinations based on the reference data and the lyric subtitle data.

[0072] The identification unit 100 identifies the singing section included in the predetermined performance section among at least two singing sections that are determined to have matching lyrics and pitches of at least a predetermined percentage as the playback singing section, and identifies the remaining singing sections as the recording singing sections. In this example, the identification unit 100 identifies the singing sections SS13-1 included in the first chorus and SS16-1 included in the second chorus as the recording singing sections, and identifies the singing section SS19-1 included in the third chorus, which is the predetermined performance section, as the playback singing section (see FIG. 7).

[0073] When the singer's turn to perform the karaoke version of song Y arrives, the karaoke device K reads out the accompaniment data for song Y from the storage means 10a and controls the performance means 10d to perform the karaoke version of song Y (karaoke performance starts; step 22).

[0074] The evaluation processing unit 400 evaluates the karaoke singing for each singing section (evaluating the karaoke singing for each singing section; step 23). In this example, the evaluation result for singing section SS13-1 is "90 points," and the evaluation result for singing section SS16-1 is "80 points."

[0075] The recording unit 200 also records the singing voice of the singer singing karaoke in the recording singing section identified in step 21 (recording the singing voice in the recording singing section; step 24).

[0076] In the above example, the recording unit 200 refers to information regarding the performance section contained in the song data of song Y, and records the singing voice of the singer singing karaoke in the order of singing section SS13-1 and singing section SS16-1, which correspond to the recording singing section.

[0077] The sound emission processing unit 300 emits the singing voice recorded in the recording singing section with the highest evaluation result among a plurality of recording singing sections in the playback singing section in accordance with the karaoke performance in the playback singing section (the singing voice recorded in the recording singing section with the highest evaluation result is emitted in the playback singing section; step 25).

[0078] In the above example, when the karaoke performance of the singing section SS19-1 is started, the sound emission processing unit 300 acquires the scoring results for the singing sections SS13-1 and SS16-1 from the evaluation processing unit 400. The sound emission processing unit 300 compares the acquired scoring results and identifies the singing section SS13-1, which has the higher evaluation result (90 points), from the singing sections SS13-1 and SS16-1. The sound emission processing unit 300 reads out the voice data of the singing voice recorded in the identified singing section SS13-1 from the storage means 10a. The sound emission processing unit 300 controls the performance means 10d to emit the singing voice of the singing section SS13-1 from the speaker 20 in time with the karaoke performance of the singing section SS19-1.

[0079] The karaoke device K repeats the processing of steps 23 to 25 until the karaoke performance of the piece Y is completed (if Y in step 26).

[0080] As is clear from the above, the karaoke device K of this embodiment has an evaluation processor 400 that evaluates the karaoke singing for each singing section. When there are multiple recording singing sections, the sound emission processor 300 of this embodiment emits, in the playback singing section, the singing voice recorded in the recording singing section with the highest evaluation result among the singing voices recorded in the multiple recording singing sections, in time with the karaoke performance of the song.

[0081] According to such a karaoke device K, the singing voice recorded in the singing section with the highest evaluation result, that is, the singing section in which the singer sang karaoke best, can be output in time with the karaoke performance.

[0082] <Variation 1> For example, if a singer singing a certain song does not experience an unexpected decline in singing ability, there is no need to emit the recorded singing voice during the playback singing section. Therefore, the karaoke device K according to this modification stops emitting the recorded singing voice.

[0083] The karaoke device K according to this modification includes an evaluation processing unit 400 that evaluates the karaoke singing for each singing section. The processing performed by the evaluation processing unit 400 is the same as that in the second embodiment.

[0084] If the evaluation result for the singing section immediately preceding the playback singing section satisfies a predetermined condition, the sound emission processing unit 300 according to this modification stops emitting the singing voice of the recorded singing section during the playback singing section.

[0085] The predetermined condition is a condition for determining whether or not to emit the recorded singing voice, and is set in advance as a single condition, such as a score of 80 points or more.

[0086] Specifically, when starting karaoke performance of the playback singing section, the sound emission processing unit 300 acquires the evaluation result of the singing section immediately preceding the playback singing section from the evaluation processing unit 400. The sound emission processing unit 300 determines whether the acquired evaluation result satisfies a predetermined condition. If the predetermined condition is satisfied, the sound emission processing unit 300 stops emitting the singing voice of the recorded singing section during the playback singing section. On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the sound emission processing unit 300 continues emitting the singing voice of the recorded singing section during the playback singing section.

[0087] For example, as described in the first embodiment, it is assumed that a singer sings song X as karaoke.

[0088] When starting the karaoke performance of the singing section SS9-1, the sound emission processor 300 acquires the evaluation result of the singing section SS8-2 immediately preceding the singing section SS9-1 from the evaluation processor 400. The sound emission processor 300 determines whether the acquired evaluation result satisfies a predetermined condition. If the predetermined condition is satisfied, the sound emission processor 300 stops emitting the singing voice of the recorded singing section SS3-1 in the singing section SS9-1. On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the sound emission processor 300 continues emitting the singing voice of the recorded singing section SS3-1 in the singing section SS9-1.

[0089] As described above, the karaoke machine K according to this modification has an evaluation processor 400 that evaluates the karaoke singing for each singing section. The sound emission processor 300 according to this modification can stop emitting the singing voice of the recorded singing section during the playback singing section if the evaluation result for the singing section immediately preceding the playback singing section satisfies a predetermined condition. With this karaoke machine, if the singer can sing karaoke without any problems, the recorded singing voice is not emitted.

[0090] <Variation 2> In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which a single song contains a combination of at least two singing sections whose lyrics match and whose pitches match by at least a predetermined percentage (hereinafter referred to as a "combination"). However, a single song may contain multiple combinations.

[0091] In this case, the karaoke device K performs the same processing as in the above embodiment for each combination, so that the singing voice of the recorded singing section can be reproduced in the corresponding playback singing section in time with the karaoke performance of the song.

[0092] For example, Figure 8 shows the performance sections of song Z. Song Z is composed of 12 performance sections (20 singing sections SS21-1 to SS29-4): an introduction, the A-melody of the first verse, the B-melody of the first verse, the B-melody of the third verse, the chorus of the third verse, and an ending.

[0093] Here, in a combination of singing section SS23-1 included in the first chorus and singing section SS29-1 included in the third chorus, the identification unit 100 identifies singing section SS29-1 as the playback singing section P1 and singing section SS23-1 as the recording singing section R1. Also, in a combination of singing section SS26-1 included in the second chorus and singing section SS29-3 included in the third chorus, the identification unit 100 identifies singing section SS29-3 as the playback singing section P2 and singing section SS26-1 as the recording singing section R2 (see FIG. 8).

[0094] In this case, the recording unit 200 refers to information regarding the performance section contained in the song data of song Z, and records the singing voice of the singer singing karaoke in the singing section SS23-1 and singing section SS26-1 identified by the identification unit 100.

[0095] The sound emission processor 300 emits the recorded singing voice of the singing section SS23-1 in time with the karaoke performance of the singing section SS29-1, and also emits the recorded singing voice of the singing section SS26-1 in time with the karaoke performance of the singing section SS29-3.

[0096] <Other> The above-described embodiments are presented as examples and do 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 spirit of the invention. The above-described embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 100 Specific part 200 Recording Section 300 Sound emission processing section 400 Evaluation processing section K Karaoke equipment

Claims

1. a specifying unit that specifies, based on reference data and lyric subtitle data of a song selected by a singer, a singing section included in a predetermined performance section out of at least two singing sections having matching lyrics and pitches of a predetermined percentage or more as a playback singing section, and specifies the other singing sections as recording singing sections; a recording unit for recording the singing voice of the singer singing karaoke in accordance with the karaoke performance of the specified recording singing section; a sound emission processing unit that emits the singing voice of the recorded singing section in the playback singing section in accordance with the karaoke performance of the singing section of the song; an evaluation processing unit that evaluates the karaoke singing for each singing section; and The sound emission processing unit stops emitting the singing voice of the recorded singing section during the playback singing section if the result of the evaluation during the singing section immediately preceding the playback singing section satisfies a predetermined condition.

2. The karaoke device of claim 1, characterized in that when there are multiple recorded singing sections, the sound emission processing unit emits, in the playback singing section, the singing voice recorded in the recording singing section with the highest evaluation result among the singing voices recorded in the multiple recorded singing sections, in accordance with the karaoke performance of the song.

3. 3. The karaoke apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sound emission processing unit, when the pitch of the reference data for the recorded singing section differs from the pitch of the reference data for the played-back singing section, changes the pitch of the recorded singing voice for the recorded singing section based on the pitch of the reference data for the played-back singing section and emits the changed pitch.

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