Karaoke game system, and program for portable terminal

Abstract

To provide a new way to enjoy using a musical piece reproduction function of a Karaoke device.SOLUTION: A Karaoke game system related to this invention executes: reproduction processing for reproducing a Karaoke musical piece; mode assignment processing for assigning a first mode or second mode to the a Karaoke musical piece to be reproduced; and interference sound output processing for outputting an interference sound to an output part that makes audible only to a singer when the Karaoke musical piece to be reproduced is in the first mode, and not outputting the interference sound when the Karaoke musical piece to be reproduced is in the second mode, during a reproduction period of the Karaoke musical piece.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a karaoke game system that enables performance for singing, and a program for a mobile terminal that is executed on the mobile terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] Karaoke, where people enjoy singing along to the music being played, is still popular among many users. Karaoke machines can now play a huge number of songs thanks to music distribution via communication. To improve the playability of karaoke machines, there is a demand for adding new functions in addition to the basic music playback function.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a singing assistance system that performs an appropriate sound effect production method depending on whether the user of the karaoke system is single or multiple. According to the singing assistance system described in Patent Document 1, if there is a single user, sound effect pronunciation data is output as sound, and if there are multiple users, display data of the sound effect is output as display, making it possible to efficiently derive an appropriate sound effect production method depending on the karaoke usage mode. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-76677 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The singing assistance system described in Patent Document 1 aims to strengthen the music playback function, which is a basic function of a karaoke machine. The present invention aims to provide a new way to enjoy using a karaoke machine by adding a new game function that utilizes the music playback function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] For this reason, the karaoke game system according to the present invention employs the following configuration. A playback process for playing back karaoke songs; a mode allocation process for allocating a first mode or a second mode to a karaoke piece to be played; During the reproduction of the karaoke piece, if the karaoke piece being reproduced is in the first mode, an interference sound is outputted to an output section which allows only the singer to hear it, and if the karaoke piece being reproduced is in the second mode, an interference sound output process is executed which does not output the interference sound.

[0007] Furthermore, in the karaoke game system according to the present invention, The interference sound output process outputs an interference sound based on a user's operation of an interface.

[0008] Furthermore, in the karaoke game system according to the present invention, The interference sound output process outputs an interference sound at random timing during the reproduction of the karaoke piece assigned to the first mode.

[0009] Furthermore, the karaoke game system according to the present invention comprises: When the user performs an operation on the displayed interface, an operation display process is executed to display information indicating that the operation has been performed.

[0010] Furthermore, in the karaoke game system according to the present invention, The interference sound output process outputs interference sound to earphones or headphones worn by the singer.

[0011] Furthermore, in the karaoke game system according to the present invention, The karaoke system includes a program for a portable terminal executed on a portable terminal and a karaoke device. The portable terminal on which the portable terminal program is executed and the karaoke device are communicatively associated with each other.

[0012] Furthermore, in the karaoke game system according to the present invention, The mode allocation process and the interference sound output process are executed by either the program for the portable terminal or the karaoke device.

[0013] Furthermore, the karaoke game system according to the present invention comprises: a vote acceptance process for accepting votes based on an inference as to whether the reproduced karaoke piece was assigned to the first mode or the second mode; A result notification process is executed to notify the result based on the first mode or the second mode assigned to the karaoke piece and the votes received in the vote reception process.

[0014] Furthermore, the karaoke game system according to the present invention comprises: When reserving a karaoke piece, an identification information assignment process is executed to assign an identification information representing a user to the karaoke piece; The mode assignment process assigns the first mode or the second mode to identification information indicating a user; The vote acceptance process accepts votes based on an inference as to whether the first mode or the second mode was assigned to the identification information indicating the user.

[0015] In addition, the program for a mobile terminal according to the present invention is A program for a mobile terminal executed on a mobile terminal, a mode allocation process for allocating a first mode or a second mode to a karaoke piece to be played; During the reproduction of the karaoke piece, if the karaoke piece being reproduced is in the first mode, an interference sound is outputted to an output section that can be heard only by the singer, and if the karaoke piece being reproduced is in the second mode, an interference sound output process is executed that does not output the interference sound. Effect of the Invention

[0016] The karaoke game system and the program for a mobile terminal according to the present invention make it possible to provide a new way of playing karaoke songs, thereby making it possible to increase the enjoyment of singing karaoke. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a karaoke system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a flowchart showing a game process according to the present embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram showing a preparation process according to the present embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a playback process according to the embodiment; [Diagram 5] A flow diagram showing the voting result processing according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a situation when using karaoke according to the present embodiment; [Figure 7] 5A to 5C are diagrams showing various screens displayed on the mobile terminal according to the embodiment; [Figure 8] 5A to 5C are diagrams showing various screens displayed on the mobile terminal according to the embodiment; [Figure 9] 5A to 5C are diagrams showing various screens displayed on the mobile terminal according to the embodiment; [Figure 10] 5A to 5C are diagrams showing various screens displayed on the mobile terminal according to the embodiment; [Figure 11] 5A to 5C are diagrams showing various screens displayed on the mobile terminal according to the embodiment; [Figure 12] 5A to 5C are diagrams showing various screens displayed on the remote control device according to the embodiment; [Figure 13] 5A to 5C are diagrams showing various screens displayed on a monitor according to the embodiment; [Figure 14] 5A to 5C are diagrams showing various screens displayed on a monitor according to the embodiment; [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a process during playback according to another embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a karaoke system according to this embodiment. The karaoke system according to this embodiment includes a karaoke device 2 (sometimes called a "commander") and a remote control device 1. The karaoke device 2 and the remote control device 1 are communicatively connected to each other so as to form a network using a LAN 100 and an access point 110.

[0019] The karaoke device 2 installed in a karaoke booth or the like includes an audio control unit 25 as a performance unit for playing music. The karaoke device 2 also includes an operation unit 21 that accepts various inputs from the user. The karaoke device 2 also includes an operation processing unit 22 that interprets the inputs from the operation unit 21 and transmits them to the control unit 30. The karaoke device 2 also includes a hard disk 32 as a storage unit for storing various information. The karaoke device 2 also includes a LAN communication unit 24a as a communication means for connecting to the LAN 100 and joining the network. The karaoke device 2 of this embodiment also includes a wireless LAN communication unit 24b. This wireless LAN communication unit 24b can also be used to perform network communication.

[0020] The karaoke device 2 also includes a video playback means for displaying a lyric video and a background video on the monitor 41. The video playback means includes a video playback section 29 for playing back video based on video information, a video RAM 28 for temporarily storing the video to be played back, and a video control section 31 for overlaying lyric captions on the played back video, applying video effects, and the like.

[0021] Furthermore, the karaoke device 2 is capable of displaying various information on the touch panel monitor 33 in addition to the externally connected monitor 41. The touch panel monitor 33 is configured by superimposing a display section 33a for displaying video information input from the video control section 31 and a touch panel 33b for outputting a touch-input position to the operation processing section 22.

[0022] The touch panel monitor 33 is disposed on the front surface of the housing of the karaoke device 2 and functions as an input unit. By selecting a song on the touch panel monitor 33, the user can directly reserve a song on the karaoke device 2 and perform various operations on the karaoke device 2.

[0023] Furthermore, the karaoke device 2 is configured to include a control unit 30 for controlling each component in an integrated manner, and a control unit including a memory 27 for temporarily storing information required for executing various programs.

[0024] With this configuration, the karaoke device 2 executes various processes. The main processes executed by the karaoke device 2 include a song reservation process and a song playback process. The song reservation process is a process for specifying and reserving a song based on an operational instruction from the user, and is executed in cooperation with the remote control device 1. Reservation information including song identification information formed by the song specification process of the remote control device 1 is transmitted to the karaoke device 2. The karaoke device 2 registers the received reservation information in a reservation table in the memory 27. The song playback process is a process for playing a song based on the reservation information registered in the reservation table, and is a process in which the song performance process and the lyric display process are executed synchronously.

[0025] The music performance process is a process for reading music information based on music identification information in the reservation information registered in the reservation table, and for causing the audio control unit 25 to perform a performance based on the performance information included in the music information. The music performed by the audio control unit 25 is output from the speaker 42 together with the singing voice input from the singing microphones 44a, 44b. The lyrics display process is a process for providing singing assistance by displaying the lyrics information included in the music information on the monitor 41. A background image display process may be executed in which the lyrics displayed in the lyrics display process are superimposed on a background image.

[0026] The remote control device 1 can search for songs based on an operation instruction from a user, and execute reservation instruction processing such as transmitting reservation information for a specified and reserved song to the karaoke device 2. The remote control device 1 can also receive various information from the karaoke device 2 or a server device connected to the Internet and execute various processes. In this embodiment, the remote control device 1 includes an operation unit 17 and a touch panel monitor 11 as a user interface for receiving various operation instructions from a user. The touch panel monitor 11 includes a display unit 111 and a touch panel 112, and displays various interfaces on the display unit 111, and can receive touch input from the user using the touch panel 112.

[0027] Furthermore, the remote control device 1 is equipped with a memory 14 as a storage unit for storing a database required for searching for music, various programs, and various information generated with the execution of the programs, and a remote control control unit for controlling these components in an integrated manner. The remote control control unit includes a control unit 15, an image control unit 13 for forming an image to be displayed on the touch panel monitor 11, a video RAM 12 for temporarily storing image information to be displayed, and an operation processing unit 18 for interpreting input from the touch panel monitor 11 or the operation unit 17 and transmitting the input to the control unit 15.

[0028] The remote control device 1 is connected to a network formed by a LAN 100 by being wirelessly connected to an access point 110 via a wireless LAN communication unit 16. In communication using the wireless LAN communication unit 16, the remote control device 1 and the karaoke device 2 can perform two-way communication. Each remote control device 1 is associated with a specific karaoke device 2 at any timing. Various commands output from the remote control device 1 are received by the associated karaoke device 2, making it possible to remotely control the karaoke device 2.

[0029] The remote control device 1 can also perform communication using an infrared communication unit 19. In communication using the infrared communication unit 19, communication between the remote control device 1 and the karaoke device is one-way (from the remote control device 1 to the karaoke device 2). In this embodiment, communication is performed using the infrared communication unit 19 when communication using the wireless LAN communication unit 16 is not possible.

[0030] With such a configuration of the remote control device 1, various inputs from the user are accepted from the touch panel monitor 11 or the operation unit 17, and various information is provided to the user by the display on the touch panel monitor 11, making it possible to perform various processes, such as a reservation instruction process for transmitting reservation information to be output to the karaoke device 2.

[0031] The karaoke system of this embodiment is capable of playing a game using a music playback function. The game is played by connecting and communicating with a mobile terminal 6, such as a smartphone or tablet terminal, owned by a user and the karaoke device 2. The game played in this embodiment is a game in which players guess whose singing is being interrupted by an interfering sound while music is being played. The karaoke game system according to the present invention includes the karaoke device 2 and a mobile terminal program executed by the mobile terminal 6.

[0032] Fig. 6 shows a situation when a game is being played. The karaoke device 2 and the mobile terminal 6 are connected to be able to communicate with the karaoke device 2. Fig. 6 shows a state in which four users 7A to 7D are participating in the game, and the state in which the user 7A is singing is shown. A user 7A who is singing wears headphones 65 connected to the mobile terminal 6 via wireless communication (or wired communication).

[0033] Roles (noisy, DC, normal) are assigned to users 7A to 7D. While a song is being sung, an operable button (disturbance button) is displayed on mobile terminal 6, and is operated by users other than the user singing (users 7B to 7D in this case). If the role of the singing user is "noisy," an interfering sound is output from headphones 65 when the interfering button is operated. On the other hand, if the role of the singing user is other than "noisy," no interfering sound is output even if the interfering button is operated.

[0034] The victory condition for a user assigned the role of "noisy" is to not let it be discovered that the role assigned to him / her is "noisy". The victory condition for a user assigned the role of "normal" is to guess who the user assigned the role of "noisy" is. The victory condition for a user assigned the role of "DC" is to be thought of as "noisy". In the game of this embodiment, after all users 7A to 7D take turns singing, a vote is cast to determine which group of roles (camp) will win.

[0035] 2 is a flow diagram showing the game processing according to this embodiment. The game processing is executed in the order of preparation processing (S100), playback processing (S200), and voting result processing (S300). First, the preparation processing (S100) will be described.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing preparation processing (S100) according to this embodiment. The user starts an app (application program) of the mobile terminal 6, or selects a game from a menu of the app. FIG. 7(a) shows a start screen displayed on the touch panel monitor 61 of the mobile terminal 6. A start button 61a is displayed on the start screen, and when the start button 61a is operated (S101: Yes), a code reading screen shown in FIG. 7(b) is displayed (S102). The code reading screen has a shooting display field 61b for displaying an image captured by the rear camera of the mobile terminal 6.

[0037] Also, the user uses the remote control device 1 to start a game function on the karaoke device 2 side. FIG. 12(A) shows a start screen displayed on the touch panel monitor 11 of the remote control device 1. After displaying the start screen, the touch panel monitor 11 displays a code display screen shown in FIG. 12(B). A QR code (registered trademark) is displayed on the code display screen as code information 11a. The code information 11a includes connection information for connecting the mobile terminal 6 to the karaoke device 2 for communication, such as identification information of the karaoke device 2. The mobile terminal 6 reads the connection information of the code information 11a by taking a picture so that the code information 11a is located within the photographed display field 61b described in FIG. 7(b).

[0038] If the connection information is read by the mobile terminal 6 (S103: Yes), the mobile terminal 6 uses a mobile terminal network or a wireless LAN used in the store to establish a communication connection with the karaoke device 2 (S104). After that, the mobile terminal 6 and the karaoke device 2 can transmit and receive information via communication.

[0039] After the communication connection is completed, the mobile terminal 6 displays a number-of-participants input screen shown in FIG. 7(c). The number-of-participants input screen is a screen for inputting the number of people participating in the game, and displays a number-of-participants input field 61c, an assigned number of people 61d, and a decision button 61e. The user inputs the number of people participating in the game in the number-of-participants input field 61c using a software keyboard (not shown) or the like. When the number of participants is input (S106: Yes), a mode assignment process is executed to assign a role to each participant. The assigned number of people 61d displays the number of people assigned to each role (noisy, DC, normal) (S107). In this embodiment, the assigned number of people is determined by the mobile terminal 6, but may be set by the user. After inputting the number of participants, the decision button 61e is operated (S108: Yes) to display a character display screen (S109).

[0040] In this embodiment, an identification information assignment process is executed to assign characters 7a to 7d (corresponding to "identification information") to each user so that the user can easily play the game. The user can check the singing of songs by the characters 7a to 7d assigned by the identification information assignment process, the acceptance of votes, etc. Note that a mode assignment process may be executed to assign the first mode or the second mode to the characters 7a to 7d for which the identification information assignment process has been executed.

[0041] In this embodiment, the game is played using one mobile terminal 6, so the users 7A to 7D check the characters 7a to 7d and the roles assigned to them and select songs by taking turns passing the mobile terminal 6. For ease of explanation, the explanation will be given with the same alphabetical suffix, with the user 7A being assigned the character 7a, the user 7B being assigned the character 7b, and so on.

[0042] Fig. 8(d) is a diagram showing a character notification screen of this embodiment. The character notification screen displays the character 7a (dog character) and the character confirmation button 6h (S109). The user 7A who first receives the mobile terminal 6 confirms the character 7a assigned to him / her on the character notification screen shown in Fig. 8(d). After confirming, the user operates the role confirmation button 61f (S110: Yes) to display the next role notification screen (S111).

[0043] FIG. 8(e) is a diagram showing a role notification screen of this embodiment. A role display field 61g and a music selection start button 61h are displayed on the role notification screen. The role display field 61g displays the role required in the game assigned by the mode assignment process and the victory conditions for the role. In the case of FIG. 8(e), it is displayed that the character 7a of the user 7A has been assigned the role "noisy". The victory condition for the role "noisy" is that the other users do not know that the user is "noisy". Note that, in playing the game, it is necessary that the role notification screen is not shown to other users.

[0044] After confirming his / her role, the user 7A operates the music selection start button 61h (S112: Yes) to start the music selection process (S113). Fig. 9(i) is a diagram showing the music selection screen of this embodiment. The music selection screen displays a search item specification field 61i, and the user can select music by song, artist (singer), or album.

[0045] 9(i) shows a state in which songs are selected by song, and a song-related information display field 61j is displayed on the screen by song (in alphabetical order). Song titles, artist names, and icons are displayed in the song-related information display field 61j, and the user selects a song by operating the song-related information display field 61j. When a song is selected, a song confirmation screen (not shown) showing details of the song is displayed, and the user 7A confirms the song (S114: Yes).

[0046] When the song selection is confirmed (S114: Yes), the mobile terminal 6 is handed over to the next user 7B, who displays (S109) a character notification screen (not shown), displays (S111) a role notification screen, and executes song selection processing (S113). FIG. 8(f) shows the role notification screen for user 7B. The role notification screen displays the character 7b (a cat character) assigned to user 7B, and the role display field 61g displays the assigned role "DC". The processing condition for the role "DC" is to be thought of as "noisy".

[0047] When the song selection of user 7B is confirmed (S114: Yes), the mobile terminal 6 is handed over to the next user 7C, who displays a character notification screen (not shown) (S109), displays a role notification screen (S111), and executes song selection processing (S113). FIG. 9(g) shows the role notification screen for user 7C. The role notification screen displays the character 7c (a squirrel character) assigned to user 7C, and the role display field 61g displays the assigned role "Normal." The processing condition for the role "Normal" is to hit "Noisy."

[0048] When the song selection of user 7C is confirmed (S114: Yes), the mobile terminal 6 is handed over to the next user 7D, who displays a character notification screen (not shown) (S109), displays a role notification screen (S111), and executes song selection processing (S113). Fig. 9(h) shows the role notification screen for user 7D. The role notification screen displays the character 7d (rabbit character) assigned to user 7D, and the role display field 61g displays the assigned role "normal."

[0049] When all users 7A to 7D have confirmed their characters, roles, and selected songs (S115: Yes), the touch panel monitor 61 of the mobile terminal 6 displays an all song selection confirmation screen in FIG. 10(j) (S116). FIG. 10(j) is a diagram showing the all song selection confirmation screen of this embodiment. On the all song selection confirmation screen, a song selection content display field 61k and a performance start button 61l are displayed for each of the characters 7a to 7d. The users 7A to 7D can check the songs and artists they have selected using the song selection content display field 61k.

[0050] As can be seen from the all song selection confirmation screen, the selected song is assigned to each character 7a-7d (identification information indicating the user 7A-7D). Since each character 7a-7d is assigned a role, the selected song is assigned to the first mode that outputs interference sounds (role "noisy") or the second mode that does not output interference sounds (role "DC" or "normal").

[0051] After checking the song, when the play start button 61l is operated (S117: Yes), the mobile terminal 6 transmits reservation information including the song ID of the selected song to the karaoke device 2 (S118). When a reservation is made (S118), information indicating the characters 7a-7d assigned to each song may also be transmitted to the karaoke device 2.

[0052] The karaoke device 2 registers the song ID of the song reserved for the game in a reservation table in the same way as for normal songs, and manages the playback of the song. Therefore, the karaoke device 2 cannot determine whether or not a song has been reserved for a game. Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 6 registers and manages the song ID of the song reserved for the game in a management table as a song reserved for a game (hereinafter referred to as a "game song"). In addition to the song ID of the reserved song, the management table also registers a character and a role in association with the song ID.

[0053] The karaoke device 2 transmits playback status information indicating the status of song playback, such as the song ID of the song currently being played, the song ID of the song that has started playing, and the song ID of the song that has finished playing, to the mobile terminal 6 at an appropriate timing. Therefore, the mobile terminal 6 can grasp the playback status of the game songs and control the progress of the game based on the playback status information indicating the status of song playback received from the karaoke device 2. With this configuration, game-related processing can be mainly performed on the mobile terminal 6 side, making it possible to reduce the processing burden on the karaoke device 2, as well as the burden and changes during development.

[0054] The karaoke device 2 registers the song ID (song identification information) of the song included in the reservation information in a reservation table, and starts a song playback process based on the reservation table. Before starting the song playback process, the karaoke device 2 displays a character display screen shown in Fig. 13(a) on the monitor 41. The selected characters 7a to 7d are displayed on the character display screen, and the user can check his / her own character. Meanwhile, the mobile terminal 6 executes a playback process (S200) while the karaoke device 2 is playing the song.

[0055] 4 is a flow diagram showing the playback process (S200) according to this embodiment. The portable terminal 6 receives playback status information including the song ID of the song being played on the karaoke device 2 (S201). The portable terminal 6 compares the received playback status information with the management table to determine which of the users 7A-D (actually, the assigned characters 7a-7d) selected the song and their role (S202). Note that it is possible that songs unrelated to the game may be reserved on the karaoke device 2, for example, by using an interrupt function.

[0056] If the song ID included in the playback status information is not registered in the management table, the mobile terminal 6 may not execute the game function or may temporarily suspend the game function. Next, the mobile terminal 6 displays an interruption screen displaying one of the characters 7a to 7d based on the determined characters 7a to 7d (S203). FIG. 10(k) is a diagram showing the interruption screen of this embodiment. The character 7a corresponding to the played song ID and an interruption button 61m are displayed on the interruption screen. FIG. 10(k) shows a case where the user 7A is singing, similar to the case described in FIG. 6.

[0057] 6, the user 7A sings while wearing the headphones 65. The performance sounds of the music played by the karaoke device 2 are emitted from the speaker 42, but because the volume is high, the user 7A can hear the performance sounds even while wearing the headphones 65. To better hear the performance sounds, the headphones 65 may be worn on only one ear.

[0058] 13(b) is displayed on the monitor 41 connected to the karaoke device 2. The singing screen also displays lyrics 41c to assist singing, as well as a character 7a assigned to the song being played and an interruption button notification area 41b.

[0059] Users 7B to 7D other than the singing user 7A operate the intrusion button 61m displayed on the touch panel monitor 61 (interface) of the portable terminal 6 shown in Fig. 6 at the timing when they wish to output an interference sound. When the intrusion button 61m shown in Fig. 10(k) is operated (S205: Yes), the portable terminal 6 transmits operation information indicating that the intrusion button 61m has been operated to the karaoke device 2 (S206). When the karaoke device 2 receives the operation information, it executes an operation display process to display in the intrusion button notification field 41b that the intrusion button 61m has been operated. Also, the interface of the portable terminal 6 may be capable of executing an operation display process to display that the intrusion button 61m has been operated.

[0060] The notification to the intrusion button notification field 41b by the operation display process can be in various forms, such as switching between displaying and hiding the intrusion button notification field 41b, changing the message displayed in the intrusion button notification field 41b, etc. In this embodiment, the operation of the intrusion button 61m is notified by display, but it may also be notified by sound. In that case, when the intrusion button 61m is operated, a notification sound is emitted from the speaker 42, so that all users 7A to 7D can confirm that the intrusion button 61m has been operated.

[0061] Next, the mobile terminal 6 checks whether the role corresponding to the song ID being played in S202 is "noisy" (S207). If the role is "noisy" (S207: Yes), the mobile terminal 6 executes interference sound output processing to output interference sound to the headphones 65 worn by the singing user 7A (S208). The interference sound output by the interference sound output processing uses noise, conversation, music unrelated to the song, etc., lasting for several seconds, and if the role of the singing user is "noisy," this interference sound makes it difficult to sing.

[0062] The user 7A with the role of "noisy" behaves as if he does not hear the disturbing sound, thereby appealing that his role is not "noisy." Meanwhile, the other users 7B to 7D operate the disturbance button 61m to check the reaction of the singing user 7A, and guess whether the role of the user 7A is "noisy" or not.

[0063] On the other hand, in the case of users 7B to 7D whose role is not "noisy" (S207: No), no disruptive sound is output even if the interruption button 61m is operated (S205: Yes). In the case of users 7C and 7D whose role is "normal", no disruptive sound is output, so they can sing without being disturbed by the disruptive sound. On the other hand, in the case of user 7B whose role is "DC", no disruptive sound is output. However, since the winning condition is to be thought of as "noisy", the user will behave as if he is being disturbed by the disruptive sound.

[0064] Any of the users 7A-7D can confirm that the interruption button 61m has been operated by looking at the interruption button notification field 41b displayed on the monitor 41. When singing, each of the users 7A-7D expresses whether or not they are interrupted by the interruption sound through their singing or attitude in a way that leads to their own victory condition. In addition, the users 7A-7D who are guessing this can guess which users 7A-7D have been assigned the role "noisy" by observing the singing conditions and attitudes of the singing users 7A-7D.

[0065] The karaoke device 2 plays the songs selected by each of the users 7A-7D, and the mobile terminal 6 executes the processes of S201-S208 in Fig. 4 for each of the users 7A-7D. When the karaoke device 2 finishes playing a song, it notifies the mobile terminal 6 of the end of the playback status information including the song ID of the song that has finished playing. As described above, the mobile terminal 6 manages the song IDs as game songs in the management table.

[0066] Therefore, the portable terminal 6 can grasp the playback status of the game music based on the playback status information received from the karaoke device 2. The portable terminal 6 receives the music playback end notification in S204, judges whether or not all game music has been played, and if all game music has been played (S209: Yes), ends the playback process (S200) and executes the next voting result process (S300).

[0067] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing the vote acceptance process and result process (S300) according to this embodiment. The vote acceptance process and result process (S300) is a process for accepting votes from each of the users 7A to 7D as to who has the role of "noisy" and announcing the results. FIG. 10(I) is a discussion time display screen according to this embodiment. In the vote and result process (S300), a time (discussion time) is provided for discussion between the users 7A to 7D before casting a vote. The discussion time display screen displays a remaining time display field 61n, an extension button 61o, and an end button 61p.

[0068] In this embodiment, a time limit is set for the discussion time (S301), and the remaining time of the discussion time is counted down and displayed in the remaining time display field 61n. The extension button 61o is an operator for extending the discussion time. The end button 61p is an operator for ending the discussion time. When the discussion time runs out or the end button 61p is operated to end the discussion time (S302: Yes), one of the characters 7a to 7d is identified (S303). Then, a vote acceptance process is executed to display a vote screen for the identified character 7a to 7d (S304).

[0069] Fig. 11(m) is a diagram showing a voting screen of this embodiment. Fig. 11(m) is a voting screen when the character 7a is specified in S303 of Fig. 5. The voting screen is provided with a voting column 61q and a voting button 61s. The voting column 61q is provided with the selected song name, artist name, and voting check column 61r for each of the characters 7a to 7d. The user 7A corresponding to the character 7a selects one of the characters 7a to 7d of the users 7A to 7D who are estimated to have the role "noisy" by touching the voting check column 61r.

[0070] In this embodiment, when voting, it is possible to select the character 7a assigned to the user 7A who is casting the vote. After selecting the characters 7a to 7d, the user operates the voting button 61s to complete the vote (S305: Yes). When the user 7A has completed voting, the characters 7b to 7d corresponding to the next users 7B to 7D who have not yet cast their votes are identified (S303), and the user casts the vote using the voting screen.

[0071] When all the characters 7a to 7d have been identified (S306: Yes), that is, when all the users 7A to 7D have voted, a tallying process (S307) is performed based on the votes received by the vote receiving process. In the tallying process, the number of votes cast for each of the characters 7a to 7d is tallied, and a winning camp (a group of winning roles) is determined based on the tallying results.

[0072] Then, a result notification process is performed (S308) to display a result screen based on the tallying process (S307). FIG. 11(n) is a diagram showing the result screen of this embodiment. The result screen by the result notification process is provided with a noisy display field 61t, a DC display field 61u, a winning camp display field 61v, a tallying result display field 61w, a resume button 61x, and an end button 61y. The character 7a assigned to the role "noisy" is displayed in the noisy display field 61t.

[0073] The DC display field 61u displays the character 7d assigned to the role "DC." The tally result display field 61w displays the number of votes for each of the characters 7a to 7d. In the case of FIG. 11(n), the character 7a has the role "noisy," and since the character 7a has been voted for the role "noisy" the most, the winning camp will be the role "normal." Therefore, the name of the role "normal" is displayed in the winning camp display field 61v.

[0074] In this embodiment, the result screen is also displayed on the monitor 41 connected to the karaoke device 2. The portable terminal 6 transmits information constituting the result screen to the karaoke device 2, whereby the result screen is displayed on the monitor 41. FIG. 14(e) is a diagram showing the result screen displayed on the monitor 41. As with the result screen of the portable terminal 6, the result screen displays a noisy display field 41e, a DC display field 41f, and a voting details display field 41h. The winning camp display field 41g displays the name of the winning camp (role "normal") as well as the characters 7b and 7c belonging to the winning camp.

[0075] Users 7A to 7D can check which users played the roles "Noisy" and "DC" and which role won the game on the result screen displayed on the mobile terminal 6 (or the monitor 41). This completes the game, but users 7A to 7D can use the result screen on the mobile terminal 6 to select whether to restart or end the game.

[0076] If the resume button 61x in Fig. 11(n) is operated (S309: Yes), the process returns to the preparation process (S100) (S310) and the game is started again. When the game is resumed, the allocation of the characters 7a to 7d to the users 7A to 7D may be the same as that of the previous game. If the end button 61y is operated (S311: Yes), the game is ended (S312).

[0077] As described above, the karaoke system of this embodiment makes it possible to provide a new way of enjoying karaoke by utilizing the music playback function of the karaoke device 2. The karaoke system of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be adopted. Various modifications will be described below.

[0078] [First Modification] Fig. 15 is a flow diagram showing playback processing according to another embodiment. The same processes as those in the flow diagram (Fig. 4) of playback processing (S200) described in the previous embodiment are given the same reference numerals. The first modified example differs from the game processing described in Fig. 4 in that an intermediate voting process (S211) and an intermediate voting result display process (S212) in Fig. 15 are performed. In the playback processing, when playback of a predetermined number of game songs has ended (S210: Yes), the intermediate voting process (S211) and the intermediate voting result display process (S212) are executed.

[0079] Here, the timing when a predetermined number of game songs have been completed refers to, for example, when four users 7A to 7D have participated in the game, the timing when two users have finished singing, which is the midpoint. When a predetermined number of game songs have ended, first, an intermediate voting process (S211) is performed using the mobile terminal 6. The intermediate voting process (S211) is a process for voting for the role "noisy" up to that point, similar to the voting screen described in Fig. 11(m).

[0080] The counting results of the intermediate voting process (S211) are displayed in an intermediate voting result display process (S212) on the mobile terminal 6 or the monitor 41. In this way, by performing the intermediate voting process (S211) and the intermediate voting result display process (S212) during the game, it is possible to improve the playability of the game.

[0081] [Second modified example] In the above embodiment, the interference sound output process is executed by operating the interference button 61m as an interface. The interference sound output process may be performed by randomly outputting interference sounds during music playback instead of operating a user interface such as the interference button 61m. In the above embodiment, in the case of the role "noisy", whenever the interference button 61m is operated, an interference sound is always output.

[0082] In addition to this form, the interference sound output process may be set so that, for the role "noisy," interference sounds are output or not output even when the interference button 61m is operated. This makes it possible to improve the playability of the game.

[0083] [Third Modification] In the above embodiment, the headphones 65 are used as an output unit that allows only the singing users 7A to 7D to hear the interfering sound. As the output unit, not only the headphones 65 but also earphones may be used. Alternatively, various forms may be adopted, such as a parametric speaker that uses ultrasonic waves as a carrier wave to improve directivity. In the above embodiment, the interfering sound is output from the mobile terminal 6, but the interfering sound may be output from the karaoke device 2.

[0084] In this embodiment, a karaoke game system including the karaoke device 2 and the program for a portable terminal executed by the portable terminal 6 has been described. The present invention not only relates to such a karaoke game system, but also includes the karaoke device 2 constituting a part of the karaoke game system, the karaoke program executed by the karaoke device 2, or the program for a portable terminal executed by the portable terminal 6. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1: Remote control device 41e: Noisy display column 2: Karaoke equipment 41f: DC display 6: Mobile device 41g: Winning camp display column 7A~7D: User 41h: Voting content display column 7a~7d: Character 42: Speaker 11: Touch panel monitor 44a, 44b: Singing microphones 111: Display unit 61: Touch panel monitor 112: Touch panel 61a: Start button 11a: Code information 61b: Shooting display section 12: Video RAM 61c: Number of participants input field 13: Video control unit 61d: Number of people assigned 14: Memory 61e: Decision button 15: Control unit 61f: Role confirmation button 16: Wireless LAN communication unit 61g: Role display column 17: Operation section 61h: Song selection start button 18: Operation processing section 61i: Search item specification field 19: Infrared communication section 61j: Song-related information display section 21: Operation section 61k: Song selection content display field 22: Operation processing section 61l: Playback start button 24a: LAN communication section 61m: Intrusion button 24b: Wireless LAN communication section 61n: Time display field 25: Sound control section 61o: Extension button 27: Memory 61p: Exit button 28:Video RAM 61q:Voting column 29: Video playback section 61r: Voting check box 30: Control unit 61s: Voting button 31: Video control section 61t: Noisy display section 32: Hard disk 61u: DC display column 33: Touch panel monitor 61v: Victory team display area 33a: Display section 61w: Count result display section 33b: Touch panel 61x: Resume button 41: Monitor 61y: Exit button 41b: Intrusion button notification column 65: Headphones 41c:Lyrics 110:Access Point

Claims

1. A playback process for playing back karaoke songs; a mode allocation process for allocating a first mode or a second mode to a karaoke piece to be reproduced; During the reproduction of the karaoke piece, if the karaoke piece being reproduced is in the first mode, an interference sound is output to an output section that allows only the singer to hear the interference sound, and if the karaoke piece being reproduced is in the second mode, an interference sound output process is executed that does not output the interference sound. Karaoke game system.

2. The interference sound output process outputs interference sounds based on the user's operation of the interface.

2. The karaoke game system according to claim 1.

3. The interference sound output process outputs interference sounds at random timing during the playback of the karaoke piece assigned to the first mode.

2. The karaoke game system according to claim 1.

4. When a user performs an operation on the displayed interface, an operation display process is executed to display information indicating that the operation has been performed.

3. The karaoke game system according to claim 2.

5. The interference sound output process outputs interference sounds to earphones or headphones worn by the singer.

2. The karaoke game system according to claim 1.

6. The karaoke system includes a program for a portable terminal executed on a portable terminal and a karaoke device. The portable terminal on which the portable terminal program is executed and the karaoke device are communicatively associated with each other.

2. The karaoke game system according to claim 1.

7. The mode allocation process and the interference sound output process are executed by either the program for the mobile terminal or the karaoke device.

7. The karaoke game system according to claim 6.

8. a vote acceptance process for accepting votes based on an inference as to whether the reproduced karaoke piece was assigned to the first mode or the second mode; and executing a result notification process for notifying a result based on the first mode or the second mode assigned to the karaoke piece and the votes received in the vote reception process.

2. The karaoke game system according to claim 1.

9. When reserving a karaoke piece, an identification information assignment process is executed to assign an identification information representing a user to the karaoke piece; The mode assignment process assigns the first mode or the second mode to identification information indicating a user; The vote acceptance process accepts votes based on an inference as to whether the identification information indicating the user was assigned to the first mode or the second mode.

9. The karaoke game system according to claim 8.

10. A program for a mobile terminal executed on a mobile terminal, a mode allocation process for allocating a first mode or a second mode to a karaoke piece to be reproduced; During the reproduction of the karaoke piece, if the karaoke piece being reproduced is in the first mode, an interference sound is output to an output section that can be heard only by the singer, and if the karaoke piece being reproduced is in the second mode, an interference sound output process is executed. Programs for mobile devices.

Images