Karaoke device, karaoke system

Abstract

To provide a Karaoke device that enables at least a partial refund when coins are inserted into a coin counter after communication with the host computer is disconnected.SOLUTION: In a Karaoke device comprising a Karaoke main unit, speakers, a display device, a microphone, and a remote control device, the Karaoke main unit 20 includes: a memory processing unit that stores remaining balance, remaining number of plays, and play fee at a point when communication with a host computer is disconnected; a confirmation unit that calculates the number of plays from the remaining balance, the amount corresponding to a deposit signal, and the play fee, and confirms the difference obtained by subtracting the number of plays from the remaining number of plays, when receiving the deposit signal including the amount of coins inserted into the coin counter after the communication with the host computer is disconnected; and a deposit processing unit that transmits a refund signal to the coin counter if the remaining number of plays is less than the number of plays.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a karaoke device and a karaoke system. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a coin counter, such as a coin box, which is connected to a karaoke device and accepts money as a fee for a karaoke performance.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which, in a notification mode, a coin box outputs notification pulses of a number corresponding to the number of remaining credits in response to pulses supplied from a service providing device, and the service providing device detects the number of remaining credits by counting the notification pulses, and in a billing mode, when the coin box detects pulses output from the service providing device, it counts down the number of remaining credits by one each time it detects one of these pulses.

[0004] On the other hand, Patent Document 2 discloses an online karaoke device that can be used for a predetermined short period of time, even if communication with the host computer becomes impossible due to a communication line problem or disconnection, and does not immediately stop playing karaoke songs. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-016031 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-263087 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Here, if communication between a karaoke machine connected to a money counting machine and the host computer is cut off, there is a possibility that money will be inserted into the money counting machine even though karaoke performance is not possible.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that makes it possible to refund at least a portion of the amount of money when money is inserted into a money counting machine after communication with a host computer has been cut off. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One invention to achieve the above object is a karaoke machine connected to a currency counting machine that accepts the insertion of currency as a fee for karaoke performances, the karaoke machine having a memory processing unit that stores a remaining amount indicating the amount of money remaining that can be used for karaoke performances at the time communication with a host computer is disconnected, a remaining number of performances indicating the number of times a song can be karaoke performed while communication with the host computer is disconnected, and a fee for each karaoke performance, a confirmation unit that, when a deposit signal including the amount of currency inserted from the currency counting machine is received after communication with the host computer is disconnected, calculates the number of performances from the stored remaining amount, the amount corresponding to the deposit signal, and the fee for each karaoke performance, and confirms the difference between the remaining number of performances and the calculated number of performances, and a deposit processing unit that, when the remaining number of performances is less than the number of performances, sends a refund signal to the currency counting machine to refund at least a portion of the amount corresponding to the deposit signal. Another invention for achieving the above object is a karaoke system including a karaoke machine having a currency counting machine that accepts currency as a fee for karaoke performances, and a karaoke machine connected to the currency counting machine, the karaoke machine having a memory processing unit that stores a balance indicating the remaining amount of money that can be used for karaoke performances at the time communication with a host computer is disconnected, a remaining number of performances indicating the number of times a song can be karaoke performed while communication with the host computer is disconnected, and a fee for one karaoke performance, a confirmation unit that, when a deposit signal including the amount of currency inserted from the currency counting machine is received after communication with the host computer is disconnected, calculates the number of performances from the stored balance, the amount corresponding to the deposit signal, and the fee for one karaoke performance, and confirms the difference between the remaining number of performances and the calculated number of performances, and a deposit processing unit that, when the remaining number of performances is less than the number of performances, sends a refund signal to the currency counting machine to refund at least a portion of the amount corresponding to the deposit signal. Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, when money is inserted into the money counting machine after communication with the host computer is cut off, at least a portion of the amount can be refunded. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a karaoke system according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a currency counting machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing a karaoke device according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing a karaoke machine main body according to an embodiment; [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart showing the process of the karaoke device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A karaoke system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0012] ==Karaoke System== The karaoke system includes a money counter and a karaoke machine. The money counter is a device, such as a coin box, that accepts money as a fee for karaoke performances. The karaoke machine is a device that performs karaoke songs and allows users to sing karaoke. The money counter and the karaoke machine are connected to each other via wire or wirelessly so that they can communicate with each other. The karaoke machine is also connected to a host computer so that they can communicate with each other. The host computer is a device that distributes new songs and programs to the karaoke machine. As shown in FIG. 1, the karaoke system 1 according to this embodiment includes a money counter C and a karaoke machine K. The karaoke machine K is connected to a host computer H so that they can communicate with each other.

[0013] ==Currency counting machine== 2, the currency counting machine C includes a communication means 10a, a currency insertion mechanism 10b, a currency ejection mechanism 10c, a currency storage box 10d, and a control means 10e. Each component is connected to a bus B via an interface (not shown).

[0014] [Means of communication] The communication means 10a provides an interface for communicating with the karaoke device K.

[0015] [Money input mechanism] The money insertion mechanism 10b is configured to insert money (coins or banknotes). The money insertion mechanism 10b is provided, for example, on the front panel of the money counting machine C. The money insertion mechanism 10b has an insertion slot 101b through which the user inserts money, a transport means 102b that transports the inserted money to the money storage box 10d, and an identification means 103b that identifies the amount of the inserted money. When money is inserted through the insertion slot 101b, the transport means 102b transports the money to the money storage box 10d. In addition, the identification means 103b identifies the amount of the inserted money and outputs the amount to the control means 10e.

[0016] The transport means 102b may suspend transport for a predetermined time (for example, 15 or 30 seconds) after inserting the money. If a refund signal (described later) is not received from the control means 10e within the predetermined time, the transport means 102b transports the money to the money storage box 10d. The money inserting mechanism 10b may also be provided separately for coins and for banknotes.

[0017] [Money ejection mechanism] The money discharge mechanism 10c is configured to discharge money (coins or banknotes). The money discharge mechanism 10c is provided, for example, on the front panel of the money counting machine C. The money discharge mechanism 10c has a discharge opening 101c for discharging money, a transport means 102c for transporting money from the money storage box 10d, and an identification means 103c for identifying the amount of money to be transported. When a refund signal (described later) is received from the control means 10e, the identification means 103c identifies the amount according to the refund signal. The transport means 102c transports money according to the identified amount from the money storage box 10d to the discharge opening 101c. The transported money is discharged from the discharge opening 101c, and a refund is made to the user.

[0018] As described above, when the transport means 102b of the money insertion mechanism 10b suspends the transport of money and receives a refund signal (described later) from the control means 10e within a predetermined time, the transport means 102c may discharge the suspended money directly from the discharge opening 101c. Also, the money discharge mechanism 10c may be provided separately for coins and for banknotes.

[0019] [Currency storage box] The money storage box 10d is a component for storing inserted money. A certain amount of money may be stored in advance in the money storage box 10d for refund. Also, separate money storage boxes 10d may be provided for coins and banknotes.

[0020] [Control means] The control means 10e performs various controls in the currency counting machine C. The control means 10e includes a CPU and a memory (neither of which is shown). The CPU realizes various functions by executing programs stored in the memory.

[0021] Specifically, the control means 10e generates a deposit signal including the amount of the inserted coins output from the identification means 103b and transmits it to the karaoke device K. Furthermore, when the control means 10e receives a refund signal (described later) from the karaoke device K, it outputs the refund signal to the coin discharge mechanism 10c (identification means 103c).

[0022] ==Karaoke Equipment== As shown in FIG. 3, the karaoke device K according to this embodiment includes a karaoke main unit 20, a speaker 30, a display device 40, a microphone 50, and a remote control device 60.

[0023] The karaoke machine main unit 20 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 50. The speaker 30 is configured to emit sound based on the sound emission signal from the karaoke machine main unit 20. The display device 40 is configured to display videos and images on a screen based on the signal from the karaoke machine main unit 20. The microphone 50 is configured to convert the singing voice of the user singing karaoke or the voice uttered by the user into an analog audio signal and input it to the karaoke machine main unit 20. The remote control device 60 is a device for performing various operations on the karaoke machine main unit 20.

[0024] 4, the karaoke machine 20 according to this embodiment includes a storage unit 20a, a communication unit 20b, an input unit 20c, a performance unit 20d, and a control unit 20e. Each component is connected to a bus B via an interface (not shown).

[0025] [Storage means] The storage unit 20a is a large-capacity storage device that stores various types of data, including music data.

[0026] The song data is provided with song identification information for identifying each song. The song identification information is information unique to each song, such as a song ID for identifying the song. The song data includes accompaniment data, reference data, etc. The accompaniment data is data that forms the basis of the karaoke performance sound. The reference data is data that indicates the singing melody of the song performed karaoke, and is used when evaluating the user's karaoke singing.

[0027] The storage means 20a stores lyric data for displaying lyrics corresponding to each song on the display device 40 etc. in sync with the karaoke performance, background image data such as background images to be displayed on the display device 40 etc. during the karaoke performance, and attribute information of the song (song name, singer name, genre, performance time, etc.).

[0028] [Communication means / input means] The communication means 20b provides an interface for communicating with the remote control device 60. The input means 20c is configured to allow the user to input various operations. The input means 20c is a button or the like provided on the karaoke main unit 20. Alternatively, the remote control device 60 may function as the input means 20c.

[0029] [Means of performance] Based on the control of the control means 20e, the performance means 20d performs karaoke performance of music pieces and processes audio signals input through the microphone 50. The performance means 20d includes a sound source, a mixer, an amplifier, etc. (none of which are shown).

[0030] [Control means] The control means 20e performs various controls in the karaoke device K. The control means 20e includes a CPU and a memory (neither of which is shown). The CPU executes programs stored in the memory to realize various functions.

[0031] In this embodiment, when communication with the host computer H is disconnected, the CPU executes a program stored in memory, causing the control means 20e to function as a storage processing unit 100, a confirmation unit 200, a deposit processing unit 300, and a performance control unit 400 (see Figure 4).

[0032] (Memory Processing Unit) The storage processing unit 100 stores the remaining amount, the remaining number of times of playing, and the playing fee at the time when communication with the host computer H is cut off.

[0033] The remaining amount indicates the remaining amount of money that can be used for karaoke performances out of the amount of money inserted into the currency counting machine C. The remaining number of performances indicates the number of times that a song can be karaoke-performed when communication with the host computer H is cut off. The remaining number of performances is set to a single number in advance, such as 10 or 20 times, and the number decreases each time a karaoke performance is performed after communication with the host computer H is cut off. If the remaining number of performances reaches 0, the karaoke device K will not be able to perform karaoke unless communication with the host computer H is restored. The performance fee is the amount per karaoke performance. The performance fee is set to a single amount in advance, such as 100 yen or 150 yen.

[0034] When communication with the host computer H is established, the karaoke machine K stores the amount of money corresponding to the deposit signal each time it receives a deposit signal from the currency counter C. When the karaoke machine K performs a karaoke performance of a song selected by the user, it deducts the performance fee from the stored amount. Note that when communication with the host computer H is established, there is no limit to the number of times a karaoke performance can be performed.

[0035] Here, if communication with the host computer H is cut off, the storage processing unit 100 sets the amount stored at that time as the remaining amount, and stores it in the storage means 10a together with the remaining number of performances and the performance fee that are preset.

[0036] (Verification section) When the confirmation unit 200 receives a deposit signal including the amount of coins inserted from the coin counting machine C after communication with the host computer H is cut off, it calculates the number of times the song has been played and confirms the difference obtained by subtracting the number of times the song has been played from the remaining number of times the song has been played.

[0037] The number of performances is the number of times that a karaoke performance can be performed, based on the amount of money inserted into the money counting machine C. The number of performances can be calculated from the stored remaining balance, the amount corresponding to the deposit signal sent from the money counting machine C after communication with the host computer H was cut off, and the performance fee for one karaoke performance. Specifically, the confirmation unit 200 calculates the number of performances by adding the remaining balance and the amount corresponding to the deposit signal and dividing the result by the performance fee.

[0038] The confirmation unit 200 confirms the difference between the remaining number of times to play and the calculated number of times to play. The confirmation unit 200 outputs the confirmation result (i.e., whether the remaining number of times to play is more or less than the number of times to play) to the storage processing unit 100 or the deposit processing unit 300.

[0039] (Deposit processing unit) When the remaining number of times of playing is less than the number of times of playing, the deposit processing unit 300 transmits a refund signal to the currency counter C for refunding at least a part of the amount of money corresponding to the deposit signal.

[0040] When the confirmation unit 200 outputs a confirmation result that "the number of remaining plays is less than the number of plays," the deposit processing unit 300 generates a refund signal and transmits it to the currency counting machine C. The currency counting machine C makes a refund to the user based on the refund signal, as described above.

[0041] The deposit processing unit 300 can generate various refund signals. For example, when the remaining number of plays is fewer than the number of plays, the deposit processing unit 300 can send a refund signal to the currency counting machine C to refund the entire amount corresponding to the deposit signal. Specifically, when the confirmation unit 200 outputs a confirmation result that "the remaining number of plays is fewer than the number of plays," the deposit processing unit 300 identifies the amount corresponding to the received deposit signal, generates a refund signal to refund the entire amount, and sends it to the currency counting machine C.

[0042] Alternatively, when the remaining number of performances is less than the number of performances, the deposit processing unit 300 can calculate a refund amount by subtracting the remaining number of performances from the number of performances, multiplying the result by the karaoke performance fee per performance, and transmit a refund signal to the currency counting machine C to refund an amount corresponding to the refund amount. Specifically, when the confirmation unit 200 outputs a confirmation result that "the remaining number of performances is less than the number of performances," the deposit processing unit 300 calculates a value by subtracting the stored remaining number of performances from the number of performances calculated by the confirmation unit 200. The deposit processing unit 300 calculates the refund amount by multiplying the calculated value by the performance fee. The deposit processing unit 300 generates a refund signal to refund an amount corresponding to the calculated refund amount, and transmits it to the currency counting machine C.

[0043] When the deposit processing unit 300 generates a refund signal for refunding a portion of the amount corresponding to the deposit signal, the storage processing unit 100 determines the amount obtained by subtracting the calculated refund amount from the amount corresponding to the deposit signal. The storage processing unit 100 updates the stored remaining amount by adding the determined amount to the stored remaining amount.

[0044] Moreover, if the remaining number of times of playing is greater than the number of times of playing, the storage processing unit 100 adds the amount of money corresponding to the deposit signal to the remaining amount of money and stores the amount.

[0045] When the confirmation unit 200 outputs a confirmation result that "the number of remaining plays is greater than the number of plays," the storage processing unit 100 specifies the amount of money according to the deposit signal. The storage processing unit 100 updates the stored remaining amount by adding the specified amount to the stored remaining amount.

[0046] (Performance control unit) The performance control unit 400 controls the performance means 20d to perform a karaoke performance of the song selected by the user.

[0047] When a user selects a song, the performance control unit 400 checks the stored remaining balance, remaining number of times to play, and performance fee. If the remaining balance is greater than the performance fee and the remaining number of times to play is one or more, the performance control unit 400 acquires accompaniment data for the song from the storage means 20a based on the song identification information of the song selected by the user. The performance control unit 400 plays the acquired accompaniment data and controls the performance means 20d to emit karaoke performance sounds from the speaker 30. The user can sing karaoke using the microphone 50, in time with the karaoke performance sounds emitted from the speaker 30.

[0048] On the other hand, if the remaining amount is less than the performance fee per karaoke performance, or if the remaining number of performances is 0, the performance control unit 400 controls the karaoke performance of the song not to be performed. Specifically, the performance control unit 400 does not acquire accompaniment data for the song even if the song is selected by the user.

[0049] When controlling not to perform karaoke performance of a song, the performance control unit 400 may cause the speaker 30 to emit a message or a warning sound indicating that karaoke performance cannot be performed. For example, if the remaining balance is less than the performance fee for one karaoke performance, the performance control unit 400 may cause the display screen of the display device 40 to display a message such as "Please make a deposit to perform karaoke performance." Furthermore, if the remaining number of performances is 0, the performance control unit 400 may cause the display screen of the display device 40 to display a message such as "Please check the connection status with the host computer."

[0050] Alternatively, the performance control unit 400 can transmit a signal to stop the selection of music to the remote control device 60. When the remote control device 60 receives this signal, it hides the music selection screen or turns off its own power, thereby preventing the user from selecting music.

[0051] ==About the refund process carried out by Karaoke Equipment K== Next, a specific example of the process for refunding money performed by the karaoke machine K in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the karaoke machine K. In this example, the karaoke machine K and a currency counter C are connected. It is also assumed that a user U is using the karaoke machine K.

[0052] Assume that the communication between the host computer H and the karaoke device K is cut off for some reason (communication with the host computer is cut off; step 10).

[0053] In this case, the memory processing unit 100 stores in the memory means 10a the remaining amount indicating the remaining amount of money that can be used for karaoke performance, the remaining number of times that the song can be karaoke-played when communication with the host computer H is cut off, and the performance fee for each karaoke performance (the remaining amount of money, the remaining number of times that the song can be karaoke-played, and the performance fee are stored; step 11).

[0054] After communication with the host computer H is cut off, user U, who wishes to continue singing karaoke, inserts money into the money counter C. The money counter C transmits a deposit signal including the amount of the inserted money to the karaoke device K. The karaoke device K receives the deposit signal from the money counter C (receives deposit signal; step 12).

[0055] The confirmation unit 200 calculates the number of performances from the remaining amount stored in step 11, the amount according to the deposit signal received in step 12, and the performance fee per karaoke performance stored in step 11, and confirms the difference obtained by subtracting the number of performances from the remaining number of performances (confirm the difference obtained by subtracting the number of performances from the remaining number of performances; step 13).

[0056] If the remaining number of plays is less than the number of plays (Y in step 14), the deposit processing unit 300 sends a refund signal to the currency counter C to refund at least a portion of the amount corresponding to the deposit signal received in step 12 (send refund signal to currency counter; step 15). The currency counter C makes a refund to the user based on the received refund signal.

[0057] On the other hand, if the remaining number of times to play is greater than the number of times to play (N in step 14), the storage processing unit 100 adds the amount corresponding to the deposit signal to the remaining amount and stores the result (adding the amount corresponding to the deposit signal to the remaining amount; step 16).

[0058] Specifically, the storage processing unit 100 stores the remaining amount, the number of remaining plays, and the performance fee in the storage means 10a at the time communication with the host computer H is cut off. In this example, the remaining amount "400 yen," the number of remaining plays "10 plays," and the performance fee "100 yen" are stored.

[0059] Here, it is assumed that the karaoke device K receives a deposit signal including the amount of the inserted coin "1000 yen" from the coin counting machine C after communication with the host computer H is disconnected.

[0060] The confirmation unit 200 calculates the number of times the music is played, "14 times", by dividing the sum of the stored remaining amount "400 yen" and the amount "1000 yen" corresponding to the deposit signal, "1400 yen", by the performance fee, "100 yen".

[0061] The confirmation unit 200 confirms the difference between the stored remaining number of times to play "10 times" and the calculated number of times to play "14 times." In this example, the difference is "-4 times." Therefore, the confirmation unit 200 outputs a confirmation result that "the remaining number of times to play is less than the number of times to play."

[0062] When the confirmation unit 200 outputs a confirmation result that "the remaining number of times of playing is less than the number of times of playing", the deposit processing unit 300 generates a refund signal and transmits it to the currency counter C.

[0063] Regarding the generation of the refund signal, for example, the deposit processing unit 300 identifies the amount "1000 yen" according to the received deposit signal. The deposit processing unit 300 generates a refund signal R1 for refunding the entire amount (i.e., 1000 yen) and transmits it to the currency counting machine C.

[0064] When the control means 10e of the currency counter C receives the refund signal R1 from the karaoke device K, it outputs the refund signal R1 to the identification means 103c. The identification means 103c identifies the amount "1000 yen" according to the refund signal R1. The transport means 102c transports the currency corresponding to the identified amount "1000 yen" from the currency storage box 10d to the discharge outlet 101c. When the transported currency is discharged from the discharge outlet 101c, the full amount deposited is refunded to the user U.

[0065] Alternatively, in generating the refund signal, the deposit processing unit 300 calculates the refund amount of "400 yen" by multiplying the value "4" obtained by subtracting the remaining number of times of performance "10 times" from the number of times of performance "14 times" by the performance fee of "100 yen". The deposit processing unit 300 generates a refund signal R2 for refunding an amount corresponding to the refund amount of "400 yen" and sends it to the currency counting machine C.

[0066] When the deposit processing unit 300 generates a refund signal R2, the storage processing unit 100 determines "600 yen" by subtracting the refund amount "400 yen" from the amount "1000 yen" corresponding to the deposit signal. The storage processing unit 100 updates the stored remaining amount by adding the determined amount "600 yen" to the stored remaining amount "400 yen."

[0067] When the control means 10e of the currency counter C receives the refund signal R2 from the karaoke device K, it outputs the refund signal R2 to the identification means 103c. The identification means 103c identifies the amount "400 yen" according to the refund signal R2. The transport means 102c transports the currency corresponding to the identified amount "400 yen" from the currency storage box 10d to the discharge outlet 101c. When the transported currency is discharged from the discharge outlet 101c, a portion of the deposited currency is refunded to the user U.

[0068] On the other hand, suppose that the karaoke device K receives a deposit signal including the amount of the inserted coins, "500 yen," from the coin counter C after communication with the host computer H is cut off.

[0069] The confirmation unit 200 calculates the number of times the music is played, "9 times", by dividing the sum of the stored remaining amount "400 yen" and the amount "500 yen" according to the deposit signal, "900 yen", by the performance fee, "100 yen".

[0070] The confirmation unit 200 confirms the difference between the stored remaining number of times to play "10 times" and the calculated number of times to play "9 times." In this example, the difference is "+1 time." Therefore, the confirmation unit 200 outputs a confirmation result that "the remaining number of times to play is greater than the number of times to play."

[0071] When the confirmation unit 200 outputs a confirmation result that "the number of remaining plays is greater than the number of plays," the storage processing unit 100 specifies the amount of money corresponding to the deposit signal as "500 yen." The storage processing unit 100 updates the stored remaining amount by adding the specified amount of "500 yen" to the stored remaining amount of "400 yen."

[0072] As is clear from the above, the karaoke machine K according to this embodiment is connected to a currency counter C, which accepts currency as a performance fee for a karaoke performance. The karaoke machine K includes a storage processor 100 that stores a remaining amount of money that can be used for karaoke performances at the time communication with the host computer H is disconnected, a remaining number of karaoke performances that indicates the number of times a song can be played while communication with the host computer H is disconnected, and a performance fee for one karaoke performance, a confirmation unit 200 that, when a deposit signal including the amount of currency inserted from the currency counter C is received after communication with the host computer H is disconnected, calculates the number of performances based on the stored remaining amount of money, the amount corresponding to the deposit signal, and the performance fee for one karaoke performance, and confirms the difference between the remaining number of performances and the calculated number of performances, and a deposit processor 300 that, when the remaining number of performances is less than the number of performances, sends a refund signal to the currency counter C to refund at least a portion of the amount corresponding to the deposit signal.

[0073] According to this karaoke device K, if, after communication with the host computer is disconnected, coins are inserted in an amount that will result in more performances than the remaining number of performances, a refund signal can be sent to the coin counting machine to cause at least a portion of the amount to be refunded. Thus, the coin counting machine can refund the amount to the user according to the refund signal received. In other words, according to this embodiment of the karaoke device K, if coins are inserted into the coin counting machine after communication with the host computer is disconnected, at least a portion of the amount can be refunded.

[0074] Furthermore, when the number of remaining plays is less than the number of plays, the deposit processing unit 300 of the karaoke machine K according to this embodiment can send a refund signal to the currency counter C to refund the entire amount corresponding to the deposit signal. By sending such a refund signal, the currency counter can refund the entire amount corresponding to the inserted currency to the user.

[0075] Furthermore, when the remaining number of performances is less than the number of performances, the deposit processing unit 300 of the karaoke machine K according to this embodiment can calculate a refund amount by subtracting the remaining number of performances from the number of performances, multiplying the result by the karaoke performance fee per performance, and transmit a refund signal to the currency counting machine C to refund the amount corresponding to the refund amount. By transmitting such a refund signal, the currency counting machine can refund the user an amount corresponding to the number of karaoke performances that cannot be performed.

[0076] Furthermore, the storage processor 100 of the karaoke machine K according to this embodiment can update the stored balance by subtracting the calculated refund amount from the amount corresponding to the deposit signal and adding the determined amount to the stored balance. Since the karaoke machine K can add the remaining balance, it is possible to perform karaoke performances according to the remaining number of performances.

[0077] Furthermore, when the remaining number of times to play is greater than the number of times to play, the storage processor 100 of the karaoke machine K according to this embodiment adds the amount of money corresponding to the deposit signal to the remaining amount and stores the amount. With this karaoke machine K, even if communication with the host computer H is cut off, karaoke performances can be performed up to the remaining number of times to play.

[0078] Furthermore, the karaoke machine K according to this embodiment has a performance control unit 400 that controls the karaoke performance of a song not to be performed if the remaining amount is less than the performance fee per karaoke performance or if the number of remaining performances is 0. With this karaoke machine K, the song can be performed only if the remaining amount is more than the performance fee per karaoke performance and the number of remaining performances is not 0.

[0079] Furthermore, the karaoke system 1 according to this embodiment includes a currency counter C that accepts the insertion of currency as a performance fee for a karaoke performance, and a karaoke machine K that is connected to the currency counter. The karaoke machine K is connected to the currency counter C that accepts the insertion of currency as a performance fee for a karaoke performance. The karaoke machine K has a memory processor 100 that stores a balance indicating the remaining amount of money available for karaoke performances at the time communication with the host computer H is disconnected, a remaining number of karaoke performances indicating the number of times a song can be performed while communication with the host computer H is disconnected, and a performance fee for each karaoke performance, a confirmation unit 200 that, when a deposit signal including the amount of money inserted from the currency counter C is received after communication with the host computer H is disconnected, calculates the number of performances based on the stored balance, the amount corresponding to the deposit signal, and the performance fee for each karaoke performance, and confirms the difference between the remaining number of performances and the calculated number of performances, and a deposit processor 300 that, when the remaining number of performances is less than the number of performances, sends a refund signal to the currency counter C to refund at least a portion of the amount corresponding to the deposit signal. According to this karaoke system 1, when money is inserted into the currency counter after communication with the host computer H is disconnected, at least a portion of the amount can be refunded.

[0080] <Other> Some examples of combinations of the disclosed technical features are set out below. [1] A karaoke machine connected to a currency counter that accepts currency as a fee for karaoke performances, a storage processor for storing a remaining amount of money that can be used for karaoke performance at the time when communication with the host computer is cut off, a remaining number of times that can be played while communication with the host computer is cut off, and a performance fee for each karaoke performance; a confirmation unit which, when receiving a deposit signal including the amount of money inserted from the money counter after communication with the host computer is cut off, calculates the number of times the karaoke player has played based on the stored remaining amount, the amount corresponding to the deposit signal, and the performance fee for each karaoke performance, and confirms the difference between the remaining number of times the karaoke player played and the calculated number of times the karaoke player played; a deposit processing unit that, when the remaining number of times of playing is less than the number of times of playing, sends a refund signal to the currency counter to refund at least a part of the amount of money corresponding to the deposit signal; A karaoke device having: [2] The karaoke device described in [1] is characterized in that, when the remaining number of plays is less than the number of plays, the deposit processing unit sends the refund signal to the currency counting machine to refund the entire amount corresponding to the deposit signal. [3] The karaoke device described in [1] is characterized in that, when the remaining number of performances is less than the number of performances, the deposit processing unit calculates a refund amount by subtracting the remaining number of performances from the number of performances and multiplying the result by the performance fee for each karaoke performance, and sends the refund signal to the currency counting machine to refund an amount corresponding to the refund amount. [4] The karaoke device described in [3] is characterized in that the storage processing unit determines the amount obtained by subtracting the calculated refund amount from the amount corresponding to the deposit signal, and updates the stored remaining amount by adding the determined amount to the stored remaining amount. [5] The karaoke device according to any one of [1] to [4], characterized in that, when the remaining number of times of playing is greater than the number of times of playing, the storage processing unit adds an amount corresponding to the deposit signal to the remaining amount and stores the amount. [6] The karaoke device according to any one of [1] to [5], further comprising a performance control unit that controls the device so that karaoke performance of the song is not performed if the remaining amount is less than the performance fee for one karaoke performance, or if the remaining number of performances is zero. [7] a currency counting machine that accepts currency as a performance fee for a karaoke performance; A karaoke machine connected to the currency counting machine, a storage processor for storing a remaining amount of money that can be used for karaoke performance at the time when communication with the host computer is cut off, a remaining number of times that can be played while communication with the host computer is cut off, and a performance fee for each karaoke performance; a confirmation unit which, when receiving a deposit signal including the amount of money inserted from the money counter after communication with the host computer is cut off, calculates the number of times the karaoke player has played based on the stored remaining amount, the amount corresponding to the deposit signal, and the performance fee for each karaoke performance, and confirms the difference between the remaining number of times the karaoke player played and the calculated number of times the karaoke player played; a deposit processing unit that, when the remaining number of times of playing is less than the number of times of playing, sends a refund signal to the currency counter to refund at least a part of the amount of money corresponding to the deposit signal; a karaoke device having Karaoke system including.

[0081] The program can also be supplied to a computer using a non-transitory computer-readable medium with an executable program stored thereon. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), etc.

[0082] 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]

[0083] 100 Memory Processing Unit 200 Confirmation Department 300 Deposit Processing Unit 400 Performance control unit C Money counting machine K Karaoke equipment

Claims

1. A karaoke machine connected to a currency counter that accepts currency as a fee for karaoke performances, a storage processing unit for storing a remaining amount of money that can be used for karaoke performance at the time when communication with the host computer is cut off, a remaining number of times that can be played while communication with the host computer is cut off, and a performance fee for each karaoke performance; a confirmation unit which, when receiving a deposit signal including the amount of money inserted from the money counter after communication with the host computer is cut off, calculates the number of times of performance from the stored remaining amount, the amount according to the deposit signal, and the performance fee for one karaoke performance, and confirms the difference between the remaining number of times of performance and the calculated number of times of performance; a deposit processing unit that, when the remaining number of times of playing is less than the number of times of playing, sends a refund signal to the currency counter to refund at least a part of the amount of money corresponding to the deposit signal; A karaoke device having:

2. 2. The karaoke device according to claim 1, wherein the deposit processing unit transmits a refund signal to the currency counter to refund the entire amount corresponding to the deposit signal when the remaining number of times of playing is less than the number of times of playing.

3. The karaoke device of claim 1, characterized in that, when the remaining number of performances is less than the number of performances, the deposit processing unit calculates a refund amount by multiplying the value obtained by subtracting the remaining number of performances from the number of performances by the performance fee for each karaoke performance, and sends the refund signal to the currency counting machine to refund an amount corresponding to the refund amount.

4. 4. The karaoke device according to claim 3, wherein the memory processing unit determines an amount obtained by subtracting the calculated refund amount from the amount corresponding to the deposit signal, and updates the stored remaining amount by adding the determined amount to the stored remaining amount.

5. 2. The karaoke apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the remaining number of times of playing is greater than the number of times of playing, the storage processing unit adds the amount of money corresponding to the deposit signal to the remaining amount and stores the amount.

6. 6. The karaoke device according to claim 1, further comprising a performance control unit that controls the karaoke device so that the karaoke performance of the song is not performed if the remaining amount is less than the performance fee for one karaoke performance or if the remaining number of performances is zero.

7. a currency counting machine that accepts currency as a performance fee for a karaoke performance; A karaoke machine connected to the currency counting machine, a storage processing unit for storing a remaining amount of money that can be used for karaoke performance at the time when communication with the host computer is cut off, a remaining number of times that can be played while communication with the host computer is cut off, and a performance fee for each karaoke performance; a confirmation unit which, when receiving a deposit signal including the amount of money inserted from the money counter after communication with the host computer is cut off, calculates the number of times of performance from the stored remaining amount, the amount according to the deposit signal, and the performance fee for one karaoke performance, and confirms the difference between the remaining number of times of performance and the calculated number of times of performance; a deposit processing unit that, when the remaining number of times of playing is less than the number of times of playing, sends a refund signal to the currency counter to refund at least a part of the amount of money corresponding to the deposit signal; a karaoke device having Karaoke system including.

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