Karaoke equipment

Abstract

We provide a karaoke system that allows users to set sound effects to suit their preferences. [Solution] A karaoke device comprising: a data storage unit that stores sound effect information indicating the sound effects that the user wishes to set, in association with the user's voiceprint data; an acquisition unit that acquires voiceprint data; a determination unit that determines whether voiceprint data matching the acquired voiceprint data of a user is stored in the data storage unit when a user sings karaoke using a microphone; and a setting unit that, if it is determined that matching voiceprint data is stored in the data storage unit, sets sound effects for the microphone based on the sound effect information associated with the matching voiceprint data.

Description

Technical Field

[0007]

[0001] The present invention relates to a karaoke device.

Background Art

[0002] A karaoke device can preset a predetermined acoustic effect (such as microphone volume, echo level, voice change, etc.).

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for performing acoustic processing based on preset acoustic setting data.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, the acoustic effects during karaoke singing vary depending on the preferences of the user.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a karaoke device that can set an acoustic effect according to the preferences of the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] One invention for achieving the above objective is a karaoke device comprising: a data storage unit that stores sound effect information indicating sound effects desired by the user in association with the user's voiceprint data; an acquisition unit that analyzes the user's voice input via a microphone and acquires voiceprint data; a determination unit that determines whether, when a user sings karaoke using a microphone, voiceprint data matching the voiceprint data of the user acquired by the acquisition unit is stored in the data storage unit; and a setting unit that, if it is determined that matching voiceprint data is stored in the data storage unit, sets sound effects for the microphone based on the sound effect information associated with the matching voiceprint data. Other features of the present invention will be revealed in the specification and drawings described below. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, sound effects can be set to suit the user's preferences. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing a karaoke device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing a karaoke machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the processing of the karaoke apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing a karaoke machine according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] <First Embodiment> A karaoke apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

[0011] ==Karaoke Equipment== Karaoke device K is a device for playing karaoke songs and for users to sing karaoke. As shown in Figure 1, karaoke device K comprises a karaoke unit 10, speakers 20, a display device 30, a microphone 40, and a remote control device 50.

[0012] The karaoke unit 10 performs various controls related to karaoke performance and singing, such as controlling the karaoke performance of the selected song, controlling the display of lyrics and background images, and processing audio signals input through the microphone 40. The speaker 20 is configured to emit sound based on the sound signal emitted from the karaoke unit 10. The display device 30 is configured to display video and images on the screen based on signals from the karaoke unit 10. The microphone 40 is configured to convert the voice emitted by the user into an analog audio signal and input it to the karaoke unit 10. Note that multiple microphones may be provided for a single karaoke device. The remote control device 50 is a device for performing various operations on the karaoke unit 10.

[0013] As shown in Figure 2, the karaoke unit 10 according to this embodiment includes a storage means 10a, a communication means 10b, an input means 10c, a performance means 10d, and a control means 10e. Each component is connected to bus B via an interface (not shown).

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

[0015] Music data includes song identification information to distinguish each individual song. This song identification information is unique to each song, such as a song ID. Music data also includes accompaniment data, reference data, etc.

[0016] The accompaniment data is the source data for the karaoke performance. The reference data is data that shows the vocal melody of the song being performed in karaoke, and is used when scoring the user's karaoke performance.

[0017] In this embodiment, a part of the storage area of the storage means 10a functions as a data storage unit 100.

[0018] (Data storage unit) The data storage unit 100 stores by associating acoustic effect information with voiceprint data of the user.

[0019] The acoustic effect information indicates the acoustic effect that the user desires to set. The acoustic effect performs predetermined processing on the voice signal input through the microphone to emit a voice different from the actual voice. There are various types of acoustic effects, such as microphone volume, echo level, automatic effect, voice change, chord addition, pitch shift, etc.

[0020] The microphone volume is the magnitude when outputting the voice corresponding to the voice signal input through the microphone from the speaker. The microphone volume can be set, for example, with values from 1 (minimum) to 50 (maximum). The echo level is the degree of echo added to the voice corresponding to the voice signal input through the microphone. The echo level can be set, for example, with values from 0 (no echo) to 50 (maximum). The echo level may include types of echo. The automatic effect is to automatically produce voice using voice effects in a preset singing section. The singing section in which the voice effect is produced and the type of voice effect (for example, radio voice) are pre-added to the music data. As an acoustic effect, the ON and OFF of the voice effect may be switched. Voice change is to emit different voices by pitch-converting the voice signal input through the microphone or applying effects. Voice change may include types of voices (actual age ± 10 years, vibrato, duet with male, duet with female, techno anime radio double voice, change to male, change to female, change to alien, etc.). Harmony addition is for one user to obtain the effect of chorus. Specifically, when obtaining the acoustic effect of harmony addition, the karaoke device creates the voice signal of other chorus parts by converting the pitch of the signal input through the microphone based on the reference data of each chorus part pre-added to the music data. The karaoke device mixes and plays the voice signal input through the microphone and the created voice signal to emit a pseudo-chorus voice. As an acoustic effect, the ON and OFF of harmony addition may be switched. Pitch shift is to make it sound good by correcting the pitch of the voice deviated from the reference data to the pitch of the reference data by pitch conversion. As an acoustic effect, the ON and OFF of pitch shift may be switched.

[0021] Voiceprint data is data that represents the results of frequency analysis of a user's voice as a sonograph. Voiceprint data can be obtained using publicly known techniques (for example, the technique described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 9-146563). Specifically, voiceprint data can be obtained as formant level, formant center frequency, formant bandwidth, etc., corresponding to the user's voiceprint.

[0022] For example, the user operates the remote control device 50, enters their user identification information and password, and then selects the login icon.

[0023] Karaoke device K sends a login request containing the entered user identification information and password to server device (not shown). User identification information is unique to each user, such as a user ID used to identify the user. The password is used when logging in and is set in advance by the user. Server device completes the login by storing the user identification information and password included in the received login request in its storage means. Along with a signal indicating that the login is complete, server device sends the user's sound effect information and voiceprint data, which are stored in advance, to karaoke device K.

[0024] The data storage unit 100 stores sound effect information indicating the sound effects that a user of the karaoke machine K wishes to set, and the user's voiceprint data.

[0025] [Communication means, input means, performance means] Communication means 10b provides an interface for communicating with the remote control device 50. Input means 10c is configured for the user to perform various operations. Input means 10c are buttons, etc., provided on the karaoke unit 10. Alternatively, the remote control device 50 may function as input means 10c. Performance means 10d performs karaoke performance of songs and processes audio signals input through the microphone 40, based on the control of control means 10e. Performance means 10d includes a sound source, mixer, amplifier, etc. (none of which are shown).

[0026] [Control means] The control means 10e performs various controls on the karaoke machine K. The control means 10e includes a CPU and memory (neither of which are shown in the figure). The CPU realizes various functions by executing programs stored in the memory.

[0027] In this embodiment, the control means 10e functions as an acquisition unit 200, a determination unit 300, and a setting unit 400 by the CPU executing a program stored in memory.

[0028] (Acquisition Department) The acquisition unit 200 analyzes the user's voice input via the microphone 40 and acquires voiceprint data.

[0029] Voiceprint data can be obtained using the publicly known techniques described above.

[0030] (Judgment Department) The determination unit 300 determines whether, when a user sings karaoke using a microphone, voiceprint data matching the voiceprint data of that user acquired by the acquisition unit 200 is stored in the data storage unit 100.

[0031] For example, suppose a user sings karaoke using microphone 40. Before singing karaoke, the user inputs voice through microphone 40. The acquisition unit 200 analyzes the input voice and acquires the user's voiceprint data. The determination unit 300 determines whether the same voiceprint data as the acquired voiceprint data of the user is stored in the data storage unit 100. The determination unit 300 outputs the determination result to the setting unit 400. If the same voiceprint data as the acquired voiceprint data of the user is stored in the data storage unit 100, the determination result is a notification to that effect and the voiceprint data itself. On the other hand, if the same voiceprint data as the acquired voiceprint data of the user is not stored in the data storage unit 100, the determination result is only a notification to that effect.

[0032] (Settings section) If the setting unit 400 determines that matching voiceprint data is stored in the data storage unit 100, it sets an acoustic effect for one microphone based on the acoustic effect information associated with the matching voiceprint data.

[0033] If the determination unit 300 outputs a determination result indicating that the same voiceprint data as the acquired user's voiceprint data is stored in the data storage unit 100, the setting unit 400 reads the sound effect information associated with the voiceprint data that matches the voiceprint data included in the determination result from the data storage unit 100. The setting unit 400 then sets the sound effect for the microphone 40 used by the user based on the read sound effect information.

[0034] Suppose the user then uses the microphone 40 to sing karaoke. The setting unit 400 processes the audio signal input through the microphone 40 in accordance with the set sound effect, causing the speaker 20 to emit a sound different from the actual voice.

[0035] On the other hand, if the determination unit 300 outputs a determination result indicating that voiceprint data identical to the acquired user's voiceprint data is not stored in the data storage unit 100, the setting unit 400 does not perform any special processing.

[0036] Suppose the user then uses the microphone 40 to sing karaoke. The setting unit 400 then emits sound from the speaker 20 based on the audio signal input through the microphone 40 (the actual sound spoken by the user).

[0037] If it is determined that no matching voiceprint data is stored in the data storage unit 100, the setting unit 400 may set a predetermined sound effect for one microphone based on predetermined sound effect information that is pre-stored in the data storage unit 100.

[0038] The predetermined sound effect is not a sound effect requested by the user, but rather one that is pre-set by the karaoke machine. The predetermined sound effect may be a single sound effect, or it may be a sound effect randomly selected from a group of sound effects each time. Alternatively, the predetermined sound effect may be a group of sound effects.

[0039] If the determination unit 300 outputs a determination result indicating that voiceprint data identical to the acquired user voiceprint data is not stored in the data storage unit 100, the setting unit 400 reads predetermined sound effect information that has been stored in advance from the data storage unit 100. The setting unit 400 then sets predetermined sound effects for the microphone 40 used by the user, based on the read predetermined sound effect information.

[0040] Suppose the user then uses the microphone 40 to sing karaoke. The setting unit 400 processes the audio signal input through the microphone 40 in accordance with a predetermined sound effect, thereby causing the speaker 20 to emit a sound different from the actual voice.

[0041] ==Regarding the operation of karaoke machine K== Next, a specific example of the operation of the karaoke device K in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the karaoke device K. In this example, let's assume that user U uses the karaoke device K. Let's assume that the data storage unit 100 stores user U's voiceprint data V and sound effect information SF.

[0042] Before singing karaoke, user U inputs voice via microphone 40 (inputting voice into microphone; step 10). The acquisition unit 200 analyzes the input voice of user U and acquires user U's voiceprint data V (acquiring voiceprint data; step 11). The acquisition unit 200 outputs the voiceprint data V acquired in step 11 to the determination unit 300.

[0043] The determination unit 300 determines whether the same voiceprint data V of user U acquired in step 11 is stored in the data storage unit 100 (determines whether the same voiceprint data is stored; step 12). The determination unit 300 outputs the determination result to the setting unit 400.

[0044] If it is determined that matching voiceprint data is stored in the data storage unit 100 (if Y in step 13), the setting unit 400 sets an acoustic effect for the microphone 40 that received the voice input in step 10, based on the acoustic effect information associated with the matching voiceprint data (setting an acoustic effect for the microphone; step 14).

[0045] In this example, the data storage unit 100 stores the same voiceprint data V as user U (when Y is selected in step 13). Therefore, the determination unit 300 notifies the data storage unit 100 that the same voiceprint data as the acquired user's voiceprint data V is stored there, and outputs the user U's voiceprint data V to the setting unit 400.

[0046] The setting unit 400 reads from the data storage unit 100 the sound effect information SF that is associated with the voiceprint data V that matches the voiceprint data included in the judgment result. The setting unit 400 sets the sound effect for the microphone 40 used by the user U based on the read sound effect information SF.

[0047] On the other hand, if it is determined that no matching voiceprint data is stored in the data storage unit 100 in this example (i.e., N in step 13), the setting unit 400 does not perform any special processing.

[0048] Subsequently, user U operates the remote control device 50 to select the song X that they wish to sing karaoke. Based on the song identification information of song X selected by user U, the karaoke device K reads the accompaniment data for song X from the storage means 10a. The karaoke device K controls the performance means 10d to perform karaoke based on the accompaniment data and emits karaoke performance sounds from the speaker 20.

[0049] User U sings along to song X using microphone 40, following the karaoke music. At this time, the setting unit 400 processes the voice signal from user U input through microphone 40 in accordance with the sound effects set in step 13, causing speaker 20 to emit a sound different from the voice actually spoken by user U.

[0050] As is clear from the above, the karaoke device K according to this embodiment includes a data storage unit 100 that stores sound effect information indicating the sound effects that the user wishes to set, in association with the user's voiceprint data; an acquisition unit 200 that analyzes the user's voice input via a microphone and acquires voiceprint data; a determination unit 300 that determines whether, when a user sings karaoke using one microphone, voiceprint data matching the voiceprint data of that user acquired by the acquisition unit 200 is stored in the data storage unit 100; and a setting unit 400 that, if it is determined that matching voiceprint data is stored in the data storage unit 100, sets sound effects based on the sound effect information associated with the matching voiceprint data for one microphone.

[0051] With this karaoke device K, the user's voiceprint data can be used to set the desired sound effects for the microphone used by the user. Therefore, the user can enjoy singing karaoke using their preferred sound effects. In other words, with the karaoke device K according to this embodiment, sound effects can be set to suit the user's preferences.

[0052] Furthermore, if the setting unit 400 of the karaoke device K according to this embodiment determines that no matching voiceprint data is stored in the data storage unit 100, it can set a predetermined sound effect for one microphone based on predetermined sound effect information that is pre-stored in the data storage unit 100. With such a karaoke device K, a predetermined sound effect can be used even if the user has not set a sound effect.

[0053] <Second Embodiment> Next, with reference to Figure 4, a karaoke device according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the desired sound effect can be set for the microphone to be used before starting karaoke singing. Detailed explanations of configurations similar to those of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0054] ==Karaoke Equipment== [Control means] In this embodiment, the CPU executes a program stored in memory, and the control means 10e functions as an acquisition unit 200, a determination unit 300, a setting unit 400, and a memory processing unit 500 (see Figure 4).

[0055] (Memory processing unit) The memory processing unit 500 associates sound effect information indicating the sound effect that the user wishes to set with the user's voiceprint data acquired by the acquisition unit 200 and stores it in the data storage unit 100.

[0056] Specifically, a user of the karaoke machine K picks up the microphone 40. Then, the user operates the remote control device 50 to activate the "sound effect setting mode".

[0057] The memory processing unit 500 displays a message on the display device 30 or remote control device 50 prompting the user to input voice from the microphone 40. The message prompts the user to input voice, for example, "Please input 'ah, ee, oo, eh, oh' into the microphone you are using."

[0058] The user inputs voice into the microphone 40. At this time, the memory processing unit 500 may display a level meter indicating the volume of the voice on the display device 30 or the remote control device 50, and instruct the user to input voice at a volume such that the value on the level meter is above a predetermined level.

[0059] The acquisition unit 100 analyzes the user's voice input via the microphone 40 and acquires voiceprint data.

[0060] Meanwhile, the memory processing unit 500 displays a list of sound effects that can be set on the karaoke machine K on the remote control device 50.

[0061] The user operates the remote control device 50 and selects at least one sound effect they wish to set. After selecting a sound effect, the user operates the remote control device 50 and selects "Finish setting".

[0062] The memory processing unit 500 associates the acquired user voiceprint data with sound effect information based on the sound effect selected by the user and stores it in the data storage unit 100. After that, the memory processing unit 500 exits the "sound effect setting mode". In this case, there is no need for the user to perform a login operation as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, sound effects can be set each time the karaoke machine is used to match the mood or atmosphere of the place at that time.

[0063] The memory processing unit 500 may also emit a sample sound from the speaker before associating the voiceprint data with the sound effect information based on the sound effect selected by the user and storing it in the data storage unit 100.

[0064] For example, suppose the user operates the remote control device 50 and selects "Finish Setup" as described above. In this case, the memory processing unit 500 displays the message "Please input voice from microphone 40" on the display device 30 or the remote control device 50.

[0065] The user makes a voice input based on the message. The memory processing unit 500 processes the user's voice signal input through the microphone 40, corresponding to the sound effect selected by the user, and emits a sample sound from the speaker 20. By listening to the sample sound, the user can understand in advance the result of the sound effect they selected.

[0066] As is clear from the above, the karaoke device K according to this embodiment has a storage processing unit 500 that stores in the data storage unit 100 the sound effect information indicating the sound effect that the user wishes to set and the user's voiceprint data acquired by the acquisition unit 200 in association with each other. With such a karaoke device K, the user can set the desired sound effect for the microphone to be used before starting to sing karaoke.

[0067] <Variation> The above embodiment described an example where one user uses one microphone. On the other hand, in the case of a karaoke device equipped with multiple microphones, the user can set their desired sound effects for each microphone.

[0068] Alternatively, a single microphone may be used by multiple users. In this case, the setting unit 400 can set sound effects for a single microphone based on sound effect information associated with the voiceprint data of each of the multiple users.

[0069] For example, suppose three users, U1 to U3, use the karaoke machine K. Also, suppose the data storage unit 100 stores the voiceprint data and sound effect information SF1 to SF3 for each of the users U1 to U3.

[0070] Before singing karaoke, user U1 inputs voice via microphone 40. The acquisition unit 200 analyzes the input voice of user U1 and acquires user U's voiceprint data V1. The acquisition unit 200 outputs the acquired voiceprint data V1 to the determination unit 300.

[0071] In this example, the data storage unit 100 stores the same voiceprint data V1 as user U1. Therefore, the determination unit 300 notifies the data storage unit 100 that the same voiceprint data as the acquired voiceprint data V1 of user U1 is stored there, and outputs the voiceprint data V1 of user U to the setting unit 400.

[0072] The setting unit 400 reads from the data storage unit 100 the sound effect information SF1 that is associated with the voiceprint data V1 that matches the voiceprint data included in the judgment result. The setting unit 400 sets the sound effect for the microphone 40 used by the user U1 based on the read sound effect information SF1.

[0073] By repeatedly performing the same process, the setting unit 400 sets sound effects for the microphone 40 based on the sound effect information SF1 to SF3.

[0074] Subsequently, for example, user U1 operates the remote control device 50 to select song Y1 that they wish to sing karaoke. Based on the song identification information of song Y1 selected by user U1, the karaoke device K reads the accompaniment data for song Y1 from the storage means 10a. The karaoke device K controls the performance means 10d to perform karaoke based on the accompaniment data and emits karaoke performance sounds from the speaker 20.

[0075] User U1 sings karaoke of song Y1 using microphone 40 in time with the karaoke music. At this point, acquisition unit 100 analyzes the voice of user U1 input via microphone 40 and acquires voiceprint data V1. Based on the acquired voiceprint data V1, setting unit 400 selects an acoustic effect indicated by acoustic effect information SF1 from among the three set acoustic effects. By performing processing on the voice signal of user U1 input via microphone 40 that corresponds to the acoustic effect indicated by acoustic effect information SF1, setting unit 400 causes speaker 20 to emit a sound different from the voice actually spoken by user U1 (a sound with the acoustic effect indicated by acoustic effect information SF1 added).

[0076] After user U1 finishes singing song Y1 in karaoke, user U2 operates the remote control device 50 to select song Y2, which they wish to sing in karaoke. Based on the song identification information of song Y2 selected by user U2, the karaoke device K reads the accompaniment data for song Y2 from the storage means 10a. The karaoke device K controls the performance means 10d to perform karaoke based on the accompaniment data and emits karaoke performance sound from the speaker 20.

[0077] User U2 sings karaoke of song Y2 using microphone 40 in time with the karaoke music. At this point, acquisition unit 100 analyzes user U2's voice input via microphone 40 and acquires voiceprint data V2. Based on the acquired voiceprint data V2, setting unit 400 selects an acoustic effect indicated by acoustic effect information SF2 from among three set acoustic effects. By performing processing on user U2's voice signal input via microphone 40 that corresponds to the acoustic effect indicated by acoustic effect information SF2, setting unit 400 causes speaker 20 to emit a sound different from the voice actually spoken by user U2 (a sound with the acoustic effect indicated by acoustic effect information SF2 added).

[0078] Similarly, after user U2 has finished singing song Y2 karaoke, user U3 operates the remote control device 50 to select song Y3 that they wish to sing karaoke to. In this case, by performing the same processing as described above, the setting unit 400 processes the voice signal from user U3 input through the microphone 40 in accordance with the sound effects indicated by the sound effect information SF3, thereby causing the speaker 20 to emit a sound different from the voice actually spoken by user U3 (a sound with the sound effects indicated by the sound effect information SF3 added).

[0079] As is clear from the above, in the karaoke device K according to this modified example, the setting unit 400 can set sound effects for a single microphone based on sound effect information associated with the voiceprint data of each of the multiple users. With such a karaoke device K, even when a single microphone is used by multiple users, sound effects can be set to suit the preferences of each user.

[0080] <Other> It is also possible to supply the program to a computer using a non-transitory computer-readable medium (with an executable program thereon) on which the above program is stored. 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.

[0081] The above embodiments are presented as examples and do not limit the scope of the invention. The above configurations can be combined as appropriate, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The above embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 100 Data storage unit 200 Acquisition Department 300 Judgment section 400 Setting section 500 Memory Processing Unit K Karaoke machine

Claims

1. A data storage unit that stores sound effect information indicating the sound effects that the user wishes to set, in association with the user's voiceprint data, An acquisition unit that analyzes the user's voice input via a microphone and acquires voiceprint data, When a user sings karaoke using a microphone, a determination unit determines whether voiceprint data matching the voiceprint data of the user acquired by the acquisition unit is stored in the data storage unit. If it is determined that the matching voiceprint data is stored in the data storage unit, a setting unit sets an acoustic effect for the microphone based on the acoustic effect information associated with the matching voiceprint data. A karaoke machine having the following features.

2. The karaoke device according to claim 1, characterized in that, if the setting unit determines that no matching voiceprint data is stored in the data storage unit, it sets a predetermined sound effect for the one microphone based on predetermined sound effect information pre-stored in the data storage unit.

3. The karaoke device according to claim 1, further comprising a storage processing unit that stores in the data storage unit an association between sound effect information indicating the sound effect that the user wishes to set and the user's voiceprint data acquired by the acquisition unit.

4. The karaoke device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the setting unit sets sound effects for the one microphone based on sound effect information associated with the voiceprint data of each of the multiple users.

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