Karaoke equipment

Abstract

To provide a Karaoke device that makes it possible to easily perform a Karaoke performance of a version of a song for which a user wishes to sing Karaoke, even when a user selects a version of the song that is different from the version for which the user wishes to sing Karaoke.SOLUTION: A Karaoke device includes: a first control unit that controls performance means to reproduce Karaoke performance data for each of a plurality of versions of a certain piece of music and to generate a plurality of performance sound signals; a second control unit that controls the performance means to output the performance sound signal corresponding to a selected one of the versions of the music; and a performance processing unit that controls the performance means to output the performance sound signal corresponding to the other version different from the one version from the next performance section, when an instruction requesting a change of the version is input during output of the one of performance sound signals corresponding to the one of the versions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Among the songs that can be karaoke-sung on a karaoke device, there are some songs that have multiple versions, such as a normal version, a live version, and a live version, so that a user may select a version of the song that is different from the version that he or she desires to sing.

[0003] Here, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that includes a user interface that allows a user to correctly select a piece of music that exists in multiple musical works. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-197549 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] To provide a new karaoke device which enables a user to easily perform a karaoke performance of a karaoke version desired to be sung even when the user selects a karaoke version different from the version desired to be sung. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above object, one invention provides a karaoke device having a data storage unit which stores karaoke performance data for multiple versions of a song; a first control unit which, when a version of a song is selected, controls a performance means to play back the karaoke performance data for each of multiple versions of the song including the selected version and to generate multiple performance sound signals; a second control unit which controls the performance means to output a performance sound signal corresponding to the selected version from the multiple performance sound signals generated; and a performance processing unit which, when an instruction input is received while the performance means is outputting a performance sound signal corresponding to the selected version, controls the performance means to output a performance sound signal corresponding to a version different from the selected version, instead of the performance sound signal corresponding to the selected version, from the performance section next to the performance section in which the performance sound signal is output. Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following specification and drawings. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, even if a user selects a karaoke version different from the version he or she desires to sing, the karaoke version he or she desires to sing can be easily performed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a karaoke device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a karaoke main unit according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart showing a process of the karaoke device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] <Embodiment> The karaoke device according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG.

[0010] ==Karaoke Equipment== A karaoke device is a device for playing karaoke music and for users to sing karaoke. As shown in Fig. 1, a karaoke device K according to this embodiment includes a karaoke main unit 10, a speaker 20, a display device 30, a microphone 40, and a remote control device 50.

[0011] The karaoke main unit 10 performs various controls related to karaoke performance and singing, such as karaoke performance control according to the version of the selected song, display control of lyrics and background images, and processing of audio signals input through the microphone 40. The speaker 20 is configured to emit sound based on the signal output from the karaoke main unit 10. The display device 30 is configured to display videos and images on a screen based on the signal output from the karaoke main unit 10. The microphone 40 is configured to convert the singing voice of the user singing karaoke into an analog audio signal and input it to the karaoke main unit 10. The remote control device 50 is a device for performing various operations on the karaoke main unit 10.

[0012] 2, the karaoke machine 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 of these components is connected to a bus B via an interface (not shown).

[0013] [Storage means] The storage unit 10a is a large-capacity storage device that stores various data. In this embodiment, a part of the storage area of ​​the storage unit 10a functions as a data storage unit 100.

[0014] (Data storage unit) The data storage unit 100 stores karaoke performance data of a plurality of versions for one piece of music.

[0015] A song version is the same song played in different environments or with different instruments, such as a normal version, a live version, a raw version, and an acoustic version, which are generally used in karaoke performances. Karaoke performance data is the data that is the source of the karaoke performance sound. Karaoke performance data is provided for each version. Also, karaoke performance data comes in various formats. For example, karaoke performance data for a normal version is MIDI format data, and karaoke performance data for a live version is audio format data.

[0016] Each karaoke performance data is linked to song identification information for identifying each song and version identification information for identifying the version. Song identification information is information unique to each song, such as a song ID for identifying the song. Version identification information is information unique to each version, such as a version ID for identifying the version. Note that multiple versions of the same song have the same song identification information, but each version identification information is different. Alternatively, multiple versions of the same song may be linked to different song identification information and may also be linked to information indicating that the versions are the same song but different versions.

[0017] Each karaoke performance data is associated with information indicating a performance section (performance section information). A performance section is a section in which karaoke performance is performed. The performance section of one song is divided into a plurality of performance sections based on a predetermined criterion (e.g., A melody, B melody, chorus, etc.). Note that, at least for the same song, the performance section information is the same even for different versions (i.e., the performance sections in each version are the same).

[0018] Each piece of karaoke performance data is linked to tempo information that indicates the standard tempo of the karaoke performance.

[0019] The storage means 10a stores lyric telop data for displaying lyric telops corresponding to each piece of music on the display device 30 or the like in sync with the karaoke performance, background image data to be displayed on the display device 30 or the like during the karaoke performance, and attribute information of the piece of music. The attribute information of the piece of music includes, for example, the singer's name, the musical genre of the piece of music, etc. Different lyric telop data and background image data may be set for each version.

[0020] [Communication means / input means] The communication means 10b provides an interface for communicating with the remote control device 50. The input means 10c is configured to allow the user to input various instructions. The input means 10c is a button or the like provided on the karaoke main unit 10. Alternatively, the remote control device 50 may function as the input means 10c.

[0021] [Means of performance] The performance means 10d performs karaoke performance of music pieces and processes signals based on singing voices inputted through the microphone 40 under the control of the control means 10e.

[0022] 2, the playing means 10d includes a sound source 200, a switch 300, a mixer 400, and an amplifier 500. Note that the playing means 10d may include other hardware such as an effector.

[0023] (sound source) The sound source 200 generates a signal for karaoke performance (that is, a performance sound signal) based on the karaoke performance data. The sound source 200 outputs the generated performance sound signal to the switch 300.

[0024] In this embodiment, the sound source 200 includes a first sound source 200a and a second sound source 200b. The first sound source 200a reproduces karaoke performance data in MIDI format and generates a performance sound signal. The second sound source 200b reproduces karaoke performance data in audio format and generates a performance sound signal.

[0025] (Switch) The switch 300 selects one of the plurality of performance sound signals output from the sound source 200 and outputs the selected one to the mixer 400 .

[0026] (Mixer) The mixer 400 mixes the performance sound signal output from the switch 300 with a signal based on the singing voice input through the microphone 40, and outputs the mixed signal to the amplifier 500. Note that the mixer 400 may have the function of the switch 300.

[0027] (Amplifier) The amplifier 500 amplifies the signal output from the mixer 400 and outputs the amplified signal from the speaker 20 .

[0028] [Control Means] The control means 10e performs various controls in the karaoke device K. The control means 10e includes a CPU and a memory (neither of which are shown in the figures). The CPU realizes various functions by executing programs stored in the memory.

[0029] In this embodiment, the control means 10e functions as a first control section 600, a second control section 700, and a performance processing section 800 by the CPU executing a program stored in the memory.

[0030] (First control unit) When one version of a certain song is selected, the first control unit 600 controls the playing means 10d to play back karaoke performance data of each of multiple versions of the certain song including the selected version and generate multiple performance sound signals.

[0031] A user of the karaoke device K can select one version of a song that he / she wishes to sing karaoke through the remote control device 50. The first control unit 600 reads out karaoke performance data of one version of the song from the data storage unit 100 based on the song identification information of the selected song and the version identification information of the one version. The first control unit 600 also reads out karaoke performance data of other versions that have the same song identification information as the selected song from the data storage unit 100. The first control unit 600 outputs the read out karaoke performance data to the performance means 10d (specifically, the sound source 200) in association with the version identification information. Then, when it is the turn of the selected song to be performed, the first control unit 600 controls the sound source 200 to play back each karaoke performance data and generate multiple performance sound signals for each version.

[0032] For example, the data storage unit 100 stores karaoke performance data KV1 of a normal version V1 and karaoke performance data KV2 of a live version V2 for a song X. The normal version V1 and the live version V2 have a common song ID but different version IDs. The karaoke performance data KV1 is in MIDI format, and the karaoke performance data KV2 is in audio format.

[0033] When the user selects the normal version V1 of the song X via the remote control device 50, the first control unit 600 reads out the karaoke performance data KV1 from the data storage unit 100 based on the song ID of the song X and the version ID of the version V1. The first control unit 600 also reads out the karaoke performance data KV2 from the data storage unit 100, which has the same song ID as the song X but a different version ID.

[0034] The first control unit 600 links the read karaoke performance data KV1 to the version ID of the normal version V1 and outputs it to the sound source 200. Since the karaoke performance data KV1 is linked to the version ID of the normal version V1, it is output to the first sound source 200a, which can play back karaoke performance data in MIDI format. The first control unit 600 also links the read karaoke performance data KV2 to the version ID of the live version V2 and outputs it to the sound source 200. Since the karaoke performance data KV2 is linked to the version ID of the live version V2, it is output to the second sound source 200b, which can play back karaoke performance data in audio format.

[0035] When it is the turn of the song X to be played, the first control unit 600 controls the first sound source 200a to play the karaoke performance data KV1 and generate a performance sound signal S1, and also controls the second sound source 200b to play the karaoke performance data KV2 and generate a performance sound signal S2.

[0036] (Second control section) The second control unit 700 controls the playing means 10d to output a performance sound signal corresponding to the selected version from among the multiple performance sound signals that have been generated.

[0037] The sound source 200 outputs the generated multiple performance sound signals to the switch 300. The second control unit 700 controls the switch 300 so as to output to the mixer 400 only the performance sound signal of the selected version.

[0038] For example, as described above, assume that the user selects the normal version V1 of the song X via the remote control device 50. In this case, the first sound source 200a generates a performance sound signal S1 and outputs it to the switch 300. In addition, the second sound source 200b generates a performance sound signal S2 and outputs it to the switch 300.

[0039] The second control unit 700 controls the switch 300 to output to the mixer 400 only the performance sound signal S1 (i.e., the performance sound signal output from the first sound source 200a) corresponding to the normal version V1 selected by the user, out of the performance sound signal S1 and the performance sound signal S2.

[0040] (Performance processing unit) The performance processing unit 800 performs processing related to the karaoke performance.

[0041] The performance processing unit 800 controls the mixer 400 to output the performance sound signal output from the switch 300 to the amplifier 500. The performance processing unit 800 also controls the amplifier 500 to amplify the signal output from the mixer 400 and emit karaoke performance sounds from the speaker 20. The user can sing karaoke of a song in tune with the karaoke performance sounds. When the user sings karaoke, the performance processing unit 800 mixes the performance sound signal output from the switch 300 with a signal based on the singing voice input through the microphone 40, and controls the mixer 400 to output the mixed signal to the amplifier 500.

[0042] Here, when an instruction input is made to request a change of version during output of a performance sound signal corresponding to one version by the performance means 10d, the performance processing unit 800 according to the present embodiment controls the performance means 10d to output a performance sound signal corresponding to another version different from the one version, instead of the performance sound signal corresponding to the one version, from the performance section next to the one performance section in which the performance sound signal is being output. In other words, when an instruction input is made to request a change of version during output of a karaoke performance sound of one version, a karaoke performance sound of another version different from the one version is output instead of the karaoke performance sound of the one version, from the performance section next to the one performance section in which the karaoke performance sound is being output.

[0043] A command to request a version change can be input in various ways. For example, the command can be input via the remote control device 50. Specifically, the user inputs the command by selecting a dedicated icon displayed on the display screen of the remote control device 50. Alternatively, the command can be input by voice. Specifically, the user inputs the command by uttering a predetermined keyword (for example, "change", "mistake", or "change") via the microphone 40.

[0044] When an instruction requesting a change of version is input, the performance processing unit 800 refers to the performance section information of the one version being performed, and identifies the next performance section of the one performance section for which a performance sound signal is being output. The performance processing unit 800 controls the switcher 300 to output a performance sound signal corresponding to the other version (i.e., a performance sound signal different from the performance sound signal corresponding to the selected version) from the identified next performance section to the mixer 400. The performance processing unit 800 also controls the mixer 400 to output the performance sound signal corresponding to the other version output from the switcher 300 to the amplifier 500. Furthermore, the performance processing unit 800 amplifies the signal output from the mixer 400, and controls the amplifier 500 to emit the karaoke performance sound of the other version from the speaker 20 instead of the karaoke performance sound of the one version.

[0045] For example, suppose that a user who has listened to the karaoke performance sound of normal version V1 of song X notices that the version he or she has selected is different from the version he or she wishes to sing (live version V2). In this case, the user inputs an instruction via microphone 40 to request a change of version.

[0046] When an instruction requesting a version change is input, the performance processing unit 800 refers to the performance section information of the normal version V1 and identifies the performance section Pn+1 next to the performance section Pn in which the performance sound signal is currently being output. The performance processing unit 800 controls the switch 300 to output the performance sound signal S2 corresponding to the live version V2 from the identified performance section Pn+1 to the mixer 400. The performance processing unit 800 controls the mixer 400 to output the performance sound signal S2 output from the switch 300 to the amplifier 500. The performance processing unit 800 amplifies the signal output from the mixer 400 and controls the amplifier 500 to emit the karaoke performance sound of the live version V2 from the speaker 20 instead of the karaoke performance sound of the normal version V1. Thus, the user can sing the karaoke of the live version V2 of the song X that he / she wishes to sing karaoke from the performance section Pn+1.

[0047] When the performance processing unit 800 outputs a performance sound signal corresponding to another version, it can control the performance means 10d to stop generating a performance sound signal corresponding to one version.

[0048] For example, as described above, assume that the karaoke performance sound of the live version V2 of the song X is emitted from the speaker 20 instead of the karaoke performance sound of the normal version V1 of the song X. In this case, the performance processing unit 800 can control the first sound source 200a to stop generating the performance sound signal S1 corresponding to the normal version V1 of the song X. Therefore, the first sound source 200a does not generate the performance sound signal S1 corresponding to the normal version V1 after the identified performance section Pn+1.

[0049] In addition, there may be cases where three or more versions of karaoke performance data are stored for one song. In this case, even if a user requests a change in the version, the karaoke performance of the version desired for singing the karaoke may not necessarily be performed. Therefore, when a user inputs a command to change the version again, the performance processing unit 800 performs the above-mentioned process again.

[0050] For example, suppose that there are a normal version V3, a live version V4, and a raw version V5 for a song Y. Also, suppose that a user tries to select the raw version V5 of the song Y, but mistakenly selects the normal version V3. In this case, the performance processing unit 800 controls the performance means 10d to emit the karaoke performance sound of the normal version V3 of the song Y.

[0051] When the user hears the karaoke performance sound of the normal version V3 of the song Y, he or she realizes that the version he or she selected is different from the live version V5 that he or she wishes to sing. In this case, the user inputs an instruction via microphone 40 to request a change of version.

[0052] Here, when an instruction is input requesting a version change, the performance processing unit 800 controls the switch 300 to output a performance sound signal corresponding to live version V4, out of live version V4 and raw sound version V5, to the mixer 400 instead of the performance sound signal corresponding to normal version V3, and controls the amplifier 500 to emit the karaoke performance sound of live version V4 from the speaker 20.

[0053] As described above, the live version V4 is not the version that the user wants to sing karaoke on, so the user again makes an input requesting a version change.

[0054] In this case, the performance processing unit 800 controls the switch 300 to output a performance sound signal corresponding to the live sound version V5 to the mixer 400 instead of the performance sound signal corresponding to the live version V4, and controls the amplifier 500 to emit the karaoke performance sound of the live sound version V5 from the speaker 20.

[0055] ==About the operation of the karaoke device K== Next, a specific example of the operation of the karaoke device K in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the karaoke device K. In this example, it is assumed that a user selects a regular version of a certain song. It is also assumed that the data storage unit 100 stores karaoke performance data in MIDI format corresponding to the regular version of a certain song, and karaoke performance data in audio format corresponding to a live version.

[0056] The first control unit 600 controls the first sound source 200a to play the karaoke performance data of the normal version and generate a performance sound signal of the normal version. The first control unit 600 also controls the second sound source 200b to play the karaoke performance data of the live version and generate a performance sound signal of the live version (generating performance sound signals of the normal version and the live version; step 10).

[0057] The second control unit 700 controls the switch 300 to output a performance sound signal corresponding to the selected normal version from among the multiple performance sound signals generated in step 10 (output the performance sound signal corresponding to the normal version; step 11).

[0058] The performance processing unit 800 controls the mixer 400 to output the performance sound signal output from the switch 300 to the amplifier 500. The performance processing unit 800 also controls the amplifier 500 to amplify the signal output from the mixer 400 and emit the normal version of the karaoke performance sound from the speaker 20 (emit the normal version of the karaoke performance sound; step 12).

[0059] Here, suppose that a user listening to the karaoke performance sound emitted from the karaoke device K realizes that he or she has mistakenly selected the regular version of a song when trying to select a live version of the song (Y in step 13).

[0060] In this case, the user inputs an instruction to request a change of the version while the normal version of the karaoke performance sound is being output (request to change the version; step 14).

[0061] Based on the instruction input in step 14, the performance processing unit 800 controls the performance means 10d to output a performance sound signal corresponding to the live version instead of a performance sound signal corresponding to the normal version from the performance section next to the one performance section in which the performance sound signal is being output (outputting a performance sound signal corresponding to the live version instead of a performance sound signal corresponding to the normal version; step 15). Specifically, the performance processing unit 800 refers to the performance section information of the normal version and specifies the performance section next to the performance section in which the performance sound signal is currently being output. The performance processing unit 800 controls the switch 300 to output a performance sound signal corresponding to the live version to the mixer 400 from the specified next performance section. The performance processing unit 800 controls the mixer 400 to output the performance sound signal output from the switch 300 to the amplifier 500. The performance processing unit 800 controls the amplifier 500 to amplify the signal output from the mixer 400 and emit the karaoke performance sound of the live version from the speaker 20.

[0062] As is clear from the above, the karaoke device K of this embodiment includes a data storage unit 100 that stores karaoke performance data of multiple versions of a song, a first control unit 600 that, when a version of a song is selected, controls the performance means 10d to play back the karaoke performance data of each of the multiple versions of the song including the selected version and generate multiple performance sound signals, a second control unit 700 that controls the performance means 10d to output a performance sound signal corresponding to the selected version from the generated multiple performance sound signals, and a performance processing unit 800 that, when an instruction input is received during the output of the performance sound signal corresponding to the selected version by the performance means 10d, controls the performance means 10d to output a performance sound signal corresponding to another version different from the selected version, instead of the performance sound signal corresponding to the selected version, from the performance section next to the one performance section in which the performance sound signal is being output.

[0063] With this karaoke device K, if a user realizes that he or she has selected a different version from the one he or she wishes to sing, he or she can simply input a command to change the version and the karaoke performance sound of the desired version will be emitted. Therefore, the user can enjoy singing the desired version of the karaoke without having to stop the karaoke performance currently being performed via the remote control device and select a new version of the song. In other words, with the karaoke device K of this embodiment, even if the user selects a different version from the one he or she wishes to sing, the karaoke performance of the desired version can be easily performed.

[0064] In addition, in the karaoke device K according to the present embodiment, the performance processing unit 800 can control the performance means 10d to stop generating a performance sound signal corresponding to one version when outputting a performance sound signal corresponding to another version. In this way, the performance processing unit 800 stops generating a performance sound signal corresponding to one version, thereby reducing the processing load of the performance means 10d.

[0065] The performance means 10d includes a first sound source 200a for reproducing MIDI format karaoke performance data and generating a performance sound signal, and a second sound source 200b for reproducing audio format karaoke performance data and generating a performance sound signal. By providing sound sources according to the format of the karaoke performance data, the performance sound signal can be generated efficiently.

[0066] In addition, the performance processing unit 800 can control the performance means 10d to output a performance sound signal corresponding to another version based on a voice instruction input. In this case, if a user realizes that he / she has selected a different version from the one he / she wishes to sing, he / she can easily request a change of version via the microphone 40.

[0067] <Variation 1> The tempo indicated by the tempo information may differ for different versions of the same piece of music.

[0068] For example, in the above embodiment, assume that the tempo is different between the normal version and the live version of the song X. In this case, there is a possibility that the performance processing unit 800 may not be able to output a performance sound signal corresponding to the live version from the beginning of the next performance section identified by the performance processing unit 800.

[0069] Therefore, the performance processing unit 800 may control the playing means 10d to generate a performance sound signal of one version based on tempo information linked to the karaoke performance data of another version.

[0070] When an instruction requesting a version change is input, the performance processing unit 800 acquires tempo information associated with one version of the karaoke performance data from the data storage unit 100. The performance processing unit 800 reproduces the karaoke performance data according to the tempo indicated by the acquired tempo information, and controls the sound source 200 to generate a performance sound signal.

[0071] For example, in the embodiment, when an instruction requesting a version change is input, the performance processing unit 800 acquires tempo information TI1 linked to the karaoke performance data KV1 of the normal version V1 from the data storage unit 100. The performance processing unit 800 changes the tempo t2 indicated by the tempo information TI2 of the live version V2 to the tempo t1 indicated by the acquired tempo information TI1, plays the karaoke performance data KV2, and controls the second sound source 200b to generate a performance sound signal S2'. Note that in this example, the tempo t1 indicated by the tempo information TI1 of the normal version V1 of the song X is different from the tempo t2 indicated by the tempo information TI2 of the live version V2.

[0072] Then, as in the embodiment, the performance processing unit 800 refers to the performance section information of the normal version V1 and identifies the performance section Pn+1 next to the performance section Pn for which the performance sound signal is currently being output. The performance processing unit 800 controls the switch 300 to output the performance sound signal S2' corresponding to the live version V2 from the identified performance section Pn+1 to the mixer 400. The performance processing unit 800 controls the mixer 400 to output the performance sound signal S2' output from the switch 300 to the amplifier 500. The performance processing unit 800 amplifies the signal output from the mixer 400 and controls the amplifier 500 to emit a karaoke performance sound based on the karaoke performance data KV2 reproduced at the same tempo t1 as the tempo TI1 of the normal version V1.

[0073] The performance processing unit 800 controls the second sound source 200b so that the karaoke performance data KV2 is played back at the tempo t1 indicated by the tempo information TI1 also for the performance sections after the performance section Pn+1.

[0074] According to the karaoke device K, even if one version of the karaoke performance sound is replaced with another version of the karaoke performance sound, the tempo of the karaoke performance does not change, so that the user can sing karaoke smoothly without feeling uncomfortable due to the change of version.

[0075] <Variation 2> Different versions of the same song may have different tempos indicated by the tempo information as described in Variation 1, or different lengths of performance sections. For example, when an artist performs live, he or she may perform a guitar solo before the introduction or a call-and-response during the interlude. The karaoke performance data of the live version that faithfully reproduces such a live performance has longer introductory and interlude sections than the karaoke performance data of the normal version.

[0076] Here, when using versions of karaoke performance data with different tempos or performance section lengths, there is a possibility that the karaoke performance will not flow smoothly when a different version of the karaoke performance sound is emitted instead of the first version of the karaoke performance sound.

[0077] The performance processing unit 800 in this modified example can control the performance means 10d to fast forward and pause the playback of the karaoke performance data of another version to the beginning of the next performance section while outputting a performance sound signal in one performance section.

[0078] For example, as in the embodiment, it is assumed that a user who has listened to the karaoke performance sound of the normal version V1 of a piece of music X realizes that he or she has selected a version different from the version (live version V2) that he or she wishes to sing karaoke.

[0079] When a user inputs an instruction requesting a version change, the performance processing unit 800 refers to the performance section information of the normal version V1 and identifies the performance section Pn+1 that follows the performance section Pn for which a performance sound signal is currently being output.

[0080] The performance processing unit 800 according to this modified example controls the second sound source 200b to fast forward the playback of the karaoke performance data of the live version V2 to the beginning of the next performance section Pn+1 and then pause the playback.

[0081] Thereafter, the performance processing unit 800 releases the pause of the karaoke performance data of the live version V2 from the identified performance section Pn+1, starts playback, and controls the switch 300 to output the performance sound signal S2 corresponding to the live version V2 to the mixer 400, as in the embodiment. The performance processing unit 800 controls the mixer 400 to output the performance sound signal S2 output from the switch 300 to the amplifier 500. The performance processing unit 800 amplifies the signal output from the mixer 400, and controls the amplifier 500 to emit the karaoke performance sound of the live version V2 from the speaker 20, instead of the karaoke performance sound of the normal version V1.

[0082] With this karaoke device K, even if one version and another version have different tempos or lengths of performance sections, the version can be changed without interrupting the karaoke performance. Therefore, the user can smoothly sing karaoke without feeling uncomfortable when the version changes.

[0083] <Other> The above embodiment is presented as an example, and does not limit the scope of the invention. The above configurations can be implemented in appropriate combinations, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The above embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims, as well as the scope and gist of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 100 Data storage unit 200 Sound Sources 200a First Sound Source 200b Second Source 300 Switch 400 Mixer 500 Amps 600 First control section 700 Second control section 800 Performance Processing Unit K Karaoke equipment

Claims

1. a data storage unit for storing karaoke performance data of a plurality of versions for one piece of music; a first control unit for controlling the playing means to play back karaoke performance data of each of a plurality of versions of a song including the selected version and to generate a plurality of performance sound signals when a version of the song is selected; a second control unit that controls the playing means to output a performance sound signal corresponding to a selected version of the music among the plurality of performance sound signals that have been generated; a performance processing unit which controls said performance means so that, when an instruction requesting a change of version is input during output of a performance sound signal corresponding to said one version by said performance means, a performance sound signal corresponding to another version different from said one version is output from a performance section next to the one performance section in which said performance sound signal is output, instead of the performance sound signal corresponding to said one version; A karaoke device having the following features:

2. 2. The karaoke apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the performance processing unit controls the playing means to stop generating the performance sound signal corresponding to the one version when outputting the performance sound signal corresponding to the other version.

3. The playing means is a first sound source for reproducing karaoke performance data in MIDI format and generating a performance sound signal; a second sound source for reproducing the karaoke performance data in an audio format and generating a performance sound signal; 3. The karaoke apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. 4. The karaoke apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the performance processing unit controls the playing means to output a performance sound signal corresponding to the other version based on the instruction input by voice.

5. 5. The karaoke apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the performance processing unit controls the playing means to generate a performance sound signal of the other version based on tempo information linked to the karaoke performance data of the one version.

6. 6. The karaoke apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the performance processing unit controls the playing means to fast forward the playback of the other version of the karaoke performance data to the beginning of the next performance section and to pause the playback, while the performance sound signal is being output in the one performance section.

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