Karaoke systems, server equipment

Abstract

To provide a karaoke system and a server device for providing a karaoke performance of music that a user selects in a vehicle moving from a starting place to a destination that the user selects.SOLUTION: A karaoke system 1 includes: a portable terminal M having a creation part which creates a reservation list of music, an acquisition part which acquires position information, and a terminal-side transmission part which transmits the reservation list and position information to a server device S; the server device S having a calculation part which calculates a movement time from a starting place to a destination, an editing part which generates audio data for reproduction including all pieces of music included in the reservation list, and a device-side transmission part which transmits the position information and the generated audio data for reproduction to an on-vehicle device installed in a vehicle that the user uses; and the on-vehicle device VD having a reproduction part which reproduces the received audio data for reproduction during a movement from the starting place to the destination that the received position information indicates.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There have been proposed technologies that allow karaoke performances to be performed in vehicles such as private cars. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an in-vehicle terminal communication system in which a mobile terminal transmits to a database center specific information about input karaoke music and the login ID of the in-vehicle information terminal that is the destination of the music data distribution request, and when the database center receives the login ID registered with the mobile terminal, it transmits the accompanying music data for which distribution has been requested to the in-vehicle information terminal, which stores the received music data in a storage unit and plays it back in a karaoke processing unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-138885 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a novel karaoke system and server device that enables a user to perform karaoke of a song selected by the user while traveling in a car from a departure point selected by the user to a destination. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One invention for achieving the above object is a karaoke system in which a server device is communicatively connected to a mobile terminal owned by a user and an in-vehicle device installed in a vehicle, wherein the mobile terminal has a creation unit that creates a reservation list of songs that the user wishes to karaoke, an acquisition unit that acquires location information of a departure point and a destination selected by the user, and a terminal-side transmission unit that transmits the created reservation list and the acquired location information to the server device, the server device has a calculation unit that calculates a travel time from the departure point to the destination based on the received location information and traffic information that indicates traffic conditions in an area including the departure point and destination indicated by the location information, an editing unit that edits karaoke performance data of songs included in the received reservation list according to the calculated travel time, and generates playback audio data including all songs included in the reservation list, and an device-side transmission unit that transmits the received location information and the generated playback audio data to an in-vehicle device installed in the vehicle used by the user, and the in-vehicle device has a playback unit that plays the received playback audio data while traveling from the departure point to the destination indicated by the received location information. Another invention for achieving the above object is a server device communicatively connected to a mobile terminal owned by a user and an in-vehicle device installed in a vehicle, the server device having: a calculation unit that calculates a travel time from a departure point to a destination based on location information of a departure point and a destination selected by the user received from the mobile terminal and traffic information indicating traffic conditions in an area including the departure point and the destination indicated by the location information; an editing unit that edits karaoke performance data of songs included in a reservation list of songs that the user wishes to perform karaoke, received from the mobile terminal, according to the calculated travel time, and generates playback audio data including all songs included in the reservation list; and a device-side transmission unit that transmits the received location information and the generated playback audio data to the in-vehicle device installed in the vehicle used by the user so that the generated playback audio data can be played back while the in-vehicle device is traveling from the departure point to the destination indicated by the location information. Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, a karaoke performance of a song selected by a user can be performed in a vehicle traveling from a departure point selected by the user to a destination. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a karaoke system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a mobile terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a server device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating an in-vehicle device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] 3 is a flowchart showing the processing of the karaoke system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a table showing the performance time for each piece of music in each performance mode according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 2 is a diagram for explaining the structure of audio data for reproduction according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the structure of audio data for reproduction according to Modification 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an in-vehicle device according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] First Embodiment A karaoke system according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0009] ==Karaoke System== As shown in FIG. 1, the karaoke system 1 includes a server device S, a mobile terminal M, and a vehicle-mounted device VD.

[0010] The server device S is a computer that manages and processes various types of information. The server device S is communicably connected to the mobile terminal M and the in-vehicle device VD via a network N such as a public telephone network or the Internet.

[0011] The mobile terminal is a smartphone, tablet terminal, etc. owned by a user. The mobile terminal M shown in FIG.

[0012] In this embodiment, the mobile terminal is installed with dedicated application software (hereinafter referred to as "karaoke app") for performing karaoke in a car. The karaoke app can be obtained by downloading it from a specific website. By starting the karaoke app on the mobile terminal, communication with the server device S is established.

[0013] The in-vehicle device VD is a device for performing karaoke in a vehicle. The in-vehicle device VD is installed in a vehicle C, such as a private car. The in-vehicle device VD is assigned device identification information. The device identification information is information unique to each in-vehicle device, such as a device ID for identifying the in-vehicle device, the automobile registration number or vehicle number (the letters and numbers on the license plate) of the vehicle in which the in-vehicle device is installed, etc.

[0014] ==Mobile devices== The configuration of the mobile terminal M will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The mobile terminal M includes a storage means 10, a communication means 11, a display means 12, an input means 13, and a control means 14. Each component is connected to a bus B via an interface (not shown).

[0015] [Memory means, communication means, display means, input means] The storage means 10 is a storage device that stores various data. The storage means 10 stores attribute information such as song titles and singer names of songs that can be performed as karaoke, as well as song identification information. The song identification information is information unique to each song, such as a song ID for identifying the song.

[0016] The communication means 11 provides an interface for communicating with the server device S. The display means 12 is a display that displays various information. The input means 13 is configured to allow the user to input various instructions. In a typical smartphone, the display means 12 is configured in a touch panel format and functions as the input means 13.

[0017] [Control means] The control means 14 performs various controls in the mobile terminal M. The control means 14 includes a CPU and a memory (neither of which is shown). The CPU realizes various functions by executing programs stored in the memory.

[0018] In this embodiment, when the karaoke application is started on the mobile terminal M, the control means 14 functions as a creating unit 14a, an acquiring unit 14b, and a terminal-side transmitting unit 14c.

[0019] (Creation Department) The creating unit 14a creates a reservation list of songs that the user desires to have karaoke performed.

[0020] A user who wishes to sing karaoke in a car starts a karaoke application on a mobile terminal. The creation unit 14a causes the display means 12 to display a song selection screen for selecting a song. The user operates the input means 13 to select the song they wish to sing karaoke on the song selection screen. When song selection is complete, the user operates the input means 13 to select the "End song selection" icon displayed on the song selection screen.

[0021] The creation unit 14a creates a reservation list by recording the song identification information of songs in the order selected by the user. The creation unit 14a may create a reservation list by recording song titles and singer names instead of song identification information. The reservation list may also include information on the tempo and key of the karaoke performance desired by the user in addition to the song identification information.

[0022] (Acquisition Department) The acquisition unit 14b acquires the location information of the departure point and destination selected by the user.

[0023] After the reservation list is created, the acquisition unit 14b displays a selection screen for selecting a departure point and a destination on the display means 12. The user operates the input means 13 to select the departure point and destination via the selection screen. The selection of the departure point and destination may be performed, for example, by directly inputting the address of each point, as in a known car navigation device, or by selecting each point from a displayed map or address list. When the selection is complete, the user operates the input means 13 to select the "End selection" icon displayed on the selection screen.

[0024] The acquiring unit 14b acquires location information of the selected departure point and destination, such as address information or GPS-based location information.

[0025] Alternatively, the acquiring unit 14b may acquire the location information first, and then the creating unit 14a may create the reservation list.

[0026] (Transmitter on terminal side) The terminal-side transmitting unit 14c transmits the created reservation list and the acquired location information to the server device.

[0027] When the user has selected the song they wish to sing karaoke and the departure and destination locations, the mobile terminal M displays on the display means 12 an input screen for inputting the device identification information of the in-vehicle device that will perform the karaoke. The user operates the input means 13 to input the device identification information of the in-vehicle device installed in the vehicle they will be using via the input screen. When the user has finished inputting, the user operates the input means 13 to select the "Send" icon displayed on the input screen.

[0028] The terminal-side transmitting unit 14c transmits the created reservation list and the acquired location information to the server device S, linking them with the input device identification information.

[0029] ==Server Device== 3, the server device S includes a storage unit 20, a communication unit 30, and a control unit 40. Each component is connected to a bus B via an interface (not shown).

[0030] [Storage means] The storage means 20 is a large-capacity storage device that stores various types of data.

[0031] The storage means 20 stores song data for each song. Song data is assigned song identification information. Song data includes karaoke performance data, reference data, section information, etc. Karaoke performance data is MIDI format data that is the source of karaoke performance sounds. Reference data is data that indicates the main melody of the song that is karaoke performed. Section information indicates the performance section. A performance section is a section where karaoke performance is performed. A performance section includes a singing section and a non-singing section. A singing section is a section in a song where lyrics to be sung are set (for example, the first and second verses of a song). A non-singing section is a section in a song where lyrics to be sung are not set, such as an introduction, interlude, or postlude. Each performance section has a set performance time at a standard tempo.

[0032] The storage means 20 also stores, for each song, background video data such as background video to be displayed during karaoke performance, and song attribute information (song title, singer name, genre, etc.).

[0033] Furthermore, the storage means 20 stores map information, which includes geographical information such as roads, major buildings, mountains and seas throughout the country.

[0034] [Means of communication] The communication means 30 provides an interface for communication with the mobile terminal M and the in-vehicle device VD.

[0035] [Control means] The control means 40 performs various controls in the server device S. The control means 40 includes a CPU and a memory (neither of which are shown). The CPU executes programs stored in the memory to realize various functions.

[0036] In this embodiment, the CPU executes a program stored in the memory, causing the control means 40 to function as a calculation unit 100, an editing unit 200, and an apparatus-side transmission unit 300.

[0037] (Calculation section) The calculation unit 100 calculates the travel time from the departure point to the destination based on the received location information and traffic information indicating the traffic conditions in the area including the departure point and destination indicated by the location information.

[0038] Traffic information is information that indicates real-time traffic conditions, including emergency information such as congestion, road closures, and accidents.

[0039] When the reservation list and location information are received from the mobile terminal, the calculation unit 100 determines the optimal route for traveling from the departure point indicated by the location information to the destination based on the map information. The calculation unit 100 acquires traffic information corresponding to the determined route (i.e., traffic information for the range including the departure point and destination) from an external website. The calculation unit 100 calculates the travel time from the departure point to the destination based on the acquired traffic information. Techniques implemented in known navigation systems can be used to determine the route and calculate the travel time.

[0040] (Editorial Department) The editing unit 200 edits the karaoke performance data of the songs included in the received reservation list in accordance with the calculated travel time, and generates audio data for playback that includes all the songs included in the reservation list.

[0041] The editing unit 200 reads out the karaoke performance data of the songs included in the received reservation list from the storage means 20. The editing unit 200 edits the read out karaoke performance data in accordance with the calculated travel time.

[0042] Specifically, the editing unit 200 edits the karaoke performance data so that at least a portion of the singing sections of all songs included in the reservation list can be performed during the calculated travel time. Editing can be done in various ways.

[0043] For example, if the total playing time of the songs included in the reservation list is shorter than the travel time, the editing department 200 creates one karaoke performance data by combining the karaoke performance data of each song in the order registered in the reservation list.

[0044] On the other hand, if the total playing time of the songs on the reservation list is longer than the travel time, it will be necessary to shorten the playing time of some of the songs in order to play all the songs on the reservation list during the travel time. In this case, the editing department 200 creates karaoke performance data with the playing time of at least one song shortened, and then combines the karaoke performance data of each song in the order registered on the reservation list to create one karaoke performance data.

[0045] The performance time can be shortened by, for example, deleting the introductory or post-performance sections, or by setting it to one chorus only (the introductory and first verse performance sections), or two choruses only (the introductory, first verse performance section, interlude, and second verse performance section).When shortening the performance time, it is preferable to edit the song so that the time spent performing karaoke is the longest during the travel time.

[0046] After completing the editing, the editing unit 200 converts the created karaoke performance data into audio data for playback, which is in a format that can be played back by the vehicle-mounted device VD.

[0047] The editing unit 200 converts the karaoke performance data into playback audio data using a known method. In this embodiment, the karaoke performance data is in MIDI format. Therefore, the editing unit 200 can generate playback audio data by rendering the karaoke performance data using, for example, the technology described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-097289. If the reservation list includes information about the tempo and key of the karaoke performance desired by the user, the editing unit 200 can render the karaoke performance data taking the tempo and key into consideration. For example, when rendering the karaoke performance data taking the user's desired tempo into consideration, the editing unit 200 corrects the performance time of the song according to the tempo.

[0048] (Device side transmitter) The device-side transmitting section 300 transmits the received location information and the generated audio data for playback to the vehicle-mounted device VD installed in the vehicle used by the user.

[0049] The in-vehicle device installed in the vehicle used by the user can be identified based on the device identification information transmitted from the mobile terminal.

[0050] After the generation of the audio data for reproduction is completed, the device-side transmitting unit 300 transmits the location information received from the mobile terminal M and the generated audio data for reproduction to the in-vehicle device VD corresponding to the device identification information.

[0051] ==In-vehicle device== 4, the in-vehicle device VD includes a storage means 50, a communication means 51, a sound emitting means 52, and a control means 53. Each component is connected to a bus B via an interface (not shown).

[0052] [Memory means, communication means, sound emission means] The storage means 50 is a large-capacity storage device that stores various types of data. The storage means 50 stores, for example, audio data for playback and location information received from the server device S. The communication means 51 provides an interface for communicating with the server device S. The sound emitting means 52 emits karaoke performance sounds based on the audio data for playback played by the playback unit 400 (described later). The sound emitting means 52 is, for example, an amplifier or a speaker. Note that the amplifier and speaker provided in the vehicle C may also be used as the sound emitting means 52.

[0053] [Control means] The control means 53 performs various controls in the in-vehicle device VD. The control means 53 includes a CPU and a memory (neither of which is shown). The CPU executes programs stored in the memory to realize various functions.

[0054] In this embodiment, the CPU executes a program stored in the memory, causing the control means 53 to function as the playback unit 400.

[0055] (Reproduction Department) The playback unit 400 plays back the received audio data for playback while traveling from the departure point to the destination indicated by the received location information.

[0056] When the playback unit 400 detects that the vehicle C has moved from the departure point indicated by the location information stored in the storage means 50, it reads out the audio data for playback from the storage means 50 and starts playback. Note that the detection of the vehicle's movement can use a technique implemented in a known navigation system.

[0057] The playback unit 400 then outputs the played karaoke performance sound from the sound output means 52. The karaoke performance data that forms the basis of the playback audio data is edited so that at least a portion of the singing sections of all the songs included in the reservation list can be karaoke-played during the calculated travel time. This allows the user to enjoy karaoke performances of all the songs they have selected from their starting point to their destination.

[0058] The user can also enjoy singing karaoke in the car while listening to the karaoke performance. In this case, the user may use a sound collection means (not shown) such as a headset. In this case, the playback unit 400 mixes the sound data based on the singing voice collected by the sound collection means with the audio data for playback, and can emit the mixed sound from the sound emission means 52.

[0059] The music data may also include lyric caption display data. In this case, the editing unit 200 generates in-vehicle caption data corresponding to the playback audio data based on the lyric caption data. The in-vehicle caption data is data for displaying lyric captions on the in-vehicle device. The device-side transmitting unit 300 transmits the generated in-vehicle caption data to the in-vehicle device VD. The playback unit 400 displays lyric captions based on the in-vehicle caption data on a display means provided in the in-vehicle device VD in synchronization with the playback of the playback audio data.

[0060] ==About the operation of the karaoke system== Next, a specific example of the operation of the karaoke system 1 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 5 to 7. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the karaoke system 1. Fig. 6 is a table showing the performance time for each song in each performance mode (described later). Fig. 7 shows the structure of audio data for playback. In this example, it is assumed that a user U who wishes to play karaoke in a car traveling from a departure point to a destination has launched a karaoke app on a mobile terminal M in advance.

[0061] The creation unit 14a of the mobile terminal M creates a reservation list of songs that the user U wishes to have karaoke performed (creation of reservation list; step 10).

[0062] In this example, it is assumed that the user U has selected eight songs, song X1 to song X8, in that order. The creation unit 14a creates the reservation list L by recording the song IDs of the songs X1 to X8 in the order that the user U selected them.

[0063] The acquisition unit 14b of the mobile terminal M acquires the location information of the departure point and destination selected by the user U (acquisition of location information; step 11).

[0064] In this example, it is assumed that the user U has selected a departure point D0 and a destination D1. The acquisition unit 14b acquires location information P of the departure point D0 and destination D1 selected by the user U.

[0065] The terminal-side transmitting unit 14c of the mobile terminal M transmits the reservation list created in step 10 and the location information acquired in step 11 to the server device S (reservation list and location information transmitted; step 12).

[0066] The calculation unit 100 of the server device S calculates the travel time from the departure point to the destination based on the received location information and traffic information indicating the traffic conditions in the area including the departure point and destination indicated by the location information (calculation of travel time; step 13).

[0067] When the reservation list L and location information P are received from the mobile terminal M, the calculation unit 100 determines the optimal route for traveling from the departure point D0 indicated by the location information P to the destination D1 based on the map information stored in the storage means 20. The calculation unit 100 calculates the travel time T from the departure point D0 to the destination D1 based on traffic information acquired from an external website. In this example, the calculated travel time T is assumed to be "20 minutes."

[0068] The editing unit 200 of the server device S edits the karaoke performance data of the songs included in the received reservation list according to the travel time calculated in step 13, and generates audio data for playback including all the songs included in the reservation list (generating audio data for playback; step 14).

[0069] In this example, the editing unit 200 reads out the karaoke performance data of the songs X1 to X8 included in the received reservation list L from the storage means 20. The editing unit 200 edits the read out karaoke performance data in accordance with the calculated travel time T.

[0070] Specifically, the editing department 200 sets four performance modes for each song: "1 chorus fade-out," "2 chorus fade-out," "cut chorus," and "full size." "1 chorus fade-out" is a performance mode that starts performance from the intro of a song, fades out for five seconds after the first sung section ends, and then stops performance. "2 chorus fade-out" is a performance mode that starts performance from the intro of a song, fades out for five seconds after the second sung section ends, and then stops performance. "Cut chorus" is a performance mode that starts performance from the intro of a song, fades out for five seconds after all sung sections end, and then stops performance. "Full size" is a performance mode that does not shorten the performance time. In other words, the performance time in each performance mode shortens in the order of "full size," "cut chorus," "2 chorus fade-out," and "1 chorus fade-out."

[0071] The editing department 200 performs editing so that the total playing time of the songs X1 to X8 included in the reservation list L is shorter than the travel time T.

[0072] First, the editing department 200 calculates the total playing time for each performance mode when the songs X1 to X8 are played consecutively as karaoke.

[0073] According to the table shown in FIG. 6, the total performance time when songs X1 to X8 are performed as karaoke in the one-chorus fade-out performance mode is 13 minutes 22 seconds, the total performance time when songs X1 to X8 are performed as karaoke in the two-chorus fade-out performance mode is 24 minutes 39 seconds, the total performance time when songs X1 to X8 are performed as karaoke in the cut-postlude performance mode is 33 minutes 52 seconds, and the total performance time when songs X1 to X8 are performed as karaoke in the full-size performance mode is 37 minutes 35 seconds.

[0074] That is, the total playing time of songs X1 to X8 included in reservation list L (37 minutes 35 seconds, which is the playing time in full-size playing mode) is longer than travel time T (20 minutes). Therefore, the editing department 200 shortens the playing times of some of the songs so that songs X1 to X8 included in reservation list L can be played during travel time T.

[0075] For example, the editing unit 200 selects a two-chorus fade-out performance mode (24 minutes 39 seconds) that is closest to the movement time T (20 minutes). Then, the editing unit 200 edits some of the songs so that the total performance time is shorter than the movement time T by changing the performance mode to a one-chorus fade-out mode, which has a shorter performance time than the two-chorus fade-out mode.

[0076] The songs to be changed to a one-chorus fade-out can be determined in various ways. For example, the editing department 200 can determine the songs to be changed to a one-chorus fade-out in order of the longest playing time in the two-chorus fade-out performance mode.

[0077] 6, the editing department 200 changes song X7, which has the longest performance time in the two-chorus fade-out performance mode, from two-chorus fade-out (3 minutes 50 seconds) to one-chorus fade-out (2 minutes 4 seconds). In this case, the total performance time is shortened from 24 minutes 39 seconds to 22 minutes 53 seconds, but the total performance time is still longer than the movement time T.

[0078] Therefore, the editing department 200 changes the performance time of song X5, which has the second longest performance time in the two-chorus fade-out performance mode, from two-chorus fade-out (3 minutes 35 seconds) to one-chorus fade-out (1 minute 56 seconds). In this case, the total performance time is shortened from 22 minutes 53 seconds to 21 minutes 14 seconds, but the total performance time is still longer than the movement time T.

[0079] Therefore, the editing department 200 changes song X2, which has the third longest performance time in the two-chorus fade-out performance mode, from two-chorus fade-out (3 minutes 25 seconds) to one-chorus fade-out (1 minute 51 seconds). In this case, the total performance time is reduced from 21 minutes 14 seconds to 19 minutes 40 seconds, which is shorter than the movement time T.

[0080] As described above, the editing unit 200 edits the karaoke performance data of the songs X2, X5, and X7 so that they can be played in a one-chorus fade-out performance mode, and edits the karaoke performance data of the other songs so that they can be played in a two-chorus fade-out performance mode, and combines them in the order registered in the reservation list L to create one karaoke performance data.

[0081] The editing unit 200 converts the created karaoke performance data into audio data for playback. In this example, the editing unit 200 renders the karaoke performance data of each song in the following order: song X1 (performance mode: 2 chorus fade-out), song X2 (performance mode: 1 chorus fade-out), song X3 (performance mode: 2 chorus fade-out), song X4 (performance mode: 2 chorus fade-out), song X5 (performance mode: 1 chorus fade-out), song X6 (performance mode: 2 chorus fade-out), song X7 (performance mode: 1 chorus fade-out), and song X8 (performance mode: 2 chorus fade-out), and generates audio data for playback AD (see FIG. 7).

[0082] The device-side transmitting unit 300 of the server device S transmits the received location information and the audio data for playback generated in step 14 to the vehicle-mounted device VD installed in the vehicle C used by the user U (transmitting the location information and audio data for playback; step 15).

[0083] After the generation of the playback audio data AD is completed, the device-side transmitting unit 300 transmits the location information P received from the mobile terminal M and the generated playback audio data AD to the in-vehicle device VD corresponding to the device ID.

[0084] The playback unit 400 of the in-vehicle device VD plays the received audio data for playback while traveling from the departure point to the destination indicated by the received location information (playing the audio data for playback while traveling; step 16).

[0085] When the playback unit 400 detects that the vehicle C has moved from the departure point D0 indicated by the location information P, it reads the playback audio data AD from the storage means 50 and starts playback. In this example, the travel time T is 20 minutes, and the karaoke performance time based on the playback audio data is 19 minutes and 40 seconds. Therefore, the playback unit 400 plays the playback audio data until just before the vehicle C arrives at the destination D1, and can cause the sound emission means 52 to emit the karaoke performance sound.

[0086] The editing unit 200 may divide the travel time equally so that the performance times of all songs are the same. Specifically, the editing unit 200 may create one karaoke performance data by combining the karaoke performance data of songs X1 to X8 in order, each 2 minutes 30 seconds from the intro (including the fade-out time (5 seconds)), and convert it into audio data for playback (performance time 20 minutes = 8 songs x 2 minutes 30 seconds).

[0087] As is clear from the above, in the karaoke system 1 according to this embodiment, a server device S is communicably connected to a mobile terminal M owned by a user U and an in-vehicle device VD installed in a vehicle C. The mobile terminal M includes a creation unit 14a that creates a reservation list of songs that the user U wishes to karaoke, an acquisition unit 14b that acquires location information of a departure point and a destination selected by the user U, and a terminal-side transmission unit 14c that transmits the created reservation list and the acquired location information to the server device S. The server device S includes a calculation unit 100 that calculates a travel time from the departure point to the destination based on the received location information and traffic information indicating traffic conditions in an area including the departure point and the destination indicated by the location information, an editing unit 200 that edits karaoke performance data of songs included in the received reservation list according to the calculated travel time, and generates audio data for playback that includes all songs included in the reservation list, and a device-side transmission unit 300 that transmits the received location information and the generated audio data for playback to an in-vehicle device VD installed in the vehicle C used by the user U. The in-vehicle device VD has a playback unit 400 that plays back the received audio data for playback while traveling from the departure point to the destination indicated by the received position information.

[0088] According to the karaoke system 1, the karaoke performance data of the songs included in the reservation list received from the mobile terminal can be edited and playback audio data can be generated based on the travel time from the departure point to the destination. The playback audio data is data that allows a karaoke performance of at least a portion of the singing sections of all the songs included in the reservation list within the travel time. Therefore, by playing the playback audio data on the in-vehicle device VD, the user can enjoy karaoke performances of the songs he or she selected while traveling from the departure point to the destination. In other words, according to the karaoke system 1 of this embodiment, the user can enjoy karaoke performances of the songs he or she selected while traveling in a car from the departure point to the destination selected by the user.

[0089] The server device S according to this embodiment is communicatively connected to a mobile terminal M owned by a user U and an in-vehicle device VD installed in a vehicle C. The server device S includes: a calculation unit 100 that calculates a travel time from a departure point and a destination selected by the user U based on location information of the departure point and the destination selected by the user U and traffic information indicating traffic conditions in an area including the departure point and the destination indicated by the location information, received from the mobile terminal M; an editing unit 200 that edits karaoke performance data of songs included in a reservation list of songs desired by the user U to be karaoke-played, received from the mobile terminal M, based on the calculated travel time, to generate playback audio data including all songs included in the reservation list; and a device-side transmission unit 300 that transmits the received location information and the generated playback audio data to the in-vehicle device VD installed in the vehicle C used by the user U so that the generated playback audio data can be played back during travel from the departure point indicated by the location information to the destination. The server device S allows a user to perform karaoke of songs selected by the user while traveling in the vehicle from the departure point selected by the user to the destination.

[0090] <Variation 1> The user can select multiple destinations. In this case, the acquisition unit 14b acquires location information of the departure point and multiple destinations selected by the user. That is, the location information transmitted to the server device S includes the departure point and multiple destinations.

[0091] In this modification, when the location information includes multiple destinations, the calculation unit 100 calculates multiple travel times, including the travel time from the departure point to one destination and the travel time from the one destination to another destination. The calculation of the travel time from one destination to another destination can be performed in the same way as the calculation of the travel time from the departure point to the destination in the above embodiment.

[0092] The editing unit 200 also generates audio data for playback that includes pause information for pausing playback.

[0093] For example, in the above embodiment, it is assumed that the user U selects a departure point D0, a destination D1, and a destination D2. The acquisition unit 14b acquires location information P' of the departure point D0, the destination D1, and the destination D2 selected by the user U.

[0094] The terminal-side transmitting unit 14c transmits to the server device S a reservation list L and location information P' similar to those in the above embodiment.

[0095] When receiving the reservation list L and the location information P', the calculation unit 100 determines the optimal route for traveling from the departure point D0 indicated by the location information P' to the destination D1 based on the map information stored in the storage means 20. The calculation unit 100 calculates the travel time T1 from the departure point D0 to the destination D1 based on traffic information acquired from an external website. The calculation unit 100 also determines the optimal route for traveling from the destination D1 indicated by the location information P' to the destination D2 based on the map information stored in the storage means 20. The calculation unit 100 calculates the travel time T2 from the destination D1 to the destination D2 based on the traffic information acquired from the external website. In this example, the travel time T1 is "10 minutes" and the travel time T2 is "20 minutes." The destination D1 corresponds to "one destination" and the destination D2 corresponds to "another destination." Three or more destinations may be selected. In this case, the calculation unit 100 calculates multiple travel times according to the number of destinations. For example, if four destinations are selected, the calculation unit 100 calculates four travel times.

[0096] If two or more travel times are calculated, the editing unit 200 groups the songs included in the reservation list according to the number of travel times and edits the karaoke performance data of the songs included in each group.The editing unit 200 then combines edited data of the karaoke performance data of songs included in one group with edited data of the karaoke performance data of songs included in another group to create one karaoke performance data.The editing unit 200 renders one karaoke performance data and incorporates pause information to generate audio data for playback.

[0097] For example, in the above example, the editing unit 200 divides the songs X1 to X8 included in the reservation list L into two groups according to the ratio of the calculated travel time T1 and travel time T2 (10 minutes:20 minutes=1:2). In this example, songs X1 to X3 are divided into group G1, and songs X4 to X8 are divided into group G2.

[0098] Thereafter, the editing unit 200 reads out the karaoke performance data of the musical pieces X1 to X8 from the storage means 20. The editing unit 200 edits the read out karaoke performance data in accordance with the calculated movement times T1 and T2.

[0099] Here, as in the first embodiment, it is assumed that the editing department 200 has set four performance modes, "1 chorus fade-out," "2 chorus fade-out," "postlude cut," and "full size," for songs X1 to X8 (see FIG. 6).

[0100] First, the editing department 200 performs editing so that the total playing time of the songs X1 to X3 included in the group G1 is shorter than the movement time T1.

[0101] The editing department 200 calculates the total playing time for each performance mode when the songs X1 to X3 are played consecutively as karaoke.

[0102] According to the table shown in FIG. 6, the total performance time when songs X1 to X3 are performed as karaoke in the one-chorus fade-out performance mode is 5 minutes 8 seconds, the total performance time when songs X1 to X3 are performed as karaoke in the two-chorus fade-out performance mode is 9 minutes 29 seconds, the total performance time when songs X1 to X3 are performed as karaoke in the cut-postlude performance mode is 13 minutes 4 seconds, and the total performance time when songs X1 to X3 are performed as karaoke in the full-size performance mode is 14 minutes 30 seconds.

[0103] That is, the total playing time of songs X1 to X3 included in reservation list L (14 minutes 30 seconds, which is the playing time in full-size playing mode) is longer than movement time T1. In this case, the editing unit 200 performs editing so that songs X1 to X3 included in reservation list L can be played during movement time T1.

[0104] For example, the editing unit 200 selects a two-chorus fade-out performance mode (9 minutes 29 seconds), which is shorter than the movement time T1 (10 minutes). The editing unit 200 edits the karaoke performance data of songs X1 to X3 so that they can be played in the two-chorus fade-out performance mode.

[0105] Next, the editing department 200 performs editing so that the total playing time of the songs X4 to X8 included in the group G2 is shorter than the movement time T2.

[0106] The editing department 200 calculates the total playing time for each performance mode when the songs X4 to X8 are played consecutively as karaoke.

[0107] According to the table shown in FIG. 6, the total performance time when songs X4 to X8 are performed as karaoke in the one-chorus fade-out performance mode is 8 minutes 14 seconds, the total performance time when songs X4 to X8 are performed as karaoke in the two-chorus fade-out performance mode is 15 minutes 10 seconds, the total performance time when songs X4 to X8 are performed as karaoke in the cut-postlude performance mode is 20 minutes 48 seconds, and the total performance time when songs X4 to X8 are performed as karaoke in the full-size performance mode is 23 minutes 5 seconds.

[0108] That is, the total playing time of songs X4 to X8 included in reservation list L (20 minutes 48 seconds, which is the playing time in full-size playing mode) is longer than movement time T2. In this case, the editing department 200 shortens the playing times of some of the songs so that songs X4 to X8 included in reservation list L can be played during movement time T2.

[0109] For example, the editing department 200 selects the performance mode (20 minutes 48 seconds) of the ending cut that is closest to the movement time T2 (20 minutes). For some songs, the editing department 200 sets the total performance time to be shorter than the movement time T2 by changing the performance mode to a two-chorus fade-out, which has a shorter performance time than the ending cut.

[0110] For example, the editing department 200 changes the song X7, which has the longest performance time in the post-cut performance mode, from a post-cut (5 minutes 20 seconds) to a two-chorus fade-out (3 minutes 50 seconds). In this case, the total performance time is shortened from 20 minutes 48 seconds to 19 minutes 18 seconds, which is shorter than the movement time T2.

[0111] Therefore, the editing department 200 edits the karaoke performance data of the songs X4 to X6 and X8 so that they can be played in the performance mode with a postlude cut, and edits the karaoke performance data of the song X7 so that it can be played in the performance mode with a two-chorus fade-out.

[0112] The editing unit 200 then combines the edited data of the karaoke performance data of the songs X1 to X3 included in the group G1 with the edited data of the karaoke performance data of the songs X4 to X8 included in the group G2 to create one karaoke performance data.

[0113] The editing unit 200 generates playback audio data AD' by rendering the created karaoke performance data and incorporating pause information. In this example, the editing unit 200 renders the karaoke performance data for each song in the following order: song X1 (performance mode: 2-chorus fade-out), song X2 (performance mode: 2-chorus fade-out), song X3 (performance mode: 2-chorus fade-out), song X4 (performance mode: ending cut), song X5 (performance mode: ending cut), song X6 (performance mode: ending cut), song X7 (performance mode: 2-chorus fade-out), and song X8 (performance mode: ending cut). The editing unit 200 then generates playback audio data AD' by incorporating pause information between songs X3 and X4 (see FIG. 8).

[0114] After the generation of the playback audio data AD' is completed, the device-side transmitting section 300 transmits the position information P' received from the mobile terminal M and the generated playback audio data AD' to the in-vehicle device VD.

[0115] When the playback unit 400 detects that vehicle C has moved from the departure point D0 indicated by the position information P', it reads out the playback audio data AD' from the storage means 50 and starts playing it. After playback of songs X1 to X3 is completed, the playback unit 400 pauses playback of the playback audio data AD' based on the pause information. Here, the travel time T1 is 10 minutes, and the total playing time of songs X1 to X3 is 9 minutes 29 seconds. Therefore, after pausing the playback, vehicle C immediately stops at destination D1.

[0116] Thereafter, when the playback unit 400 detects that the vehicle C has moved from the destination D1 indicated by the position information P', it resumes the pause and starts playing the remaining data of the playback audio data AD' (data corresponding to songs X4 to X8). The travel time T2 is 20 minutes, and the total playing time of songs X4 to X8 is 19 minutes 18 seconds. Therefore, immediately after playback of the playback audio data AD' ends, the vehicle C stops at the destination D2.

[0117] As is clear from the above, in the karaoke system 1 according to this modification, when the location information includes multiple destinations, the calculation unit 100 calculates multiple travel times, including the travel time from the departure point to one destination and the travel time from the one destination to another destination. The editing unit 200 generates audio data for playback, including pause information for pausing playback. With this karaoke system 1, even when multiple destinations are selected, the user can sing karaoke of the song they selected while traveling in a car from the departure point to one destination or from one destination to another.

[0118] Second Embodiment A karaoke system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the in-vehicle device VD has a function of controlling the driving of the vehicle C. Detailed description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted. Note that the vehicle C in this embodiment is equipped with a known automatic driving technology.

[0119] ==In-vehicle device== [Control means] In this embodiment, the CPU executes a program stored in the memory, and the control means 53 functions as a playback unit 400 and a travel control unit 500.

[0120] (Travel control unit) The driving control unit 500 controls the driving of the vehicle based on the received position information.

[0121] Specifically, the driving control unit 500 controls the driving of the vehicle C so that the vehicle C travels from the departure point indicated by the received location information to the destination. For example, in the example of the first embodiment, the location information P indicates the departure point D0 and the destination point D1. Therefore, the driving control unit 500 controls the driving of the vehicle C so that the vehicle C travels from the departure point D0 to the destination point D1 in a travel time T.

[0122] However, if traffic conditions change after the travel time is calculated, the actual travel time from the departure point to the destination may be shorter, resulting in the destination being reached before the playback of the audio data for playback is completed.

[0123] Therefore, the traveling control unit 500 can control the traveling speed of the vehicle so that the received audio data for reproduction can be reproduced to the end.

[0124] For example, after starting travel from the departure point (i.e., after starting playback of the audio data for playback), the driving control unit 500 compares the remaining time to the destination with the remaining playback time of the audio data for playback at predetermined time intervals (e.g., every 30 seconds). If the comparison result shows that the remaining playback time is longer than the remaining time to the destination, playback of the audio data for playback cannot be completed before reaching the destination. Therefore, the driving control unit 500 controls the vehicle to slow down its traveling speed.

[0125] As is clear from the above, in the karaoke system 1 according to this embodiment, the in-vehicle device VD has a driving control unit 500 that controls the driving of the vehicle C based on the received location information. With this karaoke system 1, the user can enjoy karaoke performances without having to drive themselves. Therefore, for example, even if the user has sung karaoke while drinking alcohol at a karaoke store and then returns home from the karaoke store, the user can still enjoy karaoke performances of songs selected by the user in the car.

[0126] In addition, the driving control unit 500 according to this embodiment can control the vehicle's speed so that the received audio data can be played to the end. With this karaoke system 1, all songs included in the reservation list can be played reliably.

[0127] <Other> Vehicle C may be a vehicle such as a taxi or hire car provided by a business operator. In this case, the user can request a vehicle to be dispatched to the departure point using application software (hereinafter referred to as a "vehicle dispatch app") dedicated to dispatching that is pre-installed on the mobile terminal. The vehicle dispatch app may use publicly known software, such as the taxi app "GO" (Mobility Technologies Inc.). When a vehicle is ordered using the vehicle dispatch app, the vehicle registration number and vehicle number of the dispatched vehicle can be confirmed. Therefore, these numbers can be used as device identification information.

[0128] In this way, by using a vehicle provided by the operator, the user can enjoy karaoke performances without having to drive himself / herself.

[0129] 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]

[0130] 1 Karaoke system 14a Creation Department 14b Acquisition part 14c Terminal side transmitter 100 Calculation Unit 200 Editorial Department 300 Device side transmitter 400 Playback Department 500 Travel control unit M mobile device S Server device VD in-vehicle device

Claims

1. A karaoke system in which a server device is communicably connected to a mobile terminal owned by a user and an in-vehicle device installed in a vehicle, The mobile terminal a creation unit that creates a reservation list of songs that a user desires to have karaoke performed; an acquisition unit that acquires location information of a departure point and a destination selected by the user; a terminal-side transmitting unit that transmits the created reservation list and the acquired location information to the server device; and The server device a calculation unit that calculates a travel time from the departure point to the destination based on the received location information and traffic information indicating traffic conditions in an area including the departure point and the destination indicated by the location information; an editing unit that edits the karaoke performance data of the songs included in the received reservation list in accordance with the calculated travel time, and generates audio data for playback that includes all the songs included in the reservation list; a device-side transmitting unit that transmits the received location information and the generated audio data for playback to an in-vehicle device installed in a vehicle used by the user; and The in-vehicle device a karaoke system having a playback unit that plays back the received audio data for playback while traveling from a departure point to a destination indicated by the received location information;

2. When the location information includes a plurality of destinations, the calculation unit calculates a plurality of travel times including a travel time from the departure point to one destination and a travel time from the one destination to another destination; 2. The karaoke system according to claim 1, wherein the editing section generates the audio data for playback including pause information for pausing playback.

3. 3. The karaoke system according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle-mounted device includes a driving control unit that controls the driving of the vehicle based on the received position information.

4. 4. The karaoke system according to claim 3, wherein the driving control unit controls the driving speed of the vehicle so that the received audio data for reproduction can be reproduced to the end.

5. A server device communicably connected to a mobile terminal owned by a user and an in-vehicle device installed in a vehicle, a calculation unit that calculates a travel time from the departure point to the destination based on location information of the departure point and destination selected by the user and traffic information indicating traffic conditions in an area including the departure point and destination indicated by the location information, received from the mobile device; an editing unit that edits karaoke performance data of songs included in a reservation list of songs that the user wishes to karaoke perform and that is received from the mobile terminal, in accordance with the calculated travel time, and generates audio data for playback that includes all songs included in the reservation list; a device-side transmitting unit configured to transmit the received location information and the generated audio data for playback to the in-vehicle device installed in the vehicle used by the user so that the generated audio data for playback can be played back while the vehicle is traveling from the departure point indicated by the location information to the destination; A server device having the above configuration.

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