Karaoke equipment

Abstract

To provide a karaoke device capable of recommending music that a player can play live to the accompaniment of karaoke performance sound to a user.SOLUTION: A karaoke device has: an information storage unit which stores player identification information on a player of a musical instrument and music identification information on music that the player can play live in association with each other; a player specification unit which specifies the player identification information on the player who can play the musical instrument live to the accompaniment of karaoke performance sound when a user sings at karaoke; and a presentation unit which presents, as recommended music, music corresponding to the music identification information associated with all pieces of specified player identification information in common.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A technology has been proposed for so-called "music recommendation" that recommends karaoke songs to users of karaoke machines based on the users' singing history and the like (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] There are also karaoke stores where musicians play live instruments in sync with the karaoke sounds produced by karaoke machines (see Non-Patent Document 1). Live performances create a sense of realism, like being at a live concert, which increases customer satisfaction. Furthermore, the musical instruments playing in sync with the karaoke sounds are more stable, making it easier for customers to sing. Furthermore, by using a karaoke machine, users can sing karaoke while viewing the lyrics on caption. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-132980 [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] BANDIES homepage, [Retrieved December 17, 2021], Internet<URL:https: / / bandies-official.com / > Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Unlike a regular band, live performances at karaoke establishments do not have a fixed lineup. In other words, the combination of performers varies depending on the date and time. Therefore, depending on the combination of performers, some songs may be difficult to play live along with the karaoke sound.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a karaoke device that can recommend to a user songs that can be played live by a performer on an instrument in sync with the karaoke performance sounds. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One invention for achieving the above object is a karaoke device having an information storage unit that stores performer identification information of instrument performers and song identification information of songs that the performers can play live, linking them together; a performer identification unit that, when a user sings karaoke, identifies the performer identification information of performers who can play instruments live in time with the karaoke performance sound; and a presentation unit that presents songs that correspond to song identification information that is linked in common to all of the identified performer identification information as recommended songs. Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to recommend to a user a piece of music that can be performed live by a performer on an instrument in sync with the karaoke performance sound. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a karaoke device and musical instruments according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing a karaoke device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing a karaoke main unit according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a table stored in an information storage unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5]4 is a flowchart showing the process of the karaoke device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a table stored in an information storage unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a karaoke main unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the process of the karaoke device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a table stored in an information storage unit according to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a karaoke main unit according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing the process of the karaoke apparatus according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] First Embodiment A karaoke device according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0012] ==Karaoke equipment and musical instruments== A karaoke machine is a device that allows users to play karaoke songs selected by the user and sing karaoke. Karaoke machines are installed in karaoke establishments such as karaoke pubs. In the example of FIG. 1, karaoke machine K is installed in karaoke pub KP. Furthermore, karaoke machine K is used by user U.

[0013] The musical instruments include electric guitars, acoustic guitars, electric basses, synthesizers, drums, etc. Each instrument is used by a performer to play live in sync with the karaoke sound. A performer is a person who plays an instrument. At a karaoke establishment, different performers perform live performances depending on the date and time. Performers P1 to P3 shown in FIG. 1 are performers who, among multiple performers who perform live musical performances at karaoke pub KP, can play live musical instruments when user U sings karaoke using karaoke device K. In the example of FIG. 1, instrument MI1 is a guitar played by performer P1, instrument MI2 is a bass played by performer P2, and instrument MI3 is a drum played by performer P3. The sounds of electric and electronic musical instruments are output from instrument speakers via an instrument amplifier (not shown).

[0014] ==Karaoke Equipment Details== As shown in FIG. 2, the karaoke device K includes a karaoke main unit 10, a speaker 20, a display device 30, a microphone 40, and a remote control device 50.

[0015] The karaoke machine main unit 10 performs various controls related to karaoke performance and singing, such as controlling the karaoke performance of the selected song, controlling the display of lyrics and background images, and processing audio signals input through the microphone 40. The speaker 20 is configured to emit sound based on signals from the karaoke machine main unit 10. The display device 30 is configured to display videos and images on a screen based on signals from the karaoke machine main unit 10. The microphone 40 is configured to convert the singing voice of the user into an analog audio signal and input it to the karaoke machine main unit 10. The remote control device 50 is a device for performing various operations on the karaoke machine main unit 10.

[0016] 3, the karaoke machine 10 according to this embodiment includes a storage unit 10a, a communication unit 10b, an input unit 10c, a performance unit 10d, and a control unit 10e. Each component is connected to a bus B via an interface (not shown).

[0017] [Storage means] The storage means 10a is a large-capacity storage device that stores various types of data, including music data.

[0018] The song data is provided with song identification information for identifying each song. The song identification information is information unique to each song, such as a song ID for identifying the song. The song data includes accompaniment data, reference data, etc. The accompaniment data is data that forms the basis of the karaoke performance sound. The reference data is data that indicates the main melody of the song being performed karaoke. The storage means 10a stores lyric telop data for displaying lyric telops corresponding to each song on the display device 30 etc. in sync with the karaoke performance, background video data such as background video to be displayed on the display device 30 etc. during the karaoke performance, and song attribute information.

[0019] (Information storage unit) In this embodiment, a part of the storage area of ​​the storage means 10a functions as an information storage unit 100. The information storage unit 100 stores performer identification information of musical instrument performers and music identification information of music that the performers can perform live, in association with each other. The performer identification information is information unique to each performer, such as a performer ID for identifying the performer.

[0020] FIG. 4 shows a table of performer identification information and song identification information according to this embodiment. An "o" in FIG. 4 indicates that the performer identification information is linked to the song identification information. In other words, when an "o" is shown, the performer corresponding to the performer identification information can perform live the song corresponding to the song identification information. On the other hand, an "x" in FIG. 4 indicates that the performer identification information is not linked to the song identification information. In other words, when an "x" is shown, the performer corresponding to the performer identification information cannot perform live the song corresponding to the song identification information.

[0021] For example, the song identification information ID***XA of song XA is linked to the performer identification information ID***P1 of performer P1, the performer identification information ID***P2 of performer P2, and the performer identification information ID***P3 of performer P3. In other words, performers P1 to P3 are capable of performing song XA live. On the other hand, the song identification information ID***XB of song XB is linked to only the performer identification information ID***P1 of performer P1 and the performer identification information ID***P2 of performer P2. In other words, performers P1 and P2 are capable of performing song XB live, but performer P3 is not capable of performing song XB live. Note that while FIG. 4 only shows performers P1 to P3, the information storage unit 100 actually stores the performer identification information of all performers who perform live musical instrument performances at the karaoke pub KP, linked to the song identification information of the songs that each performer can perform live.

[0022] [Communication means / input means] The communication means 10b provides an interface for communicating with the outside. 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.

[0023] [Means of performance] Based on the control of the control means 10e, the performance means 10d performs karaoke performance of music pieces and processes signals based on singing voices input through the microphone 40. The performance means 10d includes a sound source, a mixer, an amplifier, etc. (none of which are shown).

[0024] [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 is shown). The CPU executes programs stored in the memory to realize various functions.

[0025] In this embodiment, the CPU executes a program stored in the memory, and the control means 10e functions as a performer identification unit 200 and a presentation unit 300.

[0026] (Performer identification department) When a user sings karaoke, the performer identifying unit 200 identifies performer identification information of a performer who can play a live musical instrument in time with the karaoke performance sound.

[0027] The performer identification information can be determined in a variety of ways.

[0028] For example, a user of the karaoke device operates remote control device 50 to select a mode in which a performer plays a live musical instrument along with the karaoke performance sound (hereinafter referred to as "live performance mode"). Remote control device 50 transmits a signal to karaoke device K indicating that the live performance mode has been selected.

[0029] When a signal indicating that the live performance mode has been selected is received, the performer identification unit 200 instructs a photographing means, such as a camera, installed in the karaoke store to start photographing the stage where the performers are present. The photographing means transmits the photographed image of the stage to the performer identification unit 200.

[0030] The performer identification unit 200 analyzes the received video using known image recognition technology and acquires facial image data of performers included in the video. The performer identification unit 200 references a database that associates performer facial image data and performer identification information, which is pre-stored in the storage means 10a, and acquires the performer identification information of the performer included in the video. The performer identification unit 200 identifies the acquired performer identification information as the performer identification information of a performer who can play a live musical instrument in time with the karaoke performance sound when the user sings karaoke.

[0031] Alternatively, a karaoke store staff member may operate the remote control device 50 to input in advance the performer identification information of a performer capable of performing live on an instrument when the user sings karaoke. When a signal indicating that the live performance mode has been selected is received, the performer identification unit 200 identifies the input performer identification information as the performer identification information of a performer capable of performing live on an instrument in time with the karaoke performance sound when the user sings karaoke.

[0032] The performer identification unit 200 can also identify performer identification information based on pre-created shift information. The shift information is information that links the performer identification information of each performer to a date and time. The shift information can be created by the staff of the karaoke store at the end of the month, for example, and stored in advance in the storage means 10a.

[0033] When a signal indicating that the live performance mode has been selected is received, the performer identification unit 200 refers to the shift information and acquires performer identification information linked to the current date and time. The performer identification unit 200 identifies the acquired performer identification information as the performer identification information of a performer who can play an instrument live in time with the karaoke performance sound when the user sings karaoke.

[0034] (Presentation part) The presenting unit 300 presents, as recommended songs, songs that correspond to song identification information that is commonly linked to all of the identified performer identification information. Recommended songs are songs that are recommended to the user to sing karaoke.

[0035] The presenting unit 300 extracts song identification information that is linked in common to all of the performer identification information from among the songs linked to the performer identification information identified by the performer identification unit 200. For example, if three performer identification information are identified, the presenting unit 300 extracts only song identification information that is linked in common to the three performer identification information. In other words, it does not extract song identification information that is linked to only one or two performer identification information.

[0036] The presentation unit 300 presents the music corresponding to the extracted music identification information to the user as recommended music, for example, by displaying the titles of the recommended music on the display screen of the display device 30.

[0037] The user operates the remote control device 50 to select the recommended song that the user wishes to sing karaoke on the song selection screen. The remote control device 50 transmits the song ID of the recommended song selected by the user to the karaoke device K. The karaoke device K registers the received song ID in a reservation queue, thereby reserving the song for karaoke performance.

[0038] The karaoke device K acquires accompaniment data for a song from the storage means 10a based on the song ID registered in the reservation queue. The karaoke device K outputs the acquired accompaniment data to the performance means 10d. The karaoke device K controls the performance means 10d to play the accompaniment data for the song and emit karaoke performance sounds from the speaker 20.

[0039] Furthermore, performers play live musical instruments in sync with the karaoke performance sounds emitted from the speakers 20. Users can sing karaoke in sync with the karaoke performance sounds and musical instrument performance sounds emitted from the speakers 20.

[0040] ==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. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the karaoke device K. In this example, it is assumed that a user U uses the karaoke device K in a karaoke pub KP (see Fig. 1). It is also assumed that performers P1 to P3 are on stage as performers performing live musical instruments (see Fig. 1). It is also assumed that the information storage unit 100 stores the table shown in Fig. 4.

[0041] The user U operates the remote control device 50 to select a live performance mode in which a performer plays a live musical instrument along with the karaoke performance sound (select live performance mode; step 10). The remote control device 50 transmits a signal to the karaoke device K indicating that the live performance mode has been selected.

[0042] When the user U sings karaoke, the performer identification unit 200 identifies the performer ID of a performer who can play an instrument live in time with the karaoke performance sound (identifying the performer ID of a performer who can play an instrument live; step 11).

[0043] Specifically, the performer identification unit 200 instructs the imaging means installed in the karaoke pub KP to start imaging the stage where performers P1 to P3 are present. The imaging means transmits the image of the stage captured by the imaging means to the performer identification unit 200.

[0044] The performer identification unit 200 analyzes the received video and acquires facial image data of performers P1 to P3 included in the video. The performer identification unit 200 refers to a database that associates performer facial image data and performer identification information, which is pre-stored in the storage means 10a, and acquires the performer ID (ID***P1) of performer P1, the performer ID (ID***P2) of performer P2, and the performer ID (ID***P3) of performer P3 included in the video. The performer identification unit 200 identifies the acquired performer IDs as those of performers who can play musical instruments live in time with the karaoke performance sound when the user U sings karaoke.

[0045] The presentation unit 300 presents, as recommended songs, songs corresponding to song IDs that are linked in common to all performer IDs identified in step 11.

[0046] Specifically, the presentation unit 300 extracts song identification information that is linked to all performer IDs among the songs linked to the performer IDs identified by the performer identification unit 200 (extracts song IDs that are linked to all performer IDs in common; step 12).

[0047] In the example of FIG. 4, the song ID of song XA is linked to the performer ID of performer P1, the performer ID of performer P2, and the performer ID of performer P3. In other words, the song ID of song XA is linked to all of the identified performer IDs. In this case, the presentation unit 300 extracts the song ID of song XA. On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 4, the song ID of song XB is linked to only the performer ID of performer P1 and the performer ID of performer P2. In other words, the song ID of song XB is linked to only some of the identified performer IDs. In this case, the presentation unit 300 does not extract the song ID of song XB.

[0048] In this way, the presentation unit 300 extracts all song IDs that are commonly linked to the performer ID of performer P1, the performer ID of performer P2, and the performer ID of performer P3 from the table stored in the information storage unit 100.

[0049] The presentation unit 300 presents the music corresponding to the extracted music ID to the user U by displaying it on the display screen of the display device 30 as a recommended music (presenting recommended music; step 13).

[0050] As is clear from the above, the karaoke device K of this embodiment has an information storage unit 100 that stores performer identification information of instrument performers and song identification information of songs that the performers can play live, in association with each other; a performer identification unit 200 that, when a user sings karaoke, identifies the performer identification information of performers who can play instruments live in time with the karaoke performance sound; and a presentation unit 300 that presents, as recommended songs, songs that correspond to song identification information that is commonly linked to all of the identified performer identification information.

[0051] This karaoke device K can present recommended songs to a user when he or she sings karaoke. The recommended songs are songs that correspond to song identification information that is commonly linked to the performer identification information of a performer who is capable of performing live musical instruments at the time the user sings karaoke. Therefore, by selecting a recommended song, the user can sing karaoke to the karaoke performance and the live musical instrument performance. In other words, the karaoke device K according to this embodiment can recommend to the user songs that can be performed live by a performer to accompany the karaoke performance sound.

[0052] Second Embodiment A karaoke apparatus according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6 to Fig. 8. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which recommended songs are determined using evaluations based on performance ability information for each performer. Descriptions of the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0053] ==Karaoke Equipment Details== (Information storage unit) In this embodiment, the information storage unit 100 stores performance ability information in association with performer identification information and song identification information. The performance ability information indicates the skill level of a song when performed live. The performance ability information can be expressed, for example, as a score on a 10-point scale (10: able to perform live like a professional, to 1: barely able to perform live while looking at the sheet music), or as a level such as A (able to perform live like a professional), B (able to perform live), or C (just barely able to perform live while looking at the sheet music). The performance ability information can be determined based on a declaration from the performer or an evaluation by the staff of the karaoke store. Alternatively, the results obtained using a known performance evaluation technique may be used as the performance ability information.

[0054] FIG. 6 shows a table of performer identification information, song identification information, and musical performance information according to this embodiment. In FIG. 6, musical performance information is shown as a score on a 10-point scale. Note that an "x" in FIG. 6 indicates that performer identification information is not linked to song identification information. In other words, when an "x" is shown, the performer corresponding to the performer identification information is unable to perform live the song corresponding to the song identification information. Therefore, musical performance information is not stored either.

[0055] For example, with respect to song identification information ID***XA of song XA, performer identification information ID***P1 and score "7" of performer P1, performer identification information ID***P2 and score "8" of performer P2, and performer identification information ID***P3 and score "7" of performer P3 are linked, respectively. In other words, performers P1 to P3 are capable of performing song XA live. On the other hand, with respect to song identification information ID***XB of song XB, performer identification information ID***P1 and score "8" of performer P1, and performer identification information ID***P2 and score "9" of performer P2 are linked. In other words, performers P1 and P2 are capable of performing song XB live, but performer P3 is not capable of performing song XB live. Although Figure 6 only shows performers P1 to P3, the information storage unit 100 stores performer identification information for all performers who play musical instruments live at the karaoke pub KP, song identification information for songs that each performer can play live, and performance ability information, all of which are linked together.

[0056] [Control means] In this embodiment, the CPU executes a program stored in the memory, causing the control means 10e to function as a performer identification unit 200, a presentation unit 300, and an evaluation calculation unit 400 (see FIG. 7).

[0057] (Evaluation Calculation Department) The evaluation calculation section 400 calculates an evaluation based on musical performance information for the songs corresponding to the song identification information linked in common to all of the identified performer identification information.

[0058] The evaluation can be calculated in various ways. For example, assume that the performance ability information is expressed as a score on a 10-point scale. In this case, the evaluation calculation unit 400 adds up the scores for each song corresponding to the song identification information commonly linked to all of the identified performer identification information, and calculates the total value as the evaluation of each song. Alternatively, the evaluation calculation unit 400 may calculate a statistical value, such as the average or median of the scores, as the evaluation of each song.

[0059] Furthermore, it is assumed that the performance ability information is expressed as levels from A to C. In this case, the evaluation calculation unit 400 calculates the proportion of A for each piece of music corresponding to the music identification information linked in common to all of the identified performer identification information, and calculates this value as the evaluation of each piece of music.

[0060] The evaluation calculation unit 400 outputs the calculated evaluation to the presentation unit 300.

[0061] (Presentation part) The presentation section 300 according to this embodiment determines recommended songs based on the calculated ratings from among the songs corresponding to the song identification information linked in common to all of the identified performer identification information.

[0062] The presentation unit 300 extracts song identification information that is commonly linked to all of the performer identification information from among the songs linked to the performer identification information identified by the performer identification unit 200. The presentation unit 300 outputs the extracted song identification information to the evaluation calculation unit 400.

[0063] As described above, the evaluation calculation section 400 calculates an evaluation based on musical performance information for the music piece corresponding to the extracted music piece identification information.

[0064] The presentation unit 300 determines recommended songs from among the songs corresponding to the extracted song identification information based on the calculated ratings. Recommended songs can be determined based on various conditions.

[0065] For example, the presentation unit 300 can determine as recommended songs those songs that satisfy a condition, such as "a predetermined number (e.g., 10 songs) in descending order of total score value," from among the songs corresponding to the extracted song identification information. The presentation unit 300 can also determine as recommended songs those songs that satisfy a condition, such as "a total score value of a predetermined value (e.g., 20) or more." Alternatively, the presentation unit 300 can determine as recommended songs those songs that satisfy a condition, such as "each performer's score is a predetermined value (e.g., 7) or more."

[0066] The presentation unit 300 presents the determined recommended music pieces to the user.

[0067] ==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. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the karaoke device K. In this example, it is assumed that a user U uses the karaoke device K in a karaoke pub KP (see Fig. 1). It is also assumed that performers P1 to P3 are on stage as performers performing live musical instruments (see Fig. 1). It is also assumed that the information storage unit 100 stores the table shown in Fig. 6.

[0068] Steps 20 to 22 are similar to steps 10 to 12, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0069] The presentation unit 300 outputs the song ID extracted in step 22 to the evaluation calculation unit 400. The evaluation calculation unit 400 calculates an evaluation based on the musical performance information for the song corresponding to the song ID linked in common to all the identified performer IDs (i.e., the song corresponding to the extracted song ID) (evaluation based on musical performance information; step 23).

[0070] For example, in the example of Figure 6, song identification information ID***XA of song XA is associated with performer identification information ID***P1 and a score of "7" for performer P1, performer identification information ID***P2 and a score of "8" for performer P2, and performer identification information ID***P3 and a score of "7" for performer P3. The evaluation calculation unit 400 calculates the sum (22) of each score as the evaluation of song XA. The evaluation calculation unit 400 calculates evaluations for all songs corresponding to the song IDs extracted in step 22.

[0071] The presentation unit 300 determines recommended songs based on the evaluation calculated in step 23 from among the songs corresponding to the song IDs that are commonly linked to all the identified performer IDs (determining recommended songs based on the evaluation; step 24).

[0072] For example, the presentation section 300 determines the 10 songs with the highest scores from among the calculated ratings as recommended songs.

[0073] The presentation unit 300 presents the recommended music pieces determined in step 24 to the user U by displaying them on the display screen of the display device 30 (presenting recommended music pieces; step 25).

[0074] As is clear from the above, the karaoke device K according to this embodiment includes an evaluation calculation unit 400. The information storage unit 100 stores performer identification information and song identification information in association with performance ability information indicating the skill level of the song when performed live. The evaluation calculation unit 400 calculates an evaluation based on the performance ability information for songs corresponding to song identification information linked in common to all of the identified performer identification information. The presentation unit 300 determines recommended songs based on the calculated evaluations from among the songs corresponding to song identification information linked in common to all of the identified performer identification information.

[0075] With this karaoke device K, recommended songs can be determined using an evaluation based on the performer's performance ability information. Songs with high evaluations are songs that the performer excels at performing live. Therefore, the karaoke device K can recommend songs that can be performed live to the user.

[0076] <Modification of the second embodiment> In some cases, a single performer may be able to play multiple instruments live for a given piece of music. Therefore, the information storage unit 100 may store performance ability information associated with each type of instrument for the performer identification information and the music identification information.

[0077] Fig. 9 shows a table of performer identification information, song identification information, and performance ability information according to this embodiment. In Fig. 9, performance ability information is shown as a score on a 10-point scale. In Fig. 9, "-" indicates that the instrument cannot be played live.

[0078] For example, song identification information ID***XK for song XK is linked to performer identification information ID***P1 of performer P1 and playing ability information for each instrument type (guitar score "7", bass score "6"), performer identification information ID***P2 of performer P2 and playing ability information for each instrument type (guitar score "9", bass score "7"), and performer identification information ID***P3 of performer P3 and playing ability information for each instrument type (drum score "10"). Note that while Fig. 9 only shows performers P1 to P3, the information storage unit 100 actually stores the performer identification information of all performers who play live instruments at karaoke pub KP, the song identification information of songs that each performer can play live, and playing ability information for each instrument type, linked to each other.

[0079] The evaluation calculation section 400 according to this modification calculates an evaluation based on performance ability information linked to the type of musical instrument.

[0080] 9, for song identification information ID***XK of song XK, multiple pieces of musical performance information for each instrument are linked to one performer identification information. In this case, the evaluation calculation unit 400 calculates an evaluation for each combination of instruments based on the musical performance information linked to the type of instrument.

[0081] For example, the evaluation calculation unit 400 calculates the sum (24) of the guitar score "7" linked to the performer identification information ID***P1 of performer P1, the bass score "7" linked to the performer identification information ID***P2 of performer P2, and the drum score "10" linked to the performer identification information ID***P3 of performer P3. The evaluation calculation unit 400 also calculates the sum (25) of the bass score "6" linked to the performer identification information ID***P1 of performer P1, the guitar score "9" linked to the performer identification information ID***P2 of performer P2, and the drum score "10" linked to the performer identification information ID***P3 of performer P3.

[0082] The evaluation calculation unit 400 determines the combination with the largest calculated total value as the evaluation of the song XK. The evaluation calculation unit 400 outputs the calculated evaluation to the presentation unit 300. When the user selects the song XK, performer P1 will play the instrument MI2 (bass) live, and performer P2 will play the instrument MI1 (guitar) live.

[0083] As described above, in this modification, the information storage unit 100 stores the performance ability information associated with each instrument type in association with the performer identification information and song identification information. The evaluation calculation unit 400 calculates an evaluation based on the performance ability information associated with each instrument type. With this karaoke device K, when one performer can play multiple instruments live, an evaluation can be calculated based on the combination of instruments.

[0084] <Third embodiment> 10 and 11, in this embodiment, an example in which recommended songs are determined using a user's singing history will be described. Description of the same configuration as in the first or second embodiment will be omitted.

[0085] ==Karaoke Equipment Details== In this embodiment, a part of the storage area of ​​the storage means 10a functions as an information storage unit 100 and a history storage unit 500 (see FIG. 10).

[0086] (History memory section) The history storage unit 500 stores the singing history of a user in association with the user's user identification information. The singing history is information recorded for each user about the karaoke singing that the user has performed. The singing history includes song identification information of the song sung by the user, the karaoke singing score, the date, time, and location of the karaoke singing. The score is information obtained using a well-known scoring function provided in the karaoke device. The score can be obtained as a numerical value, for example, with 100 points being the perfect score. The user identification information is information unique to each user, such as a user ID for identifying the user.

[0087] (Presentation part) The presentation unit 300 in this embodiment determines recommended songs based on the singing history of the user who sings karaoke from among songs corresponding to song identification information that is commonly linked to all of the identified performer identification information.

[0088] The presenting section 300 extracts, from among the songs linked to the performer identification information identified by the performer identifying section 200, song identification information that is linked in common to all the performer identification information.

[0089] The presentation unit 300 reads out the singing history of the user who will be singing karaoke. When the user who will be singing karaoke starts using the karaoke device K, the user operates the remote control device 50 to input their own user ID. The presentation unit 300 reads out the singing history linked to the input user ID from the history storage unit 500.

[0090] The presentation unit 300 determines, from among the songs corresponding to the extracted song identification information, songs included in the singing history as recommended songs. The recommended songs can be determined based on various conditions.

[0091] The presentation unit 300 can determine recommended songs based on the condition that "all songs included in the singing history among the songs corresponding to the extracted song identification information" are included. Furthermore, the presentation unit 300 can determine as recommended songs those songs that satisfy the condition that "among the songs included in the singing history, the score result is a predetermined value (e.g., 90 points) or more" are included among the songs corresponding to the extracted song identification information. Alternatively, the presentation unit 300 can determine as recommended songs those songs that satisfy the condition that "have been sung a predetermined number of times (e.g., 5 times) or more in the last three months" are included among the songs corresponding to the extracted song identification information.

[0092] The presentation unit 300 presents the determined recommended music pieces to the user.

[0093] ==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. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the karaoke device K. In this example, it is assumed that a user U uses the karaoke device K in a karaoke pub KP (see Fig. 1). It is also assumed that performers P1 to P3 are on stage as live musical instrument performers (see Fig. 1). It is also assumed that the user U operates the remote control device 50 to input his or her user ID when starting to use the karaoke device K. It is also assumed that the history unit 500 stores the singing history of the user U.

[0094] Steps 30 to 32 are similar to steps 10 to 12, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0095] The presentation unit 300 reads out the singing history of the user U who will be singing karaoke from the history storage unit 500 (reading of singing history; step 33). The presentation unit 300 determines, from among the songs corresponding to the song identification information extracted in step 32, songs included in the singing history read out in step 33 as recommended songs (determining recommended songs based on singing history; step 34).

[0096] The presentation unit 300 presents the recommended music pieces determined in step 34 to the user U by displaying them on the display screen of the display device 30 (presenting recommended music pieces; step 35).

[0097] As is clear from the above, the karaoke device K according to this embodiment has a history storage unit 500 that stores the user's singing history in association with the user's user identification information. The presentation unit 300 determines recommended songs based on the singing history of the user singing karaoke from among songs corresponding to song identification information commonly associated with all of the identified performer identification information.

[0098] With this karaoke device K, recommended songs can be determined using the user's singing history. The songs included in the singing history are songs that the user has sung karaoke in the past. Therefore, the karaoke device K can present recommended songs that are easy for the user to sing.

[0099] The presentation unit 300 may determine recommended music pieces using both the calculated ratings (see the second embodiment) and the singing history.

[0100] Alternatively, the presentation unit 300 may determine recommended songs using statistical values ​​based on data collected from karaoke machines across Japan, instead of the user's singing history. The statistical values ​​are calculated by adding up the number of times each song has been sung by karaoke over a predetermined period (e.g., the last three months).

[0101] In this case, the presentation section 300 can determine, as recommended songs, songs that satisfy a condition such as "statistics having a predetermined number (for example, 200 times) or more," from among the songs corresponding to the extracted song identification information.

[0102] <Other> 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]

[0103] 100 Information storage section 200 Performer identification section 300 Presentation section 400 Evaluation Calculation Department 500 History memory unit K Karaoke equipment MI1~MI3 Musical Instruments

Claims

1. an information storage unit that stores performer identification information of musical instrument performers and music piece identification information of music pieces that the performers can perform live, in association with each other; a performer identification unit that identifies performer identification information of a performer who can play a live musical instrument in sync with the karaoke performance sound when the user sings karaoke; a presentation unit that presents, as recommended songs, songs corresponding to song identification information that is commonly linked to all of the identified performer identification information; A karaoke device having:

2. the karaoke device has an evaluation calculation unit, the information storage unit associates the performer identification information and the song identification information with performance ability information indicating a skill level when the song is performed live, and stores the information; the evaluation calculation unit calculates an evaluation based on the musical performance information for the songs corresponding to the song identification information linked in common to all of the specified performer identification information; 2. The karaoke device according to claim 1, wherein the presentation unit determines the recommended songs based on the calculated evaluation from among songs corresponding to song identification information that is commonly linked to all of the identified performer identification information.

3. the information storage unit stores the playing ability information in association with the performer identification information and the song identification information for each type of musical instrument; 3. The karaoke device according to claim 2, wherein the evaluation calculation unit calculates the evaluation based on performance information linked to the type of musical instrument.

4. a history storage unit that stores the user's singing history in association with the user's user identification information; The karaoke device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the presentation unit determines the recommended songs based on the singing history of the user singing karaoke from among songs corresponding to song identification information that is commonly linked to all of the identified performer identification information.

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